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Named one of Book Riot's 100 Must-Read Romantic Comedies!

Elementary school teacher and part-time librarian Sarah Mayhew has the perfect show off her cycling skills at her school's bike retreat and attract her oblivious coworker in the process. Her end game? Fall in love. Only one she needs to find someone to teach her how to ride a bike pronto. But when she catches sight of Chris Dean's gorgeous physique, her best laid plans are about to go off track . . .

Chris is not looking for a girlfriend. He's getting over his last one by focusing on his bike repair business. So when a feisty, sexy schoolteacher urges him to help improve her cycling skills, he does it strictly for the money. He vows he won't repeat history, even for a blond bombshell like Sarah. But when the two find themselves alone on the road, they can't help taking a detour straight into each other's arms . . .

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2016

54 people are currently reading
774 people want to read

About the author

Olivia Dade

26 books5,796 followers
Olivia Dade grew up an undeniable nerd, prone to ignoring the world around her as she read any book she could find. Her favorites, though, were always, always romances. As an adult, she earned an M.A. in American history and worked in a variety of jobs that required the donning of actual pants: Colonial Williamsburg interpreter, high school teacher, academic tutor, and (of course) librarian. Now, however, she has finally achieved her lifelong goal of wearing pajamas all day as a hermit-like writer and enthusiastic hag. She currently lives outside Stockholm with her delightful family and their ever-burgeoning collection of books.

*******

If you want to find me online, here’s where to go!

Website: https://oliviadade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliviaWrites
Newsletter: https://go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter

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5 stars
71 (20%)
4 stars
115 (32%)
3 stars
136 (38%)
2 stars
22 (6%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah.
971 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2016
What a delightful story!! I super enjoyed this loveable short read!

Sarah is a part-time librarian whose never been lucky at love. She's had every man tell her she was too dramatic, too over-the-top, too demanding, too much work, and so much more. At this point, she's resigned to "settle" and pick a man whom she believes could handle her for more than just a couple of weeks. She sets her sights on Ulysses, an art teacher at the local school. He is planning on attending a school social bike riding event. He's never really noticed her, so she thinks this event may be the best way for her to get noticed by Ulysses. Unfortunately for Sarah, she never learned how to ride a bike!

Sarah's friends have her call Chris Dean, owner of the local bike fix-it shop in town. She asks him to teach her to ride a bike in the three days she has until the event. Chris is every bit as grumpy as her friends say he is. He's fresh out of a relationship and not looking for anyone in his life. But when Sarah walks in, electricity charges the air! She is such sight! He decides to take on the challenge. He's not interested in a woman, but he could use the money she is offering!

Chris and Sarah's romance is quirky, humorous, and just plain fun to see! Sarah is a hoot! Chris is serious and grumpy but Sarah lightens him up! Neither were expecting the other and the chemistry was electrifying! How the romance unfolded was not predictable and I loved that about this story. Yes you know the way it's going and I love these types of stories, but how we get there is a wonderful mix of fun and seriousness. Sarah is quite scared of her bike and I loved how Chris calmed down her fears. How does it go? Does she do it? Do Chris and Sarah give into their spiking lust for each other? Or does she snag Ulysses??

Ready to Fall is book four in Olivia Dade's Lovestruck Librarians series and I wholeheartedly recommend it! Reading the entire series is not required to read this little gem, but I think you will be happy to read the others as well! The whole series features strong women who fall into love unexpectedly. Go ahead! Grab this quick read and find out what I am talking about!!

4 stars/3.5 flames

This book was gifted to me for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,635 reviews266 followers
July 13, 2016
What a lovely and fun romance! Sarah has a plan to catch the attention of Ulysses, a co-worker of hers , by spending time alongside him at a bike retreat. He seems like the kind of guy who might be able to put up with her outgoing character and she's not looking for love anymore, just a companion. Trouble is, she and bikes have a rather fractious history and she has never really learned to ride one. Enter Chris, bike repairman, and newly appointed teacher for Sarah (thanks to some finagling from their mutual friends). Chris has been through a bad breakup and is definitely not looking for romance, but feisty dramatic Sarah keeps getting through his defenses. What starts out as a plan to keep his hands firmly off her delectable body ends up with the two of them in bed together and a change of heart - for both of them. I loved the two of them together and as this is a novella length story, things progress quickly since they are in each other's company three days straight to teach Sarah how to ride (and ride she does 'wink, wink'). There is a little misunderstanding to add some drama to the second half but nothing over the top and we get a delightful happy ending. A great addition to the Lovestruck Librarians series! 4 stars.


Profile Image for Kaethe.
6,569 reviews534 followers
February 16, 2023
Well, of course I am going to read a series called Lovestruck Librarians. And did I get a gracious serving of snark? Not one but two locales that scream serial killer? Hideous misadventures in the out of doors? Yes, yes I say, and yes.

I am a tad disappointed though. Only a single scene was set in a library. Fortunately it was disturbing.

Ah, I do appreciate Dade's sense of humor.

Library copy
Profile Image for Grace.
1,386 reviews46 followers
April 28, 2017
3.5/5

This was nice, although it suffered from being too short and the characters at times felt a little much. But I would read more in the series!
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
June 21, 2016
A fun light read that was completely entertaining. School teacher and part time librarian Sarah Mayhew is ready to make some changes in her life. She wants to fall in love and has her sights set on a co-worker. She can't seem to get his attention so she comes up with the perfect way to accomplish that! She's going to attend the cycling retreat her school puts on. One little problem - learning to really ride a bike was never high on her list of musts. So she recruits the local bike repair guy to help her. Well pays him actually. Chris Dean is determined not to repeat past mistakes so when the blonde beauty wants cycling lessons he plans on turning her down but when she offers up the money he really can't say no.

This one was great and you don't want to miss it. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,343 reviews17 followers
January 9, 2017
I wasn't that impressed with this story. Not a lot of detail went into why the characters were the way they were, and Sarah's Drama Queen antics got old in spots. Chris' attitude also was problematic, because I did not find it logical that he'd be that bitter over his girlfriend dumping him for someone else. I felt there had to be more to his misanthropy! Thankfully, it was a quick read, but a less than enjoyable one.
Profile Image for Shari.
871 reviews76 followers
July 30, 2016

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

Ready to Fall continues our journey with the Lovestruck Librarians of Nice County. Literally we are ready for Sarah to fall as she learns how to ride a bike from the grumpy bike repairman Chris. Sarah is a part-time librarian and full-time teacher looking for love in someone who can tolerate her boisterous temperament. Most guys dump her after her drama becomes too much and she hides the pain of it by joking around a lot. Now she has her mind set on attracting a man unlike the men she usually dates, one Ulysses, gym teacher galore. Only problem is he doesn't see her and now she is determined to settle...and learn to ride a bike to get closer to him.

So Sarah approaches the grumpy town bicycle repairman about taking lessons and makes a deal with him. Chris hasn't been lucky in love, having been dumped for another man. So he isn't looking for love, or anything for that matter. Why is he so attracted to the bubbly Sarah? The woman he knows is hiding a lovable woman under a layer of jokester?

The story takes place over about 4-5 days with Chris making advances and then regretting it because she wants another man. Sarah misinterprets Chris's actions and folds into herself make my heart ache for them to find each other. The humor of the story is what kept it interesting.

While the story is short, there is a depth to the beginning of a relationship. This doesn't get them moving with each other or getting engaged, but allows us to meet two people who just want to find love with the right person. The cusp of a great relationship and I really wanted more from these two than what the story gave me.

Chris has some hard choices to make and some deep realizations, while Sarah need to realize settling for someone is cutting yourself short. An afternoon delight!
Love librarians? Catch up on the series!

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

Profile Image for bookedrightmeow.
706 reviews55 followers
January 14, 2017
*happy sigh*

Ready to Fall is book #4 is Olivia Dade's Lovestruck Librarians series, which follows a fun group of librarian friends. This novella delivers constant humor (that literally made me laugh out loud!) along with a sweetly emotional romance.

Teacher and part-time librarian Sarah Mayhew is a handful. She's feisty, clever, and funny. However, those traits that make her endearing are the same ones that have overwhelmed the guys she has dated in the past. Tired of rejection, Sarah decides to go with her head rather than her heart. She has looked for love, but she doesn't want to hurt anymore. She just wants security. Sarah sets her eyes on a fellow teacher--someone who's rather boring but safe.

Sarah's school is holding a bike retreat, so she decides to cozy up to her coworker then. Not so fast, though: Sarah doesn't know how to ride a bike. After a disastrous attempt while learning as a kid (one broken arm and dozens of stitches later), learning to ride is something that she let fall by the wayside. But on her quest for comfortable love, she's going to need to learn once and for all.

Enter Chris Dean, owner of the local bike repair shop. Sarah's friend Helen (from book #3, Mayday) puts them in touch with each other, in an effort to be helpful--but mostly to play matchmaker.

Chris is definitely hot, but he's also quite reserved. In fact, the first time that he and Sarah meet, he's downright grumpy. Sarah pleads with him to help her learn to ride a bike. After some coaxing--and a promise to pay him for his efforts--Chris agrees.

What starts out as bike lessons turns into more as Sarah and Chris realize how attracted they are to each other. Indeed, they're a good example of opposites attract: Sarah is a comedic firecracker while Chris is lowkey and focused. But something they have in common is pain that lingers just below the surface.

Sarah uses humor and charm to mask her insecurities, while Chris remains closed off to hide a previously broken heart. As the story progresses, they uncover each other's true selves and decide that they both love what they find underneath it all.

Sarah is one of my favorite heroines from this series. Part Anne Shirley, part Bridget Jones, she's an endearing mix of pluck and vulnerability. Her dialogue brought on so many laughs. Likewise, Chris is a strong, reserved type who I took to immediately. His initial grumpiness is short-lived, but it made me like his character right away. For me, the only thing better than a grumpy hero is one who knows how to grovel and apologize really well.

Since this is a novella, the romance itself is a bit of a whirlwind and happens over the course of a few days. But I just loved this couple and especially appreciated the balance of comedy and tender moments.

Ready to Fall manages to be lighthearted and fun while also exploring emotion and depth. It's a combination that definitely worked for me and I highly recommend this book, as well as the others in the Lovestruck Librarians series.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books739 followers
June 21, 2016
My Review:
This book...omg, I loved it so, so much. I read it while on a road trip with my hubby. I kept laughing out loud so much, I ended up reading half the book aloud to him so he could enjoy how fabulous and fun it was.

Sarah's character makes this book. Her friends say she's a bit overly dramatic. Sarah can't help it if nature is out to get her. After a string of boyfriends dump her because she got to be too much for them, she decides no more dating the quiet, reserved guys that she's drawn to. She needs to date someone more like her. She sets her sites on Ulysses, a fellow teacher who is just as enthusiastic and crazy as her. But to get his attention she needs to go out on an all-day bicycle ride...something not easily done for this 32 yo who never learned to ride a bike. In fact, she's pretty much terrified of bikes after some childhood trauma with her bike trying to kill her.

Chris is a grumpy bicycle repairer. He's just moved to this small town and opened his business after having his heart broken. He's decided that he needs to do something he loves...bikes, but his attitude isn't helping his business any. He needs the money or else he would never have agreed to teach Sarah how to ride.

I loved the two of them together. At first, they seem like such an odd couple, but the more time they spent together the more their chemistry sizzled. I also really loved how much Chris lusted after Sarah's short, curvy form. It's fun to read a book with a curvy heroine that has the hero panting after her from the very beginning.

Note, this book is pretty short and moves extremely fast. It really only covers a timespan of 4 days, but that worked for me in this particular story. Normally I'm not that sold on this kind of insta-love, but the author totally made it work.

This is my first time reading this author. Now, I need to go back and read the other librarian books because I loved this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Terri.
703 reviews20 followers
June 18, 2016
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is June 21st, 2016.

This story is the fourth instalment in the lovestruck librarian series. While I have not read all the stories, I have read most. That being said, it would not be necessary to read them in order as this can be read as a standalone.

There are two things that I really liked about this story.

One...the length. I don't always have the time to invest in a long story and the short length of this ensure that I could get some reading enjoyment in without the time commitment. This is perfect when I am having a crazy week at work yet feel like I am neglecting my reading time (which I have been). Perfect solution.

Two....Sarah. I loved her sense of humor. The way she described a bicycle as a death trap had me in stitches. Her strong sense of who she was and her attitude when she wanted something is something we all could learn from. I loved that she was so feisty yet so tiny (height).

I will not divulge any plot details, the synopsis does a good job. This story came to me a good time when I was looking for something short and it did not disappoint. Dade does a good job of creating characters which are more "real life" than a lot of stories in this genre which makes it enjoyable. I will continue to follow her group of librarians as long as she keeps writing about them
Profile Image for Jess.
3,590 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2017
This was really, really cute. Sarah is a bit much at times, but mostly, it was just a happy story about two people who shouldn't be right for each other but are falling in love. I needed that.
Profile Image for Caro.
1,003 reviews
July 3, 2016
3.5 stars.

This one was a lovely, short little thing.

We have Sarah and Chris, meeting when Sarah needs help learning how to ride a bike. From there, you know things are gonna be fun… and awkward when Chris learns the reason why she needs to learn in three days.

I wasn’t much fan of Sarah doing this to get a guy’s attention, more when she really didn’t know him. However, after hearing her history with men, it made actual sense for her to do this. I really wanted to hug her and kick all those guys’ asses. What jerks.

And then enters Chris, all broody and serious. Such a great complement to Sarah’s happy attitude. The truly needed someone like each other in their lives, they needed help and didn’t know it.

A truly fun story with swoons, giving chances and recognizing that you deserve way more that what you’ve been getting in life.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Samantha.
725 reviews31 followers
February 2, 2017
Preeeeeeetty much the perfect fucking book to start 2017 off on. This had everything I love in a solid romance - compelling characters, balanced plot, and just the right balance between tension and resolution - and I have to say, the subjects it dealt with hit particularly close to home. For anyone whose ever worried about being too much - this one is for you.
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,389 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2017
Weird... I came on-line, intending to give this a 4 (.5)... and landed on a three. It's not because the book wasn't cute - it was laugh-out-loud hysterical in places. It's not because the story-line wasn't enjoyable. It was well-written, a fast-paced read, and was witty.

I just... for some reason, it felt too loud and too pat for me. I must be getting finicky in my old age... I want Ulysses to not be a caricature, for her to have a real decision to make. I want the man who swore off girls to REALLY have sworn off girls, and have to wrestle with himself a lot longer. I want less snark and a little more vulnerability from both of them. Yup. I'm apparently finicky.

On the other hand, I had a wonderful time reading it, just the same. And I laughed until I cried, in a couple of spots. So there's that, right? :D
378 reviews
March 19, 2021
I was surprised and delighted to find my library had this ebook, because the series is unavailable. I just want to read every single thing Olivia Dade has ever written because I love her work so much.

This book was super sweet and funny. I loved the chemistry between the main characters. The romantic development felt quite unrealistic but I loved it anyways.

The only thing I didn't love was that the tension arose from a misunderstanding that just needed one conversation to sort out, which I'm never a bit fan of, but at least they had friends to step in to help them figure it out quickly. Unlike other romances where it can take pages and pages to sort out when all they needed to do was have one conversation.
Profile Image for Laura.
27 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2019
I had high hopes for this book based on the premise of the series though this was the first one of the author’s books I started to read. I got about halfway and gave up. The language was annoying. I’m not a prude and my second language is swear words but the characters in this book could use some restraint on the frivolous flinging of the F word. The F word is more of a seasoning and not the main course, it should be used to flavor the dish not be the dish. Too much F word and it loses its power. This is the first time I’ve quit reading a book because of its overuse of curse words. Disappointing.
483 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2022
I really don’t get the one night and you’re in love theme in this series. I went ahead and read it because I had it checked out, but good gravy. This woman can write well. The churning out of flat characters and steamy scenes went one bore (autocorrect is probably right, even though I meant one note) after two books with that same trope. I skimmed half of this. It’s a shame because it had so much potential. It reads like a sketch.
305 reviews
December 27, 2019
This was short and sweet. Olivia Dade delivers another one of her typical loving depiction of round women that shine light on the sexiness of ample bodies and soft folds.

I was not convinced by the quick wrap-up of the book, but it is inherent to novellas so I won’t deduct any stars.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 75 books427 followers
May 15, 2017
I have loved all of this series, but this little novella is one of my faves so far. These two were just so sweet and special. Plus, the handlebars of death at the end :)
536 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2017
This was fun and frothy, didn't land quite as well as book 5 did for me, but still very readable.
1,024 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2019
Another cute romance with lots of sex and a little drama. I enjoyed the humor about the heroine's outdoors experience.
Profile Image for SimmieJ.
67 reviews
October 25, 2020
DNF @ 50% I'm so sad. I should have loved this one, but couldnt connect with the characters at all :(
Profile Image for Laura.
1,936 reviews27 followers
January 1, 2021
This book was okay. The problem was that I didn't really like either of the characters all that much. They were just bleh--not really developed and fleshed out.
Profile Image for Pamela.
754 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2021
finished very quickly during vacation. this was a pretty sweet romance novel set in one of my favorite places (around books). Sarah was hysterical and tried so much! had to read the entire set!
Profile Image for Lexi.
1,007 reviews
November 12, 2023
Okay enough. Both characters were pretty annoying in their own way, but the story itself was straightforward and bearable
Profile Image for Hannah.
406 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2024
Cute fast read!! It takes skill to cram all the things into a romance novella. Olivia Dade was masterful.
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