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Just the Essentials
This is a previously-published edition - ASIN: B016E9UPQO
After twenty-year-old Kinsley is dumped by her longtime boyfriend, she escapes to her grandparent's Colorado cabin to rethink her future and focus on her writing. But when she arrives, she finds a patchy roof, a death-trap deck, and rosebushes that threaten to swallow her whole. Just when Kinsley's ready to cut her losses and return home, she meets Jack—the local handyman with hazel eyes and a wicked smirk.
Thinking Jack is precisely the meaningless summer distraction she needs, Kinsley resolves to rough it in the cabin despite its current lack of water, electricity, Internet, cell phone service, and heat.
But soon Kinsley realizes that Jack isn’t distraction material. He might just end up being something a little more essential…
After twenty-year-old Kinsley is dumped by her longtime boyfriend, she escapes to her grandparent's Colorado cabin to rethink her future and focus on her writing. But when she arrives, she finds a patchy roof, a death-trap deck, and rosebushes that threaten to swallow her whole. Just when Kinsley's ready to cut her losses and return home, she meets Jack—the local handyman with hazel eyes and a wicked smirk.
Thinking Jack is precisely the meaningless summer distraction she needs, Kinsley resolves to rough it in the cabin despite its current lack of water, electricity, Internet, cell phone service, and heat.
But soon Kinsley realizes that Jack isn’t distraction material. He might just end up being something a little more essential…
308 pages, ebook
First published November 6, 2015
337 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Shari L. Tapscott
68 books912 followersShari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Join Shari's newsletter, and be one of the first to learn about new projects, upcoming releases, sales, and specials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 18, 2019
Cute and sweet. I believe this was one of the authors first published books (I could be wrong). I liked the overall story, fun setting and characters. I didn't quite love it as much as the authors newer books, but I still enjoyed it.
Content: Clean romance, no violence or language
Content: Clean romance, no violence or language
April 1, 2019
Such a cute book! Laugh out loud moments, a sigh worthy main man, a likable heroine and you get yourself a book to pick up! Really loving this author!
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October 4, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (10/4/18)!💝
June 4, 2020
Huh, who knew, I think I like this author. I have been on a contemporary kick lately. I loved The Match and A guy Worth Shaving for and I always try to find others like it. Tapscott writes good characters in believable settings. She creates good tension. It's like a really good Hallmark movie without the perfect make up and the too cheesy guy. This one was a little silly but was a fun read. This was chaste with way too few kisses:} No religious themes, there is one prayer. I think anyone would pray in that situation tho.
September 9, 2019
Just Perfect!
I really loved this book! The first person narrative was so fun- getting inside Kinsley’s head and hearing her thoughts made the story feel more personal and real. Some of her thought just made me laugh, and the romance had my toes curling in delight. I thought the growth she made as a character was beautifully done and Jack was such a fantastic swoony hero! Can’t wait to read more by this author -a great clean romance I will definitely read again.
I really loved this book! The first person narrative was so fun- getting inside Kinsley’s head and hearing her thoughts made the story feel more personal and real. Some of her thought just made me laugh, and the romance had my toes curling in delight. I thought the growth she made as a character was beautifully done and Jack was such a fantastic swoony hero! Can’t wait to read more by this author -a great clean romance I will definitely read again.
November 14, 2018
Just the Essentials: A Sweet New Adult Romance - PG13
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: nope; some mighty fine kisses, though!
For once, "sweet romance" was actually sweet and clean. This was well-written and a great story about growing up and following your dream. The big misunderstanding is a *heart breaker*! I'm looking for more from this author.
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: nope; some mighty fine kisses, though!
For once, "sweet romance" was actually sweet and clean. This was well-written and a great story about growing up and following your dream. The big misunderstanding is a *heart breaker*! I'm looking for more from this author.
January 26, 2017
Full review @ http://tenilleberezay.com/review-tues...
Kinsley is a character that had to grow on me a bit. For being in her early twenties, she was just kinda immature. She had never really been without close contact with her family. That being said, it was great to watch her grow and become more independent. Of course, she also learns to appreciate the outdoors more, even going on a week-long trail ride. (To say I loved this aspect of the story is a BIG understatement). In the end, she learns to be more confident and secure in her abilities to do the wh
whole adult thing.
Jack is pretty great too. I love how he's a huge tease (with a great reason to be--a reason he openly shares with Kinsley) and seems to know more about Kinsley than she does herself. Oh, and he has that vulnerable side....ahhh.
Tapscott always does an awesome job with unique characters. She also manages to surprise me every, single time she takes a standard plot point and twists it. For example, ditzy new girlfriend? Check. No, wait. She's actually not so ditzy. Girl gets into a huge mess and the hero comes? No. She has to manage on her own for awhile. Big, happy reunion after said mess is solved? Yes! And...no. I mean, the formulas are ones I've seen, but the execution gets me every time. And I like it. And the real, live ending? I was on the edge of my seat, practically yelling at these characters. So, yeah, I was a little into it.
Obviously, I would recommend this book. It is clean, so even though the character's are older, it would still be a great fit for the YA crowd. There were a lot of great lessons learned while still a being a really, really fun story.
Kinsley is a character that had to grow on me a bit. For being in her early twenties, she was just kinda immature. She had never really been without close contact with her family. That being said, it was great to watch her grow and become more independent. Of course, she also learns to appreciate the outdoors more, even going on a week-long trail ride. (To say I loved this aspect of the story is a BIG understatement). In the end, she learns to be more confident and secure in her abilities to do the wh
whole adult thing.
Jack is pretty great too. I love how he's a huge tease (with a great reason to be--a reason he openly shares with Kinsley) and seems to know more about Kinsley than she does herself. Oh, and he has that vulnerable side....ahhh.
Tapscott always does an awesome job with unique characters. She also manages to surprise me every, single time she takes a standard plot point and twists it. For example, ditzy new girlfriend? Check. No, wait. She's actually not so ditzy. Girl gets into a huge mess and the hero comes? No. She has to manage on her own for awhile. Big, happy reunion after said mess is solved? Yes! And...no. I mean, the formulas are ones I've seen, but the execution gets me every time. And I like it. And the real, live ending? I was on the edge of my seat, practically yelling at these characters. So, yeah, I was a little into it.
Obviously, I would recommend this book. It is clean, so even though the character's are older, it would still be a great fit for the YA crowd. There were a lot of great lessons learned while still a being a really, really fun story.
January 23, 2016
I loved Just the Essentials! A quick, lighthearted read that had me amused and laughing from page one.
When Kinsley, a recent college graduate and aspiring writer, finishes college with no clear career path before her, she agrees to spend the summer readying her grandparents’ cabin to be put on the market. Fresh out of a three-year relationship, Kinsley is hurt and not looking to get involved with another guy. But then she meets Jack (gorgeous Jack!) who is the local handyman. He’s good at everything – and is constantly popping up to help Kinsley out. Jack is instantly drawn to Kinsley but, despite his attraction, he’s hesitant to get involved and be her rebound. But then, Kinsley’s ex-boyfriend shows up at the campsite with his new girl and things get very interesting…
I adored Kinsley’s character – she is extremely likeable, easy to relate to, and has a great sense of humor. I was cracking up at the things she would say and think. Jack is also really likeable. I enjoyed the banter between the two of them and felt like their conversations were realistic for their age. Just the Essentials is a fun, lighthearted read with great dialogue! Highly recommended.
When Kinsley, a recent college graduate and aspiring writer, finishes college with no clear career path before her, she agrees to spend the summer readying her grandparents’ cabin to be put on the market. Fresh out of a three-year relationship, Kinsley is hurt and not looking to get involved with another guy. But then she meets Jack (gorgeous Jack!) who is the local handyman. He’s good at everything – and is constantly popping up to help Kinsley out. Jack is instantly drawn to Kinsley but, despite his attraction, he’s hesitant to get involved and be her rebound. But then, Kinsley’s ex-boyfriend shows up at the campsite with his new girl and things get very interesting…
I adored Kinsley’s character – she is extremely likeable, easy to relate to, and has a great sense of humor. I was cracking up at the things she would say and think. Jack is also really likeable. I enjoyed the banter between the two of them and felt like their conversations were realistic for their age. Just the Essentials is a fun, lighthearted read with great dialogue! Highly recommended.
December 26, 2017
Romance, clean, series
This is a stand-alone read.
Kinsley's story was a lovely fall. Beautiful read. As a reader, I always enjoy the bit of mystery, the questioning, and the wonder of new love. Kinsley's story is one of healing and hope after being let-down by her long-term boyfriend who wants more than she can give.
Jack is a perfect character, kind, caring, helpful, and wonderfully fun. I always enjoy reading about two genuine, honest hearts. His sincere concern and desire to be there for Kinsley was a lovely read. The way Kinsley's story comes together, her injury, her courage to face hardships (partially because Jack prepared her and encouraged her), her goodness, and her genuine love of her time with Jack, was a lovely read.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series when it comes out! More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but a lovely read, and the everydayness of the story was there for me, and set the stage for their fall.
This is a stand-alone read.
Kinsley's story was a lovely fall. Beautiful read. As a reader, I always enjoy the bit of mystery, the questioning, and the wonder of new love. Kinsley's story is one of healing and hope after being let-down by her long-term boyfriend who wants more than she can give.
Jack is a perfect character, kind, caring, helpful, and wonderfully fun. I always enjoy reading about two genuine, honest hearts. His sincere concern and desire to be there for Kinsley was a lovely read. The way Kinsley's story comes together, her injury, her courage to face hardships (partially because Jack prepared her and encouraged her), her goodness, and her genuine love of her time with Jack, was a lovely read.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series when it comes out! More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but a lovely read, and the everydayness of the story was there for me, and set the stage for their fall.
July 12, 2017
Very cute story!! I felt that Jack really understands Kinsley, and that's what makes them such a good match. They are so cute and funny together, and I love how daring Jack is. I also really liked the budding relationship between the girls Amber and Kinsley. One thing I didn't like was the ending. It seemed rushed and I think there could've been more resolution.
Summary:
Great relationship development
Exciting story
Some daring moments
Summary:
Great relationship development
Exciting story
Some daring moments
June 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this one! Likable characters, angst, chemistry, and some ex- drama will pull you through the pages. This novel was clean and had a theme of patiently waiting for what is worthwhile... The ending was good but I wish there would have been an epilogue!
Romance - Clean
Violence - None, there is an injury
Language - None
Romance - Clean
Violence - None, there is an injury
Language - None
October 6, 2018
Cute read
October 8, 2018
This was a cute fun story. Kinsley and Jack are great together!
This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last!
This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last!
March 30, 2019
Loved this one! Funny, swoony, just the right amount of tension. Such an enjoyable clean romance!!
July 7, 2019
This book is what it promises to be - a sweet, romantic story, with likeable MCs and little angst. I really enjoyed reading it - and it even made me look up Red Mountain Pass in Colorado (wow!) so that was an inspiring read and I learned something new (which was definitely an unexpected bonus). Some minor criticism is about the ending - far, far too abrupt IMO (I would have loved an epilogue) and an angsty fragment towards the end (yes, there was one) which required too much suspension of disbelief on my part. But as I said, it was a fun red and I might even go back to the book later.
March 3, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed Kinsley and Jack’s story. I did wish for an epilogue at the end; as is, it felt a bit abrupt. But overall, I’m considering moving to the mountains to find myself my very own lumberjack.
April 6, 2016
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an Honest review.
I really liked this book! It had a good good story line and I'm a total sucker for romantic stories, especially Summer romances!
I loved the characters! All of them were such perfect parts to the story and not one character was unnecessary.
Detailed review to come soon!
I really liked this book! It had a good good story line and I'm a total sucker for romantic stories, especially Summer romances!
I loved the characters! All of them were such perfect parts to the story and not one character was unnecessary.
Detailed review to come soon!
December 10, 2016
A nicely written, story about a young woman who realizes she is attached to the wrong man. She breaks away and has an opportunity to rediscover who she really is while clean out her grandparents mountain cabin. New relationships present along with the drama that makes these stories work. A little humor, a little drama and a teasing romance. A nice break by the fire read.
August 18, 2016
I normally only read regency or fairy tale type books but I thought I would try this one since I enjoyed the other books by this author. It did not disappoint. I was seriously smiling or giggling the whole way through. If you enjoy a clean and sweet romance, then this is a must read.
April 30, 2019
Great chemistry...clean read
I loved this one. There was great chemistry between the two main characters. I also just love this authors books. Very enjoyable and a clean read.
I loved this one. There was great chemistry between the two main characters. I also just love this authors books. Very enjoyable and a clean read.
August 28, 2019
Super cute. Ok I loved the part about red mountain pass!!! I’ve soooo been there! It is the scariest road ever! Lol. Made me laugh
June 17, 2020
3.5 stars!
October 11, 2018
4.5 stars
Kinsley is kind of a mess at the beginning, and I was worried that she would be one of those heroines that I just couldn't like, but fortunately, once she got to the cabin, things start to happen and Jack happens and we get to see her start figuring things out.
Meanwhile, the story is fun and Jack is swoony - and, oh my, those teasing almost kisses *fanning self*
The 0.5 star deduction is for the misunderstanding that leads to the two separating. I get the foundation the author gave us for Jack's paranoia, but it still just didn't totally make sense the way it played out. And why Kinsley wouldn't have told Nicole to MYOB & go away when she was trying to talk to Jack is beyond my ken, as well.
However, the story is fun with a dreamy hero and a wonderful happily-ever-after - I enthusiastically recommend it! Now, I'm off to explore more of Shari Tapscott's books...
Kinsley is kind of a mess at the beginning, and I was worried that she would be one of those heroines that I just couldn't like, but fortunately, once she got to the cabin, things start to happen and Jack happens and we get to see her start figuring things out.
Meanwhile, the story is fun and Jack is swoony - and, oh my, those teasing almost kisses *fanning self*
The 0.5 star deduction is for the misunderstanding that leads to the two separating. I get the foundation the author gave us for Jack's paranoia, but it still just didn't totally make sense the way it played out. And why Kinsley wouldn't have told Nicole to MYOB & go away when she was trying to talk to Jack is beyond my ken, as well.
However, the story is fun with a dreamy hero and a wonderful happily-ever-after - I enthusiastically recommend it! Now, I'm off to explore more of Shari Tapscott's books...
October 23, 2018
I liked this book.
Basically I liked Kinsley and Jack's relationship. It happened a little fast for me but it was alright. I was bugged at times when Kinsley held back a smile or a reaction when it just seemed dumb to do so. Didn't love the way her family treated her but I guess if they hadn't treated her that way she wouldn't have met Jack. I thought their teasing and banter was cute and wish there'd been more about their relationship. The story seemed a little vague at times and I wanted more detail. Felt like I was missing things. Overall though a pretty quick easy read and basically a good story.
Basically I liked Kinsley and Jack's relationship. It happened a little fast for me but it was alright. I was bugged at times when Kinsley held back a smile or a reaction when it just seemed dumb to do so. Didn't love the way her family treated her but I guess if they hadn't treated her that way she wouldn't have met Jack. I thought their teasing and banter was cute and wish there'd been more about their relationship. The story seemed a little vague at times and I wanted more detail. Felt like I was missing things. Overall though a pretty quick easy read and basically a good story.
March 23, 2020
This was just the cute, light, fluffy read I needed. I related to this main character, her relationship with her siblings, and her love of junk food and hate for exercising. Jack was super sweet and cute. That misunderstanding was frustrating. I hated Hudson. Amber grew on me eventually. Their friendship reminded me of Reba and Barbara Jean lol. I wish after the resolution it hadn't ended so fast. It needed an epilogue. I felt like the ending was just a little unbelievably wrapped in a bow. Her moving there, etc, etc. But it was cute
June 26, 2021
I liked this book for what it was, a fun time. Girl and boyfriend breakup, girl goes to the mountains to fix up her dead grandparent's cabin, girl falls for new boy, ex-boyfriend stalks her and brings his bubbly new girlfriend along. It was a fun time. My issue is that there were clear communications in Kinsley's first relationship and miscommunication seems to be a theme in her relationship with Jack too. The story was full of fluff and cute moments though, so, would still recommend if you're after something light and fluffy.
August 7, 2017
I have to admit I loved this one. Just the Essentials was cute, fluffy fun that every girl/woman wants to experience at least once in their life. The main character, Kinsley, was a bit whiny for my tastes at certain points but I can see why the author decided to portray her that way when you get to the end and the big event happens. I would recommend this just so anyone can drool over the fine specimen of a man called Jack. I have a new lumberjack fixation thanks to this book.
December 22, 2017
After reading a period-fantasy series by the same author, I was fairly disappointed by this book. There was nothing special about the characters, set up, or plot line. Where her Silver and Orchids series felt fresh, surprising, and unexpected, this felt cookie-cutter, predictable, and forced. I felt no special connection to anyone really, nor did I care much about what happened. I'm hoping this is an aberration, and future books will continue to impress.
April 5, 2018
Cute, sweet, and clean
Cute story, fun characters, and clean. I enjoyed the banter and the fun the characters had. It was more show then tell - show me their thoughts vs. Telling me their thoughts. Flowed well and was a fun read. I wanted a little more from the ending which was cute, but I wanted to know what happened next.
Cute story, fun characters, and clean. I enjoyed the banter and the fun the characters had. It was more show then tell - show me their thoughts vs. Telling me their thoughts. Flowed well and was a fun read. I wanted a little more from the ending which was cute, but I wanted to know what happened next.
October 15, 2018
Slow start but glad I kept reading.
At first I thought I would be reading about some spoiled rich girls, but once her adventure and the romance started, I was good. At one point I nearly burst out laughing ( in the middle of the night) while reading about her eating kale. Too funny! I enjoyed this clean romance story. Thanks for entertaining me.
At first I thought I would be reading about some spoiled rich girls, but once her adventure and the romance started, I was good. At one point I nearly burst out laughing ( in the middle of the night) while reading about her eating kale. Too funny! I enjoyed this clean romance story. Thanks for entertaining me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews