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Gunner
Anyone who gets betrayed on her wedding day by her dear friend and her fiancé deserves a fresh start, a cosmic do-over. Leaving the past behind her, Indie loads up her slowly mending heart and heads for a new life in Florida. Adamant about staying single and being on her own, she’s not interested in anything but friendship, a new home, and life with no complications. That is until she crashes into the hotter-than-hell Gunner Stokes.
Busy with his brothers and their construction company, Gunner has no time for women. Plenty of heartbreak of his own has convinced Gunner to stay on track with business and his family. But when Indie literally crashes into him, she makes him second guess himself and everything he knows. Can Gunner save Indie from the trouble that she seems to find around every corner? Can Indie and Gunner heal each other from their pasts? Can Gunner convince Indie to take a chance on love?
Busy with his brothers and their construction company, Gunner has no time for women. Plenty of heartbreak of his own has convinced Gunner to stay on track with business and his family. But when Indie literally crashes into him, she makes him second guess himself and everything he knows. Can Gunner save Indie from the trouble that she seems to find around every corner? Can Indie and Gunner heal each other from their pasts? Can Gunner convince Indie to take a chance on love?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2015
6 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Stacy L. Mantlo
7 books11 followersStacy L Mantlo is a full-time wife and mother of two. She is addicted to coffee and chocolate and tries to get six hours of sleep at night. She has always loved reading and writing all kinds of different stories. She state’s; life can sometimes be overwhelming so writing and reading is a great way to escape, walk into a fantasy world if only for a while. Her favorite part is letting her fingers fly on the keyboard of her computer while the story unfolds in front of her.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 20, 2015
Spoilers
This one was a hit for me. I liked the story about Gunner and Indie. Although, I wasn't fond of the first person view point because I prefer books with third person I did like this book.
It was interesting how the main character moves to a rural town after her ex-fiance´ has sex with her friend minutes before they are to get married. As--ole that he is he blames it on her. She leaves every thing in her life behind including her two best friends and heads to florida to find happiness.
Where she expects to find peace and quite as well as alone time to heal she instead finds Gunner. He's the Heman type ladies so look out. She gets wrapped up in him only to get kidnapped over some money she is to inherit. Then the house she was renting from Gunner goes up in flames from an ex-girlfriend/drug addict who is nutso. After a bit of over reacting and some childish ranting in her head over finding out the house was the ex's grandmothers house it seems they are on their way to happy love town only more drama comes calling.
In the form of her mother. I did find the money she was going to get and the drama from the mom popping out of the woodwork a bit unbelievable seemed too...easy maybe.
Not sure what it was but all in all this was a EPE or 5 star read for me and I can't wait till Wyatt's book comes out.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review...
This one was a hit for me. I liked the story about Gunner and Indie. Although, I wasn't fond of the first person view point because I prefer books with third person I did like this book.
It was interesting how the main character moves to a rural town after her ex-fiance´ has sex with her friend minutes before they are to get married. As--ole that he is he blames it on her. She leaves every thing in her life behind including her two best friends and heads to florida to find happiness.
Where she expects to find peace and quite as well as alone time to heal she instead finds Gunner. He's the Heman type ladies so look out. She gets wrapped up in him only to get kidnapped over some money she is to inherit. Then the house she was renting from Gunner goes up in flames from an ex-girlfriend/drug addict who is nutso. After a bit of over reacting and some childish ranting in her head over finding out the house was the ex's grandmothers house it seems they are on their way to happy love town only more drama comes calling.
In the form of her mother. I did find the money she was going to get and the drama from the mom popping out of the woodwork a bit unbelievable seemed too...easy maybe.
Not sure what it was but all in all this was a EPE or 5 star read for me and I can't wait till Wyatt's book comes out.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review...
July 22, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
What was supposed to be the best day of her life turned into the worst for Indie Hughes. Right before the wedding she walks in on her fiance and a friend having sex. Deciding to start fresh she moves to Florida.
Walking through the grocery store she literally runs into the sexiest man she's ever seen, Gunner Stokes. Knowing she is no where ready to even think about a relationship she friend-zones Gunner. Gunner isn't ready for a relationship either given his last relationship betrayal. But there is something about Indie that Gunner can't shake. He isn't ready to give up on her or on them.
Gunner is a sexy character. I really enjoyed him and his family. I like the love story and suspense mix. Overall a good read. Can't wait to see what's next.
What was supposed to be the best day of her life turned into the worst for Indie Hughes. Right before the wedding she walks in on her fiance and a friend having sex. Deciding to start fresh she moves to Florida.
Walking through the grocery store she literally runs into the sexiest man she's ever seen, Gunner Stokes. Knowing she is no where ready to even think about a relationship she friend-zones Gunner. Gunner isn't ready for a relationship either given his last relationship betrayal. But there is something about Indie that Gunner can't shake. He isn't ready to give up on her or on them.
Gunner is a sexy character. I really enjoyed him and his family. I like the love story and suspense mix. Overall a good read. Can't wait to see what's next.
July 17, 2015
5 out of 5 stars
Indie Hughes was humiliated on her wedding day. An hour before her wedding, she walks in on her fiancé and one of her friends having sex.
Swearing to never give her heart away again, she packs up and moves to Florida to start a new life.
In the grocery store, she crashes into the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. Gunner Stokes is everything has ever dreamed of in a man but she is going to do everything to keep their relationship strictly friends.
Gunner has been burned in love as well and doesn’t think he will ever find the perfect woman. When Indie Hughes stumbles into his life, his heart is a goner.
These two heartbroken people start to each with the help of each other; they are perfect together.
Gunner is HOT, HOT, HOT!! He is just too damn sexy.
I loved this story including all the characters. The Stokes brothers are a danger to a woman’s heart.
This book was funny, sad, and suspenseful. It was fantastic! I definitely recommend this book to read!
I can’t wait to read about the other two brothers!!
Indie Hughes was humiliated on her wedding day. An hour before her wedding, she walks in on her fiancé and one of her friends having sex.
Swearing to never give her heart away again, she packs up and moves to Florida to start a new life.
In the grocery store, she crashes into the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. Gunner Stokes is everything has ever dreamed of in a man but she is going to do everything to keep their relationship strictly friends.
Gunner has been burned in love as well and doesn’t think he will ever find the perfect woman. When Indie Hughes stumbles into his life, his heart is a goner.
These two heartbroken people start to each with the help of each other; they are perfect together.
Gunner is HOT, HOT, HOT!! He is just too damn sexy.
I loved this story including all the characters. The Stokes brothers are a danger to a woman’s heart.
This book was funny, sad, and suspenseful. It was fantastic! I definitely recommend this book to read!
I can’t wait to read about the other two brothers!!
July 2, 2015
MY REVIEW
I loved this story about Gunner and Indie, they are wonderful characters, Gunner's family are a dream family, so awesome.
The plot is great, you have a beautiful building romance for Gunner and Indie but along side that there is drama around the couple that keeps you gripped and on the edge of your seat.
I found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion whilst reading, damn Stacy can keep you on edge with her writing.
Gunner and his brothers are such typical boys, and i thought the pranks the pulled on each other were so funny.
I really want to read more from this series, we got a glimpse of what is maybe to come with Indies best friends and Gunner's brothers, you can see the match and imagine the plots to there books from the short meeting we had in this book.
I look forward to more from the Stokes series.
I loved this story about Gunner and Indie, they are wonderful characters, Gunner's family are a dream family, so awesome.
The plot is great, you have a beautiful building romance for Gunner and Indie but along side that there is drama around the couple that keeps you gripped and on the edge of your seat.
I found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion whilst reading, damn Stacy can keep you on edge with her writing.
Gunner and his brothers are such typical boys, and i thought the pranks the pulled on each other were so funny.
I really want to read more from this series, we got a glimpse of what is maybe to come with Indies best friends and Gunner's brothers, you can see the match and imagine the plots to there books from the short meeting we had in this book.
I look forward to more from the Stokes series.
Read
July 18, 2015A bit slow going for me and one I could not finish hence unable to rate. I am sure others will love Gunner and his brothers though!
June 3, 2015
Loved loved loved this book can't wait for more.x
July 15, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So in the beginning we have Indie who is betrayed by her fiancé and friend on her wedding day. After dealing with that betrayal by them and the death of two people she loved, she decides to pack up and start fresh. She ends up renting a house hours away and falls in love with the house. While at the grocery store she literally runs into Gunner. She feels insanely attracted to him but has vowed to stay single so she takes off. One day she finds that she needs help at the house and gets a number to call and its none other than Gunner, her landlord! He asks her to go out to eat with him and while there she tells him that they can be friends but nothing more, she even goes so far as to pay for his meal. Feeling shocked Gunner lets her and can't believe he allowed this. Gunner is a sexy, controlling (but not one of those crazy kind), and at times a jealous man who would usually never allow having a lady pay for his meal. He has never been friend zoned by a woman and is amazed with her. Indie's kind and sweet soul, not to mention her body appeals to him. Gunner isn't looking for a relationship either after an ex betrayed him as well but he feels a drawn towards her and isn't willing to give up on it and just be friends. He decides to do what he can to get closer to her after not talking to her for a week that has been filled with nothing but thoughts of her. Later on in the book Indie's in danger and has someone who wants to kill her. Who could be targeting her? Will he be able to get her to agree to more? Is it love or just an insane attraction between friends? Will they find out who is coming after her in time? Will she love his family as much as he does?
This book was a really good read. I really enjoyed reading it and the relationship that Gunner has with his family really adds to this book. I can't wait to read his brothers' stories as well. They get up to no good and the whole family is funny and very loving. They are the type of family we all wish we had or are glad to have. Check this book out, it is really very good.
So in the beginning we have Indie who is betrayed by her fiancé and friend on her wedding day. After dealing with that betrayal by them and the death of two people she loved, she decides to pack up and start fresh. She ends up renting a house hours away and falls in love with the house. While at the grocery store she literally runs into Gunner. She feels insanely attracted to him but has vowed to stay single so she takes off. One day she finds that she needs help at the house and gets a number to call and its none other than Gunner, her landlord! He asks her to go out to eat with him and while there she tells him that they can be friends but nothing more, she even goes so far as to pay for his meal. Feeling shocked Gunner lets her and can't believe he allowed this. Gunner is a sexy, controlling (but not one of those crazy kind), and at times a jealous man who would usually never allow having a lady pay for his meal. He has never been friend zoned by a woman and is amazed with her. Indie's kind and sweet soul, not to mention her body appeals to him. Gunner isn't looking for a relationship either after an ex betrayed him as well but he feels a drawn towards her and isn't willing to give up on it and just be friends. He decides to do what he can to get closer to her after not talking to her for a week that has been filled with nothing but thoughts of her. Later on in the book Indie's in danger and has someone who wants to kill her. Who could be targeting her? Will he be able to get her to agree to more? Is it love or just an insane attraction between friends? Will they find out who is coming after her in time? Will she love his family as much as he does?
This book was a really good read. I really enjoyed reading it and the relationship that Gunner has with his family really adds to this book. I can't wait to read his brothers' stories as well. They get up to no good and the whole family is funny and very loving. They are the type of family we all wish we had or are glad to have. Check this book out, it is really very good.
July 23, 2015
4 Stars!
I enjoyed this book. Both of these authors are new... to me. This is the first book in a new standalone series that follows three brothers who are sexy, sweet, and genuinely good men. This book was quite sexy, suspenseful, sweet, and had quite a few twists and turns along the way. I read this book in one sitting and am super excited to get my hands on book two.
This is Indie and Gunner's story. Indie is new to town. After being burned by her fiancé and best friend on her wedding day, she flees and doesn't look back. She doesn't want or have time for a man. She just wants to settle into town and move forward. Her plan is thwarted when she meets the sexy Gunner. He is a temptation she may not be able to resist.
Gunner is guarded. After his heart got broken by ex and her harmful ways, he doesn't want a relationship. When his mysterious renter turns out to be a sexy and sweet woman he can't get out of his mind, he decides that he wants Indie and nothing will get in his way. He is planning on claiming her heart and then only will he claim her body.
Gunner and Indie have both been hurt. Both have walls around their heart yet they cannot deny their attraction. And when danger lurks around Indie, Gunner will do whatever he has to do to protect Indie. Their road to forever isn't going to be easy and obstacles will be in their way. Thrown in some drama and steamy scenes and you have a sweet romance.
I recommend this book.
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
I enjoyed this book. Both of these authors are new... to me. This is the first book in a new standalone series that follows three brothers who are sexy, sweet, and genuinely good men. This book was quite sexy, suspenseful, sweet, and had quite a few twists and turns along the way. I read this book in one sitting and am super excited to get my hands on book two.
This is Indie and Gunner's story. Indie is new to town. After being burned by her fiancé and best friend on her wedding day, she flees and doesn't look back. She doesn't want or have time for a man. She just wants to settle into town and move forward. Her plan is thwarted when she meets the sexy Gunner. He is a temptation she may not be able to resist.
Gunner is guarded. After his heart got broken by ex and her harmful ways, he doesn't want a relationship. When his mysterious renter turns out to be a sexy and sweet woman he can't get out of his mind, he decides that he wants Indie and nothing will get in his way. He is planning on claiming her heart and then only will he claim her body.
Gunner and Indie have both been hurt. Both have walls around their heart yet they cannot deny their attraction. And when danger lurks around Indie, Gunner will do whatever he has to do to protect Indie. Their road to forever isn't going to be easy and obstacles will be in their way. Thrown in some drama and steamy scenes and you have a sweet romance.
I recommend this book.
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
July 13, 2015
Review of Gunner (Stokes, #1) by C. Shivers and Stacy Mantlo
Review done for Hooked on Books
5 out of 5 stars
Indie Hughes was humiliated on her wedding day. An hour before her wedding, she walks in on her fiancé and one of her friends having sex.
Swearing to never give her heart away again, she packs up and moves to Florida to start a new life.
In the grocery store, she crashes into the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. Gunner Stokes is everything has ever dreamed of in a man but she is going to do everything to keep their relationship strictly friends.
Gunner has been burned in love as well and doesn’t think he will ever find the perfect woman. When Indie Hughes stumbles into his life, his heart is a goner.
These two heartbroken people start to each with the help of each other; they are perfect together.
Gunner is HOT, HOT, HOT!! He is just too damn sexy.
I loved this story including all the characters. The Stokes brothers are a danger to a woman’s heart.
This book was funny, sad, and suspenseful. It was fantastic! I definitely recommend this book to read!
I can’t wait to read about the other two brothers!!
Review done for Hooked on Books
5 out of 5 stars
Indie Hughes was humiliated on her wedding day. An hour before her wedding, she walks in on her fiancé and one of her friends having sex.
Swearing to never give her heart away again, she packs up and moves to Florida to start a new life.
In the grocery store, she crashes into the most gorgeous man she has ever seen. Gunner Stokes is everything has ever dreamed of in a man but she is going to do everything to keep their relationship strictly friends.
Gunner has been burned in love as well and doesn’t think he will ever find the perfect woman. When Indie Hughes stumbles into his life, his heart is a goner.
These two heartbroken people start to each with the help of each other; they are perfect together.
Gunner is HOT, HOT, HOT!! He is just too damn sexy.
I loved this story including all the characters. The Stokes brothers are a danger to a woman’s heart.
This book was funny, sad, and suspenseful. It was fantastic! I definitely recommend this book to read!
I can’t wait to read about the other two brothers!!
July 24, 2015
4 star
Both of these authors were new to me. The story has laughs, betrayal, abuse, kidnapping, suspense, twists & turns, and heartbreak.
This is Indie and Gunner’s story. After catching her fiancé and her best friend on her wedding day she moves to a new town for a fresh start. She is done with men for a while. Gunner does not trust woman after his ex-girlfriend took money from him and his brothers. Both Gunner and Indie decide to be friends but almost from the beginning Gunner knows he wants Indie as his forever. He feels it deep in his soul that she is his. But someone is after Indie. Gunner takes her to his home to protect her. Who is after Indie and why are they after her? When she is kidnapped Gunner wonders if he will ever get her back. When he finally gets her back will she be the same? Will they be able to solve the crime of who is after her and why? Will she want him after her ordeal? Or is it time for her to leave? Can Gunner get her to stay for him and his love?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from these authors.
Both of these authors were new to me. The story has laughs, betrayal, abuse, kidnapping, suspense, twists & turns, and heartbreak.
This is Indie and Gunner’s story. After catching her fiancé and her best friend on her wedding day she moves to a new town for a fresh start. She is done with men for a while. Gunner does not trust woman after his ex-girlfriend took money from him and his brothers. Both Gunner and Indie decide to be friends but almost from the beginning Gunner knows he wants Indie as his forever. He feels it deep in his soul that she is his. But someone is after Indie. Gunner takes her to his home to protect her. Who is after Indie and why are they after her? When she is kidnapped Gunner wonders if he will ever get her back. When he finally gets her back will she be the same? Will they be able to solve the crime of who is after her and why? Will she want him after her ordeal? Or is it time for her to leave? Can Gunner get her to stay for him and his love?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from these authors.
July 13, 2015
Great Read! Watch this Author Duo!
I loved this book. I mean have you peeped the cover? If not go ahead I'll wait... See?! Whoa Mama! but there is a lot more to this book than it's yummy cover. You look at the blurb and think, "Oh Girl gets screwed over by her douche fiancee on her wedding day (really guy? On your WEDDING day!??!?!) Girl meets new guy, they have a few problems, then HEA. yeah not so much. You'd think that the most dramatic part would be the cheating scum fiancee on the wedding day part right? Nope! After Indie runs off to Florida, THAT'S when the REAL drama begins. There were so many OMG moments and times where if I was a nail biter that's what I would have been doing. I swear I don't know where these brilliant authors came up with this idea but freaking KU-DOS! This is definitely not a book that I can say I have read before worded differently. This is A solid five star read! I can't wait to see where the authors take us next! I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. I mean have you peeped the cover? If not go ahead I'll wait... See?! Whoa Mama! but there is a lot more to this book than it's yummy cover. You look at the blurb and think, "Oh Girl gets screwed over by her douche fiancee on her wedding day (really guy? On your WEDDING day!??!?!) Girl meets new guy, they have a few problems, then HEA. yeah not so much. You'd think that the most dramatic part would be the cheating scum fiancee on the wedding day part right? Nope! After Indie runs off to Florida, THAT'S when the REAL drama begins. There were so many OMG moments and times where if I was a nail biter that's what I would have been doing. I swear I don't know where these brilliant authors came up with this idea but freaking KU-DOS! This is definitely not a book that I can say I have read before worded differently. This is A solid five star read! I can't wait to see where the authors take us next! I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2015
Great read! This is the first book in a new series of 3 brothers. This is Indie and Gunner’s story. Indie’s best friend slept with her fiancé minutes before she was supposed to be married causing Indie to flee to a new town in Florida. She wants to live in peace and quiet but it’s one drama after the other once she meets the handsome Gunner. Indie is kidnapped because of an inheritance she’s expected to receive, then the house she’s renting from Gunner is burned down by his ex and then her mother comes along and causes drama.
This is definitely a roller coaster of emotion – I loved it! I really enjoyed the way this was written, we get the back story of each character and it really sucks you in. Once you start reading you won’t be able to stop and you’ll be highly anticipating book 2 like I am!
This is definitely a roller coaster of emotion – I loved it! I really enjoyed the way this was written, we get the back story of each character and it really sucks you in. Once you start reading you won’t be able to stop and you’ll be highly anticipating book 2 like I am!
July 23, 2015
I think there’s something wrong with me. I could not connect to these characters even though the storyline was interesting. I’m pretty sure I have reader’s block. The story starts with Indie being betrayed by her fiancé and then she runs away to start over. She meets Gunner and they start falling for each other but there is also the added spice of a little bit of drama thrown in to keep it from being a straightforward romance book. I’m still trying to decide what the issue I had with the book is. I think it might’ve been the first person POV and how it switched back and forth. It’s like the book is a story being told after the fact rather than in the moment. I’m going to give it a couple days and re-read to see if I’m just in a funk or not.
Book provided in exchange for review.
Book provided in exchange for review.
June 26, 2016
* * ARC given on behalf of obsessed by books for an honest review * *
Loved this story of second chances.
Indie needs to get away start a new life after she find her fiancée and friend together. So Indie is done with relationships, she's going to work on herself til crashes into a tall drink of water named Gunner. Gunner has been hurt and now with construction company he doesn't have time for love but when he crashes into Indie he can't seem to get her out of his head so when he finds out she the tenant to his house he starts thinking maybe it's time. They both are scared to trust and when they try a relationship not everyone is happy for them . I love the family dynamic in this story and the chemistry between characters I'm looking forward to learning more about Gunner's brothers.
Loved this story of second chances.
Indie needs to get away start a new life after she find her fiancée and friend together. So Indie is done with relationships, she's going to work on herself til crashes into a tall drink of water named Gunner. Gunner has been hurt and now with construction company he doesn't have time for love but when he crashes into Indie he can't seem to get her out of his head so when he finds out she the tenant to his house he starts thinking maybe it's time. They both are scared to trust and when they try a relationship not everyone is happy for them . I love the family dynamic in this story and the chemistry between characters I'm looking forward to learning more about Gunner's brothers.
July 13, 2015
i received a ARC copy for a honest review and this is what RomanceReaderz thought about Gunner
i loved the concept of the story Indie pissed off felt betrayed and wants a new start avoiding all men just to rediscover herself
but She does not Plan on Gunner and i mean who would plan on him he is the epitome of hot
can the both navigate the future to heal the past can you have a second chance at love
this is a must read you will not regret reading c=gunner and falling in love with him and indie
July 14, 2015
3.5 Stars
This is a cute love-at-first-sight romance. I enjoyed the story for the most part. Gunner and his brothers were great and overall I liked the characters. My biggest issue is that it read more like a diary than a story. Each chapter was an alternating POV which I love. However, it was more like a diary entry where that character just told us what happened to them that day. Its not unreadable but it made the book seem a little less engaging. I found it was harder to really get to know the characters. If you are looking for a cute contemporary romance, this is a good choice overall.
This is a cute love-at-first-sight romance. I enjoyed the story for the most part. Gunner and his brothers were great and overall I liked the characters. My biggest issue is that it read more like a diary than a story. Each chapter was an alternating POV which I love. However, it was more like a diary entry where that character just told us what happened to them that day. Its not unreadable but it made the book seem a little less engaging. I found it was harder to really get to know the characters. If you are looking for a cute contemporary romance, this is a good choice overall.
July 15, 2015
I loved this book for so many reasons. This is book is about 2 people who have been hurt in the past and find it really hard to trust someone. They actually meet because she ran into him at the grocery store. The characters in this books seemed real because of the story line. There were some twist ans turnsvthat were unexpected but keep me wanting to read. The interaction between Gunner and his 2 brothers was hilarious. The scene with the hidden snake!
I definitely can't wait to read more from these authors. I recommend this book!
I definitely can't wait to read more from these authors. I recommend this book!
Read
September 2, 2016to be continued some day....I know I loved it so far but just drifted into other books. I'll need to go back and start it from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews