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Operation: Date Escape
Since her divorce two years before, Kelsie Collins has been determined to guard her heart and steer clear of seemingly ‘perfect’ men. An easy task considering the kind of men her matchmaking mother and her best friend, Nanci, keeps setting her up with. She allows them to set her up, knowing their hearts are in the right place and that there is no risk of her letting any man close enough to hurt her again. Her growing experience in ways to slip out of those ‘dates from hell’ prompts her to start writing a bad date survival guide. One aptly titled - OPERATION: DATE ESCAPE. And it’s during one of those escapes that sexier than sin firefighter Cole Maxwell comes to her rescue.
Cole isn’t sure what to think when the sexy redhead he’s just ‘rescued’ from a bad date informs him that he’s too ‘perfect’ to date. That’s a first. He’s had relationships end because the women couldn’t handle the risks that go along with his chosen profession, but never because he’s too perfect.
When his crew gets called out to rescue someone who is stuck in a tree, Cole finds himself once again coming to Kelsie’s rescue. This time he’s not about to let her get away without agreeing to give him a chance, even holding her high heels hostage to make it happen. She finally gives in and things heat up between them like a 3-alarm fire. But there’s more than passion between them and Cole sets out to prove to Kelsie that he’s nowhere near ‘perfect’, but he is the ‘perfect’ man for her. Can he get past the wall she’s built up around her heart? Or will he end up being just another chapter in her book of men she ran from?
*Operation: Date Escape was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist as well as a finalist in the American Title III Competition put on by Romantic Times and Dorchester Publishing.*
Cole isn’t sure what to think when the sexy redhead he’s just ‘rescued’ from a bad date informs him that he’s too ‘perfect’ to date. That’s a first. He’s had relationships end because the women couldn’t handle the risks that go along with his chosen profession, but never because he’s too perfect.
When his crew gets called out to rescue someone who is stuck in a tree, Cole finds himself once again coming to Kelsie’s rescue. This time he’s not about to let her get away without agreeing to give him a chance, even holding her high heels hostage to make it happen. She finally gives in and things heat up between them like a 3-alarm fire. But there’s more than passion between them and Cole sets out to prove to Kelsie that he’s nowhere near ‘perfect’, but he is the ‘perfect’ man for her. Can he get past the wall she’s built up around her heart? Or will he end up being just another chapter in her book of men she ran from?
*Operation: Date Escape was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist as well as a finalist in the American Title III Competition put on by Romantic Times and Dorchester Publishing.*
454 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2013
128 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Brookes
18 books147 followersRomance author Lindsey Brookes grew up reading romance novels. She penned her first romance, a historical, at the age of seventeen. From there she went on to join Romance Writers of America where she learned the ins and outs of the publishing business and ways to hone her craft. She switched to writing contemporary romance and has finalled in/or won more than 75 RWA chapter sponsored contests with over a dozen different manuscripts. She is also a three time RWA Golden Heart finalist as well as a past American Title III finalist. She's married to her childhood sweetheart, her hero, with whom she has two beautiful daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 24, 2016
Surprisingly, this wasn't bad.
March 7, 2016
Quirky, chick-lit-infused, romantic comedy
Kelsie views herself as a "twenty-seven-year-old version of Tinker Bell," except with red hair instead of blond. She is currently strongly turned off to men because two years ago she divorced a man who, at the time of her marriage, she thought was "perfect" but who turned out to be a conniving, lying, unfaithful jerk. She has no real desire to get involved with anyone, but her never-married mother and man-hungry best friend are constantly urging her to leap back into the dating world. In the process, with the best of intentions, they constantly set her up with one failed date after the other. Then one evening, while hanging out with her best friend at a new restaurant, Kelsie encounters "the closest thing she'd ever seen to a Greek god in Columbus, Ohio," her home town.
Cole is 34, and has been burned many times by women who insist that his beloved profession of the past 15 years as a fireman is just too dangerous for them to commit to him long term. He doesn't believe a woman exists who will resist trying to pry him loose from his job until he meets Kelsie. He is intrigued by the fact that she finds his dedication to saving lives nothing but admirable, but even so, there is a very big barrier to his natural desire to date this beautiful, feisty woman: she thinks he is too "perfect." The fact that he has no apparent flaws is a major red flag to her, because what if he turns out to be like her ex-husband, and all his flaws are simply hidden from view? Cole is determined to prove to Kelsie he is "imperfect" enough for her to take a chance on him, and thus begins their comic journey to love.
This novel is about half-and-half chick lit (whose distinguishing feature is amusing dating disasters) and traditional romance (known for its avoidance of romantic triangles and cheating as well as the much vaunted "happily ever after"). The main sources for the comedy in this book include: the quirky behavior of Kelsie's mother and best friend, Kelsie's daring escapes from the disastrous dates they foist upon her, including various rescues from said dates by Cole, as well as Cole's humorous attempts to woo her.
Kelsie works as a dental hygienist, which is an unusual profession for a romance heroine. I don't think I've seen that before. She is also a wannabe nonfiction author, writing an advice manual for women on how to "do as I say and not as I do" as a means for her audience to avoid dating debacles like the ones she has endured, which is another somewhat unique attribute in a romance heroine.
There is excellent chemistry between the two attractive, pleasing protagonists, and readers looking for a light, fun read will enjoy this book.
I rate this novel as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Chicklit Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
Kelsie views herself as a "twenty-seven-year-old version of Tinker Bell," except with red hair instead of blond. She is currently strongly turned off to men because two years ago she divorced a man who, at the time of her marriage, she thought was "perfect" but who turned out to be a conniving, lying, unfaithful jerk. She has no real desire to get involved with anyone, but her never-married mother and man-hungry best friend are constantly urging her to leap back into the dating world. In the process, with the best of intentions, they constantly set her up with one failed date after the other. Then one evening, while hanging out with her best friend at a new restaurant, Kelsie encounters "the closest thing she'd ever seen to a Greek god in Columbus, Ohio," her home town.
Cole is 34, and has been burned many times by women who insist that his beloved profession of the past 15 years as a fireman is just too dangerous for them to commit to him long term. He doesn't believe a woman exists who will resist trying to pry him loose from his job until he meets Kelsie. He is intrigued by the fact that she finds his dedication to saving lives nothing but admirable, but even so, there is a very big barrier to his natural desire to date this beautiful, feisty woman: she thinks he is too "perfect." The fact that he has no apparent flaws is a major red flag to her, because what if he turns out to be like her ex-husband, and all his flaws are simply hidden from view? Cole is determined to prove to Kelsie he is "imperfect" enough for her to take a chance on him, and thus begins their comic journey to love.
This novel is about half-and-half chick lit (whose distinguishing feature is amusing dating disasters) and traditional romance (known for its avoidance of romantic triangles and cheating as well as the much vaunted "happily ever after"). The main sources for the comedy in this book include: the quirky behavior of Kelsie's mother and best friend, Kelsie's daring escapes from the disastrous dates they foist upon her, including various rescues from said dates by Cole, as well as Cole's humorous attempts to woo her.
Kelsie works as a dental hygienist, which is an unusual profession for a romance heroine. I don't think I've seen that before. She is also a wannabe nonfiction author, writing an advice manual for women on how to "do as I say and not as I do" as a means for her audience to avoid dating debacles like the ones she has endured, which is another somewhat unique attribute in a romance heroine.
There is excellent chemistry between the two attractive, pleasing protagonists, and readers looking for a light, fun read will enjoy this book.
I rate this novel as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Chicklit Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
June 30, 2015
This book had me laughing or loud! Kelsi's mom and best friend were setting her up on bad blind dates, after her divorce, and Kelsi decided to make lemonade with the lemons she been given. This all changed when a tall, dark and handsome fireman kept showing up to rescue her from these disastrous dates.
I was in tears, from laughing and from a broken heart.
I was in tears, from laughing and from a broken heart.
April 8, 2015
Fabulous read. This book will have you laughing your head off. In this book Kelsie is set up on numerous dates by her mom and her friend. Not only is going out with them she tries to escape at each event which puts her in some compromising situations. not wanting to fully give her heart away again as she was divorced a few years ago. She decides to use these dates as a way to get her first book out published. Never did she think that she might truly find a real man that is worth risking it all again. Cole is a firefighter and he is ready to hose down Kelsie when he first meets her. It seems that he appears and is her rescuing hero on every date. Can Kelsie give into the handsome firefighter and let her guard down or will she continue to hold onto her heart and never let it go? Looking forward to reading more about Nanci and her B.O.B. collection!
September 19, 2013
Kelsie Collins has her meddling mother and oversexed best friend to thank for her current predicament, another date from hell. At least she will get good research on how to escape the date in a creative way. When she meets firefighter Cole Maxwell though the game changes, the chemistry is off the charts but Kelsie informs Cole he is too perfect to date. Cole has a plan to change Kelsie's mind, but she is not going down easily.
Hilarious story, I was laughing out loud the whole time. Best friend Nanci with an "I" has quickly become one of my favorite supporting characters. Kelsie is gun-shy but Cole is so sweet and charming, he is impossible to resist. Loved every moment of this delightful story.
Hilarious story, I was laughing out loud the whole time. Best friend Nanci with an "I" has quickly become one of my favorite supporting characters. Kelsie is gun-shy but Cole is so sweet and charming, he is impossible to resist. Loved every moment of this delightful story.
February 13, 2016
I was hoping for some hilarious date escaping. There were two which indeed were kinda funny, especially the one where she got stuck in a tree and had to be rescued, but I just didn't like the story and the dramatics. There is funny/lovable crazy but the heroine was too close to strange crazy for my liking. The mother, too, by the way. It wasn't a bad book, but I was rather bored and skimmed parts.
Attention, the next sentence is a spoiler: The male MC proposes at the end, although they just started dating and they didn't even spend one complete day together (although I might be wrong about that, but they definitely didn't spend much time together).
Not my cup of tea.
Attention, the next sentence is a spoiler: The male MC proposes at the end, although they just started dating and they didn't even spend one complete day together (although I might be wrong about that, but they definitely didn't spend much time together).
Not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2021
Funny and witty with lots of comic situation. Great reading for summer and other seasons.
June 15, 2013
This is my newest contemporary romance. Available at several different ebook outlets. I've pasted the blurb for OPERATION: DATE ESCAPE below. Happy reading!
Since her divorce two years before, Kelsie Collins has been determined to guard her heart and steer clear of seemingly ‘perfect’ men. An easy task considering the kind of men her matchmaking mother and her best friend, Nanci, keeps setting her up with. She allows them to set her up, knowing their hearts are in the right place and that there is no risk of her letting any man close enough to hurt her again. Her growing experience in ways to slip out of those ‘dates from hell’ prompts her to start writing a bad date survival guide. One aptly titled - OPERATION: DATE ESCAPE. And it’s during one of those escapes that sexier than sin firefighter Cole Maxwell comes to her rescue.
Cole isn’t sure what to think when the sexy redhead he’s just ‘rescued’ from a bad date informs him that he’s too ‘perfect’ to date. That’s a first. He’s had relationships end because the women couldn’t handle the risks that go along with his chosen profession, but never because he’s too perfect.
When his crew gets called out to rescue someone who is stuck in a tree, Cole finds himself once again coming to Kelsie’s rescue. This time he’s not about to let her get away without agreeing to give him a chance, even holding her high heels hostage to make it happen. She finally gives in and things heat up between them like a 3-alarm fire. But there’s more than passion between them and Cole sets out to prove to Kelsie that he’s nowhere near ‘perfect’, but he is the ‘perfect’ man for her. Can he get past the wall she’s built up around her heart? Or will he end up being just another chapter in her book of men she ran from?
*Operation: Date Escape was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist as well as a finalist in the American Title III Competition put on by Romantic Times and Dorchester Publishing.*
Since her divorce two years before, Kelsie Collins has been determined to guard her heart and steer clear of seemingly ‘perfect’ men. An easy task considering the kind of men her matchmaking mother and her best friend, Nanci, keeps setting her up with. She allows them to set her up, knowing their hearts are in the right place and that there is no risk of her letting any man close enough to hurt her again. Her growing experience in ways to slip out of those ‘dates from hell’ prompts her to start writing a bad date survival guide. One aptly titled - OPERATION: DATE ESCAPE. And it’s during one of those escapes that sexier than sin firefighter Cole Maxwell comes to her rescue.
Cole isn’t sure what to think when the sexy redhead he’s just ‘rescued’ from a bad date informs him that he’s too ‘perfect’ to date. That’s a first. He’s had relationships end because the women couldn’t handle the risks that go along with his chosen profession, but never because he’s too perfect.
When his crew gets called out to rescue someone who is stuck in a tree, Cole finds himself once again coming to Kelsie’s rescue. This time he’s not about to let her get away without agreeing to give him a chance, even holding her high heels hostage to make it happen. She finally gives in and things heat up between them like a 3-alarm fire. But there’s more than passion between them and Cole sets out to prove to Kelsie that he’s nowhere near ‘perfect’, but he is the ‘perfect’ man for her. Can he get past the wall she’s built up around her heart? Or will he end up being just another chapter in her book of men she ran from?
*Operation: Date Escape was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist as well as a finalist in the American Title III Competition put on by Romantic Times and Dorchester Publishing.*
October 10, 2013
3.5 stars.
Kelsie Collins had a bad marriage, an emotional divorce, and a plan for a bad date escape book. Her best friend Nanci and her mother Melinda helped out by setting up blind dates just a little too often.
When Kelsie tries to escape from an especially horrifying blind date, she gets rescued by hunka hunka burning love firefighter Cole. And then it happens a second time – a bad date, fudged escape, and rescue by Cole. It has to be fate!
Kelsie and Cole go through customary ups and downs in their short but intense relationship before a delightful, realistic happily ever after.
The novel is funny and fresh. Lindsey Brooke writes a straightforward romance with easy, natural dialogue — especially between Nanci and Kelsie. She writes an awesome subplot, too: Nanci and Cole’s friend Joe hit it off in a different but still big and romantic way.
Operation: Date Escape is great fun… lighthearted chick lit romance with realistic characters and laugh out loud moments.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kelsie Collins had a bad marriage, an emotional divorce, and a plan for a bad date escape book. Her best friend Nanci and her mother Melinda helped out by setting up blind dates just a little too often.
When Kelsie tries to escape from an especially horrifying blind date, she gets rescued by hunka hunka burning love firefighter Cole. And then it happens a second time – a bad date, fudged escape, and rescue by Cole. It has to be fate!
Kelsie and Cole go through customary ups and downs in their short but intense relationship before a delightful, realistic happily ever after.
The novel is funny and fresh. Lindsey Brooke writes a straightforward romance with easy, natural dialogue — especially between Nanci and Kelsie. She writes an awesome subplot, too: Nanci and Cole’s friend Joe hit it off in a different but still big and romantic way.
Operation: Date Escape is great fun… lighthearted chick lit romance with realistic characters and laugh out loud moments.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book, it's fun, sensual and heartwarming! Kelsie has a well meaning Mother, a mother who continually sets her up on blind dates and Kelsie has to figure out ways to get out of them. As you're reading you think why does her mother send her on dates with these men and why does Kelsie keep going on them! Most of them are just downright awful :) Both Kelsie and her Mom have their reasons. Enter Cole, this gorgeous sexy fireman, he's saved her from two crazy escapes already! The attraction is instant but Kelsie has trust issues and fights it every step of the way! Luckily Cole hangs in there, tho there are times you think Kelsie is her own worst enemy! I loved the humor and the angst in this book! Great read!
February 16, 2014
A make you laugh out loud romance. Who knew a firefighter and a dental hygienist could be so combustible, yes the pun was intended.
I thought the book would be more about Kelsie’s bad dates which would eventually lead her into a romance with Cole, but the sparks between them were instantaneous when they met. The romance took a little bit of time to fully explode, but was worth the short wait for them to get together. (Please forgive me for the fire references. I can’t resist)
I flew through this book and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys a bit of laughter with their romance.
I thought the book would be more about Kelsie’s bad dates which would eventually lead her into a romance with Cole, but the sparks between them were instantaneous when they met. The romance took a little bit of time to fully explode, but was worth the short wait for them to get together. (Please forgive me for the fire references. I can’t resist)
I flew through this book and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys a bit of laughter with their romance.
January 16, 2015
What a great read !
It's never happened before but this story took place in MY neighborhood- Columbus, Ohio, although more precisely in one of its neighboring 'burgs - Worthington. So cool! A very nice 'guy likes girl who's gun-shy, girl bolts to protect her heart'' story with a slew of horrible dates (frogs) Kensie had to go out with before being rescued by her knight in a shiny firetruck. Classic!
It's never happened before but this story took place in MY neighborhood- Columbus, Ohio, although more precisely in one of its neighboring 'burgs - Worthington. So cool! A very nice 'guy likes girl who's gun-shy, girl bolts to protect her heart'' story with a slew of horrible dates (frogs) Kensie had to go out with before being rescued by her knight in a shiny firetruck. Classic!
September 17, 2013
First, I would like to thank the author Lindsey Brookes for giving me this book for an honest review. Kelsie's character is some one that I could relate to, and Cole once he meets Kelsie, he has to work hard to win her heart, the story is funny, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Lindsey Brookes.
August 27, 2016
I honestly can't remember the last time I read a book I enjoyed as much, as well as wonderful real characters and a lovely story it made me laugh till I had tears rolling down my face, I had to stop reading in bed since I was shaking with laughter and driving my husband crazy.
It's a fantastic book I love absolutely everything about it especially Cole
It's a fantastic book I love absolutely everything about it especially Cole
September 29, 2013
seriously, this was too cute for words. I loved it and all the whacky characters... what I wanna know is where can I get a Cole lol. If your in the mood for something both sweet and steamy this is definitely your pick.
February 22, 2015
Kelsie is fed up of all the disastrous blind dates that her mom and friend, Nanci, have set her up with. She is so preoccupied with the faults of these horrible men, that she almost misses out on the man that is perfect for her.
This is a funny and sweet romance. You won't regret it!
This is a funny and sweet romance. You won't regret it!
April 4, 2015
I loved every minute of this book, from the meddling mother to the string of horrible dates. This book had me laughing out loud several times. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, which in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Want to read
May 18, 2016Free on Amazon May 18, 2016
https://www.amazon.com/OPERATION-DATE...
October 2, 2013
Aww this was a sweet story. It really plays with your emotions.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2013
Freebie.
Very funny and cute.
Very funny and cute.
February 24, 2014
A fun read for a snowy afternoon or a good beach read.
September 25, 2014
Awesome
what a great writer! laugh out loud funny. the flow is great and the story line is different and with a sex crazed friend you won't put it down
what a great writer! laugh out loud funny. the flow is great and the story line is different and with a sex crazed friend you won't put it down
December 15, 2014
It was a cute story, a little long in dialog at times but there were typically some funny lines in there so I didn't mind. Very likable characters.
December 31, 2014
This book had me from start to finish! It was so hilarious and loved the characters.
January 16, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. Spent the entire read with a smile on my face or chuckling.
March 2, 2015
I found myself smiling sometimes laughing out loud. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a light humorous book this is it.
May 17, 2016
4-star story with added star for a great narrated audio book.
October 22, 2013
Really good light hearted romantic comedy def worth a read
dnf
January 31, 2025DNF @ 51%.
Let's be clear: the title sucks. The cover might be even worse. But I was so, so close to liking the book itself. A lot of it is actually quite entertaining, albeit a bit heavy on the dialogue. Eventually, though, there were too may little annoyances adding up for me to keep ignoring them:
- Too often, the book uses 'a female' instead of 'a woman' or something similar (pet peeve of mine)
- The book skates a very weird and confusing line between sex-positive and purity thinking.
- Nanci's POV was superfluous filler.
- Do women with a B-cup really think they're small?
- It's also very, very focused on appearance. Even at the halfway point, that's all there is between Kelsie and Cole. Brookes seems either unaware of this, or is deliberately pretending these two actually know anything about each other, and it's just ruined it for me.
Eventually, though, it was the writing itself that led to me DNF'ing this. The final straws were when they have finally decided to stop resisting each other, and the following lines appeared:
and
That was the opposite of hot, in my opinion.
Let's be clear: the title sucks. The cover might be even worse. But I was so, so close to liking the book itself. A lot of it is actually quite entertaining, albeit a bit heavy on the dialogue. Eventually, though, there were too may little annoyances adding up for me to keep ignoring them:
- Too often, the book uses 'a female' instead of 'a woman' or something similar (pet peeve of mine)
- The book skates a very weird and confusing line between sex-positive and purity thinking.
- Nanci's POV was superfluous filler.
- Do women with a B-cup really think they're small?
- It's also very, very focused on appearance. Even at the halfway point, that's all there is between Kelsie and Cole. Brookes seems either unaware of this, or is deliberately pretending these two actually know anything about each other, and it's just ruined it for me.
Eventually, though, it was the writing itself that led to me DNF'ing this. The final straws were when they have finally decided to stop resisting each other, and the following lines appeared:
He tunneled his fingers through her hair. The sensation of the silken strands sliding between the parted appendages had his blood heating up all the more.
and
The warmth of his breath found its way to the feminine swell of her breasts.
That was the opposite of hot, in my opinion.
November 17, 2017
Kelsie is the mastermind of date escapes, thanks to her overbearing mother and nagging best friend that keep setting her on bad blind dates. That’s what gave her the idea to write her book, Operation: Date Escape. My favorite was breaking a leg.
After being burned by a relationship, she avoids men, especially those “too perfect” men. Then she meets hunky firefighter Cole. It’s bad enough that she can’t help wanting this hottie, but does her mother have to keep insisting she get a boob job to nab a guy?
Cole is Mr. Perfect and he makes Kelsie drool, which is exactly why she can’t date him. She only dates guys with flaws because she knows that there will never be a future, which has kept her heart safe from pain.
Hilarious romantic comedy! I loved her date escapes from these douche bags, with the best one being her getting stuck in a tree, trying to escape out of a window of a strip club. I only wished we could’ve had more of these date escapes rather than immediately dive into this infatuation with Cole. And did we really need to hear about the hook-up between Nanci and Joe? I mean, this story was about Kelsie and Cole.
Nonetheless, this is still an enjoyable story!
After being burned by a relationship, she avoids men, especially those “too perfect” men. Then she meets hunky firefighter Cole. It’s bad enough that she can’t help wanting this hottie, but does her mother have to keep insisting she get a boob job to nab a guy?
Cole is Mr. Perfect and he makes Kelsie drool, which is exactly why she can’t date him. She only dates guys with flaws because she knows that there will never be a future, which has kept her heart safe from pain.
Hilarious romantic comedy! I loved her date escapes from these douche bags, with the best one being her getting stuck in a tree, trying to escape out of a window of a strip club. I only wished we could’ve had more of these date escapes rather than immediately dive into this infatuation with Cole. And did we really need to hear about the hook-up between Nanci and Joe? I mean, this story was about Kelsie and Cole.
Nonetheless, this is still an enjoyable story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews