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Smart Cupid #1
Breaking the Bachelor
This time, Cupid’s playing dirty…
Goaded by her competition, matchmaker Jane Wright makes a very public bet that she can find the “perfect” match for Manhattan's hottest confirmed bachelor—sexy-as-sin bartender Charlie Goodman. Unfortunately, Charlie is also Jane's ex-lover, a man she broke up with on a cocktail napkin. With her company on the line, Jane has no choice but to convince the man of her most impractical dreams to dive back into the dating pool.
Charlie doesn't want to see Jane's business fail. He just wants a little revenge. Determined to prove to Jane that chemistry always beats compatibility algorithms, he plans to drive her crazy with desire...then walk away. And his plan is working. A little too well, actually. Because even as Jane scrambles to calculate Charlie's best match, the heat building between them combusts. But Charlie's been so busy outsmarting Cupid that he hasn't noticed he's the naughty cherub's next target...
Goaded by her competition, matchmaker Jane Wright makes a very public bet that she can find the “perfect” match for Manhattan's hottest confirmed bachelor—sexy-as-sin bartender Charlie Goodman. Unfortunately, Charlie is also Jane's ex-lover, a man she broke up with on a cocktail napkin. With her company on the line, Jane has no choice but to convince the man of her most impractical dreams to dive back into the dating pool.
Charlie doesn't want to see Jane's business fail. He just wants a little revenge. Determined to prove to Jane that chemistry always beats compatibility algorithms, he plans to drive her crazy with desire...then walk away. And his plan is working. A little too well, actually. Because even as Jane scrambles to calculate Charlie's best match, the heat building between them combusts. But Charlie's been so busy outsmarting Cupid that he hasn't noticed he's the naughty cherub's next target...
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2015
About the author
Maggie Kelley
7 books79 followersAfter ten years of survival, aka working, in Hollywood, this former actress and current author of sexy contemporary romance is living happily-ever-after in Pittsburgh with her longtime sweetie and their two punky kids. When not carpooling to birthday parties or testing her gourmet cooking skills by throwing a frozen pizza into the oven, Maggie daydreams about sneaking off to the Vegas or Napa, or even just the movies. A love of red wine, Italian food, and music round out her list of life's greatest joys. Oh, and Tuesday night karaoke, totally underrated fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 7, 2015Dnf @36%
That blurb, the lovely cover and the underlying theme of second chance romance was the reason I decided to give this one a try, with just few chapters in I started rolling my eyes and had an urge to bitch slap the heroine Jane.
Jane and Charlie have been friends since they were kids and after many years of being stuck in the friend zone they upgraded their relationship status to “friends with benefits” (at least that’s what I felt) which lasted for six days and she dumped his ass via note left on a NAPKIN. Now, one might wonder what could the reason be?
a) he had cheated on her or
b) they had an huge argument or
c) (my favorite)she found out his deepest darkest secret!
Actually it’s none of the above; brace yourself ‘cuz I’m going to reveal the mighty reason for her “so called break-up”
She saw him flirting with a waitress!!
(or that’s what she thinks and the poor guy has no clue, as she never returned his calls or messages) For the love of god, he was your best friend not some stranger you leave behind without even talking about it!!
Anywho, six months later, to save her company’s reputation and to win the bet which was there in first place, because her company’s new dating app claims to find a perfect match for any New Yorker in five days. And to prove that she has to find a perfect match for the NY’s top bachelor, making him fall in love within three dates, and this aforementioned bachelor happens to be her ex-lover, ex-friend Charlie Goodman.
He was supposed to be heartbroken or atleast mad at her but the minute she walks into his apartment he starts flirting with her, Yes FLIRTING! Dude..she broke up with you over a napkin without even giving you a reason plus she storms in like nothing happened!
Ok, he wants a payback by making her jealous so he actually agrees to go on a date but his constant flirting and her using all the statistical terms for love and romance pushed all my buttons.
Sorry, I really tried but this was not for me..
ARC provided by the Entangled Publishing via Netgalley, for an for honest review
March 8, 2015
2.5 - "If the cocktail napkin fits." Stars.
Breaking the Bachelor is the first release by the talented Maggie Kelley. Although I’m not blown away by the plot line or the main characters on this occasion, what I am hopeful about is the fact that there is definite potential in relation to the author’s easy to engage in writing and development style, and that further books in the series are in the works.
He doesn’t believe in love, and I don’t believe in chemistry.
I liked Jane and Charlie but that's it really, friends for 20 years previously; it all comes to an end when they step out of the Friend-Zone whilst on holiday in the Caymans, 6 days of sun and sexy-times, leads to upset, and the mother of all knee-jerk reactions when Charlie’s attempts to help a female Rum-Runner are misconstrued as flirting. Six months on and due to Jane’s refusal to speak to him, Charlie has had no contact with her since she upped and left on the next flight out…
I would have liked a prologue giving me this part of their story as to what happened in the Caymans between them; it would have given their relationship as a whole more depth, and me more understanding and maybe a little empathy towards Jane and her subsequent actions/reactions.
Because this is basically why I have only given the book 2.5 stars, I really struggled to believe that Charlie would then agree to being involved in Jane’s bet, after six months of radio silence from her, added to the fact that she offered him absolutely no explanation as to why she reacted in such a way that necessitated in him having to Fed-Ex her luggage back to her. There is a lot of hot/cold and I do/I don’t in this from Jane as well, to the point that if I was in Charlie’s shoes, I honestly think I would have kicked her to the kerb, it just went a little too far for me, and I felt the story suffered for it.
Seducing Cupid might be the stupidest idea he’d ever had.
This isn’t a bad book, it’s an easygoing read, I think the ’Matchmaker’ trope when done well is a winner, but Jane had far too many issues with her own relationships (Past & Present) to actually work for me as a believable character in that scenario.
Jane has brothers, and a BFF so I am hopeful that their story lines will match up in potential, to the quality that Maggie’s writing offers in Breaking the Bachelor.
ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.
Breaking the Bachelor is the first release by the talented Maggie Kelley. Although I’m not blown away by the plot line or the main characters on this occasion, what I am hopeful about is the fact that there is definite potential in relation to the author’s easy to engage in writing and development style, and that further books in the series are in the works.
He doesn’t believe in love, and I don’t believe in chemistry.
I liked Jane and Charlie but that's it really, friends for 20 years previously; it all comes to an end when they step out of the Friend-Zone whilst on holiday in the Caymans, 6 days of sun and sexy-times, leads to upset, and the mother of all knee-jerk reactions when Charlie’s attempts to help a female Rum-Runner are misconstrued as flirting. Six months on and due to Jane’s refusal to speak to him, Charlie has had no contact with her since she upped and left on the next flight out…
I would have liked a prologue giving me this part of their story as to what happened in the Caymans between them; it would have given their relationship as a whole more depth, and me more understanding and maybe a little empathy towards Jane and her subsequent actions/reactions.
Because this is basically why I have only given the book 2.5 stars, I really struggled to believe that Charlie would then agree to being involved in Jane’s bet, after six months of radio silence from her, added to the fact that she offered him absolutely no explanation as to why she reacted in such a way that necessitated in him having to Fed-Ex her luggage back to her. There is a lot of hot/cold and I do/I don’t in this from Jane as well, to the point that if I was in Charlie’s shoes, I honestly think I would have kicked her to the kerb, it just went a little too far for me, and I felt the story suffered for it.
Seducing Cupid might be the stupidest idea he’d ever had.
This isn’t a bad book, it’s an easygoing read, I think the ’Matchmaker’ trope when done well is a winner, but Jane had far too many issues with her own relationships (Past & Present) to actually work for me as a believable character in that scenario.
Jane has brothers, and a BFF so I am hopeful that their story lines will match up in potential, to the quality that Maggie’s writing offers in Breaking the Bachelor.
ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 19, 2015
ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review..
3 Fluff 'N Fold stars
Matchmaker, Jane (Janey) Wright, has got herself into a difficult, very public wager. She had been very vocal about the logical app that her matchmaking company had developed, and being so confident of it’s abilities, she bet that she could find the perfick gal for Manhattan’s renowned bachelor; bartender Charlie Goodman.
But Charlie and Janey aren't unknown to each other. Charlie has been Janey’s brother’s friend for years, and as a consequence, became very good friends with Janey. On an unplanned trip to the Caymans 6 months ago, Charlie and Janey moved their relationship up a notch, and had a sizzling 6 days, or so he thought they had both felt. But something happened to scare Janey off, and she left the island with only a few words on a napkin, and as a result, Charlie is still sore about being abandoned with no explanation.
This is Maggie Kelley’s debut offering, and I was encouraged by the easy flow of her story. I had a definite connection with Charlie, and his long term adulation for Janey was enough to keep me hooked. Janey, however, was a tad flighty for my tastes. She had her reasons, which we become aware of, but I wasn’t convinced they were enough to elicit the reactions she displayed sometimes.
The bonding process between these two characters was good, and there was an amusing undercurrent.
This was a cute story, which introduced us to a few other characters that I would definitely like to see their stories unfold.
3 Fluff 'N Fold stars
Matchmaker, Jane (Janey) Wright, has got herself into a difficult, very public wager. She had been very vocal about the logical app that her matchmaking company had developed, and being so confident of it’s abilities, she bet that she could find the perfick gal for Manhattan’s renowned bachelor; bartender Charlie Goodman.
But Charlie and Janey aren't unknown to each other. Charlie has been Janey’s brother’s friend for years, and as a consequence, became very good friends with Janey. On an unplanned trip to the Caymans 6 months ago, Charlie and Janey moved their relationship up a notch, and had a sizzling 6 days, or so he thought they had both felt. But something happened to scare Janey off, and she left the island with only a few words on a napkin, and as a result, Charlie is still sore about being abandoned with no explanation.
This is Maggie Kelley’s debut offering, and I was encouraged by the easy flow of her story. I had a definite connection with Charlie, and his long term adulation for Janey was enough to keep me hooked. Janey, however, was a tad flighty for my tastes. She had her reasons, which we become aware of, but I wasn’t convinced they were enough to elicit the reactions she displayed sometimes.
The bonding process between these two characters was good, and there was an amusing undercurrent.
This was a cute story, which introduced us to a few other characters that I would definitely like to see their stories unfold.
March 2, 2015
Breaking the Bachelor is the debut novel by Maggie Kelley and I really enjoyed getting under Jane and Charlie's skin, seeing behind their facades and going along for the ride on their journey. Jane and Charlie have been lifelong friends, best friends, the kind of friends who were always there for each other, until their issues clouded their vision and became roadblocks that lead to a 6 month separation.
Can you find true love based only on a scientific formula, a set list of criteria based on a checkbox of compatibility not chemistry, and a dating app? Jane thinks you can and she is willing to put her company on the line to prove it. She may have been tricked into the bet, but she never backs down and is determined to show the public that it takes more than smoking hot chemistry and a week of unbridled passion to form a long lasting loving relationship.
Charlie was literally left at the bar 6 months ago, his heart broken by Jane and vows to get a little revenge by proving that they still have that off-the-charts chemistry and then walking away, just like she did to him. However, things begin to shift and Charlie finds it hard to hold on to his original plan. It then becomes more about showing Jane that what they had back then, and what is still so evident, was far more than a quick roll in the hay.
This pair had some heavy relationship issues stemming from a family history of hurt, watching their own families fall apart, and living through the pain that followed. No one could blame them for being gun shy, but the the walls they had placed around their hearts are stifling their chances at ultimate happiness. The question is, can they overcome their fears and take a chance on love?
Jane and Charlie had sizzling chemistry. They were like moths to a flame around each other, but so much more than that, they were compatible in the best of ways. I really liked both characters, even though at times I wanted to shake some sense into them. I liked their banter, the way they were obviously suited to each other, but so in denial of that fact, which made for some funny and entertaining scenes. Both had their stubborn pride, Jane in particular, not willing to take a chance on Charlie and what they had and it was fun seeing Charlie break down her walls and come to some realisations about his own issues at the same time.
This was an easy, page-turning read, humorous, sweet and sexy. The ending was in true rom-com style which I loved. I found it easy to connect with the characters and immerse myself in their story for the duration.
copy kindly provided by the publisher/author and Netgalley
Can you find true love based only on a scientific formula, a set list of criteria based on a checkbox of compatibility not chemistry, and a dating app? Jane thinks you can and she is willing to put her company on the line to prove it. She may have been tricked into the bet, but she never backs down and is determined to show the public that it takes more than smoking hot chemistry and a week of unbridled passion to form a long lasting loving relationship.
Charlie was literally left at the bar 6 months ago, his heart broken by Jane and vows to get a little revenge by proving that they still have that off-the-charts chemistry and then walking away, just like she did to him. However, things begin to shift and Charlie finds it hard to hold on to his original plan. It then becomes more about showing Jane that what they had back then, and what is still so evident, was far more than a quick roll in the hay.
This pair had some heavy relationship issues stemming from a family history of hurt, watching their own families fall apart, and living through the pain that followed. No one could blame them for being gun shy, but the the walls they had placed around their hearts are stifling their chances at ultimate happiness. The question is, can they overcome their fears and take a chance on love?
Jane and Charlie had sizzling chemistry. They were like moths to a flame around each other, but so much more than that, they were compatible in the best of ways. I really liked both characters, even though at times I wanted to shake some sense into them. I liked their banter, the way they were obviously suited to each other, but so in denial of that fact, which made for some funny and entertaining scenes. Both had their stubborn pride, Jane in particular, not willing to take a chance on Charlie and what they had and it was fun seeing Charlie break down her walls and come to some realisations about his own issues at the same time.
This was an easy, page-turning read, humorous, sweet and sexy. The ending was in true rom-com style which I loved. I found it easy to connect with the characters and immerse myself in their story for the duration.
copy kindly provided by the publisher/author and Netgalley
January 27, 2022
Charlie is a way, way better person than me, because if Jane who supposedly was a friend for over 20 years just up and leaves without so much as a word but a napkin and just shows up and thinks everything is ok and now needs me, nope sistah that is not how it works. Jane is too ridiculous, flirting! flirting! c'mon, really, really, this was just too stupid for words to me, it messed it up at that point. I could have liked it, but it annoyed me by then. 2 1/2
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(Netgalley)...Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions...
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(Netgalley)...Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions...
March 8, 2015
This sexy contemporary romance is the story of Jane and Charlie. Friends since childhood who had a fling that Jane ended abruptly without an explanation to Charlie, she now needs his help for her matchmaking business. She's been goaded publicly into promising she can make a love match for anyone, including confirmed bachelor and well recognized bartender Charlie. Given this second chance at being in Jane's life, and with the thought to make her pay for dumping him so abruptly then suddenly showing up in his life again, Charlie is determined to make her see that they have chemistry together and that this can beat any dating algorithm. As Jane sets Charlie up on three dates with women she thinks he'd be compatible with, how long will it be before she realizes that the perfect woman for him is actually herself?
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the setup and the way the plot unfolded. Jane's bright idea to set Charlie up with 3 blind dates begins to backfire on her as she realizes that seeing him with other women isn't actually what she wants after all. Yet with her company on the line, she's determined to try her best. Jane was a fun and feisty woman and I loved the witty banter between her and Charlie. Charlie is an equally engaging character, strong, dependable and missing his one time best friend. He loves being back in Jane's life even if he believes her motivation is short sighted. The sexual attraction between them is sizzling and leads to some hot and sexy love scenes. One of the story ideas that I really appreciated was that while Charlie is friends with Jane's brother Nick, there is none of that "don't touch my sister or I'll have to kill you" machismo. Instead, Nick is supportive of Charlie and believes he is good enough for his sister and that Charlie's best approach would be to tell Jane how he really feels about her (though first Charlie will have to admit that to himself). That was a refreshing change from the way the 'best friend's sister' trope usually plays out.
The secondary characters in the story, in particular Jane's aforementioned brother Nick and her dating company rival Adam added some humourous moments and I'm definitely hoping to see more of them in future stories. Overall I found it an entertaining and fun read. 4 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the setup and the way the plot unfolded. Jane's bright idea to set Charlie up with 3 blind dates begins to backfire on her as she realizes that seeing him with other women isn't actually what she wants after all. Yet with her company on the line, she's determined to try her best. Jane was a fun and feisty woman and I loved the witty banter between her and Charlie. Charlie is an equally engaging character, strong, dependable and missing his one time best friend. He loves being back in Jane's life even if he believes her motivation is short sighted. The sexual attraction between them is sizzling and leads to some hot and sexy love scenes. One of the story ideas that I really appreciated was that while Charlie is friends with Jane's brother Nick, there is none of that "don't touch my sister or I'll have to kill you" machismo. Instead, Nick is supportive of Charlie and believes he is good enough for his sister and that Charlie's best approach would be to tell Jane how he really feels about her (though first Charlie will have to admit that to himself). That was a refreshing change from the way the 'best friend's sister' trope usually plays out.
The secondary characters in the story, in particular Jane's aforementioned brother Nick and her dating company rival Adam added some humourous moments and I'm definitely hoping to see more of them in future stories. Overall I found it an entertaining and fun read. 4 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
October 10, 2016
Watching the journey for friends to lover and then to have them do it again can be quite fun. But when you break it off and then have to go back again it can be a bit painful to watch the graveling that must take place. It's a good thing that that is not always the case.
Jane has to more or less eat crow on a national scale when he makes a blanket statement and must follow through on it. Using Charlie of all bachelors in the city, the state. Charlie the same man that just months prior she chose to walk away from. Charlie the hot as sin, sexy as all get out bartender that the whole city of women want.
Jane was certain that a scientific fact/formula was the key to making the perfect match. Chemistry in general has very little to nothing to do with it. Charlie was willing to make that statement more than just pretty words. He was wanting to give a little payback to the girl that walked away from him. Then that chemistry and long term friendship begin to play with perceptions and actions. Ideas change. Minds change. Goals change.
This was a fun read that drew out the cracks in formulas. And showed that there is a lot more to a relationship than a formula or just chemistry. Communication plays a big part in it all and Jane and Charlie needed to have a lot of communication going on. I found the read to be easy, light, sweet, and a little fun all at the same time.
**This eBook was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Jane has to more or less eat crow on a national scale when he makes a blanket statement and must follow through on it. Using Charlie of all bachelors in the city, the state. Charlie the same man that just months prior she chose to walk away from. Charlie the hot as sin, sexy as all get out bartender that the whole city of women want.
Jane was certain that a scientific fact/formula was the key to making the perfect match. Chemistry in general has very little to nothing to do with it. Charlie was willing to make that statement more than just pretty words. He was wanting to give a little payback to the girl that walked away from him. Then that chemistry and long term friendship begin to play with perceptions and actions. Ideas change. Minds change. Goals change.
This was a fun read that drew out the cracks in formulas. And showed that there is a lot more to a relationship than a formula or just chemistry. Communication plays a big part in it all and Jane and Charlie needed to have a lot of communication going on. I found the read to be easy, light, sweet, and a little fun all at the same time.
**This eBook was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
March 11, 2015
A really fun sexy read that was completely entertaining. The premise of this story was unique and fresh and the writing was terrific. There was great terrific banter between the H/h and the chemistry between them is sizzling. Charlie's looking for a little revenge, after all Jane did leave him high and dry with a note on a cocktail napkin. Now she needs him to help save her company after she makes a bet on national TV.
This is a good one, I highly recommend it.
This is a good one, I highly recommend it.
May 27, 2016
I don't know what to think of this book. I didn't hate it but didn't like it either.
The storyline was too simple. There's nothing more in the book than you can read in the summary.
The characters were confusing and a bit irritating going in circles the whole book but I didn't despise them. Their story was sweet but too bad for the storyline that didn't allow it to go deeper.
The storyline was too simple. There's nothing more in the book than you can read in the summary.
The characters were confusing and a bit irritating going in circles the whole book but I didn't despise them. Their story was sweet but too bad for the storyline that didn't allow it to go deeper.
March 9, 2015
What would you do if your ex-friend/lover and matchmaker made a bet that she could find you your one true love on national TV in 5 days and didn’t tell you about it till she turned up on your doorstep?
This is what happens to barman Charlie Goodman. It’s just a shame that matchmaker Jane, who up until she turns up knocking on his door at an ungodly hour, hasn’t spoken to him in six long months. No calls, no emails, tweets, messages, nada. Now she needs his help.
Jane Wright never bets, never! So what was she thinking when she made this stupid bet? It’s Charlie, the man who until six spectacular days and nights in the Caymans six months ago was her friend of twenty years, until she fled their tryst with just a cocktail napkin kiss-off. Now the future of her company is on the line.
When Charlie says yes to helping Jane but with limitations, 3 dates only, he’s thinking about revenge for her dumping him. Meanwhile Jane sees this as her only chance to save her company, the one she’s worked so hard to create. Nothing should go wrong, right?
But when they get in close proximity to each other again the sparks fly and they can hardly keep their hands and lips off each other. Charlie wants to prove to Jane that chemistry is important in relationships and dating whereas Jane doesn’t want to believe in it only her dating matrix.
Giving in to their chemistry was kicking caution to the curb, and yes, Charlie was all risk and heat, and yet, standing there in the circle of his arms, he felt so damned honest, so familiar…so right.
As they grow closer again despite the dates Jane keeps setting him up on, Charlie turns on the charm offensive and slowly starts to woo the one woman he really wants to date….Jane. Unfortunately for Charlie Jane has an Ultimate Man List that she is clinging to and Charlie is pretty much opposite to all it. Can he break through the list to get to her heart or will the list ultimately come between them?
Hell, every time he laid his eyes or his lips or his hands on her lately, she felt less and less like his ex and more and more like his goddamned present, and his future, his… forever.
This book was so much fun. It was a flirty and romantic read. I loved the idea of the story and how the author played it out was fantastic. For a debut novel, the author in this reader’s opinion has hit it out of the park. She is already on my must read/buy list.
Charlie was swoon worthy, and so freaking hot. If only guys like him existed, sigh. I loved Jane too, she made me laugh, sigh, and want her as a bestie. Together these two burn up the pages. Talk about chemistry. Watching them fall for each other was a delight and the big grand gesture for Charlie…….loved it, absolutely perfect for them flannel pyjamas and all.
After writing this I’m ready for a re-read. This book is already on my keeper shelf and I’m ready for more from this author, say for Nick maybe?
This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.
This is what happens to barman Charlie Goodman. It’s just a shame that matchmaker Jane, who up until she turns up knocking on his door at an ungodly hour, hasn’t spoken to him in six long months. No calls, no emails, tweets, messages, nada. Now she needs his help.
Jane Wright never bets, never! So what was she thinking when she made this stupid bet? It’s Charlie, the man who until six spectacular days and nights in the Caymans six months ago was her friend of twenty years, until she fled their tryst with just a cocktail napkin kiss-off. Now the future of her company is on the line.
When Charlie says yes to helping Jane but with limitations, 3 dates only, he’s thinking about revenge for her dumping him. Meanwhile Jane sees this as her only chance to save her company, the one she’s worked so hard to create. Nothing should go wrong, right?
But when they get in close proximity to each other again the sparks fly and they can hardly keep their hands and lips off each other. Charlie wants to prove to Jane that chemistry is important in relationships and dating whereas Jane doesn’t want to believe in it only her dating matrix.
Giving in to their chemistry was kicking caution to the curb, and yes, Charlie was all risk and heat, and yet, standing there in the circle of his arms, he felt so damned honest, so familiar…so right.
As they grow closer again despite the dates Jane keeps setting him up on, Charlie turns on the charm offensive and slowly starts to woo the one woman he really wants to date….Jane. Unfortunately for Charlie Jane has an Ultimate Man List that she is clinging to and Charlie is pretty much opposite to all it. Can he break through the list to get to her heart or will the list ultimately come between them?
Hell, every time he laid his eyes or his lips or his hands on her lately, she felt less and less like his ex and more and more like his goddamned present, and his future, his… forever.
This book was so much fun. It was a flirty and romantic read. I loved the idea of the story and how the author played it out was fantastic. For a debut novel, the author in this reader’s opinion has hit it out of the park. She is already on my must read/buy list.
Charlie was swoon worthy, and so freaking hot. If only guys like him existed, sigh. I loved Jane too, she made me laugh, sigh, and want her as a bestie. Together these two burn up the pages. Talk about chemistry. Watching them fall for each other was a delight and the big grand gesture for Charlie…….loved it, absolutely perfect for them flannel pyjamas and all.
After writing this I’m ready for a re-read. This book is already on my keeper shelf and I’m ready for more from this author, say for Nick maybe?
This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.
March 24, 2015
This story won my heart…
I could describe Breaking the Bachelor by the tropes…it’s a tale of reunited lovers, specifically the heroine and her big brother’s best friend, and it revolves around a bet she ought not have made. But none of that captures all the fun, sweet and flat-out sexy of this debut novel, or how I smiled the whole way through.
Jane is a bundle of angst wrapped up in an ambitious, fast-talking package. Remaining in control, keeping a level head and a firm grip on her heart helped her climb to the top of the matchmaking game in the competitive NYC market. The wild, impetuous, out-of-control feelings her brother’s best friend, Charlie Goodman, inspires scare her to the bone, so when she’s challenged by her biggest competitor to find the perfect match for the very man who threatens all her carefully devised theories about love, she agrees. Win the bet, prove her Smart Cupid compatibility matrix works, and get the tempting Charlie off the market and out of her head once and for all.
Charlie’s having none of it. Oh, sure, he agrees to play along, but he has no intention of letting her pair him off with someone else. He knows what he wants, and it’s Jane. The trick is finding a way to tell her so without scaring her off…again. He’s convinced the chemistry between them speaks for itself, and really, there’s no hiding it. Trouble is, it’s the chemistry Jane distrusts!
The result is an endearing, entertaining and incredibly HOT push-pull between these two characters. Their journey includes so many funny, sexy scenes I literally could not put it down. I adored Jane, and I LOVED Charlie. I rooted for their happy ever after even though I was sad to reach the end of the story. Luckily, I spied a couple secondary characters who could use a little help finding love.
Hello, Smart Cupid?
I could describe Breaking the Bachelor by the tropes…it’s a tale of reunited lovers, specifically the heroine and her big brother’s best friend, and it revolves around a bet she ought not have made. But none of that captures all the fun, sweet and flat-out sexy of this debut novel, or how I smiled the whole way through.
Jane is a bundle of angst wrapped up in an ambitious, fast-talking package. Remaining in control, keeping a level head and a firm grip on her heart helped her climb to the top of the matchmaking game in the competitive NYC market. The wild, impetuous, out-of-control feelings her brother’s best friend, Charlie Goodman, inspires scare her to the bone, so when she’s challenged by her biggest competitor to find the perfect match for the very man who threatens all her carefully devised theories about love, she agrees. Win the bet, prove her Smart Cupid compatibility matrix works, and get the tempting Charlie off the market and out of her head once and for all.
Charlie’s having none of it. Oh, sure, he agrees to play along, but he has no intention of letting her pair him off with someone else. He knows what he wants, and it’s Jane. The trick is finding a way to tell her so without scaring her off…again. He’s convinced the chemistry between them speaks for itself, and really, there’s no hiding it. Trouble is, it’s the chemistry Jane distrusts!
The result is an endearing, entertaining and incredibly HOT push-pull between these two characters. Their journey includes so many funny, sexy scenes I literally could not put it down. I adored Jane, and I LOVED Charlie. I rooted for their happy ever after even though I was sad to reach the end of the story. Luckily, I spied a couple secondary characters who could use a little help finding love.
Hello, Smart Cupid?
March 15, 2015
OMG- I absolutely loved this book. Full review to come.
This book had me completely engaged from page one right through every adorable moment and up to the swoon-worthy final scene. Maggie Kelley has a wonderful, lighthearted writing style that really captures everything I love about Entangled’s Lovestruck Line.
This is a wonderful story of reunited lovers, with a little bit of an enemies-to-lovers feel to it. (Both tropes I adore and both tropes that work SO well in this book). After all, Jane dumped Charlie Goodman on a cocktail napkin. She might very well be irresistible, but those are grounds for a serious grudge. Luckily, Charlie is smitten with Jane even after her moment of indecision, and thanks to some pretty incredible chemistry between the two of them, he agrees to go along with her crazy scheme to save her business and reputation. And what a fun ride it is!
These two characters are endearing and sweet, with an incredible compatibility. I mean, you really WANT these characters to end up together. Charlie is sexy as can be and lives up to his reputation as the hottest bachelor in town. Luckily, Jane is smart mouthed and quick on her feet, and makes a worthy match for him. She’s the type of girl you want for your best friend. When the two of them get together, in moments of weakness and passion, things really heat up on the page.
And oh! That ending! Talk about grand gestures! I totally swooned over those last few scenes and was sorry to see the book end.
The pacing is quick and the dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny at times. I couldn’t put this book down. I highly recommend it. *Oh, and can I vote for a book in this series featuring the brother Nick?? Pretty please??
This book had me completely engaged from page one right through every adorable moment and up to the swoon-worthy final scene. Maggie Kelley has a wonderful, lighthearted writing style that really captures everything I love about Entangled’s Lovestruck Line.
This is a wonderful story of reunited lovers, with a little bit of an enemies-to-lovers feel to it. (Both tropes I adore and both tropes that work SO well in this book). After all, Jane dumped Charlie Goodman on a cocktail napkin. She might very well be irresistible, but those are grounds for a serious grudge. Luckily, Charlie is smitten with Jane even after her moment of indecision, and thanks to some pretty incredible chemistry between the two of them, he agrees to go along with her crazy scheme to save her business and reputation. And what a fun ride it is!
These two characters are endearing and sweet, with an incredible compatibility. I mean, you really WANT these characters to end up together. Charlie is sexy as can be and lives up to his reputation as the hottest bachelor in town. Luckily, Jane is smart mouthed and quick on her feet, and makes a worthy match for him. She’s the type of girl you want for your best friend. When the two of them get together, in moments of weakness and passion, things really heat up on the page.
And oh! That ending! Talk about grand gestures! I totally swooned over those last few scenes and was sorry to see the book end.
The pacing is quick and the dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny at times. I couldn’t put this book down. I highly recommend it. *Oh, and can I vote for a book in this series featuring the brother Nick?? Pretty please??
March 14, 2015
Charlie, Oh sweet hot hypnotizing Charlie! He was definitely a fun man to read about. And he knew Jane so well, down to her crazy sweet tooth habit. I loved their interactions, the flirting and the can't keep their hands off each other reactions they had toward each other. It was very heartening to see how they felt for each other and knew each other so well. I would love to be known and know someone that detailed. But as with Jane and Charlie, that leaves one open to much more hurt. I could relate and understand their fears. I am glad it worked out the way it did. I would have loved more of an epilogue because I wanted more.
I am hoping this is just a first of many in this series since I would love Nick and Marianne to both get their own HEA's as well as hear more about Jane's other brother.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
I am hoping this is just a first of many in this series since I would love Nick and Marianne to both get their own HEA's as well as hear more about Jane's other brother.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
March 10, 2015
I really loved this debut novel! I love friends to lovers stories and this one is now at the top of my favorites list. It's sweet and sexy and the banter between Charlie and Jane is terrific. I swooned over Charlie from the second we meet him. He's all kinds of charming, and I found myself smiling whenever he was on the page. I found myself equally fond of Jane (okay, almost equally because Charlie is HOT) and her sweet tooth. We could so be friends and hang out together! All in all, a fun, emotional, and smartly written read. I can't wait to see what Maggie has for us next!
October 5, 2016
Never mix business with pleasure...
Truer words could have never been said to describe the chaos that is Jane and Charlie. A neurotic matchmaker facing off with a former lover can never end well. Breaking the Bachelor is pure genius. Ms. Kelley speaks to the heart and the funny bone with this totally clueless twosome. Jane may be one smart cookie but she needs to learn to listen to her heart more than her brain. Charlie may be just the man to teach her how. It's hard not to fall in love with perfection.
Truer words could have never been said to describe the chaos that is Jane and Charlie. A neurotic matchmaker facing off with a former lover can never end well. Breaking the Bachelor is pure genius. Ms. Kelley speaks to the heart and the funny bone with this totally clueless twosome. Jane may be one smart cookie but she needs to learn to listen to her heart more than her brain. Charlie may be just the man to teach her how. It's hard not to fall in love with perfection.
March 5, 2015
I love a good friends to lovers story and this one had all the ingredients to make it shine. Jane is a strong heroine, Charlie is a sexy hero, and their chemistry is off the charts. Can't wait to read the next one in the series! Enjoy!
Read
March 27, 2015I liked the premise but felt like there was really no work to be done by the hero or heroine as they seemed to fall back into a fairly intimate relationship as soon as they were both on the page together, regardless of the ground rules or what they were thinking.
August 27, 2015
The story is entertaining though Jane kind of annoyed me sometimes. Totally would check out the second book because Jane's brother intrigued me.
December 23, 2021
What can I say about Breaking the Bachelor by Maggie Kelley? It was exactly what I hoped it would be. I was hooked from the first page and read it in less than a day.
I’ll admit the book wasn’t perfect. Honestly, I’ve come across only a dozen or so perfect romance books out of over the 500 that I’ve read. So why am I giving it top stars? Because the book never tried to be anything that it wasn’t. It was a romcom that didn’t sneak in erotic aspects. It didn’t have a need for trigger warnings that were left out nor was it overly dramatic and heartbreaking. It was fun and palette-cleansing. Sure, it had dramatic moments and hurt feelings, but it wasn’t over the top.
The writing was well-done and I could really see the passion and interest between Jane and Charlie. I was rooting for them from the start. I would’ve liked for there to have been a better reason behind the mixup that caused the whole mess to begin with, but I’m not mad about it. I really enjoyed the side characters a lot and I can’t wait to read their stories—though I do wish we got a resolution between Nick and Charlie in this book. Hopefully, we see something in the next one, which I will be reading!!!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ll admit the book wasn’t perfect. Honestly, I’ve come across only a dozen or so perfect romance books out of over the 500 that I’ve read. So why am I giving it top stars? Because the book never tried to be anything that it wasn’t. It was a romcom that didn’t sneak in erotic aspects. It didn’t have a need for trigger warnings that were left out nor was it overly dramatic and heartbreaking. It was fun and palette-cleansing. Sure, it had dramatic moments and hurt feelings, but it wasn’t over the top.
The writing was well-done and I could really see the passion and interest between Jane and Charlie. I was rooting for them from the start. I would’ve liked for there to have been a better reason behind the mixup that caused the whole mess to begin with, but I’m not mad about it. I really enjoyed the side characters a lot and I can’t wait to read their stories—though I do wish we got a resolution between Nick and Charlie in this book. Hopefully, we see something in the next one, which I will be reading!!!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 4, 2022
OMG this book is amazing! I couldn’t put it down.
Jane Wright owns a matchmaker company and in a moment of heat with a competitor, she makes a very public bet that she can find the “perfect” match for Manhattan's hottest confirmed bachelor, Charlie Goodman. Unfortunately, Charlie is also Jane's ex-lover, a man she broke up with on a cocktail napkin. With her company on the line, Jane has no choice but to convince the man of her most impractical dreams to dive back into the dating pool. But Charlie is determined to prove to Jane that chemistry always beats compatibility algorithms, and that he is the only one for her.
These too!! I absolutely loved the way they are with each other. They have been friends all their lives, and after a six day’s romance in the Caribbean, Jane dumps him without an explanation. Now she is asking for his help but all he wants to do is get her back. The chemistry is off the chart. I started it today and couldn´t stop reading till the end. Sooo good. I enjoyed both characters a lot. They have trust issues and family traumas, but they just can´t stay away from each other. They are just too perfect together. The side characters are amazing too. I’m so happy their stories are already out!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jane Wright owns a matchmaker company and in a moment of heat with a competitor, she makes a very public bet that she can find the “perfect” match for Manhattan's hottest confirmed bachelor, Charlie Goodman. Unfortunately, Charlie is also Jane's ex-lover, a man she broke up with on a cocktail napkin. With her company on the line, Jane has no choice but to convince the man of her most impractical dreams to dive back into the dating pool. But Charlie is determined to prove to Jane that chemistry always beats compatibility algorithms, and that he is the only one for her.
These too!! I absolutely loved the way they are with each other. They have been friends all their lives, and after a six day’s romance in the Caribbean, Jane dumps him without an explanation. Now she is asking for his help but all he wants to do is get her back. The chemistry is off the chart. I started it today and couldn´t stop reading till the end. Sooo good. I enjoyed both characters a lot. They have trust issues and family traumas, but they just can´t stay away from each other. They are just too perfect together. The side characters are amazing too. I’m so happy their stories are already out!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2022
Template!
Is this a multi-part story? Yes
Does it end in a cliffhanger? No
Genre(s) : Romance Comedy
Instalove? Yes
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? The h!
2.75 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story...
If significant, why?
Biggest deduction?
Main Character Ratings...
H () =
h () =
TSTL Moment(s)?
Narrator Rating(s)
M () =
F () =
If below 5/10, why?
If Comedy... Type?
Funny, Cute, Cringe Inducing, Mixed or Just No!
Angst Level?
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Internal Monolog/Dialog?
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Scenes with heat...
What point does it start?
How much of the story?
Anything beyond M/F?
If yes, explained
Heat Rating...
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward?
The back story...
Romance or Gist:
The drama explosion...
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived?
Was it OTT?
Separation involved?
Was it resolved properly or rushed?
Final Notes...
HEA or HFN? HFN
Book Source:
Kindle Unlimited
Is this a multi-part story? Yes
Does it end in a cliffhanger? No
Genre(s) : Romance Comedy
Instalove? Yes
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? The h!
2.75 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story...
If significant, why?
Biggest deduction?
Main Character Ratings...
H () =
h () =
TSTL Moment(s)?
Narrator Rating(s)
M () =
F () =
If below 5/10, why?
If Comedy... Type?
Funny, Cute, Cringe Inducing, Mixed or Just No!
Angst Level?
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Internal Monolog/Dialog?
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Scenes with heat...
What point does it start?
How much of the story?
Anything beyond M/F?
If yes, explained
Heat Rating...
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward?
The back story...
Romance or Gist:
The drama explosion...
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived?
Was it OTT?
Separation involved?
Was it resolved properly or rushed?
Final Notes...
HEA or HFN? HFN
Book Source:
Kindle Unlimited
June 5, 2017
I'm not doing a review because I don't really have anything to say, this book wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either, it was just... meh. It's funny though, lately I've had a hard time picking songs for books which is weird because that's one of my favorite things to do, like finding the perfect song to fit with the book is so much fun! Anyway, I found three for Breaking the Bachelor, but I narrowed it down to
History by Olivia Holt
Baby, you're so perfect
But he's the perfect one for me
I know that you're worth it
But somethin' 'bout him gets to me
Gets to me, all I need
Plus, we got history
I used to love him, he used to love me
Yeah, we go way, way, way, way back
We love, love, love like that
Now, I still love him, and he still loves me
Yeah, we go way, way, way, way back
We love, love, love like that
History by Olivia Holt
Baby, you're so perfect
But he's the perfect one for me
I know that you're worth it
But somethin' 'bout him gets to me
Gets to me, all I need
Plus, we got history
I used to love him, he used to love me
Yeah, we go way, way, way, way back
We love, love, love like that
Now, I still love him, and he still loves me
Yeah, we go way, way, way, way back
We love, love, love like that
January 2, 2022
Janey and Charlie have been friends for awhile as Charlie is friends with her brother and in turn friends with Janey. After a 6 day togetherness with each other and taking things up another notch. After a miscommunication and not discussing things Janey leaves which upsets Charlie. I enjoyed this debut novel and how each finally decided to come together. I would give this author another try for sure.
I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book
I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book
July 18, 2022
So much chemistry! And that is at the heart of the book, is chemistry enough and just lust or can it lead to something more. Jane and Charlie have known each other forever, finally gave into temptation and then it went horrible wrong. Now Jane has to match Charlie (the most eligible bachelor in NY) or risk losing her matchmaking company. These two are just so perfect for each other, I love them and finished the book in one sitting.
March 4, 2024
Named wrong
Couldn’t finish the book. The name of the book named wrong book should’ve been named breaking the bachelorette. Jane needs to get over parent separation. Charlie needed a man up in Costa Rica and tell her how he really felt. This book also need a new man’s voice besides having the woman’s voice just disappointing.
Couldn’t finish the book. The name of the book named wrong book should’ve been named breaking the bachelorette. Jane needs to get over parent separation. Charlie needed a man up in Costa Rica and tell her how he really felt. This book also need a new man’s voice besides having the woman’s voice just disappointing.
June 30, 2024
I honestly struggled with this book. At first I thought it was going to be one of those books I just couldn't put down, but at 20% it started to drag so bad. It felt like it was pretty corny. Even though it's a short read, I felt it could have been even shorter. I had an issue with both the main characters in this book. They are both stubborn and just a little unreal at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2017
[1.5 stars] just a quick read, nothing else. dont feel a lot of connection between charlie & jane. not much character development, dont remember much of the book after finishing it. not sure if i am continuing the series.
January 2, 2022
Jane and Charlie were once friends but one heated weekend lead to cold feet. 6 months later Jane needs Charlie’s help but Charlie just wants Jane.
This second chance, hate to love romance was an enjoyable read! I loved to see both grow and learn through their mistakes.
This second chance, hate to love romance was an enjoyable read! I loved to see both grow and learn through their mistakes.
January 10, 2022
This was the first book by this author that I've read and I loved it. I'll definitely read more from Maggie, her writing style is so unique and I loved the overall plot of this story. Way to go, Maggie!
January 17, 2022
Charming!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and amazing the connection is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and amazing the connection is undeniable throughout the pages. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages. A must read!
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