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Nerds of Paradise #2
Chaos Theory
Sparks fly when a serious—and seriously hot—engineer rubs up against a free-spirited florist who is determined to bring him out of his shell…
Melody Clutterbuck has her eyes on the prize, and that prize is handsome, uptight engineer, Will Darling. As part-owner of the local flower shop, people expect her notoriously sunny disposition and esoteric way of doing things to shine, but when the town gets wrapped up in an orienteering competition, Melody’s competitive nature comes out. She plans to win both the wilderness event and the man, and nothing will get in her way. Not even Wil himself.
He doesn’t want her to see how much he wants her…
Will Darling is nothing if not a fierce competitor. He is focused, determined, and driven. So when he finds himself falling for Melody and her chaotic, flighty, sexy ways, it seriously threatens his regimented world. And when they’re paired together for the orienteering competition and dropped into the middle of the Shoshone National Forest alone, more than one kind of sparks fly.
Can Will hold onto his organized world or will the fire between him and Melody take over and spread chaos in its wake?
PLEASE BE Steam Level – Very Hot
Melody Clutterbuck has her eyes on the prize, and that prize is handsome, uptight engineer, Will Darling. As part-owner of the local flower shop, people expect her notoriously sunny disposition and esoteric way of doing things to shine, but when the town gets wrapped up in an orienteering competition, Melody’s competitive nature comes out. She plans to win both the wilderness event and the man, and nothing will get in her way. Not even Wil himself.
He doesn’t want her to see how much he wants her…
Will Darling is nothing if not a fierce competitor. He is focused, determined, and driven. So when he finds himself falling for Melody and her chaotic, flighty, sexy ways, it seriously threatens his regimented world. And when they’re paired together for the orienteering competition and dropped into the middle of the Shoshone National Forest alone, more than one kind of sparks fly.
Can Will hold onto his organized world or will the fire between him and Melody take over and spread chaos in its wake?
PLEASE BE Steam Level – Very Hot
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
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August 4, 2018I suppose anything that actually has ‘nerds’ in the series title might be a bit overloaded with stereotypes, but this is too much.
There is a black woman character, yay… but the Indian guy who is paired with her worries that he’ll be overpowered by her.
*makes a face*
And this is what Will observes:
Will is the hero.
But it’s okay, Melody, the heroine, has already made all the jokes about the Indian guy.
At what? His name? His appearance? [they don’t explain… so it’s an in-joke] and then they just ignore him. Melody and Sandy don’t bother to introduce themselves.
Ugh.
So I guess the MCs are meant for each other.
But you know what? I don’t have to keep reading it.
And up to this part, I didn’t particularly like either main character, so I am not invested in them getting together. Melody is a clutzy, flouncy skirt wearing florist who has a juvenile competition with her old HS enemy… and *yawns*
It’s tagged as a romcom but nothing so far is making me laugh.
Did not finish at 26%
There is a black woman character, yay… but the Indian guy who is paired with her worries that he’ll be overpowered by her.
*makes a face*
And this is what Will observes:
Poor Jogi from IT looked as though he’d been hit upside the head with a brick as he talked to Melody’s elegant, black, lawyer friend, Sandy. That pairing almost made Will laugh. Jogi would end up with tire treads all over him from being run over by a force like Sandy if he wasn’t careful. (p. 50).
Will is the hero.
But it’s okay, Melody, the heroine, has already made all the jokes about the Indian guy.
The Indian guy looked behind him and from side to side as though Sandy must be talking to someone else. He wore a button-up shirt that was buttoned all the way up and topped off with a plaid bowtie. “Joginder Sandhu,” he answered, breaking into an awkward smile and taking Sandy’s hand. “But you can call me Jogi.”
Melody shared a look with Calliope, then burst into laughter. (p. 20).
At what? His name? His appearance? [they don’t explain… so it’s an in-joke] and then they just ignore him. Melody and Sandy don’t bother to introduce themselves.
Ugh.
So I guess the MCs are meant for each other.
But you know what? I don’t have to keep reading it.
And up to this part, I didn’t particularly like either main character, so I am not invested in them getting together. Melody is a clutzy, flouncy skirt wearing florist who has a juvenile competition with her old HS enemy… and *yawns*
It’s tagged as a romcom but nothing so far is making me laugh.
Did not finish at 26%
June 8, 2018
She got her wish of a certain partner in a survival contest.
Want to Read
May 28, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (5/28/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Melody Clutterbuck has her eyes on the prize, and that prize is handsome, uptight engineer, Will Darling. As part-owner of the local flower shop, people expect her notoriously sunny disposition and esoteric way of doing things to shine, but when the town gets wrapped up in an orienteering competition, Melody’s competitive nature comes out. She plans to win both the wilderness event and the man, and nothing will get in her way. Not even Wil himself.
Will Darling is nothing if not a fierce competitor. He is focused, determined, and driven. So when he finds himself falling for Melody and her chaotic, flighty, sexy ways, it seriously threatens his regimented world. And when they’re paired together for the orienteering competition and dropped into the middle of the Shoshone National Forest alone, more than one kind of sparks fly.
Can Will hold onto his organized world or will the fire between him and Melody take over and spread chaos in its wake?
Blurb:
Melody Clutterbuck has her eyes on the prize, and that prize is handsome, uptight engineer, Will Darling. As part-owner of the local flower shop, people expect her notoriously sunny disposition and esoteric way of doing things to shine, but when the town gets wrapped up in an orienteering competition, Melody’s competitive nature comes out. She plans to win both the wilderness event and the man, and nothing will get in her way. Not even Wil himself.
Will Darling is nothing if not a fierce competitor. He is focused, determined, and driven. So when he finds himself falling for Melody and her chaotic, flighty, sexy ways, it seriously threatens his regimented world. And when they’re paired together for the orienteering competition and dropped into the middle of the Shoshone National Forest alone, more than one kind of sparks fly.
Can Will hold onto his organized world or will the fire between him and Melody take over and spread chaos in its wake?
August 7, 2018
Rolling my eyes sky high....such wasted potential
This book started promising but fell flat with the absurdities that I read throughout this book. Free spirit Melody has liked nerdy and uptight Will for 6 months. She seizes her opportunity to have more time to get to know him by joining a orienteering competition. But blatantly denies it by saying that she’s trying to challenge herself. Okay why can’t it be both why play coy. Then here comes the annoying part. The training and then the actual competition is like a semi adult version of Hunger Games mixed with 90210 with a dash of Meet the Fockers (hippie parents and sibling). Get the picture good. So they’ve never went on a date or spoken more than 20 mins at a time and half the time it’s Will being cranky and pushing Melody away even though he likes her. Then Melody gets mad and tells him to stick it but quickly forgives him even though she doesn’t owe him anything. Then enter that once they have sex while in the competition he decides to declare his undying love. I could go on about why this book was a disappointment but let me leave with these two last statements. The authors repeat need to say she smiled or he blushed. We get it she’s a hippie and he’s a shy angst filled nerd. Then there’s things like “oh I know they left us alone because they probably thought we were going to do it doggie style in front of them.” They she meant in front of parents and sister. Ludicrous and an askew imagination is the best way to describe this book.
This book started promising but fell flat with the absurdities that I read throughout this book. Free spirit Melody has liked nerdy and uptight Will for 6 months. She seizes her opportunity to have more time to get to know him by joining a orienteering competition. But blatantly denies it by saying that she’s trying to challenge herself. Okay why can’t it be both why play coy. Then here comes the annoying part. The training and then the actual competition is like a semi adult version of Hunger Games mixed with 90210 with a dash of Meet the Fockers (hippie parents and sibling). Get the picture good. So they’ve never went on a date or spoken more than 20 mins at a time and half the time it’s Will being cranky and pushing Melody away even though he likes her. Then Melody gets mad and tells him to stick it but quickly forgives him even though she doesn’t owe him anything. Then enter that once they have sex while in the competition he decides to declare his undying love. I could go on about why this book was a disappointment but let me leave with these two last statements. The authors repeat need to say she smiled or he blushed. We get it she’s a hippie and he’s a shy angst filled nerd. Then there’s things like “oh I know they left us alone because they probably thought we were going to do it doggie style in front of them.” They she meant in front of parents and sister. Ludicrous and an askew imagination is the best way to describe this book.
