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12 Steps to Mr. Right
12 steps to finding Mr. Right, composed by dating coach extraordinaire Savannah Gamble
1: Admit to being powerless over your attraction to the wrong type of guy. (Like Lincoln Wells, who broke your heart after an unforgettable one-night stand.)
2: Believe Mr. Right is out there.
3: Take inventory of past mistakes. (See step #1.)
4: Make a list of qualities you want in a man. (Avoid charming baseball players/reason you made these rules in the first place)
5: Take charge of your own life.
6: Learn to love yourself.
7: Sort the hookup guys from the relationship guys. (Avoid a painful brushoff after an amazing night together.)
8: Never, ever settle. (Even if the chemistry is off-the-charts.)
9: Don’t believe you can change a guy. (Once a commitment-phobe, always a commitment-phobe)
10: Communicate your needs.
11: Open your heart & love fully. (Still working on this one…)
12: Don’t ever, ever stray from the steps.
1: Admit to being powerless over your attraction to the wrong type of guy. (Like Lincoln Wells, who broke your heart after an unforgettable one-night stand.)
2: Believe Mr. Right is out there.
3: Take inventory of past mistakes. (See step #1.)
4: Make a list of qualities you want in a man. (Avoid charming baseball players/reason you made these rules in the first place)
5: Take charge of your own life.
6: Learn to love yourself.
7: Sort the hookup guys from the relationship guys. (Avoid a painful brushoff after an amazing night together.)
8: Never, ever settle. (Even if the chemistry is off-the-charts.)
9: Don’t believe you can change a guy. (Once a commitment-phobe, always a commitment-phobe)
10: Communicate your needs.
11: Open your heart & love fully. (Still working on this one…)
12: Don’t ever, ever stray from the steps.
350 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 26, 2016
22 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Cindi Madsen
66 books2,264 followersCindi Madsen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. She loves music and dancing and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She and her family also take their Marvel addiction very seriously, as their one-eyed cat, Agent Fury, and their kitty named Valkyrie can attest.
You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books.
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You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books.
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See her inspiration pins on Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 1, 2016
3.5 stars!
Blogger turned dating coach Savannah Gamble has a tested and proven 12-step plan into finding Mr. Right. Her experience when she was in college helped her create her program, and thanks to a successful match with a prominent woman in their city, she now has clients all over the city falling in line to join her clientele list.
Just because she's successfully coached women into finding their Mr. Right doesn't mean she's had luck with finding hers. But now that things are looking better for her and her career, she might just try and use the 12-step program on herself. Good thing she knows the program by heart, because Lincoln Wells is back, and he's back for good.
Linc wants to renew that friendship––maybe even something more than friendship––and Savannah can't resist even when she knows Linc is the ultimate bearer of all red flags. He's the red flag; the one who made the 12-step program possible.
It took me a while to get into it, but once the two have reunited, things started to pick up.
There's a bit of slow-romance, friends-to-lovers, second chance romance going on in this story written in Savannah's POV. I love the friendship/burgeoning relationship between the Savannah and Linc, and it's pretty obvious he's wooing her through the "research" they're doing.
When I first read the blurb, I expected Linc to be a reformed asshole. You know his kind––he was a total player with no regard for the feelings of others, but has finally found the light. Linc wasn't all that though. Before the whole one night stand thing in college, Linc really was Savannah's friend. He was kind to her and cared about her; he just wasn't the settling down type. I think that was his major flaw when they were younger. He had his eye on the price––a career in baseball––and he won't let anything get in the way. Not even love. Especially not love.
I really liked him as a character. Aside from the things I've said above, he doesn't put the blame on others about his past mistakes and actions. He takes full credit and understands that what he did wasn't the best course of action. He's doing his best to prove to Savannah that he's serious and in it for the long haul.
Savannah said a lot of things about dating and guys that made sense, but some seemed a tad bit judgmental. She supports women and their goal to look for the perfect match, but she judges men based on their physical appearance and the encounters she's had before. It wasn't something I liked about her.
I highlighted a lot of points that might help me in my search for Mr. Right, but I won't close my doors on things unexpected the way Savannah almost did with Linc. Still, she's a great girl who promotes confidence and self-love to other women, and I love that about her.
I loved their relationship because it was based on friendship. The two got along really well, and they support each other in their respective careers. Savannah has had dates where they didn't really take her job seriously. Linc, while he doesn't fully agree with the things she's saying, he supports her and even helps her research possible meet cute spots for her workshops.
The book gave a lot of exposure to Savannah's career, but some scenes felt unneccessary and out of place. I understood the need to show the arc about Abigail, one of the clients, but the others didn't seem essential enough to be in the story. Those additional scenes made the story a bit dragging.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book very much. It made me feel that I shouldn't limit myself to the list of the things I'm looking for because ultimately, "Ms./Mr. Perfect" depends on the timing, goals, and feelings of each person.
*ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
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For the first time in years, I wanted to take a risk more than I wanted to be safe."
Blogger turned dating coach Savannah Gamble has a tested and proven 12-step plan into finding Mr. Right. Her experience when she was in college helped her create her program, and thanks to a successful match with a prominent woman in their city, she now has clients all over the city falling in line to join her clientele list.
Just because she's successfully coached women into finding their Mr. Right doesn't mean she's had luck with finding hers. But now that things are looking better for her and her career, she might just try and use the 12-step program on herself. Good thing she knows the program by heart, because Lincoln Wells is back, and he's back for good.
Linc wants to renew that friendship––maybe even something more than friendship––and Savannah can't resist even when she knows Linc is the ultimate bearer of all red flags. He's the red flag; the one who made the 12-step program possible.
It took me a while to get into it, but once the two have reunited, things started to pick up.
There's a bit of slow-romance, friends-to-lovers, second chance romance going on in this story written in Savannah's POV. I love the friendship/burgeoning relationship between the Savannah and Linc, and it's pretty obvious he's wooing her through the "research" they're doing.
When I first read the blurb, I expected Linc to be a reformed asshole. You know his kind––he was a total player with no regard for the feelings of others, but has finally found the light. Linc wasn't all that though. Before the whole one night stand thing in college, Linc really was Savannah's friend. He was kind to her and cared about her; he just wasn't the settling down type. I think that was his major flaw when they were younger. He had his eye on the price––a career in baseball––and he won't let anything get in the way. Not even love. Especially not love.
I really liked him as a character. Aside from the things I've said above, he doesn't put the blame on others about his past mistakes and actions. He takes full credit and understands that what he did wasn't the best course of action. He's doing his best to prove to Savannah that he's serious and in it for the long haul.
Savannah said a lot of things about dating and guys that made sense, but some seemed a tad bit judgmental. She supports women and their goal to look for the perfect match, but she judges men based on their physical appearance and the encounters she's had before. It wasn't something I liked about her.
I highlighted a lot of points that might help me in my search for Mr. Right, but I won't close my doors on things unexpected the way Savannah almost did with Linc. Still, she's a great girl who promotes confidence and self-love to other women, and I love that about her.
I loved their relationship because it was based on friendship. The two got along really well, and they support each other in their respective careers. Savannah has had dates where they didn't really take her job seriously. Linc, while he doesn't fully agree with the things she's saying, he supports her and even helps her research possible meet cute spots for her workshops.
The book gave a lot of exposure to Savannah's career, but some scenes felt unneccessary and out of place. I understood the need to show the arc about Abigail, one of the clients, but the others didn't seem essential enough to be in the story. Those additional scenes made the story a bit dragging.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book very much. It made me feel that I shouldn't limit myself to the list of the things I'm looking for because ultimately, "Ms./Mr. Perfect" depends on the timing, goals, and feelings of each person.
*ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
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September 26, 2016
Rating: 3.5/5
This is a humorous second chance romance, told from the point of view of Savannah Gamble, who became a dating coach and consultant after her hook up with her best friend at college was followed by him leaving a note on her pillow and then essentially disappeared from her life, leaving her heartbroken. Actually she’s still not over it. She used the experience and created a 12 step program for women to meet potential life partners, a program that has had success for many of her clients but not for herself. When the villain ex-best friend returns to her life and wants to be friends again she needs to keep reminding herself of the rules she created as she tries to protect herself from further heartbreak. There are many additional romances in this story, including those of her clients Annabeth and Amy Lynn, as well as family drama and trauma.
There are laugh out loud moments in this story, especially as Savannah tries to talk herself into - or out of - certain actions. It is easy to relate to Savannah as she tries to sort out everyone else’s love life for them but really struggles to sort out her own. Sometimes rules are, after all, just made to be broken - aren’t they?
I was gifted a copy of this book by the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a humorous second chance romance, told from the point of view of Savannah Gamble, who became a dating coach and consultant after her hook up with her best friend at college was followed by him leaving a note on her pillow and then essentially disappeared from her life, leaving her heartbroken. Actually she’s still not over it. She used the experience and created a 12 step program for women to meet potential life partners, a program that has had success for many of her clients but not for herself. When the villain ex-best friend returns to her life and wants to be friends again she needs to keep reminding herself of the rules she created as she tries to protect herself from further heartbreak. There are many additional romances in this story, including those of her clients Annabeth and Amy Lynn, as well as family drama and trauma.
There are laugh out loud moments in this story, especially as Savannah tries to talk herself into - or out of - certain actions. It is easy to relate to Savannah as she tries to sort out everyone else’s love life for them but really struggles to sort out her own. Sometimes rules are, after all, just made to be broken - aren’t they?
I was gifted a copy of this book by the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2016
4 stars
12 Steps to Mr. Right was fun, sweet and entertaining second chance love story.
I loved watching Savannah and Linc come together, it warmed my heart how patient and sweet Linc was. He knew it was going to take time for Savannah to be in the same place as him and for her to put past hurts behind and truly open her heart to being loved.
I found myself my turning the pages late into the night as I couldn't put it down. Being in Savannah's head was both fun and at times a little tiring as she liked to argue with herself about her feelings for Linc. It was very satisfying when Savannah finally gave into her feelings and let Linc in.
I loved these two together, they had a beautiful friendship and a deep love that lay the foundation to a life full of love ahead.
I'm a big fan of Cindi Madsen's writing, she writes with heart and gives her readers entertaining storylines with characters that bring out all the feels.
*Thank you to Entangled Select for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
12 Steps to Mr. Right was fun, sweet and entertaining second chance love story.
I loved watching Savannah and Linc come together, it warmed my heart how patient and sweet Linc was. He knew it was going to take time for Savannah to be in the same place as him and for her to put past hurts behind and truly open her heart to being loved.
I found myself my turning the pages late into the night as I couldn't put it down. Being in Savannah's head was both fun and at times a little tiring as she liked to argue with herself about her feelings for Linc. It was very satisfying when Savannah finally gave into her feelings and let Linc in.
I loved these two together, they had a beautiful friendship and a deep love that lay the foundation to a life full of love ahead.
I'm a big fan of Cindi Madsen's writing, she writes with heart and gives her readers entertaining storylines with characters that bring out all the feels.
*Thank you to Entangled Select for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
October 6, 2016
Savannah Gamble runs a successful 12 step dating program, helping women avoid sabotaging their chances at a happy ever after by providing a series of rules to follow. It’s something she developed after her own particular heartbreak, a friendship in college that ended with one night that stepped over the line and broke her heart. To her dismay, the man in question has shown up back in her life again. Lincoln Wells is her best friend Ivy’s cousin so avoiding him is out of the question, especially when he gets a job at Azure, a bar she frequents. Linc wants to rekindle their friendship, and despite knowing that she could be in for heartbreak again, she can’t resist the urge to see whether they can get back to the easy camaraderie they once had before sex ruined their friendship. But the attraction between them hasn’t dissipated in all these years. Will Savannah’s rules keep her on the straight and narrow or prevent her from taking a second chance on love?
This is a sweet slow burn romance with the friendship between Linc and Savannah taking center stage for most of the story, and the actual sexy romance part limited to the last third. I’d say it’s a combination chick-lit/romance story, as there is equal time given to Savannah’s dating clients (and her own dates initially) as there is to the relationship with Linc. But the author’s trademark sense of humour and lighthearted writing style makes it a very enjoyable read. Savannah takes her job very seriously (unlike her last boyfriend, who dumped her for a job in DC) and has used her own past experiences to shape her program. She’s had several successful matches come out of the program, and we get to see glimpses of one of those relationships as they prepare for their wedding (where she’ll, unfortunately, have to face her ex-boyfriend as he also knows the couple in question). We also get to see a new client find herself a partner. So there are several happy endings in the story, not just for Savannah and Lincoln.
Lincoln comes across as a fun-loving, friendly, charming guy. He might have been a player in college, but he has changed those ways, even though Savannah is reluctant to see it. We find out why things ended between them the way they did in college, and it’s clear that both of them were at fault in not communicating better. There are several fun scenes where Linc takes Savannah to various venues so she can check their potential as places to meet new people, including some baseball themed outings as Linc is a freshly retired ball player, still missing the career he thought would be a longer term option before an injury changed his plans. He coaches a little league team and seems intent on putting roots down and wanting Savannah to be part of his new life. I loved seeing the development of their relationship, from re-establishing their friendship to becoming more. The story is an entertaining one filled with some funny moments and poignant ones too, but with an overall lighthearted romantic feel. In the end, Savannah owns up to her own mistakes in misjudging Linc and we get a sweet ending for the couple (and some sage dating advice!). 4 stars.
This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review
This is a sweet slow burn romance with the friendship between Linc and Savannah taking center stage for most of the story, and the actual sexy romance part limited to the last third. I’d say it’s a combination chick-lit/romance story, as there is equal time given to Savannah’s dating clients (and her own dates initially) as there is to the relationship with Linc. But the author’s trademark sense of humour and lighthearted writing style makes it a very enjoyable read. Savannah takes her job very seriously (unlike her last boyfriend, who dumped her for a job in DC) and has used her own past experiences to shape her program. She’s had several successful matches come out of the program, and we get to see glimpses of one of those relationships as they prepare for their wedding (where she’ll, unfortunately, have to face her ex-boyfriend as he also knows the couple in question). We also get to see a new client find herself a partner. So there are several happy endings in the story, not just for Savannah and Lincoln.
Lincoln comes across as a fun-loving, friendly, charming guy. He might have been a player in college, but he has changed those ways, even though Savannah is reluctant to see it. We find out why things ended between them the way they did in college, and it’s clear that both of them were at fault in not communicating better. There are several fun scenes where Linc takes Savannah to various venues so she can check their potential as places to meet new people, including some baseball themed outings as Linc is a freshly retired ball player, still missing the career he thought would be a longer term option before an injury changed his plans. He coaches a little league team and seems intent on putting roots down and wanting Savannah to be part of his new life. I loved seeing the development of their relationship, from re-establishing their friendship to becoming more. The story is an entertaining one filled with some funny moments and poignant ones too, but with an overall lighthearted romantic feel. In the end, Savannah owns up to her own mistakes in misjudging Linc and we get a sweet ending for the couple (and some sage dating advice!). 4 stars.
This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review
September 26, 2016
Charming, fun, witty, romantic. If it only took 12 precised steps to find Mr. Right there would be more out there with a match that would last. The connection between Savannah and Lincoln was charming. The fun they had together was apparent. The witty comebacks they had for each other and in some cases other was delightful. The combination of all the above was romantic.
Savannah was a relationship coach that had 12 steps to impart to her clients and friends alike to find the right man. I am not sure that she quite realized that each step to some degree mimicked her friendship with Linc. I did enjoy the array of women that came and went during the story. Aunt Velma was something else. Getting know each of them was like a foretelling of things possible to come. At the same time I was wanting more of Savannah and Linc.
Savannah was a relationship coach that had 12 steps to impart to her clients and friends alike to find the right man. I am not sure that she quite realized that each step to some degree mimicked her friendship with Linc. I did enjoy the array of women that came and went during the story. Aunt Velma was something else. Getting know each of them was like a foretelling of things possible to come. At the same time I was wanting more of Savannah and Linc.
September 12, 2016
Fun, feisty, and flirty! Humorous and romantic! Well deserved 4.5 stars!
"Maybe I should add a 13th step to my program that includes moving away from your family, so if it takes time to find the right guy, you don't have to constantly hear about it."
From that point on, I knew I was in for another great and entertaining read by Cindi Madsen. I really enjoyed the quick witted conversation. I am a sucker for "bantering."
Savannah Gamble is a 'board certified dating coach and consultant' (try saying that fast six times) and gives workshops on how to find Mr. Right, although she herself has yet to meet that goal, but not for lack of trying. It has been three months since the last guy she dated, which was "the one." Unexpectedly, he up and moved away to another state and never bothered to ask her to move with him. Ouch! She is, however, quite good at her job and gives her clients all the tools they needed to achieve their HEA's.
Her first two important steps out of the twelve are:
#1 We MUST ADMIT TO always FALLING for the UNATTAINABLE GUY.
#2 BELIEVE there is the RIGHT GUY OUT THERE for you.
Case in point, five years ago, Linc Wells was her sexy, blue eyed, unattainable guy. They were BF's in college and she just knew that eventually he would come to the same conclusion they were perfect for each other. The morning after a drunken one night stand, he totally disses her, which leads to their friendship hitting the skids, and they part ways. The memory of the heart breaking morning after still stings. She tries her best to keep "focusing on the sucky after, not the amazing before and during".
Then out of the blue, she hears her name being called as she is reaching for her much needed cup of joe at her favorite barista. She would know that voice anywhere. Her scalding hot coffee goes flying out of the cup and down over fingers and hand. It's Linc! He is back in town after years of playing professional baseball. But hey, she is totally over him. No way is she letting Linc run roughshod over her heart a second time.
Oh silly, silly girl. Linc is about to upend her world all over again!
*I received this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
"Maybe I should add a 13th step to my program that includes moving away from your family, so if it takes time to find the right guy, you don't have to constantly hear about it."
From that point on, I knew I was in for another great and entertaining read by Cindi Madsen. I really enjoyed the quick witted conversation. I am a sucker for "bantering."
Savannah Gamble is a 'board certified dating coach and consultant' (try saying that fast six times) and gives workshops on how to find Mr. Right, although she herself has yet to meet that goal, but not for lack of trying. It has been three months since the last guy she dated, which was "the one." Unexpectedly, he up and moved away to another state and never bothered to ask her to move with him. Ouch! She is, however, quite good at her job and gives her clients all the tools they needed to achieve their HEA's.
Her first two important steps out of the twelve are:
#1 We MUST ADMIT TO always FALLING for the UNATTAINABLE GUY.
#2 BELIEVE there is the RIGHT GUY OUT THERE for you.
Case in point, five years ago, Linc Wells was her sexy, blue eyed, unattainable guy. They were BF's in college and she just knew that eventually he would come to the same conclusion they were perfect for each other. The morning after a drunken one night stand, he totally disses her, which leads to their friendship hitting the skids, and they part ways. The memory of the heart breaking morning after still stings. She tries her best to keep "focusing on the sucky after, not the amazing before and during".
Then out of the blue, she hears her name being called as she is reaching for her much needed cup of joe at her favorite barista. She would know that voice anywhere. Her scalding hot coffee goes flying out of the cup and down over fingers and hand. It's Linc! He is back in town after years of playing professional baseball. But hey, she is totally over him. No way is she letting Linc run roughshod over her heart a second time.
Oh silly, silly girl. Linc is about to upend her world all over again!
*I received this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
September 29, 2016
4 1/2 stars!
full review to come soon!
full review to come soon!
September 26, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3.5 stars
12 Steps to Mr. Right is what I would consider to be a romance on the sweeter side, but it was also kind of a sneaky romance in that for the majority of the book, the hero and heroine weren't officially a couple. I liked this book quite a bit, but there were parts of it that could have been left out or shortened that would have made it a stronger romance. I'd almost say this book borders on women's fiction rather than romance mainly due to the fact that the heroine actually spends more time with other people, mostly her clients, than she does with the hero. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I really could have used more time with the hero and heroine as an actual couple. Despite that, 12 Steps to Mr. Right was an adorable look at a man trying to win the heart of the woman he left years ago and the woman who believes he's all wrong for her.
Savannah Gamble is a successful dating coach with a 12 step program and an advice blog. After a college encounter left her heart broken, Savannah changed her major to sociology and began developing the program she teaches regularly. A fairly recent break-up left her a bit raw, but she's ready to get out there again when that old college hook-up and her best friend's cousin, Lincoln returns to town and turn her life upside down.
First off I want to say that I really enjoyed Savannah and Linc together as friends; their easy banter and comfortable ease made them both easy to like. There was no doubt that Linc didn't handle their "morning after" in college well, but the fact that Savannah was still hung up on it YEARS later was a big "red flag" for me especially given the fact that she'd had boyfriends and relationships since then including a very serious one.
I found Lincoln to be an easy character to like; he didn't make excuses about his life and past and he was upfront and honest about where he was right now in his life and that he was working on doing something more with his life. He was sweet, charming, and funny and yes, a tad full of himself but not obnoxiously so.
I admired Savannah for the self made woman she is and appreciated the ways she helps women find the man of their dreams, but I also found her very judgmental and unforgiving. She is a good friend, and very attentive to her clients but a lot of her attitude toward men and especially toward Linc really got on my nerves.
The moments Lincoln and Savannah spent together were my favorite no matter if they were having coffee, doing crossword puzzles (really loved this), or checking out places that Savannah could use on her list of great places to meet men. In my opinion Linc really went above and beyond to prove to Savannah that he was different from the guy in college (which hello he should be years and years have passed) and the fact that she couldn't seem to see him for the man he is now bothered me a great deal.
I very much enjoyed the sweet and fun moments between the hero and heroine in 12 Steps to Mr. Right; I just wish there had been more time with them together as a couple.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.5 stars
12 Steps to Mr. Right is what I would consider to be a romance on the sweeter side, but it was also kind of a sneaky romance in that for the majority of the book, the hero and heroine weren't officially a couple. I liked this book quite a bit, but there were parts of it that could have been left out or shortened that would have made it a stronger romance. I'd almost say this book borders on women's fiction rather than romance mainly due to the fact that the heroine actually spends more time with other people, mostly her clients, than she does with the hero. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I really could have used more time with the hero and heroine as an actual couple. Despite that, 12 Steps to Mr. Right was an adorable look at a man trying to win the heart of the woman he left years ago and the woman who believes he's all wrong for her.
Savannah Gamble is a successful dating coach with a 12 step program and an advice blog. After a college encounter left her heart broken, Savannah changed her major to sociology and began developing the program she teaches regularly. A fairly recent break-up left her a bit raw, but she's ready to get out there again when that old college hook-up and her best friend's cousin, Lincoln returns to town and turn her life upside down.
First off I want to say that I really enjoyed Savannah and Linc together as friends; their easy banter and comfortable ease made them both easy to like. There was no doubt that Linc didn't handle their "morning after" in college well, but the fact that Savannah was still hung up on it YEARS later was a big "red flag" for me especially given the fact that she'd had boyfriends and relationships since then including a very serious one.
I found Lincoln to be an easy character to like; he didn't make excuses about his life and past and he was upfront and honest about where he was right now in his life and that he was working on doing something more with his life. He was sweet, charming, and funny and yes, a tad full of himself but not obnoxiously so.
I admired Savannah for the self made woman she is and appreciated the ways she helps women find the man of their dreams, but I also found her very judgmental and unforgiving. She is a good friend, and very attentive to her clients but a lot of her attitude toward men and especially toward Linc really got on my nerves.
The moments Lincoln and Savannah spent together were my favorite no matter if they were having coffee, doing crossword puzzles (really loved this), or checking out places that Savannah could use on her list of great places to meet men. In my opinion Linc really went above and beyond to prove to Savannah that he was different from the guy in college (which hello he should be years and years have passed) and the fact that she couldn't seem to see him for the man he is now bothered me a great deal.
I very much enjoyed the sweet and fun moments between the hero and heroine in 12 Steps to Mr. Right; I just wish there had been more time with them together as a couple.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 30, 2016
I love,love,love Cindi Madsen's books and its no surprise that I loved 12 Steps To Mr.Right too.Her romance books have the perfect mix of vulnerable,cute and independent characters with beautiful stories.Her YA books are also equally amazing.
In this book we have Savannah Gamble, a dating coach who runs workshops with a 12 Step program that help women regain their confidence,search for the right kind of guy and build a successful relationship with him.She recognizes the patterns that most women tend to have and she helps them break it.She has brought many couples together and is slowly gaining fame.But, what will she do when the friend who broke her heart after a one-night stand(which led to the 12 steps in the first place) returns and tries to strike back a relationship with her?
Lincoln Wells is determined to win Savannah back.But, she makes it clear that she doesn't want anything more than a friendship and religiously sticks to her 12 steps and idea of Mr.Right.She isn't ready to have her heart broken by Linc again after the way he left her with just a note following their mind-blowing one-night stand.But, what if one has been searching for Mr.Right in all the wrong places and sometimes you need to take a risk to get your own happily-ever-after?
The characters were amazing!Though Savannah was a little stubborn at times, I couldn't help but love her and emphatise with her.I mean, how many of us would be ready to put ourselves out there and be vulnerable when you know you could get your heart broken again?Better to be safe right?
Linc was splendid.Though, in the beginning I was kinda looking at him from Savannah's eyes and was wary, he won me over in the end.The only thing I disliked was the fact that he never gave her an explanation about why he left her that night till the end.We could have avoided all the heartbreak and misunderstandings huh?But then again we wouldn't have the book without it :P
Linc was really patient with Savannah.The little things that he did were amazing!And the speech with the explanation in the end *swoons*The secondary characters were also equally amazing and added a lot of depth to the story.
Seriously guys I urge you to read this book.It'll have you swooning and laughing! :D
In this book we have Savannah Gamble, a dating coach who runs workshops with a 12 Step program that help women regain their confidence,search for the right kind of guy and build a successful relationship with him.She recognizes the patterns that most women tend to have and she helps them break it.She has brought many couples together and is slowly gaining fame.But, what will she do when the friend who broke her heart after a one-night stand(which led to the 12 steps in the first place) returns and tries to strike back a relationship with her?
Lincoln Wells is determined to win Savannah back.But, she makes it clear that she doesn't want anything more than a friendship and religiously sticks to her 12 steps and idea of Mr.Right.She isn't ready to have her heart broken by Linc again after the way he left her with just a note following their mind-blowing one-night stand.But, what if one has been searching for Mr.Right in all the wrong places and sometimes you need to take a risk to get your own happily-ever-after?
The characters were amazing!Though Savannah was a little stubborn at times, I couldn't help but love her and emphatise with her.I mean, how many of us would be ready to put ourselves out there and be vulnerable when you know you could get your heart broken again?Better to be safe right?
Linc was splendid.Though, in the beginning I was kinda looking at him from Savannah's eyes and was wary, he won me over in the end.The only thing I disliked was the fact that he never gave her an explanation about why he left her that night till the end.We could have avoided all the heartbreak and misunderstandings huh?But then again we wouldn't have the book without it :P
Linc was really patient with Savannah.The little things that he did were amazing!And the speech with the explanation in the end *swoons*The secondary characters were also equally amazing and added a lot of depth to the story.
Seriously guys I urge you to read this book.It'll have you swooning and laughing! :D
September 26, 2016
It was an ok read. Mostly I liked it but the beginning was really boring. It took me quite some time to get into the story but second half was really good. I loved the characters. Savannah is quite interesting. I am not entirely certain what was off but I think romance lovers might enjoy this book even if I didn't.
After her personal bad dating experience, and seeing her friends' dating lives, Savannah becomes a dating coach. Now she helps women find their Mr. Right. Unfortunately she can't seem to find time to date herself. But it's fine. For now she just want to help other people find love. Plus it's her business so if more women are satisfied with her coaching she gets more business. That doesn't mean that she can deal with her family and their expectations. Sometimes it hurts a little too much. Although she is getting better and better at hiding this fact. And now her friend and one night stand, Linc, is back in town. She has no idea how she is going to deal with seeing him every so often.
Linc is back because this is where he was happiest. He missed Savannah and now wants to renew their friendship and may be something more. Apparently she has moved on and gotten over him. Nonetheless he will try to get her back, even if it's only as a friend. From now on she won't be able to get away from him. The best way to do that is to help her with her dating coach thing. After all what can he lose by accompanying her to local bar, and hangouts.
Soon they will realise what they had missed. They are inevitable.
After her personal bad dating experience, and seeing her friends' dating lives, Savannah becomes a dating coach. Now she helps women find their Mr. Right. Unfortunately she can't seem to find time to date herself. But it's fine. For now she just want to help other people find love. Plus it's her business so if more women are satisfied with her coaching she gets more business. That doesn't mean that she can deal with her family and their expectations. Sometimes it hurts a little too much. Although she is getting better and better at hiding this fact. And now her friend and one night stand, Linc, is back in town. She has no idea how she is going to deal with seeing him every so often.
Linc is back because this is where he was happiest. He missed Savannah and now wants to renew their friendship and may be something more. Apparently she has moved on and gotten over him. Nonetheless he will try to get her back, even if it's only as a friend. From now on she won't be able to get away from him. The best way to do that is to help her with her dating coach thing. After all what can he lose by accompanying her to local bar, and hangouts.
Soon they will realise what they had missed. They are inevitable.
September 30, 2016
Having enjoyed The Bad Boy’s Baby, Book 3 of Cindi Madsen’s Hope Springs series, this NetGalley reviewer decided to squeeze this light-hearted, second chance romance into an already jam packed ARC reading schedule hoping it would be just as entertaining.
Folks, Savannah Gamble is trying to take the gamble out of finding true love by teaching her clients how to be all they can be in the war on dating and recognize obvious incoming, dangerous to the heart duds from potential life-long, soul connecting Mr. Rights. How does she do it? Well, by using her own research/personal experience and her very own tried and true 12 step program. So listen up, people, maybe we will all learn something. Frankly, I found myself thinking lots of heroines in my recent romantic reads sure could use some of her advice. Thing is she never gambled on Lincoln Wells, the man who single handedly pushed her down this career path after supposedly unknowingly breaking her heart years ago, rolling back into town and testing these hard fast rules of engagement.
**spoilers possible**
Well, this true romantic at heart had some red flags of her own regarding this main couple. You see, I think Linc got off way too easy for hurting Savannah in the first place. This is basically a former, very close best friends who have a “blame it on the alcohol” one night stand, where he walks away after getting to all her bases by just sneaking out and leaving a “catch you later” note, romantic tale. The thing is he then pretends it never happened, and from then on avoids her like she’s a contagious disease, which completely devastates her. You guessed it. This girl has been mooning over him long before their brief smexy night together. She ends up having to continue to endure seeing him with other girls on campus and wondering what she did wrong. We are supposed to believe just because he was into baseball, eye on the prize and all that, and didn’t want to drag her into that nomadic lifestyle or know about her secret crush, his behavior was somehow acceptable. My fellow romance book-loving friends, I’ve got to cry foul over that unacceptable play.
All things considered, karma must have kicked in, because he ends up having a less than stellar major league career and returns to Atlanta, where more explanations are slowly dished out that reveal he regrets not pursuing a relationship with her. Well, isn’t that just “boo-hoo” for him. Unfortunately, since the whole story is told solely from the heroine’s point of view, we never really know exactly when Linc had his lightbulb moment and realized his mistake. It is implied he reluctantly left in the first place, but his actions left me shaking my head wondering why he didn’t at least give her the “It’s me, not you” speech. That at least is something, right? She certainly deserved more than a note and the proverbial cold shoulder.
Also, for the love of Pete Rose, it takes forever for Savannah to even ask what was up with that “love ‘em and leave ‘em” thief in the night departure. Really? For such a sassy girl, IMHO, that made her a doormat. She still mentally gave him excuses for stomping on her heart all those years ago. Yeah, you could say she took the high road, but I wouldn’t have minded seeing her roll around in the gutter a little taking him to task for misbehaving. Instead, we sit by and watch her pick herself up by her big girl panties and try to move on with her life by dating/flirting with other men, sometimes in front of Linc, after trying to mend her broken heart from a guy named Mason, who she also thought was the one, until he got the call to move up the political ladder in D.C. and left town without asking her to be a part of his new life. Yeah, no wonder this girl is getting a guy complex, huh?
When Linc suggests they make a list of potential hot dating spots and go together to do more research, we find Savannah scoping out OM and OW approaching Linc. At least you sense he isn’t interested in any of them. Not surprisingly, a former notch in his bedpost approaches him and waves the “I know you and her are only just friends” card in Savannah’s face. My need for revenge somewhat got quenched when Savannah got to introduce Linc as only a friend when guys approached her wanting to buy her drinks. I know that’s petty of me, but, I wanted this guy to suffer at least a little.
Surprisingly or not, Savannah seems bound and determined to keep Linc in the friend zone by taking her own advice: “Stop looking for happiness in the same place you lost it!”
Keep in mind, at 13% into it, Linc openly tells her he wants to start over with her….as friends. The big question was did he mean it or was that the first step in his 12 step program to win her back. We are sort of lead to believe the latter is the case. Not sure if her self-respect took a hit or her dignity kicked in when she agreed to that, but again she seems determined it can’t be anything else, because he wasn’t a commitment type guy.
What did I like? Savannah’s good girl qualities/nature, her sassy comebacks, the main couple’s witty banter and natural feel to them whenever they were together. Honestly, they did make a sweet, cute couple, especially in regards to the crossword puzzles. The writing flowed, was quite humorous, and even made me giggle aloud at times. I loved her determination to find her soulmate, and the fact she was not into casual sex. I also liked Ivy, Savannah’s best friend, despite her floozy ways. I am absolutely dying to see her and Jackson, the brother, make a love connection. You can sense something is definitely up between those two. Folks, their story is going to be a very heated, passionate, enemies to lovers romantic tale. Here’s to hoping that book is already in the works.
What wasn’t so great about this one? Savannah continuously having to tell herself just to be friends with Linc and not be attracted. She repeated that mantra over and over. The constant talk of lengthy dating rules/considerations often hijacked the storyline. Folks, it was written into the storyline “a lot!” So much so I found myself skipping over the lengthy client sessions, just so I could get back to the romantic storyline.
At 35%, I noticed Linc wasn’t in the picture much. The story mostly became about her reinforcing and restating her own rules repeatedly. Btw, I didn’t quite buy how an English major qualified her basically as a dating psychiatrist. She continues to date on and off various random guys, while restricting Linc to the friends only outfield. The back and forth banter about how to attract someone made me wish Linc would finally make his move. At almost 50%, it still didn’t happen yet. In fact, that’s when she finally prompts him to talk about all the girlfriends he’s had since he moved away. Hardly what I call making a smart or romantic move on her part. Now she’s literally stabbing her own heart with that question. Her telling him point blank he isn’t a girlfriend kind of guy and only getting a grunt, reluctant avoidance, and we’ll talk about it later reply wasn’t ideal or appreciated. It certainly makes you assume this leopard hasn’t changed his spots. Or has he? Since we are given zero insight into his thoughts, we don’t have a clue.
On another side note, it took me awhile to wonder why Ivy, who loved the heroine to death, didn’t call Linc out on what he did to Savannah years ago. Family relative or not, she was outspoken enough to not let him off the hook for that, especially knowing the heartbreak it caused her “like a sister to me” best friend.
Linc’s brief brush off of Savannah at 60% when he realizes she has been avoiding him will surely make some readers bristle. Surely, I wasn’t the only one who found that ironic and annoying as all get out.
They aren’t intimate until 80%, and, folks, it is rushed and in a rather unlikely sort of public place. Not long afterwards, Savannah travels down memory lane and once again painfully relives how Linc brushed her off with his cowardly note. Honestly, folks, it became exhausting! She didn’t need Linc’s former failure to commit behavior make her miserable. Nope, she was doing a great job of doing that all by herself!
To top that all that off, allowing Mason to re-enter the mix certainly didn’t help matters, either.
Overall, I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, but had issues with the main characters’ rationale/decision making and felt it was somewhat overly drawn out. I definitely hope to read more books by Ms. Madsen, especially Jackson and Ivy’s HEA, where hopefully he will wrap some loving around Ivy’s “doesn’t think true love exists” heart. Yeah, it’s likely to be an “I think I hate you and love you at the same time” kind of deal, minus the 12 step program theme. Something tells me these two destined to be together lovebirds will figure it out all by themselves.
Rating: 4 stars (writing)
Character conduct/decisions: 3 stars
Title: 12 Steps to Mr. Right, Author: Cindi Madsen, Pages: 350, Pub. Date: 9/26/16, stand-alone, HEA, mostly new to me author, heroine’s POV only, second chance romance, heroine dates OM, well-written, main couple are not intimate with others after Linc returns home, only a couple VERY steamy scenes, constant back and forth angst, patient hero who harbors silent regrets.
The Bad Boy’s Baby (Hope Springs, Book #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No monetary compensation was paid to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
Folks, Savannah Gamble is trying to take the gamble out of finding true love by teaching her clients how to be all they can be in the war on dating and recognize obvious incoming, dangerous to the heart duds from potential life-long, soul connecting Mr. Rights. How does she do it? Well, by using her own research/personal experience and her very own tried and true 12 step program. So listen up, people, maybe we will all learn something. Frankly, I found myself thinking lots of heroines in my recent romantic reads sure could use some of her advice. Thing is she never gambled on Lincoln Wells, the man who single handedly pushed her down this career path after supposedly unknowingly breaking her heart years ago, rolling back into town and testing these hard fast rules of engagement.
**spoilers possible**
Well, this true romantic at heart had some red flags of her own regarding this main couple. You see, I think Linc got off way too easy for hurting Savannah in the first place. This is basically a former, very close best friends who have a “blame it on the alcohol” one night stand, where he walks away after getting to all her bases by just sneaking out and leaving a “catch you later” note, romantic tale. The thing is he then pretends it never happened, and from then on avoids her like she’s a contagious disease, which completely devastates her. You guessed it. This girl has been mooning over him long before their brief smexy night together. She ends up having to continue to endure seeing him with other girls on campus and wondering what she did wrong. We are supposed to believe just because he was into baseball, eye on the prize and all that, and didn’t want to drag her into that nomadic lifestyle or know about her secret crush, his behavior was somehow acceptable. My fellow romance book-loving friends, I’ve got to cry foul over that unacceptable play.
All things considered, karma must have kicked in, because he ends up having a less than stellar major league career and returns to Atlanta, where more explanations are slowly dished out that reveal he regrets not pursuing a relationship with her. Well, isn’t that just “boo-hoo” for him. Unfortunately, since the whole story is told solely from the heroine’s point of view, we never really know exactly when Linc had his lightbulb moment and realized his mistake. It is implied he reluctantly left in the first place, but his actions left me shaking my head wondering why he didn’t at least give her the “It’s me, not you” speech. That at least is something, right? She certainly deserved more than a note and the proverbial cold shoulder.
Also, for the love of Pete Rose, it takes forever for Savannah to even ask what was up with that “love ‘em and leave ‘em” thief in the night departure. Really? For such a sassy girl, IMHO, that made her a doormat. She still mentally gave him excuses for stomping on her heart all those years ago. Yeah, you could say she took the high road, but I wouldn’t have minded seeing her roll around in the gutter a little taking him to task for misbehaving. Instead, we sit by and watch her pick herself up by her big girl panties and try to move on with her life by dating/flirting with other men, sometimes in front of Linc, after trying to mend her broken heart from a guy named Mason, who she also thought was the one, until he got the call to move up the political ladder in D.C. and left town without asking her to be a part of his new life. Yeah, no wonder this girl is getting a guy complex, huh?
When Linc suggests they make a list of potential hot dating spots and go together to do more research, we find Savannah scoping out OM and OW approaching Linc. At least you sense he isn’t interested in any of them. Not surprisingly, a former notch in his bedpost approaches him and waves the “I know you and her are only just friends” card in Savannah’s face. My need for revenge somewhat got quenched when Savannah got to introduce Linc as only a friend when guys approached her wanting to buy her drinks. I know that’s petty of me, but, I wanted this guy to suffer at least a little.
Surprisingly or not, Savannah seems bound and determined to keep Linc in the friend zone by taking her own advice: “Stop looking for happiness in the same place you lost it!”
Keep in mind, at 13% into it, Linc openly tells her he wants to start over with her….as friends. The big question was did he mean it or was that the first step in his 12 step program to win her back. We are sort of lead to believe the latter is the case. Not sure if her self-respect took a hit or her dignity kicked in when she agreed to that, but again she seems determined it can’t be anything else, because he wasn’t a commitment type guy.
What did I like? Savannah’s good girl qualities/nature, her sassy comebacks, the main couple’s witty banter and natural feel to them whenever they were together. Honestly, they did make a sweet, cute couple, especially in regards to the crossword puzzles. The writing flowed, was quite humorous, and even made me giggle aloud at times. I loved her determination to find her soulmate, and the fact she was not into casual sex. I also liked Ivy, Savannah’s best friend, despite her floozy ways. I am absolutely dying to see her and Jackson, the brother, make a love connection. You can sense something is definitely up between those two. Folks, their story is going to be a very heated, passionate, enemies to lovers romantic tale. Here’s to hoping that book is already in the works.
What wasn’t so great about this one? Savannah continuously having to tell herself just to be friends with Linc and not be attracted. She repeated that mantra over and over. The constant talk of lengthy dating rules/considerations often hijacked the storyline. Folks, it was written into the storyline “a lot!” So much so I found myself skipping over the lengthy client sessions, just so I could get back to the romantic storyline.
At 35%, I noticed Linc wasn’t in the picture much. The story mostly became about her reinforcing and restating her own rules repeatedly. Btw, I didn’t quite buy how an English major qualified her basically as a dating psychiatrist. She continues to date on and off various random guys, while restricting Linc to the friends only outfield. The back and forth banter about how to attract someone made me wish Linc would finally make his move. At almost 50%, it still didn’t happen yet. In fact, that’s when she finally prompts him to talk about all the girlfriends he’s had since he moved away. Hardly what I call making a smart or romantic move on her part. Now she’s literally stabbing her own heart with that question. Her telling him point blank he isn’t a girlfriend kind of guy and only getting a grunt, reluctant avoidance, and we’ll talk about it later reply wasn’t ideal or appreciated. It certainly makes you assume this leopard hasn’t changed his spots. Or has he? Since we are given zero insight into his thoughts, we don’t have a clue.
On another side note, it took me awhile to wonder why Ivy, who loved the heroine to death, didn’t call Linc out on what he did to Savannah years ago. Family relative or not, she was outspoken enough to not let him off the hook for that, especially knowing the heartbreak it caused her “like a sister to me” best friend.
Linc’s brief brush off of Savannah at 60% when he realizes she has been avoiding him will surely make some readers bristle. Surely, I wasn’t the only one who found that ironic and annoying as all get out.
They aren’t intimate until 80%, and, folks, it is rushed and in a rather unlikely sort of public place. Not long afterwards, Savannah travels down memory lane and once again painfully relives how Linc brushed her off with his cowardly note. Honestly, folks, it became exhausting! She didn’t need Linc’s former failure to commit behavior make her miserable. Nope, she was doing a great job of doing that all by herself!
To top that all that off, allowing Mason to re-enter the mix certainly didn’t help matters, either.
Overall, I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, but had issues with the main characters’ rationale/decision making and felt it was somewhat overly drawn out. I definitely hope to read more books by Ms. Madsen, especially Jackson and Ivy’s HEA, where hopefully he will wrap some loving around Ivy’s “doesn’t think true love exists” heart. Yeah, it’s likely to be an “I think I hate you and love you at the same time” kind of deal, minus the 12 step program theme. Something tells me these two destined to be together lovebirds will figure it out all by themselves.
Rating: 4 stars (writing)
Character conduct/decisions: 3 stars
Title: 12 Steps to Mr. Right, Author: Cindi Madsen, Pages: 350, Pub. Date: 9/26/16, stand-alone, HEA, mostly new to me author, heroine’s POV only, second chance romance, heroine dates OM, well-written, main couple are not intimate with others after Linc returns home, only a couple VERY steamy scenes, constant back and forth angst, patient hero who harbors silent regrets.
The Bad Boy’s Baby (Hope Springs, Book #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No monetary compensation was paid to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect the content of my review.
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
Heat Rating: 3 flames
My first introduction to Cindi Madsen was also my first introduction to sports romances, with Anatomy of a Player , and it was the start of a beautiful friendship.
I thought this one started a little awkwardly. For one, I don’t think I totally grasped who the hero would be from the blurb, though it makes looking at it now. Just to clarify for y’all, 12 Steps to Mr. Right centres around Savannah Gamble, a blogger turned dating coach, whose bad experience with a guy in college set her on the path to creating a 12-step program for women to meet long-term relationship prospects. However, her program comes into question when she runs into said Bad Experience, Lincoln Wells. Former baseball player Linc has too many red flags for her to genuinely consider, but the chemistry between them is hard to ignore. Savannah must fight to stay on track, but would it be so bad to bend or break a rule or two?
Savannah and Linc were so cute. Linc was funny and adorable, and he was clearly there to win back Savannah. I mean, he basically took her on dates without her fully realising they were dates. All the signs were visible to the reader, while Savannah was in Serious Denial. She refused to acknowledge that they were clearly Meant To Be, instead fighting to feel something, anything, for guys that fit the rules she’d constructed over the years. But Linc didn’t buy into that BS, and he called her on the things he disagreed with, while still respecting what she did as a whole. KEY FACTOR THERE.
I was a little disappointed that things weren’t really that steamy. While there were some fun moments, it was all fairly FTB. Based on the cover, I expected a little bit more, and if I’m honest, the cover didn’t really match my idea of Linc and Savannah. Linc was such a relaxed, sweet guy, so jeans would have been more appropriate.
Parts of the book were a little slow, with so much time spent in Savannah’s head, or with her clients. I wonder if all of it was actually necessary. For example, the little side story about her aunt that was occasionally brought up wasn’t all that developed, and we could have done without it. I found myself drifting off a little during the client/aunt bits, only reviving when Linc reappeared.
Because Linc was a doll, and I loved him. I also loved Ivy, probably because she’s just like my bestie, The Skeptic (who is named as such because she doesn’t do romance and relationships either).
Also, bonus points for going into how all those men from classic novels that we love are actually not ideal partners in real life:
Overall, this was a fun, sweet read, and fairly clean. I feel like I went on a journey with Savannah, initially agreeing with and understanding her beliefs, then learning with her that a guy doesn’t have to tick all the boxes to be The One.
This review will be posted on Love in a Time of Feminism.
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
Heat Rating: 3 flames
My first introduction to Cindi Madsen was also my first introduction to sports romances, with Anatomy of a Player , and it was the start of a beautiful friendship.
I thought this one started a little awkwardly. For one, I don’t think I totally grasped who the hero would be from the blurb, though it makes looking at it now. Just to clarify for y’all, 12 Steps to Mr. Right centres around Savannah Gamble, a blogger turned dating coach, whose bad experience with a guy in college set her on the path to creating a 12-step program for women to meet long-term relationship prospects. However, her program comes into question when she runs into said Bad Experience, Lincoln Wells. Former baseball player Linc has too many red flags for her to genuinely consider, but the chemistry between them is hard to ignore. Savannah must fight to stay on track, but would it be so bad to bend or break a rule or two?
“A bitter woman says, ‘All men are the same.’ A wise woman decides to stop choosing the same type of men.”
Savannah and Linc were so cute. Linc was funny and adorable, and he was clearly there to win back Savannah. I mean, he basically took her on dates without her fully realising they were dates. All the signs were visible to the reader, while Savannah was in Serious Denial. She refused to acknowledge that they were clearly Meant To Be, instead fighting to feel something, anything, for guys that fit the rules she’d constructed over the years. But Linc didn’t buy into that BS, and he called her on the things he disagreed with, while still respecting what she did as a whole. KEY FACTOR THERE.
I was a little disappointed that things weren’t really that steamy. While there were some fun moments, it was all fairly FTB. Based on the cover, I expected a little bit more, and if I’m honest, the cover didn’t really match my idea of Linc and Savannah. Linc was such a relaxed, sweet guy, so jeans would have been more appropriate.
Parts of the book were a little slow, with so much time spent in Savannah’s head, or with her clients. I wonder if all of it was actually necessary. For example, the little side story about her aunt that was occasionally brought up wasn’t all that developed, and we could have done without it. I found myself drifting off a little during the client/aunt bits, only reviving when Linc reappeared.
Because Linc was a doll, and I loved him. I also loved Ivy, probably because she’s just like my bestie, The Skeptic (who is named as such because she doesn’t do romance and relationships either).
Also, bonus points for going into how all those men from classic novels that we love are actually not ideal partners in real life:
And while I loved me a good BBC classics marathon and dreamed of an occasion to wear a ball gown, I couldn’t help looking at the characters differently now. Because if a guy called you unattractive and mocked your family in real life, he wasn’t a good dating prospect. Vowing vengeance? Total red flag. Hiding his crazy wife in the attic? Probably a good idea to leave him.
Overall, this was a fun, sweet read, and fairly clean. I feel like I went on a journey with Savannah, initially agreeing with and understanding her beliefs, then learning with her that a guy doesn’t have to tick all the boxes to be The One.
This review will be posted on Love in a Time of Feminism.
October 18, 2016
This was a hoot. Savannah was so so wrong and so right as well. She had such blinders on when it came to men and she fought so hard that she almost lost love.
Savannah was hurt by Linc in college. He didn’t mean to but he was trying to do right. Sad but true. To deal with this hurt she embraced a new mantra. She created steps to making herself a better new person. She empowered herself. She had rules about men and who was right for women. And she followed them. Not only did she follow them she lived by them. so much so it became her livelihood and other women came to her to help them. She held workshops, dating consulting everything based on these 12 steps. To me they were more principles for her. Some were really good some pigeonholed and judged. The one I had the hardest with was step 9 for for Savannah she took that to be that no one could change from what they were before. Although she did.
So when she runs into Linc after making all these steps and changes to her life she is caught for a loop. A fun wild ride that we get to smile and set back to watch. Linc wasn’t what I expected. he was kind and fun. Smart and sexy. He was quiet in some ways and passionate. He was also very in love with Savannah. His life is in a upheaval and now he is trying to figure out what’s next. He overall was a great guy. I loved how he gave Savannah enough rope to hang herself but also tried to get her to see differently. He didn’t try to change her only show her other aspects and get her to be less narrow minded. they went back to being friends so easily and their moments together were great. The baseball game and bar awesome. Linc really was trying. He was patient and opened up to her as well. Savannah was fighting herself and trying to stay strong. She did some majorly stupid things and they hurt Linc because of her stubbornness. She put him in a box and refused to see anything but her pain. It wasn’t until she loses him that she realizes her own stupidity. Good thing Linc was in love with her and wanted her to see him for him and had patience or she would have blown it.
A fun sexy wildy entertaining book about two friends who have different views. One is relaxed and supportive. He also hurt the girl in the past. Not because he wanted to but so that he could pursue a dream and be a good guy. his life changes and he wants more. He tries to show her this but she is stubborn. The love and attraction is through the roof and so is the fun banter. I love how Savannah was towards herself in those conversations really her fighting with herself about her rules and letting the past keep such a strong hold to the bitter end was great to see. Sad and painful but entertaining. It also made for a wonderful way to see her let go and learn to bend and see Linc for who he really is at the end. Truly a treat of a sexy book that is the story of Linc and Savannah. How they met, were friends, lost touch and influenced each other and get a second chance. This is the story of that second chance.
Savannah was hurt by Linc in college. He didn’t mean to but he was trying to do right. Sad but true. To deal with this hurt she embraced a new mantra. She created steps to making herself a better new person. She empowered herself. She had rules about men and who was right for women. And she followed them. Not only did she follow them she lived by them. so much so it became her livelihood and other women came to her to help them. She held workshops, dating consulting everything based on these 12 steps. To me they were more principles for her. Some were really good some pigeonholed and judged. The one I had the hardest with was step 9 for for Savannah she took that to be that no one could change from what they were before. Although she did.
So when she runs into Linc after making all these steps and changes to her life she is caught for a loop. A fun wild ride that we get to smile and set back to watch. Linc wasn’t what I expected. he was kind and fun. Smart and sexy. He was quiet in some ways and passionate. He was also very in love with Savannah. His life is in a upheaval and now he is trying to figure out what’s next. He overall was a great guy. I loved how he gave Savannah enough rope to hang herself but also tried to get her to see differently. He didn’t try to change her only show her other aspects and get her to be less narrow minded. they went back to being friends so easily and their moments together were great. The baseball game and bar awesome. Linc really was trying. He was patient and opened up to her as well. Savannah was fighting herself and trying to stay strong. She did some majorly stupid things and they hurt Linc because of her stubbornness. She put him in a box and refused to see anything but her pain. It wasn’t until she loses him that she realizes her own stupidity. Good thing Linc was in love with her and wanted her to see him for him and had patience or she would have blown it.
A fun sexy wildy entertaining book about two friends who have different views. One is relaxed and supportive. He also hurt the girl in the past. Not because he wanted to but so that he could pursue a dream and be a good guy. his life changes and he wants more. He tries to show her this but she is stubborn. The love and attraction is through the roof and so is the fun banter. I love how Savannah was towards herself in those conversations really her fighting with herself about her rules and letting the past keep such a strong hold to the bitter end was great to see. Sad and painful but entertaining. It also made for a wonderful way to see her let go and learn to bend and see Linc for who he really is at the end. Truly a treat of a sexy book that is the story of Linc and Savannah. How they met, were friends, lost touch and influenced each other and get a second chance. This is the story of that second chance.
September 25, 2016
Savannah Gamble is a dating coach and consultant who has been burned by love in the past. Her profession is a direct result of an unfortunate one-night stand with a former college friend. She rigidly sticks to the 12 dating rules she teaches in relationship seminars until a blast from her past shows up and challenges all those rules. Lincoln Wells waltzes back into Savannah’s life and proves it’s much more exciting to break the rules and take a chance on love.
12 Steps is a light, fun read. The characters are well-developed and fleshed out. The reader gets a very clear picture of the events that shape Savannah and Lincoln. Savannah’s family is laugh out loud funny and down to earth. Savannah is likable and engaging, but can be completely oblivious at times. You’d think someone trained in reading signals and body language would be a bit more self-aware. Other than that incongruent character flaw, I liked her character. I particularly liked Lincoln. He knows he made mistakes in the past with Savannah and he devises a masterful plan to right those wrongs. The series of research outings he plans were super cute and fun!
The storyline and plot were well-developed and carried out with meticulous precision. The book is organized very efficiently. I only have two major critiques: The book lagged a bit in spots and the cover didn’t match my expectations. I thought there would more heat and passion, but this is more of a clean, light-hearted romance.
Overall, the book is entertaining. I give it 3 Stars.
12 Steps is a light, fun read. The characters are well-developed and fleshed out. The reader gets a very clear picture of the events that shape Savannah and Lincoln. Savannah’s family is laugh out loud funny and down to earth. Savannah is likable and engaging, but can be completely oblivious at times. You’d think someone trained in reading signals and body language would be a bit more self-aware. Other than that incongruent character flaw, I liked her character. I particularly liked Lincoln. He knows he made mistakes in the past with Savannah and he devises a masterful plan to right those wrongs. The series of research outings he plans were super cute and fun!
The storyline and plot were well-developed and carried out with meticulous precision. The book is organized very efficiently. I only have two major critiques: The book lagged a bit in spots and the cover didn’t match my expectations. I thought there would more heat and passion, but this is more of a clean, light-hearted romance.
Overall, the book is entertaining. I give it 3 Stars.
March 17, 2019
12 Steps to Mr. Right is not a sexually driven romance story. I say it that way so that future readers understand that even tho these two do get sexy with it (lol), their journey is more on re-establishing their friendship and developing it romantically. And it was really well done. Their story was super sweet and entertaining and unfolded perfectly.
When Savannah and Linc were friends back in the day, they tried to take their friendship down a road that wasn't right for them, at the time. They were young and as young people do, they don't communicate and shit goes sideways quick...But that was then and this is now :)
I loved that Cindi Madsen chose to make this story more about them building their friendship than building their sexual desire. Because that's what needed mending before they could move forward. The sexual slow burn romance was perfect for this story-line. Any other way would have made their relationship not believable, imo.
So if you're looking for a sweet and entertaining story with a slight side of sexy .... you found it! :)
Copy provided for blog tour
When Savannah and Linc were friends back in the day, they tried to take their friendship down a road that wasn't right for them, at the time. They were young and as young people do, they don't communicate and shit goes sideways quick...But that was then and this is now :)
I loved that Cindi Madsen chose to make this story more about them building their friendship than building their sexual desire. Because that's what needed mending before they could move forward. The sexual slow burn romance was perfect for this story-line. Any other way would have made their relationship not believable, imo.
So if you're looking for a sweet and entertaining story with a slight side of sexy .... you found it! :)
Copy provided for blog tour
October 6, 2016
Cover/Title- I have to say, the title really hooked me. The cover is ok, but the title is really catchy. With that title I knew this was going to be funny and the cover is cheeky enough to add to that. Overall is a good one.
Plot- I 've like the plot concept. The story is interesting. They were great friends once, until a too-much-drinking event they became lovers, afterwards he was a jerk, really male style. I like the idea of her turning all that hurt into something constructive, by molding herself into helping other. I had fun with this story. It was a very sweet, funny romance.
Characters- I've really liked the secondary characters. I would love to read Ivy's and Jackson book. I hope they will get one. The main characters, I sort of have mixed feelings. Lincoln is a good character. He was what he was, he knows he has done things wrong in the past and he is honest with himself and about what he wants for his future. He is trying to change and everyone deserves a second chance. Savannah she has really made something for herself. She has brought something good out of a painful situation. He has build her career and she is good to her clients. She is a really great friend also.
heat/romance- I've really enjoyed them together. Their friendship was beautiful. I mean, I'm a bit envious of them doing crossword puzzles together (this was really brilliant), even then being together looking at all that places were great.
I like the story and I will be on the look out for Ivy and Jackson book Ms. Madsen. Of course they will get one, right?
Plot- I didn't enjoy the pace. Or better yet, I don't think this was a romance. I think this was a chick's lit with romantic elements. I believe Savannah spent the majority of her time with clients and sometimes that took too much. It could have been shorter, the long explanations of rules and the repetition of it, didn't let the story flow very smoothly. I like chick's lit and I have enjoy this book, but I guess I wanted more of the romance and I didn't get it.
Characters- Even though I have truly enjoyed Lincoln, I think the story was to easy with his past mistake. How he handle that situation of the day after was really bad and the woman in me wanted Savannah to make him crawl a bit :). Savannah was too judgmental. She got out of that Lincoln business a lot more damaged than was shown. She had a bad attitude towards men in general and it could be seen how unforgiving she was overall. Sometimes her tips to her clients scared me. Also, the psychologist in me had some trouble accepting her from her major to become a sort of therapist. Was a bit murky for me.
The best part for me were Savannah and Lincoln together. They were sweet, fun and cute when they were together, but their relationship didn't feel like the focus of the book.
This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
You MAY buy this book because you enjoy a fun read; you SHOULD buy this book because you like your romance sweet; you MUST read this book to see one of the best moments a couple could have... doing crosswords puzzle!!!
September 26, 2016
I need to be honest, I couldn't finish this book. I had to stop at 90% mostly because Savannah Gamble is a heroine I couldn't connect with. She's a dating coach, and since she was left heartbroken after a one night stand with one of her closest friends (a guy she had feelings for) she decided to create a series of steps to find Mr. Right.
The plot didn't catch my eye but i wanted to give this a chance, cause maybe I'd find something good. But no, from the first chapter I was wondering where was the fun, the book didn't hold my attention and I found myself skipping pages because the storyline is really dense, heavy.
Savannah is really stubborn and I didn't like her at all. She could pass like a bitch just for the way she acted and judged every guy. I get that she had the "how to spot the red flags to avoid the bad guys", but this was more like "how to judge a guy just because he doesn't want to settle down".
Lincoln (the guy she had the one night stand with) was back in Atlanta and they started to hang out. She was afraid because she realized she still felt something for him. But he was a no-no, just for the stupid red flags. PEOPLE CHANGE, do you know that Savannah? Well, she implied people couldn't change so that was the worst, and I realized she didn't have salvation.
Add to the story, an ex boyfriend that moved to another city. He was the perfect boyfriend and when they ended she was wondering what she did wrong because (Step 3: take inventory of past mistakes) she needed to find her Mr. Right no matter what and she had to avoid the same mistakes in her last relationship. She finds herself dating again, but Lincoln is lingering in her life again so she has a constant battle in her body, mind and heart.
When she succumbs to her desires, she starts to judge again. Judging Lincoln for the red flags, for what happened in the past. Just fucking TELL HIM, why he did what he did when he left you that time you hookup!!! NO, she's constantly judging him but kissing him too and when he makes her face the issue she doesn't believe that he had feelings for her and that he may have changed, just because PEOPLE GROW UP.
She's a know-it-all, when she clearly needs to see a shrink and work in her issues.
I'm just maybe angry because I hate when people judge and can't give the benefit of the doubt. I mean if the issue were huge then I would understand her, but everything happened for miscommunication and because she was too chicken to ask Lincoln what was happening with them.
If the author didn't make the storyline to heavy and more light and funny, we would have a different thing. She makes the first person really hard to read. The character (Savannah) talks too much, and sometimes is nonsense. She is constantly with her red flags and that's so exhausting, she describes too much. I mean I get you had a beautiful dress, but she literally tells you a story in the story you're reading and I was exhausted that's why I say this book didn't hold my attention.
She should listen to what Lincoln said: "Rules take out all the fun. Once in a while, you’ve just gotta live in the moment and let your instincts take over.”
"Step 10: Instead of assuming you’re on the same page, have the big talks. Communicate what you need and what you want. There’s nothing wrong with expecting more out of your relationships." she followed this just a one time but if she had talked about the past, a lot of mind games could have been avoided.
*I received and arc in exchange of an honest review*
The plot didn't catch my eye but i wanted to give this a chance, cause maybe I'd find something good. But no, from the first chapter I was wondering where was the fun, the book didn't hold my attention and I found myself skipping pages because the storyline is really dense, heavy.
Savannah is really stubborn and I didn't like her at all. She could pass like a bitch just for the way she acted and judged every guy. I get that she had the "how to spot the red flags to avoid the bad guys", but this was more like "how to judge a guy just because he doesn't want to settle down".
Lincoln (the guy she had the one night stand with) was back in Atlanta and they started to hang out. She was afraid because she realized she still felt something for him. But he was a no-no, just for the stupid red flags. PEOPLE CHANGE, do you know that Savannah? Well, she implied people couldn't change so that was the worst, and I realized she didn't have salvation.
Add to the story, an ex boyfriend that moved to another city. He was the perfect boyfriend and when they ended she was wondering what she did wrong because (Step 3: take inventory of past mistakes) she needed to find her Mr. Right no matter what and she had to avoid the same mistakes in her last relationship. She finds herself dating again, but Lincoln is lingering in her life again so she has a constant battle in her body, mind and heart.
When she succumbs to her desires, she starts to judge again. Judging Lincoln for the red flags, for what happened in the past. Just fucking TELL HIM, why he did what he did when he left you that time you hookup!!! NO, she's constantly judging him but kissing him too and when he makes her face the issue she doesn't believe that he had feelings for her and that he may have changed, just because PEOPLE GROW UP.
She's a know-it-all, when she clearly needs to see a shrink and work in her issues.
I'm just maybe angry because I hate when people judge and can't give the benefit of the doubt. I mean if the issue were huge then I would understand her, but everything happened for miscommunication and because she was too chicken to ask Lincoln what was happening with them.
If the author didn't make the storyline to heavy and more light and funny, we would have a different thing. She makes the first person really hard to read. The character (Savannah) talks too much, and sometimes is nonsense. She is constantly with her red flags and that's so exhausting, she describes too much. I mean I get you had a beautiful dress, but she literally tells you a story in the story you're reading and I was exhausted that's why I say this book didn't hold my attention.
She should listen to what Lincoln said: "Rules take out all the fun. Once in a while, you’ve just gotta live in the moment and let your instincts take over.”
"Step 10: Instead of assuming you’re on the same page, have the big talks. Communicate what you need and what you want. There’s nothing wrong with expecting more out of your relationships." she followed this just a one time but if she had talked about the past, a lot of mind games could have been avoided.
*I received and arc in exchange of an honest review*
September 26, 2016
3.25 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2016
12 steps to finding Mr. Right, composed by dating coach extraordinaire Savannah Gamble
1: Admit to being powerless over your attraction to the wrong type of guy. (Like Lincoln Wells, who broke your heart after an unforgettable one-night stand.)
2: Believe Mr. Right is out there.
3: Take inventory of past mistakes. (See step #1.)
4: Make a list of qualities you want in a man. (Avoid charming baseball players/reason you made these rules in the first place)
5: Take charge of your own life.
6: Learn to love yourself.
7: Sort the hookup guys from the relationship guys. (Avoid a painful brushoff after an amazing night together.)
8: Never, ever settle. (Even if the chemistry is off-the-charts.)
9: Don’t believe you can change a guy. (Once a commitment-phobe, always a commitment-phobe)
10: Communicate your needs.
11: Open your heart & love fully. (Still working on this one…)
12: Don’t ever, ever stray from the steps.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.25 stars----12 STEPS TO MR. RIGHT by Cindi Madsen is a stand alone, contemporary, adult romance focusing on dating coach Savannah Gamble, and former baseball player Lincoln Wells.
Told from first person point of view (Savannah) 12 STEPS TO MR. RIGHT follows ‘board certified’ dating consultant and coach Savannah Gamble as she struggles with her attraction to former friend and one-night stand Lincoln Wells-the man who triggered Savannah to ‘write’ the 12 Step Program for women in the dating world. Linc’s return to Atlanta Georgia comes with renewed heartbreak for our heroine as the memories of the past continue to control her current way of life.
Five years earlier Savannah fell for her best friend Ivy’s cousin Lincoln Wells, and following a drunken one-night stand Linc walked away without a backward glance. Fast forward to present day and Linc has returned to Atlanta Georgia, his baseball career never amounting to stardom, and hoping to reconnect with our story line heroine. As Linc continues to pursue Savannah, Savannah adheres rigidly to her 12 Step Program and is unable to get past the heartbreak of the past. Savannah’s strict adherence to her rules of dating make some for uncomfortable moments throughout the story as she is constantly applying the rules to her own relationships, and isn’t willing to step away or give benefit of the doubt.
The romance between LInc and Savannah is very slow to build as our heroine refuses to accept that Linc has changed; Linc is a man who is unaware of Savannah’s hurt, or what it is he did to destroy her faith in all men. The $ex scenes are implied and fade to black.
We are introduced to Savannah’s brother Jackson Gamble who has some sort of history with her best friend Ivy. Ivy refuses to acknowledge Jackson’s existence, and in this there is plenty of tension that adds to the already tense relationship between Savannah and Linc. Savannah’s extended family of aunts, as well as her own mother, complicates the matter as they see our heroine as a lonely spinster, without any prospects to settle down.
12 STEPS TO MR. RIGHT has moments of fun and humor; heartbreak and romance; realization and letting go but I did have some difficulty liking the heroine with her strict adherence to her own set of rules so much so that it affected her own relationships, and oft times that of those she coached. The 12 Steps seemed more like laws to be enforced rather than suggestions for a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2016
12 steps to finding Mr. Right, composed by dating coach extraordinaire Savannah Gamble
1: Admit to being powerless over your attraction to the wrong type of guy. (Like Lincoln Wells, who broke your heart after an unforgettable one-night stand.)
2: Believe Mr. Right is out there.
3: Take inventory of past mistakes. (See step #1.)
4: Make a list of qualities you want in a man. (Avoid charming baseball players/reason you made these rules in the first place)
5: Take charge of your own life.
6: Learn to love yourself.
7: Sort the hookup guys from the relationship guys. (Avoid a painful brushoff after an amazing night together.)
8: Never, ever settle. (Even if the chemistry is off-the-charts.)
9: Don’t believe you can change a guy. (Once a commitment-phobe, always a commitment-phobe)
10: Communicate your needs.
11: Open your heart & love fully. (Still working on this one…)
12: Don’t ever, ever stray from the steps.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.25 stars----12 STEPS TO MR. RIGHT by Cindi Madsen is a stand alone, contemporary, adult romance focusing on dating coach Savannah Gamble, and former baseball player Lincoln Wells.
Told from first person point of view (Savannah) 12 STEPS TO MR. RIGHT follows ‘board certified’ dating consultant and coach Savannah Gamble as she struggles with her attraction to former friend and one-night stand Lincoln Wells-the man who triggered Savannah to ‘write’ the 12 Step Program for women in the dating world. Linc’s return to Atlanta Georgia comes with renewed heartbreak for our heroine as the memories of the past continue to control her current way of life.
Five years earlier Savannah fell for her best friend Ivy’s cousin Lincoln Wells, and following a drunken one-night stand Linc walked away without a backward glance. Fast forward to present day and Linc has returned to Atlanta Georgia, his baseball career never amounting to stardom, and hoping to reconnect with our story line heroine. As Linc continues to pursue Savannah, Savannah adheres rigidly to her 12 Step Program and is unable to get past the heartbreak of the past. Savannah’s strict adherence to her rules of dating make some for uncomfortable moments throughout the story as she is constantly applying the rules to her own relationships, and isn’t willing to step away or give benefit of the doubt.
The romance between LInc and Savannah is very slow to build as our heroine refuses to accept that Linc has changed; Linc is a man who is unaware of Savannah’s hurt, or what it is he did to destroy her faith in all men. The $ex scenes are implied and fade to black.
We are introduced to Savannah’s brother Jackson Gamble who has some sort of history with her best friend Ivy. Ivy refuses to acknowledge Jackson’s existence, and in this there is plenty of tension that adds to the already tense relationship between Savannah and Linc. Savannah’s extended family of aunts, as well as her own mother, complicates the matter as they see our heroine as a lonely spinster, without any prospects to settle down.
12 STEPS TO MR. RIGHT has moments of fun and humor; heartbreak and romance; realization and letting go but I did have some difficulty liking the heroine with her strict adherence to her own set of rules so much so that it affected her own relationships, and oft times that of those she coached. The 12 Steps seemed more like laws to be enforced rather than suggestions for a happily ever after.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 1, 2016
*ARC is obtained through NetGalley from Entangled Publishing, LLC*
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤ (4 hearts)
I decided to give it 4 hearts because it is so captivating and I feel like as if I've been transported to a La La Land where I am living a life like Savannah and felt in love to a guy like Lincoln. However dreamy that was, I can't help but also feels there were little bit of some tiny stuffs that I can live without.
About the Story
Savannah Gamble is a successful dating consultant and confidently teach women on how to find the right guy. She reconnects as friends (initially) with Lincoln Wells despite how he left her heartbroken few years back. Lincoln (or Linc) was a baseball player in minor league but due to a critical injury, he quit the profession and then works part time as a bartender and coach for high school kids at a summer baseball camp. I would like to think of it as friends-turn-lovers kind of story as I love how comfortable they are towards each other as friends and how sweet they are as lovers.
12 Steps to Mr. Right had mostly captured my heart and it makes me always curious on what is going to happen next to Linc and Savannah. It makes my heart flutters a lot for good reason and it also does one or twice gave me a (very) minor heart attack. But it's okay because I can still feel an abundance of love for this book.
Things that makes my heart flutters
(or in other words, Things that I love about the book)
Frankly speaking, there are a lot of things that I love about it but, it would be a super long list to write them all so here a few of my favorites:
1)Linc and Savannah doing crossword puzzles together. I mean, I have never imagined in my life how that activity could be sweet but they make it feel so sweet! *Swoon*
2)Linc teasing the way Savannah seems to blurt out motivational quotes out of sudden without warning. I personally think that particular trait of Savannah is cute but Linc teasing her for that is pretty cute too. *Sigh, swoon again*
3)How observant Savannah is when detecting Red Flags in a guy (or at least for her clients). It's like she has a superpower detecting ability and she makes it look so cool!
4)The normal banter between Linc and Savannah because I've found myself often chuckling or swooning when reading their lines.
Things that gives me heart attacks
(or in other words, Things that I can live without from the book)
1)The lengthy monologues that Savannah seems to always have. I actually love some of them though because they can be so funny but whenever I feel it kind of being drag, I skip through it.
2)Supporting stories are great and all and I understand their importance but I just wish there were less stories of Annabeth, Amy Lynn, Abigail and maybe Aunt Velma too.
With that all being said, I am totally and definitely recommending this book to fellow contemporary romance readers especially for those who love friends-turn-lovers theme and doesn't mind reading a tad bit lengthy book. However, if you're looking for romance story that have hot-steamy scenes, I'm afraid this one might not be your cup of tea.
My review is posted on my blog at:
Sweetheart Reads Blog
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤ (4 hearts)
I decided to give it 4 hearts because it is so captivating and I feel like as if I've been transported to a La La Land where I am living a life like Savannah and felt in love to a guy like Lincoln. However dreamy that was, I can't help but also feels there were little bit of some tiny stuffs that I can live without.
About the Story
Savannah Gamble is a successful dating consultant and confidently teach women on how to find the right guy. She reconnects as friends (initially) with Lincoln Wells despite how he left her heartbroken few years back. Lincoln (or Linc) was a baseball player in minor league but due to a critical injury, he quit the profession and then works part time as a bartender and coach for high school kids at a summer baseball camp. I would like to think of it as friends-turn-lovers kind of story as I love how comfortable they are towards each other as friends and how sweet they are as lovers.
12 Steps to Mr. Right had mostly captured my heart and it makes me always curious on what is going to happen next to Linc and Savannah. It makes my heart flutters a lot for good reason and it also does one or twice gave me a (very) minor heart attack. But it's okay because I can still feel an abundance of love for this book.
Things that makes my heart flutters
(or in other words, Things that I love about the book)
Frankly speaking, there are a lot of things that I love about it but, it would be a super long list to write them all so here a few of my favorites:
1)Linc and Savannah doing crossword puzzles together. I mean, I have never imagined in my life how that activity could be sweet but they make it feel so sweet! *Swoon*
2)Linc teasing the way Savannah seems to blurt out motivational quotes out of sudden without warning. I personally think that particular trait of Savannah is cute but Linc teasing her for that is pretty cute too. *Sigh, swoon again*
3)How observant Savannah is when detecting Red Flags in a guy (or at least for her clients). It's like she has a superpower detecting ability and she makes it look so cool!
4)The normal banter between Linc and Savannah because I've found myself often chuckling or swooning when reading their lines.
Things that gives me heart attacks
(or in other words, Things that I can live without from the book)
1)The lengthy monologues that Savannah seems to always have. I actually love some of them though because they can be so funny but whenever I feel it kind of being drag, I skip through it.
2)Supporting stories are great and all and I understand their importance but I just wish there were less stories of Annabeth, Amy Lynn, Abigail and maybe Aunt Velma too.
With that all being said, I am totally and definitely recommending this book to fellow contemporary romance readers especially for those who love friends-turn-lovers theme and doesn't mind reading a tad bit lengthy book. However, if you're looking for romance story that have hot-steamy scenes, I'm afraid this one might not be your cup of tea.
My review is posted on my blog at:
Sweetheart Reads Blog
October 5, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
12 Steps to Mr. Right is a fantastic romantic comedy by Cindi Madsen. I really, really loved this book. It reminded me of a mash up of (the sister of) How to Lose a Guy in 10 days and He's Just not That into You. I think 12 Steps to Mr. Right is screaming to be made into a movie. Savannah's voice would make an amazing rom com movie character. If you are a fan of romantic comedies, this is a must read book for you. (and if you are like me and stuck in a hurricane watch/state of emergency, this is the perfect book to snuggle under the covers with and watch the rain and wind blow all around you.)
12 Steps to Mr. Right is told from Savannah's point of view, and I absolutely LOVED her. She is smart, and driven and so poised. Not to mention she has a great sense of humor. That was what I liked the most about the dynamic between her and Linc. They could joke around with each other and spar back and forth in a friendly way. I am like Savannah in that regard. I need that in a relationship. Linc is pretty great too, but it is hard to hold a candle to Savannah. I did still love Linc though.
I was super interested in seeing how their past would be addressed, but buckle in because you don't get that answer for a while. First, you get to see them get adjusted to how they fit into each other's lives in the present, which was a lot of fun as well. I really was digging Savannah's workshop sessions as well. Can you tell that I pretty much loved everything about this story? Because I so did. 12 Steps to Mr. Right is the kind of story that I would shush people for interrupting me. My poor boyfriend got shushed a good 6 times before he finally got the hint that I was "do not disturb while reading" mode.
Bottom line: Before I get too gushy, just let me leave it at this. Read 12 Steps to Mr. Right. Trust me. If you like romantic comedies, you will love this book. It has great characters, a great storyline and a really engaging romance. This is going on my re-read shelf for sure. Thank you Cindi Madsen! 12 Steps to Mr. Right is one of my favorite reads of 2016.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
12 Steps to Mr. Right is a fantastic romantic comedy by Cindi Madsen. I really, really loved this book. It reminded me of a mash up of (the sister of) How to Lose a Guy in 10 days and He's Just not That into You. I think 12 Steps to Mr. Right is screaming to be made into a movie. Savannah's voice would make an amazing rom com movie character. If you are a fan of romantic comedies, this is a must read book for you. (and if you are like me and stuck in a hurricane watch/state of emergency, this is the perfect book to snuggle under the covers with and watch the rain and wind blow all around you.)
12 Steps to Mr. Right is told from Savannah's point of view, and I absolutely LOVED her. She is smart, and driven and so poised. Not to mention she has a great sense of humor. That was what I liked the most about the dynamic between her and Linc. They could joke around with each other and spar back and forth in a friendly way. I am like Savannah in that regard. I need that in a relationship. Linc is pretty great too, but it is hard to hold a candle to Savannah. I did still love Linc though.
I was super interested in seeing how their past would be addressed, but buckle in because you don't get that answer for a while. First, you get to see them get adjusted to how they fit into each other's lives in the present, which was a lot of fun as well. I really was digging Savannah's workshop sessions as well. Can you tell that I pretty much loved everything about this story? Because I so did. 12 Steps to Mr. Right is the kind of story that I would shush people for interrupting me. My poor boyfriend got shushed a good 6 times before he finally got the hint that I was "do not disturb while reading" mode.
Bottom line: Before I get too gushy, just let me leave it at this. Read 12 Steps to Mr. Right. Trust me. If you like romantic comedies, you will love this book. It has great characters, a great storyline and a really engaging romance. This is going on my re-read shelf for sure. Thank you Cindi Madsen! 12 Steps to Mr. Right is one of my favorite reads of 2016.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
October 5, 2016
3.5 stars
The title sounds like a good rom com in the making, the premise had the inklings of that as well. I've always loved a rom com done well. Savannah Gamble has established herself as a dating coach extraordinaire from being a blogger. Her clientele list is extensive and her list long. After a string of bad relationships and dates, watching people get heart broken she was able to turn things around. Just when she ventures into trying her own rules to find her own match, a blast from the past is back. The one who cause her to turn to the rules, the one with red flag all over.
I had to admit the start was somewhat slow for me but it picked up when you get into the main story, that being Lincoln Wells is back and for good. It does't really feel so good right away anyway. Lincoln wants his friend back or something like that or just start again see if there's a chance. With a little research planned on his own (wooing 101). I had no expectations of his character going in but it was definitely a refreshing side to him owning up to his mistakes. Savannah and Lincoln's solid foundation of friendship started way back in college, way before the incident that change it all. At the time their priorities were different paths to follow and goals in life. Most athlete mentality would be similar to Linc's they have different ways of handling it of course but I can see where his mind was at then.
This time around though Linc is in it to win it, for the big picture. He was patient and sweet it offset the other side. Watching Savannah and Linc come together is probably the best part for me. They has fun banter and witty dialogue that kept things going. It was going to take a lot of convincing and time to get Savannah on the same page. She has a lot of getting past old hurts and open her heart for it to all work. I'm like the fact that Linc is supportive of her goals and career.
I wasn't a fan of Savannah's closed off and judgmental nature, being dictated by what she deems in the right physical appearance and how things should be. When in fact she helps women to find their relationship goals aka perfect guy, she knows her stuff for sure, but her past dictating how she perceives that that isn't supportive at all. Savannah's career is definitely important promoting self confidence and empowerment, way better than pulling down people.
Another thing that felt off was the some scenes felt unnecessary and out of place. I felt that some parts weren't as important to the story as whole. I understand you need to delve into story arcs how important it is to the story. It made things drag out. I wish we had more Savannah and Linc together too.
It was entertaining, fun, flirty with a side of friends to lovers. It was not a fast romance but a slow build one. Sometimes we need to step out of the our comfort zone to find the right person, they might not be perfect but they are perfect for you. If it really did take 12 Steps to finding one's Mr. Right then everyone would have a love life ;)
** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review **
The title sounds like a good rom com in the making, the premise had the inklings of that as well. I've always loved a rom com done well. Savannah Gamble has established herself as a dating coach extraordinaire from being a blogger. Her clientele list is extensive and her list long. After a string of bad relationships and dates, watching people get heart broken she was able to turn things around. Just when she ventures into trying her own rules to find her own match, a blast from the past is back. The one who cause her to turn to the rules, the one with red flag all over.
I had to admit the start was somewhat slow for me but it picked up when you get into the main story, that being Lincoln Wells is back and for good. It does't really feel so good right away anyway. Lincoln wants his friend back or something like that or just start again see if there's a chance. With a little research planned on his own (wooing 101). I had no expectations of his character going in but it was definitely a refreshing side to him owning up to his mistakes. Savannah and Lincoln's solid foundation of friendship started way back in college, way before the incident that change it all. At the time their priorities were different paths to follow and goals in life. Most athlete mentality would be similar to Linc's they have different ways of handling it of course but I can see where his mind was at then.
This time around though Linc is in it to win it, for the big picture. He was patient and sweet it offset the other side. Watching Savannah and Linc come together is probably the best part for me. They has fun banter and witty dialogue that kept things going. It was going to take a lot of convincing and time to get Savannah on the same page. She has a lot of getting past old hurts and open her heart for it to all work. I'm like the fact that Linc is supportive of her goals and career.
I wasn't a fan of Savannah's closed off and judgmental nature, being dictated by what she deems in the right physical appearance and how things should be. When in fact she helps women to find their relationship goals aka perfect guy, she knows her stuff for sure, but her past dictating how she perceives that that isn't supportive at all. Savannah's career is definitely important promoting self confidence and empowerment, way better than pulling down people.
Another thing that felt off was the some scenes felt unnecessary and out of place. I felt that some parts weren't as important to the story as whole. I understand you need to delve into story arcs how important it is to the story. It made things drag out. I wish we had more Savannah and Linc together too.
It was entertaining, fun, flirty with a side of friends to lovers. It was not a fast romance but a slow build one. Sometimes we need to step out of the our comfort zone to find the right person, they might not be perfect but they are perfect for you. If it really did take 12 Steps to finding one's Mr. Right then everyone would have a love life ;)
** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review **
October 1, 2016
another fantastic romance from Cindi. She always writes characters that you would really love to be friends with.
October 7, 2016
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
3.5 Stars
Cindi Madsen is one of those authors that I go to when I'm looking for a feel good read. She has delivered once again with 12 Steps to Mr. Right, where the main character, Savannah Gamble, helps others to find love with the help of her 12 step program, after she was left broken hearted in college.
Savannah set up her own successful business, and has helped countless women find the right guy. She's great at reading body language and watches for signs as to whether a guy is telling the truth. All her steps and rules can help any woman figure out the good guys from the duds, and it was amusing to see it all come together. Savannah is also ready to get back into the dating game after her latest boyfriend left her, but she wasn't ready for the first guy that broke her heart to come back into her life.
I loved how committed Savannah was to helping her students. She would drop everything to support those she teaches. A lot of the rules were common sense and it was interesting to see her work them into her program. Those steps that Savannah has put into her work, she forgets to implement them into her own life. She over looked the person who's right in front of her, trying to get her to see him as the man for her.
I thought this was another fun read and I loved watching Savannah's first love trying to win her over, but she was too clueless to see it! The chemistry was still there, but all those doubts and remembering what he was like in college kept him at arms length. 12 Steps to Mr. Right was another enjoyable read, but it's not my favourite Cindi Madsen read. I felt I was told too much of the story, instead of getting to experience what Savannah was going through. I liked Savannah's quirky friend Ivy, so I hope we get to see more of her in the future!
Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Cindi Madsen is one of those authors that I go to when I'm looking for a feel good read. She has delivered once again with 12 Steps to Mr. Right, where the main character, Savannah Gamble, helps others to find love with the help of her 12 step program, after she was left broken hearted in college.
Savannah set up her own successful business, and has helped countless women find the right guy. She's great at reading body language and watches for signs as to whether a guy is telling the truth. All her steps and rules can help any woman figure out the good guys from the duds, and it was amusing to see it all come together. Savannah is also ready to get back into the dating game after her latest boyfriend left her, but she wasn't ready for the first guy that broke her heart to come back into her life.
I loved how committed Savannah was to helping her students. She would drop everything to support those she teaches. A lot of the rules were common sense and it was interesting to see her work them into her program. Those steps that Savannah has put into her work, she forgets to implement them into her own life. She over looked the person who's right in front of her, trying to get her to see him as the man for her.
I thought this was another fun read and I loved watching Savannah's first love trying to win her over, but she was too clueless to see it! The chemistry was still there, but all those doubts and remembering what he was like in college kept him at arms length. 12 Steps to Mr. Right was another enjoyable read, but it's not my favourite Cindi Madsen read. I felt I was told too much of the story, instead of getting to experience what Savannah was going through. I liked Savannah's quirky friend Ivy, so I hope we get to see more of her in the future!
Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 8, 2025This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
I adored this book, and breezed right through it. It's fun, sweet, and pretty funny at times.
Savannah and Lincoln are pretty awesome. I love how easy the banter is between them. You can tell there is a lot of history between these two, and how much Savannah feels for him. Even when she tries to deny any feelings at all.
Both are in a place of doubting who they are, and I appreciate how real it feels. Lincoln is dealing with no longer being able to play baseball. Savannah feels like if she lets herself fall down the rabbit hole with Lincoln, that she'll be a hypocrite. You can feel their struggle and can't help but hope they figure it out.
And this is sort of a second chance romance, which we all know are my bread and butter. I love them, and I love seeing how characters reconnect. Savannah does everything in her power to not fall for Linc's charms and it's ridiculously hard, and hilarious. I love her inner pep talks, even when I think she should just go with it, and see where it goes. I also love how hard Linc tries with her. He knows she's wary of having anything to do with him, but he thinks of fun things to do just to be around her.
I loved every minute of this book, and I think you will to. It's lighthearted and a quick read that will have you swooning and going all in with your heart.
September 15, 2016
Marie's Tempting Reads Netgalley ARC Review:
Fabulously fun and super sweet, this book made me giggle, sigh, and fall in love! 12 Steps To Mr. Right is FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! Seriously, this book was such a good time. I loved the characters. They are interesting and charming, and oh so entertaining.
I love a romance that makes me sigh out loud and crush on it long after I read it, and this book definitely did that for me. I fell in love with the cover but the synopsis just hooked me. And when I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Heck I did not want to either. Its romance at its finest. Fun, sweet, sexy, and and outrageous good time, readers will be very pleased with this book.
12 Steps To Mr. Right gets a DELIGHTFUL AND FLIRTY FIVE SHOOTING STARS! readers will be talking about this romance for weeks, no doubt about it.
Fabulously fun and super sweet, this book made me giggle, sigh, and fall in love! 12 Steps To Mr. Right is FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! Seriously, this book was such a good time. I loved the characters. They are interesting and charming, and oh so entertaining.
I love a romance that makes me sigh out loud and crush on it long after I read it, and this book definitely did that for me. I fell in love with the cover but the synopsis just hooked me. And when I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Heck I did not want to either. Its romance at its finest. Fun, sweet, sexy, and and outrageous good time, readers will be very pleased with this book.
12 Steps To Mr. Right gets a DELIGHTFUL AND FLIRTY FIVE SHOOTING STARS! readers will be talking about this romance for weeks, no doubt about it.
September 15, 2016
I knew I would thoroughly enjoy this book from the moment I begin reading it. It is riddled with humorous dialog, wry, witty banter and characters with wonderful flaws that make the story so much fun. Ms Madsen is known for her dynamic characters and she doesn't disappoint with both Savannah and Linc. The history they shared just made their story that much more intriguing to me in that this is what had shaped Savannah's need for her rules. All the time that she's following her rules, Linc is working his magic to bring her around to forgetting the rules all together. Wonderfully contrived work arounds to circumvent those pesky hindering rules!
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
nope
September 30, 2016Note to self: read A's review
October 2, 2016
A fun, sweet, and sexy second chance romance with a twist! A really great read!
December 13, 2016
2.5 No está mal, pero me cansan un poco tantas normas por parte de Savannah y es como que le falta algo hácia el final... pero aún así es entretenido
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