September 21, 2020
I hovered between a 3 and a 4 here and I really wish I could do half stars. I did like the book and I did finish, which itself is an automatic 3 stars. I just hovered between liking and not loving the two MCs. While the premise sounded juicy, the actuality wasn't quite what I hoped for.
First up was Will, the 'hero'. Dude had some daddy issues and it made him a complete ass to Melody. My hackles rose right away and that means he has a lot to make up for me. He kind of redeemed himself and it turned out to be a sweet awakening and ending.
But.... Not quite the mushy sweet romance I really get hooked on. I did like the story, though I'm confused about this whole Survivor meets Bachelor meets Hunger Games theme. Kind of random, but sounds like the owner of PSF is an eccentric.... kind of like another billionaire we've seen on TV in past years.
ANYway I digress, I'd mean to discuss the characters. Melody was so stinking bubbly and giggly to me, she came across as immature, though she did snap somewhat out of it as the 'games' wore on. She was always 'smiling' or 'giggling' at something Will said and that to me as the hero would have driven me nuts instead of making me want to get over my daddy issues. There is no need for all the giggling! But... girl could fish... naked and she carried on even when she hurt her ankle so she got points for that.
I didn't mind the secondary characters either and kind of want to see how Sandy and Jogi's characters work out. Sandy seems like a ballbuster who would steamroll over Jogi, but it could work and I hope it does. I liked seeing the diversity of characters and hope that the next book does better!
First up was Will, the 'hero'. Dude had some daddy issues and it made him a complete ass to Melody. My hackles rose right away and that means he has a lot to make up for me. He kind of redeemed himself and it turned out to be a sweet awakening and ending.
But.... Not quite the mushy sweet romance I really get hooked on. I did like the story, though I'm confused about this whole Survivor meets Bachelor meets Hunger Games theme. Kind of random, but sounds like the owner of PSF is an eccentric.... kind of like another billionaire we've seen on TV in past years.
ANYway I digress, I'd mean to discuss the characters. Melody was so stinking bubbly and giggly to me, she came across as immature, though she did snap somewhat out of it as the 'games' wore on. She was always 'smiling' or 'giggling' at something Will said and that to me as the hero would have driven me nuts instead of making me want to get over my daddy issues. There is no need for all the giggling! But... girl could fish... naked and she carried on even when she hurt her ankle so she got points for that.
I didn't mind the secondary characters either and kind of want to see how Sandy and Jogi's characters work out. Sandy seems like a ballbuster who would steamroll over Jogi, but it could work and I hope it does. I liked seeing the diversity of characters and hope that the next book does better!
June 5, 2018
This is the second book in the Nerds of Paradise series. Once again, fun, quick, and entertaining. Chaos Theory is a nerdy rom-com with some interesting, albeit somewhat bizarre, characters. William A. Darling, Jr. is thirty-four years old and still afraid of disappointing his father. He’s a rocket scientist who has always wanted to work for NASA. Scratch that, his father has always wanted him to work for NASA. Will is perfectly happy to be working in Haskell, WY for PSF. Chaos Theory deals, in a very lighthearted way, with the dysfunctional relationship between Will, Jr. and Will, Sr. and how it’s all resolved, or not, with the help of one of Haskell’s well-loved citizens and a few days in the woods. Melody was a little too “giggly” and flightly most of the time, but she redeemed herself when she did decide to be a mature woman. I did like that she never lost her fun side, though. If you’re looking for a light read this is a decent series to consider.
May 29, 2018
So I planned to start reading this book before bed. It is now 3:55 am and I am finished. So yeah, I recommend it.
I thought the competition was a wonderful setting for the story and very unique.
I was on the watch for over-the-top nerdy trope. There was a lot of emphasis on Will being socially awkward and an introvert. But to tell you the truth, it kinda reminded me of some of my friends, so I don't think I can really fault Farmer on that.
The emotional shift (with reference to Will's father) happened a bit suddenly, making it somewhat unconvincing. People have problems, and problems take time to fix. I would like to have seen that growth fleshed out.
I apologize if this review is a bid choppy, I am quite tired.
I am going to bed.
I thought the competition was a wonderful setting for the story and very unique.
I was on the watch for over-the-top nerdy trope. There was a lot of emphasis on Will being socially awkward and an introvert. But to tell you the truth, it kinda reminded me of some of my friends, so I don't think I can really fault Farmer on that.
The emotional shift (with reference to Will's father) happened a bit suddenly, making it somewhat unconvincing. People have problems, and problems take time to fix. I would like to have seen that growth fleshed out.
I apologize if this review is a bid choppy, I am quite tired.
I am going to bed.
July 12, 2023
The sparks we see between Will and Melody initially, really aren’t the good kind. There’s some attraction, but there’s a lot more sniping and snarking. It didn’t take very long, however, before we got to dig under their respective masks and learn what made them tick – and what kept drawing the unlikely duo together. I really liked seeing the personal growth they both make by the conclusion. Unfortunately, Will is also a bit of a reminder that abuse takes many forms and no one is immune from it. His father is a bully no matter what kind of fancy uniform you dress him up in. And my sense of justice feels like he, and the cheater, ended this book with far too few consequences for their misdeeds.
December 14, 2018
Contemporary small town romance with a small town florist finding love with a shy introverted engineer who are paired up to compete in a wilderness event run by the engineer's company.
Melody Clutterbuck know what she wants and it is the sweet smart Will Darling. The wilderness event is chaotic and silly while having some seriously dangerous moments as they are being thwarted by some cheating folks. I really loved Melody but I felt like she could do better then Will because he can be a selfish jerk at times although it is clearly due to his childhood traumas.
Fun quick fluff read.
293 pages an kindle freebie
3 stars
Melody Clutterbuck know what she wants and it is the sweet smart Will Darling. The wilderness event is chaotic and silly while having some seriously dangerous moments as they are being thwarted by some cheating folks. I really loved Melody but I felt like she could do better then Will because he can be a selfish jerk at times although it is clearly due to his childhood traumas.
Fun quick fluff read.
293 pages an kindle freebie
3 stars
June 3, 2018
Sweet and funny moments
This was a lighthearted Rom-com with lovable characters and a good storyline. However there were moments when the heroine seemed a bit too ditzy. The word "Giggled" appeared often. I also didnt quite like some of the euphemisms used like "making my pip squeak" "girly bits" etc. Sometimes the actual anatomic word itself might be better. It felt like it was being "dumbed down". Overlooking those parts, it's an enjoyable read. Not sure I will read the rest of the series.
This was a lighthearted Rom-com with lovable characters and a good storyline. However there were moments when the heroine seemed a bit too ditzy. The word "Giggled" appeared often. I also didnt quite like some of the euphemisms used like "making my pip squeak" "girly bits" etc. Sometimes the actual anatomic word itself might be better. It felt like it was being "dumbed down". Overlooking those parts, it's an enjoyable read. Not sure I will read the rest of the series.
June 3, 2017
4.5/5.0
Although this "opposites attract" love story is the second edition in the “Nerds of Paradise” series, it stands alone and treats the reader to a delightfully created tale that will hold their interest from the first to the last page.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Although this "opposites attract" love story is the second edition in the “Nerds of Paradise” series, it stands alone and treats the reader to a delightfully created tale that will hold their interest from the first to the last page.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 5, 2018
This is an easy story to read. It shows that opposites do help each other. Will is a serious man who had a hard up bring from his father. He is a veteran and wants to break from the life he was brought up in, just doesn’t quite know how to do it. Melody is a free spirit and loves life. She has great parents that back her up. When the showdown comes up with Will’s father, he finally stands up to him – Melody stands right beside his. You will have to read the book to see what happens.
May 24, 2019
Great read
To be honest I almost left this book alone because of some of the reviews posted but I am glad I didn't! Loved Will despite him being so uptight at times I thought he'd poop diamonds! Melody was everything he never knew he needed. Smart, loyal, feisty! Great heroine. My only regret was the story wrapped up too soon. Would have loved to read about her parents involvement in their new relationship. Would have been hilarious! Definitely coming back for more!
To be honest I almost left this book alone because of some of the reviews posted but I am glad I didn't! Loved Will despite him being so uptight at times I thought he'd poop diamonds! Melody was everything he never knew he needed. Smart, loyal, feisty! Great heroine. My only regret was the story wrapped up too soon. Would have loved to read about her parents involvement in their new relationship. Would have been hilarious! Definitely coming back for more!
September 19, 2021
Well written. WILDLY amusing (LOL, have to stop reading, funny moments). Memorable characters, different from what I usually see. I was far too engrossed & couldn't put it down (3am again!). The story and the emotions, both, had me pulled in. The series setup is unique & allows for some plot ideas I wouldn't have bought into otherwise. The prompts for the other characters has me wanting more. I really like this author, and I'm looking forward to getting more of her works.
May 30, 2018
Great story
Loved this romance between a nerd and a free spirit. Getting Will to loosen up was Melody's goal and it was fun to watch how her optimism got to Will and finally made him see there is more to life than rules. The showdown with his father at the end was great and Melody standing at his side through that was very satisfying.
Loved this romance between a nerd and a free spirit. Getting Will to loosen up was Melody's goal and it was fun to watch how her optimism got to Will and finally made him see there is more to life than rules. The showdown with his father at the end was great and Melody standing at his side through that was very satisfying.
June 6, 2018
Cute, fun
This is a cute and fun quick read. Will is a smart guy, but doesn't seem like a nerd to this reader. He's ripped, a military veteran and girls seem to crush on him. When I think nerd, I think about the shy, quiet guy who doesn't have anyone trying to become his love interest. Will's quiet, but is because he's serious, not shy.
This is a cute and fun quick read. Will is a smart guy, but doesn't seem like a nerd to this reader. He's ripped, a military veteran and girls seem to crush on him. When I think nerd, I think about the shy, quiet guy who doesn't have anyone trying to become his love interest. Will's quiet, but is because he's serious, not shy.
July 30, 2018
*3.75
(Or could I put 3.95?)
Light, cute and funny read. I was just smiling and giggling so much throughout this book; the flirtatious teasing was so cute! I always enjoy romances that pair a straight-laced, rule-abiding character with a happy-go-lucky character. It makes a lot of the interactions really fun to read.
(Or could I put 3.95?)
Light, cute and funny read. I was just smiling and giggling so much throughout this book; the flirtatious teasing was so cute! I always enjoy romances that pair a straight-laced, rule-abiding character with a happy-go-lucky character. It makes a lot of the interactions really fun to read.
May 31, 2018
Easy read
This is a light-hearted easy read story. No angst, just predictable romance with two lovely main characters. Great if you don't really want to think too much about a heavy plotline.
This is a light-hearted easy read story. No angst, just predictable romance with two lovely main characters. Great if you don't really want to think too much about a heavy plotline.
June 5, 2018
Worth a read
I read some negative reviews of this book- but I definitely disagree with them. There are some very particular personalities but definitely not outside the realm of real. Even the steamy parts felt real rather than an unachievable dream. Was very good!
I read some negative reviews of this book- but I definitely disagree with them. There are some very particular personalities but definitely not outside the realm of real. Even the steamy parts felt real rather than an unachievable dream. Was very good!
June 6, 2018
Ok
The plot was interesting. The characters were as well but a little over the top. Will seemed the most over the top but I guess that had to do with his inner conflicts. Would I read again? I don't think so. I almost quit after the contest but decided to hang in there.
The plot was interesting. The characters were as well but a little over the top. Will seemed the most over the top but I guess that had to do with his inner conflicts. Would I read again? I don't think so. I almost quit after the contest but decided to hang in there.
June 10, 2018
Funny and engaging!
Rigid and regimental meets free spirited and happy-go-lucky. It was a fun read that kept me turning pages. Definitely a few characters to love and a few to hate.
Rigid and regimental meets free spirited and happy-go-lucky. It was a fun read that kept me turning pages. Definitely a few characters to love and a few to hate.
June 19, 2018
Fun!!!!
This is a quick moving story you don't want to put down. There are real life struggles to overcome and love to be discovered it you can heal. Great characters and great story. I love her parents!!! Lol
This is a quick moving story you don't want to put down. There are real life struggles to overcome and love to be discovered it you can heal. Great characters and great story. I love her parents!!! Lol
July 6, 2018
Interesting read
I enjoyed reading about Melody and Will. If I had a father like Will had I would have shot him long before now. I was proud of Will, proud of Melody and especially gratified to see the cheater finally lose.
I enjoyed reading about Melody and Will. If I had a father like Will had I would have shot him long before now. I was proud of Will, proud of Melody and especially gratified to see the cheater finally lose.
July 10, 2018
Needs adventure race thru a National Forest
Adventure, love, competitive race, scenic beauty, all rolled into one good
Adventure story. Characters come to life as the story moves along.
Adventure, love, competitive race, scenic beauty, all rolled into one good
Adventure story. Characters come to life as the story moves along.
October 8, 2018
Great read!!
This was a great read from Merry Farmer! I loved the interaction between Melody and Will, with Melody's free-sightedness and Will's seriousness. It was enjoyable to see them get to their hea in a competition!
This was a great read from Merry Farmer! I loved the interaction between Melody and Will, with Melody's free-sightedness and Will's seriousness. It was enjoyable to see them get to their hea in a competition!
October 14, 2018
Nerds are hot
I love Everything in this book,all that slow building desire.how two people whose are so different are like jing and jang,complete together.Great humor and characters.I adore this.thank you
I love Everything in this book,all that slow building desire.how two people whose are so different are like jing and jang,complete together.Great humor and characters.I adore this.thank you
October 21, 2018
Aaah nerds :)
Such a charming story! I fear I will not do it justice with my review.
The characters are believable and you find yourself drawn into their story from the beginning. I was unable to put this book down until I finished the epilogue!
Such a charming story! I fear I will not do it justice with my review.
The characters are believable and you find yourself drawn into their story from the beginning. I was unable to put this book down until I finished the epilogue!
November 16, 2018
I felt like the characters, storyline, and behaviour was better suited to a high school environment rather than 30-something adults. The humour was very silly and crude and the characters’ thoughts all seemed quite angst-y and hormone filled.
March 9, 2019
4 stars
Quirky, fun loving and interesting characters make up this story of hate to love romance set in a small town. Most of the novel centres around an orienteering competition, which keeps the story progressing and great visuals of the natural beauty.
Quirky, fun loving and interesting characters make up this story of hate to love romance set in a small town. Most of the novel centres around an orienteering competition, which keeps the story progressing and great visuals of the natural beauty.
April 29, 2019
A cute read.
A cute read. The orienteering competition was interesting with the way that opposites, Melody and Will, worked together and also seeing his development as he came out of his shell.
A cute read. The orienteering competition was interesting with the way that opposites, Melody and Will, worked together and also seeing his development as he came out of his shell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews