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The Can't Have Hearts Club #4
At the Heart of It
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.
TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.
Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.
TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.
Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
336 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
73 books1,613 followersWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
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June 13, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
At the Heart of It is a stand alone romance by Tawna Fenske. I’ve been trying to read some of Tawna’s stand alones and this one sounded so good. I was not disappointed. It was so sweet, fun, and so swoony.
Kate Geary is thirty four years old and is a television producer. She has an obsession with a self help author, Dr. Vivienne Brandt, who has helped her get through some of the darkest times in her life with her books. Kate has had the perfect idea, a reality program that stars her own idol, Dr. Brandt, helping couples to save their marriages. Before Kate goes to Seattle to start the project, she spends a little time in Ashland and has the most perfect date with a man she met there. With a kiss that curled her toes and will live on in her memory as the kiss of all kisses. So color her shocked when in Seattle, that very same man walks in as the ex-husband of Vivienne, the co-star of the project.
Jonah Porter is thirty six years old, is an ex-marine and owns a book store in Seattle. His sister, Joss, lives near by and runs a pet shelter. Jonah does all he can to help his sister with the struggling shelter, including some shirtless dog walking! Now Jonah is being roped in to helping his ex-wife with her reality tv show. Jonah in no way wants anything to do with the project but the money would go a long way to helping his sister. And then there is the opportunity to spend more time with the sexy woman he met in Ashland, the producer of the show, Kate.
Kate and Jonah were adorable together. But Kate finds herself constantly walking a fine line. This show is her brain child, her baby. She wants to be able to help these couples. But she is falling hard and fast for Jonah. And there are things happening that she can’t tell him. Things that might ruin any chance they have of a future. I also want to mention Kate’s co-producer and best friend, Amy. She really was such a wonderful friend to Kate. I adored her.
This book was wonderful. I might have watched a reality show or two in my past! So I loved the whole premise of this. And Jonah was so darn swoony. I mean, shirtless dog walker?! Yes please. I hope you might consider giving this heart warming book a try. If you do, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
At the Heart of It is a stand alone romance by Tawna Fenske. I’ve been trying to read some of Tawna’s stand alones and this one sounded so good. I was not disappointed. It was so sweet, fun, and so swoony.
Kate Geary is thirty four years old and is a television producer. She has an obsession with a self help author, Dr. Vivienne Brandt, who has helped her get through some of the darkest times in her life with her books. Kate has had the perfect idea, a reality program that stars her own idol, Dr. Brandt, helping couples to save their marriages. Before Kate goes to Seattle to start the project, she spends a little time in Ashland and has the most perfect date with a man she met there. With a kiss that curled her toes and will live on in her memory as the kiss of all kisses. So color her shocked when in Seattle, that very same man walks in as the ex-husband of Vivienne, the co-star of the project.
Jonah Porter is thirty six years old, is an ex-marine and owns a book store in Seattle. His sister, Joss, lives near by and runs a pet shelter. Jonah does all he can to help his sister with the struggling shelter, including some shirtless dog walking! Now Jonah is being roped in to helping his ex-wife with her reality tv show. Jonah in no way wants anything to do with the project but the money would go a long way to helping his sister. And then there is the opportunity to spend more time with the sexy woman he met in Ashland, the producer of the show, Kate.
Kate and Jonah were adorable together. But Kate finds herself constantly walking a fine line. This show is her brain child, her baby. She wants to be able to help these couples. But she is falling hard and fast for Jonah. And there are things happening that she can’t tell him. Things that might ruin any chance they have of a future. I also want to mention Kate’s co-producer and best friend, Amy. She really was such a wonderful friend to Kate. I adored her.
This book was wonderful. I might have watched a reality show or two in my past! So I loved the whole premise of this. And Jonah was so darn swoony. I mean, shirtless dog walker?! Yes please. I hope you might consider giving this heart warming book a try. If you do, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
September 14, 2017
Kate Geary is a television producer that is working in unscripted television or the more known term, reality TV. Right before beginning her newest television project Kate meets Jonah Porter, a super hot book store owner that she immediately hits it off with. However, Kate doesn't see anything taking off with Jonah since she is away from home for her project even as much as she did end up liking him.
Kate then decides to focus on her upcoming project featuring her idol, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. Dr. Viv is a self-help guru whose advice Kate has followed and feels she owes many thanks to helping her during her toughest times. The producers want Dr. Viv and her husband on the show but since writing together the pair have divorced but that is not Kate's only problem with the success of her show, the ex-husband in question is none other than the man she met, Jonah.
At the Heart of It by Tawna Fenske is a contemporary romance read that features a very very awkward love triangle of sorts. Kate being the producer of the show that her idol is starring in also finds herself falling for Jonah which leads to a lot of balancing between career and personal life which leads to some funny times, some touching moments and a lot of drama being pushed from the execs of the show.
I know that Kate is the main character in the book but Jonah was the one that sort of stole the show for me. He's rather funny which is why he was being included in the show but overall he was just a great guy that obviously cared for his family with his interactions with his sister. Jonah's sister also stole the show a bit herself with her animal care facility and all of the critters involved, so incredibly cute.
I also enjoyed the use of reality television in the story since it really has skyrocket and seems like everywhere you turn these days another new show is popping up on the air. Not sure I was convinced of Dr. Viv's show actually ever being a hit but hey, I suppose it's a step up from some of them already on the air though. In the end this was quite a cute read with great writing and likable characters with a lot of funny moments throughout.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Kate then decides to focus on her upcoming project featuring her idol, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. Dr. Viv is a self-help guru whose advice Kate has followed and feels she owes many thanks to helping her during her toughest times. The producers want Dr. Viv and her husband on the show but since writing together the pair have divorced but that is not Kate's only problem with the success of her show, the ex-husband in question is none other than the man she met, Jonah.
At the Heart of It by Tawna Fenske is a contemporary romance read that features a very very awkward love triangle of sorts. Kate being the producer of the show that her idol is starring in also finds herself falling for Jonah which leads to a lot of balancing between career and personal life which leads to some funny times, some touching moments and a lot of drama being pushed from the execs of the show.
I know that Kate is the main character in the book but Jonah was the one that sort of stole the show for me. He's rather funny which is why he was being included in the show but overall he was just a great guy that obviously cared for his family with his interactions with his sister. Jonah's sister also stole the show a bit herself with her animal care facility and all of the critters involved, so incredibly cute.
I also enjoyed the use of reality television in the story since it really has skyrocket and seems like everywhere you turn these days another new show is popping up on the air. Not sure I was convinced of Dr. Viv's show actually ever being a hit but hey, I suppose it's a step up from some of them already on the air though. In the end this was quite a cute read with great writing and likable characters with a lot of funny moments throughout.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 3, 2017
I’ve always loved Tawna Fenske’s books for the humor she infuses in her work and there was plenty of that in At The Heart Of It, but it was also an extremely sweet albeit crazy, mixed-up romance. A producer of unscripted (aka reality) television scores a show with a self help guru who is her hero, only to find that the man she spent an incredible night with is that woman’s ex-husband. Sounds like an interesting plot twist to a reality television show or perhaps a well written, extremely entertaining, fun, emotional, and sensual romance novel.
Kate Geary and Jonah Porter meet while both are on a weekend away and spend a pretty perfect day together enjoying each other’s company platonically before going their separate ways. So when Kate is in Seattle to nail down the final changes to her latest unscripted television show with Dr. Vivienne Brandt, she is taken off guard when she finds that Vivienne’s ex-husband and the man the network wants to appear on show with her is none other than Jonah, the man she’s had a hard time forgetting since her trip to Oregon.
I enjoyed so much about this story but especially the way Kate and Jonah met and the easy way they feel into a friendship. Being thrust together in an unusual way just added to this intriguing book and the connection between them grew stronger even as they kept telling each other they needed to keep their distance. I honestly felt they had such good intentions but the pull between them was just too much for them to deny. This was a complicated story because while Kate felt loyalty to Jonah, she also had a job to do and was contracted by law to do it as the production company and network saw fit. Kate and Jonah were intelligent, adventurous, and charming and it was satisfying watching them fall in love even when they weren’t ready to admit it. While they were different in many aspects of their lives, they complemented one another nicely. I loved they both were willing to try new things together and worked hard at communicating effectively. There was some weirdness given that Jonah was working with his ex-wife and Kate pretty much idolized her, but even with that they worked through it.
Despite being someone who is not a fan of unscripted (reality) TV at all, Ms. Fenske made me fall in love with these characters and their journey. Romantic, funny, and sexy, At The Heart Of It is another fantastic offering from author Tawna Fenske.
April 10, 2023
Strong start really adorable and interesting. Halfway took a total drive to craptown.
October 9, 2017
Sometimes Kindle Unlimited gives you a really good book recommendation--this is that time.
Now this is the first book I've read by Tawna Fenske and I'm in love.
Before I go into spoilers and such I just want to state that I loved the characters and I definitely loved their freaking story. LOVED!
Now this is the first book I've read by Tawna Fenske and I'm in love.
Before I go into spoilers and such I just want to state that I loved the characters and I definitely loved their freaking story. LOVED!
August 19, 2017
Another winner from Tawna Fenske! I loved the story, and the characters in this story, even if I wanted to kick Kate in the head sometimes for being too in-her-head instead of in the moment. Jonah, on the other hand, was adorable and selfless in many ways, especially with his sister. I thought the opening chapters were amazing and set up the story one way, and then gave me a twist. I liked the unpredictability in this story a great deal, as I was surprised several times in a great way. There were some well-written and classy steamy moments (read not fade to black but not explicit either). As I expect from Tawna, there were some laugh-out-loud moments, including the ones with Marilyn, who totally stole my heart. The secondary characters in this book were engaging and at times almost stole the show. (Really - who couldn't love Pete?!?)
Just as with Tawna's other books, I found myself transported into another world as I read. So much as that I ignored everything else and finished the book in a few hours! I highly recommend this book. Engaging, funny, and a must read!
Just as with Tawna's other books, I found myself transported into another world as I read. So much as that I ignored everything else and finished the book in a few hours! I highly recommend this book. Engaging, funny, and a must read!
October 10, 2017
Author Tawna Fenske always brings her A game when she writes her heartfelt stories. She has a way with words that make you not only enjoy reading, but feel the emotions through the pages. At the Heart of It was no exception.
I was totally sucked in from the beginning. From the way they met to the way the story evolves - LOVED IT!!!! The author has a way to bring fun and humor to her reads that leave me happy and fulfilled.
I loved Jonah!
I would recommend this book to others.
I was totally sucked in from the beginning. From the way they met to the way the story evolves - LOVED IT!!!! The author has a way to bring fun and humor to her reads that leave me happy and fulfilled.
I loved Jonah!
I would recommend this book to others.
October 5, 2018
This is a story full of complex characters. At times I ached for the pain I knew was coming to the characters because the author does an excellent job of helping the reader feel each character’s emotions. I love that there is a solid HEA for each of them. There are also side characters in the book which I would love to see with their own stories. (Jossy and Amy in particular).
This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more of her stories.
This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more of her stories.
June 14, 2018
At the Heart of It was my very first book that I received from Bookworm Box! I was very excited to receive my box in the mail and knowing that my purchase helps those in need was just the icing on the cake.
This novel follows unscripted television (reality tv) producer, Kate Geary, as she starts up her brand new show - Reboot with Dr. Viv. What Kate doesn't realize is the man she can not stop thinking about since her weekend in Ashland is her idol's ex husband! You just know that the sexual tension and drama is real with this one!
To be honest, I didn't like Vivienne. I felt she was fake and just make things all sorts of awkward. However, the alternating third person narrative focusing on Kate or Jonah was fantastic. I loved the insight into each others thoughts and the humor between them was spot on!
This was a very light and easy read! Adorable side characters (especially Marilyn!), a bit of angst, romance and definitely some funny parts. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels!
Rating of 4/5 stars
This novel follows unscripted television (reality tv) producer, Kate Geary, as she starts up her brand new show - Reboot with Dr. Viv. What Kate doesn't realize is the man she can not stop thinking about since her weekend in Ashland is her idol's ex husband! You just know that the sexual tension and drama is real with this one!
To be honest, I didn't like Vivienne. I felt she was fake and just make things all sorts of awkward. However, the alternating third person narrative focusing on Kate or Jonah was fantastic. I loved the insight into each others thoughts and the humor between them was spot on!
This was a very light and easy read! Adorable side characters (especially Marilyn!), a bit of angst, romance and definitely some funny parts. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels!
Rating of 4/5 stars
October 3, 2017
Another amazing, humorous, and just downright incredible read from Tawna. She never disappoints. You are always guaranteed to laugh and smile. There is no shortage of that in this book.
Watching these two go through the motions of this semi taboo relationship really made my heart happy. Tawna has that knack for throwing in those super hot nerdy men that we can't help but fall in love with. There are twists and turns that keep you on your toes.
I can't recommend this book enough. While you're at it, go back and read some previous books. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Watching these two go through the motions of this semi taboo relationship really made my heart happy. Tawna has that knack for throwing in those super hot nerdy men that we can't help but fall in love with. There are twists and turns that keep you on your toes.
I can't recommend this book enough. While you're at it, go back and read some previous books. I promise you won't be disappointed.
June 23, 2018
At first, I didn't think that it'd come to this but I honestly can't name one thing about this book that I enjoyed, except that the first 2-3 chapters were cute and promising (too bad it was all false advertising). I really only finished this book out of sheer stubbornness and nothing else.
The creepy factor in this book was off the charts. Like
The creepy factor in this book was off the charts. Like
August 24, 2017
Just when you think you have read it all. Along comes a hilarious romantic comedy that makes you wish this book would never end. Tawna Fenske has a way of developing smart interesting storylines that are never boring. I find myself laughing and amazed that her research is spot on, it never feels like she pulled it from the air and hoped her readers would buy it. “At the Heart of it” is on the fast track to be a book to love.
August 26, 2017
Sexy, romantic, and at times laugh out loud funny, I loved At the Heart of It! Kate and Jonah have a hysterical first meeting and an incredible first date but distance makes it impossible for anything to develop. When they are reunited sparks fly. Set during the shooting of a reality TV show, surprises and betrayals are abundant. I know this is one that I will read again and again.
October 10, 2017
Kate Geary is a TV producer and she is hoping her next idea for a show takes off. Having read a book from a self-help author she wants to do a show with the author helping couples, like a reality show. The top ex’s like the idea and meeting the author she also agrees, but then she finds out that the husband in the book and her are divorced. She also finds out that about two months before while on vacation they actually meet and spent a weekend together seeing Shakespeare plays together. Now seeing Jonah again she does not equate him to the average Joe as he was in the book. Not wanting to do the show he agrees because of a personal reasons that are explained in the story. Once everything begins the real twist begins Jonah and Kate and their feelings for each other. Like every show there must be drama, and this drama does not go well. Jonah wants to blame everyone but his sister tells him he must look at himself as well. With Jonah once being married to Dr. Vivienne Brandt the author and everything else around him has Kate wondering what to with herself. Whether to continue with the show, or just leave town, so many decisions for her. When you start to come to the end of the book everything takes some nice unexpected turns that I did not see happening but was still in line with the story and it all worked. Overall a good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 28, 2017
This was the kind of book that kept a big cheesy perma-grin on my face throughout basically the entire book. It was adorable and funny and super fun to read. On top of all those things? Jonah Porter completely stole my heart. What a fantastic hero – manly, a little rough around the edges, but smart as a whip and funny to boot. I’m in love y’all. Heart eyeballs for days.
The relationship between Jonah and Kate was such a treat to read. From the moment their meet-cute made me giggle and swoon, to the super satisfying ending – they kept a smile on my face and butterflies in my belly. The “unscripted television” storyline read very authentically and provided a fascinating and fun backdrop to the budding romance. I sometimes felt like it dragged a bit for me in the middle – more attention going to the TV show than the chemistry between Jonah and Kate, but it ultimately didn’t really take away from my adoration of this couple. They’re both pretty fantastic characters in their own right, but the way they worked as a couple inspired the vast majority of those cheesy grins, and swoons galore.
There were so many highlights – things that made me laugh out loud, clever little quips, and all the ways that Jonah endeared himself to me over the course of the story. It was just a feel-good read, which was exactly what I was looking for. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
The relationship between Jonah and Kate was such a treat to read. From the moment their meet-cute made me giggle and swoon, to the super satisfying ending – they kept a smile on my face and butterflies in my belly. The “unscripted television” storyline read very authentically and provided a fascinating and fun backdrop to the budding romance. I sometimes felt like it dragged a bit for me in the middle – more attention going to the TV show than the chemistry between Jonah and Kate, but it ultimately didn’t really take away from my adoration of this couple. They’re both pretty fantastic characters in their own right, but the way they worked as a couple inspired the vast majority of those cheesy grins, and swoons galore.
There were so many highlights – things that made me laugh out loud, clever little quips, and all the ways that Jonah endeared himself to me over the course of the story. It was just a feel-good read, which was exactly what I was looking for. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
February 13, 2018
I've found another favorite author of traditional romantic comedy - this book was funny, with a swoon-worthy hero and likeable heroine. And I enjoyed that the one graphic sex scene was appropriate to the story and not overdone.
September 19, 2017
The premise of At the Heart of It is adorable, but I didn't find the actual writing to live up to it; though seeing the long list of five-star reviews has made me question my sanity. I wanted so badly to love the characters and go with them on their journey, but every piece felt so cliche and curated for the specific aim of adding quirkiness or drama. In a sense, I found the characters to be caricatures rather than grounded in any sense of reality. I enjoy lighthearted pieces and thought there was a lot going for this in the plot, but execution felt like it was trying too hard to be "Me Before You". I'd be interested in reading more of Fenske's work to see if I could relate more to her other characters.
August 29, 2017
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 5
Loved it!!! I just adore authors who set their books in my home state (or a least part of the book!!) Kate and Jonah are so much fun right from the very start. It was hard not to root for these two. I alway enjoy reading Ms. Fenske’s books. She can take your typical boy meets girl story and turn it upside down and shake it up like a snowglobe. We know that there has to be a happy ending when just don’t know how all the pieces will fall together or how long it will take.
I do hope that there will be another book set in this world because Amy really needs to fall in love.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance
in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 5
Loved it!!! I just adore authors who set their books in my home state (or a least part of the book!!) Kate and Jonah are so much fun right from the very start. It was hard not to root for these two. I alway enjoy reading Ms. Fenske’s books. She can take your typical boy meets girl story and turn it upside down and shake it up like a snowglobe. We know that there has to be a happy ending when just don’t know how all the pieces will fall together or how long it will take.
I do hope that there will be another book set in this world because Amy really needs to fall in love.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance
in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
October 4, 2017
Kate, a TV producer, is piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Viv. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate was able to get through some tough times and is, thankfully, close to figuring out her life. Which, of course, means a curveball is headed her way.
Jonah and Kate had an amazing date, and yes, Kate wanted to see him again, she just didn't expect it to be on the show she's working on. It's not that Jonah wants to be there, but as he has a connection to the story, he has to be. At least Kate being a part of it helps.
These two can't resist their attraction, nor the growing bond between them, but a relationship between them is forbidden per their contracts. As sneaky as they think they're being, secrets always have a way of being found out.
What happens when their feelings for one another are revealed? How is Jonah involved in the story? Will it impact his relationship with Kate? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as Jonah and Kate, on the verge of starting something special, cross paths when they least expect it, in a professional matter.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Jonah and Kate had an amazing date, and yes, Kate wanted to see him again, she just didn't expect it to be on the show she's working on. It's not that Jonah wants to be there, but as he has a connection to the story, he has to be. At least Kate being a part of it helps.
These two can't resist their attraction, nor the growing bond between them, but a relationship between them is forbidden per their contracts. As sneaky as they think they're being, secrets always have a way of being found out.
What happens when their feelings for one another are revealed? How is Jonah involved in the story? Will it impact his relationship with Kate? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as Jonah and Kate, on the verge of starting something special, cross paths when they least expect it, in a professional matter.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
October 11, 2017
The prospect of another Fenske book always brightens my day, and AT THE HEART OF IT did not disappoint! It has all the heat, heart, and hilarity readers have come to recognize as signature Fenske. 'Nuff said. Go read!
March 26, 2018
MY RATING: 4/5 STARS
I received a copy from Thomas Allen & Son in exchange for an honest review.
I've read books from Tawna Fenske before from Entangled Publishing and I knew she writes these fluffy romantic comedies so when I was given a chance to read 'At the Heart of It' I had to grab it before the chance was lost.
At Heart of It starts off kind of odd for me. It feels like there was not a proper introduction to the story but it felt like the book started off in the middle of a scene with no proper build up or explanation. However, that means Tawna wastes no time to introduce our heroine Kate Geary and our hero Jonah Porter to us and to each other. Kate's staying in a bed and breakfast (I think. Hence, not much explanation.) when she decides to sit down with Jonah Porter (Mr. Swine because he's consuming his body weight in crispy bacon and ironically, reading children novels about piglets). Together, they kick off their flirty relationship by pretending to be a married couple on a honeymoon and apologize for the sounds of their love-making when they hear an older couple complain about the racket.
I knew from this point on that this book would be filled with reckless fun scenes like that. And I wasn't wrong. Although, I didn't count on Jonah having a past that tangles with Kate's present. Kate's on track to produce one of the biggest reality tv shows in television history featuring self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt, and ironically, her ex-husband who just so happens to be Mr. Swine. Suddenly, they are forced to work alongside together--fighting their attraction to each other while also keeping themselves safe from hurting each other. But when executives want the show to go one direction that may harm the one man she loves, and hands are being tied due to confidentiality contracts, things get messy.
I loved how light and deep this book was. Jonah's backstory was far more developed than Kate's which made me a little irritated. I felt like most of Kate's story was told through the eyes of Jonah while Jonah had meat and potatoes to it. Jonah was an ex-army man who was dubbed average Joe thanks to all of his ex-wives self-help books that criticized their relationships. He also holds a tremendous amount of guilt for not taking care of her younger sister better when he was young. And he's trying to keep himself together despite Vivienne being a pain in the butt. Meanwhile, Kate's just this cute little character who sparks something within Jonah. Of course, she's kind and sweet to everyone around her and she's smart but isn't that a little plain?
I also had trouble getting through this book at times because I felt like conversations were always dragged out. Characters never said anything to the point. They walked around it and then a page later, they finally spat out what they wanted to say. It's not a huge problem but it gets frustrating when you just want these two people to just confess to each other and you just want your happily ever after.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Honestly, how can you go wrong? This book is filled with sweet moments between two people who are attracted to each other but want to take it casual because of their messy pasts. It's the perfect read for a beautiful spring day where you just want something light and easy. Highly recommend to check Tawna Fenske as well!
October 5, 2017
Reality TV romances seem to be all the rage at the moment.
Kate Geary is a TV producer, she has pitched the idea of her idol, Dr Vivienne (Viv) Brandt, having a reality TV show in which she helps a different couple each week get over their relationship issues. Kate credits Viv with helping her to see her own relationship issues clearly and is fond of quoting Dr Brandt's wisdom.
Although studio management give the go-ahead for the show, they want to bring Viv's ex-husband 'Average Joe' to help the couples alongside Viv. Joe provided no-nonsense 'bloke-ish' advice as side bars in one of Viv's most successful books.
When the team meet Viv's ex-husband he turns out to be none other than Jonah Porter, the nerdy bookshop owner that Kate met at a B&B four weeks earlier. While Jonah and Viv's divorce was amicable he felt that he was unfairly portrayed as an unsophisticated, uneducated, blue-collar worker - a foil to Viv's intellectual sophistication. However, Kate persuades him that the show would give him the opportunity to show viewers the other side of him, 'the real him' and promises that the show would not try to make him look stupid. He also wants the money to help his sister who lost her leg in a car accident and is struggling to make ends meet at her Animal Shelter.
Kate and Jonah have a connection but it's difficult to maintain between all the stunts being pulled by Viv and the studio bosses and the desire to blindside people on TV to improve ratings. When Kate is told about a plan to blindside Jonah and sworn to secrecy her job and relationship are in conflict.
I really liked Jonah as a character, he was kind and caring, clever and funny and self-aware. I liked Kate, but not as much.
What I liked about this story was that I could see a lot of different ways that this story could have played out and I was kept guessing to the end, the chemistry between Kate and Jonah was palpable, you could feel the heat between them. I also liked the snippets of the filming with the various couples Jonah's down-to-earth take on things.
Another great funny romance from Tawna Fenske.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Kate Geary is a TV producer, she has pitched the idea of her idol, Dr Vivienne (Viv) Brandt, having a reality TV show in which she helps a different couple each week get over their relationship issues. Kate credits Viv with helping her to see her own relationship issues clearly and is fond of quoting Dr Brandt's wisdom.
Although studio management give the go-ahead for the show, they want to bring Viv's ex-husband 'Average Joe' to help the couples alongside Viv. Joe provided no-nonsense 'bloke-ish' advice as side bars in one of Viv's most successful books.
When the team meet Viv's ex-husband he turns out to be none other than Jonah Porter, the nerdy bookshop owner that Kate met at a B&B four weeks earlier. While Jonah and Viv's divorce was amicable he felt that he was unfairly portrayed as an unsophisticated, uneducated, blue-collar worker - a foil to Viv's intellectual sophistication. However, Kate persuades him that the show would give him the opportunity to show viewers the other side of him, 'the real him' and promises that the show would not try to make him look stupid. He also wants the money to help his sister who lost her leg in a car accident and is struggling to make ends meet at her Animal Shelter.
Kate and Jonah have a connection but it's difficult to maintain between all the stunts being pulled by Viv and the studio bosses and the desire to blindside people on TV to improve ratings. When Kate is told about a plan to blindside Jonah and sworn to secrecy her job and relationship are in conflict.
I really liked Jonah as a character, he was kind and caring, clever and funny and self-aware. I liked Kate, but not as much.
What I liked about this story was that I could see a lot of different ways that this story could have played out and I was kept guessing to the end, the chemistry between Kate and Jonah was palpable, you could feel the heat between them. I also liked the snippets of the filming with the various couples Jonah's down-to-earth take on things.
Another great funny romance from Tawna Fenske.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2017
I'll start by saying that the cute cover in this book was the first thing that caught my attention. Then, I checked the description and thought this would be a fun read.
At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske is a contemporary romance centered around a new reality TV show. It is a cute read, though a little boring at times. I think producing TV shows and working on set must be super exciting, but the excitement doesn't exactly translate to the page--at least it didn't here. Some of the dialogue gets into the technicalities of producing a show (including actual terminology), which I thought slowed down the story and took my attention away from the romance and conflict between Jonah and Kate.
I didn't care much for Kate, and Viv (Jonah's ex-wife) was flat out unlikeable. You have a divorced couple giving advice to doomed married couples on how to save their relationship. All right, I thought that was a nice spin to this. But then, you have Viv, who's the famous "Dr" and who seems nice enough, but as you learn more about her you find she's actually selfish with a capital S. I didn't understand Kate's fixation on Viv. She adores to the point she's pretty much memorized every word Viv has ever written and quotes her throughout the book. I thought that was a little out there and painted Kate as insecure, especially when Kate uses quotes from Viv's book while she's in bed with Jonah. That was just weird. It's as though Kate is still finding herself and doesn't know who the hell she is; however, to the readers she's still supposed to be this pretty, clever, funny TV producer.
The only humor I found in this is a shirtless Jonah as he walks the dogs in order to call attention to his sister's animal shelter. Some of his smart ass comebacks were funny too. Overall, the story wasn't what I thought it'd be. Then again, I'm in the minority here because this book is getting rave 5-star reviews. So, perhaps, it just wasn't a book for me.
At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske is a contemporary romance centered around a new reality TV show. It is a cute read, though a little boring at times. I think producing TV shows and working on set must be super exciting, but the excitement doesn't exactly translate to the page--at least it didn't here. Some of the dialogue gets into the technicalities of producing a show (including actual terminology), which I thought slowed down the story and took my attention away from the romance and conflict between Jonah and Kate.
I didn't care much for Kate, and Viv (Jonah's ex-wife) was flat out unlikeable. You have a divorced couple giving advice to doomed married couples on how to save their relationship. All right, I thought that was a nice spin to this. But then, you have Viv, who's the famous "Dr" and who seems nice enough, but as you learn more about her you find she's actually selfish with a capital S. I didn't understand Kate's fixation on Viv. She adores to the point she's pretty much memorized every word Viv has ever written and quotes her throughout the book. I thought that was a little out there and painted Kate as insecure, especially when Kate uses quotes from Viv's book while she's in bed with Jonah. That was just weird. It's as though Kate is still finding herself and doesn't know who the hell she is; however, to the readers she's still supposed to be this pretty, clever, funny TV producer.
The only humor I found in this is a shirtless Jonah as he walks the dogs in order to call attention to his sister's animal shelter. Some of his smart ass comebacks were funny too. Overall, the story wasn't what I thought it'd be. Then again, I'm in the minority here because this book is getting rave 5-star reviews. So, perhaps, it just wasn't a book for me.
September 18, 2017
Loved it! Witty banter and a lot of humor in between the characters and in the scenes in the book. But being honest, what I always want to do with reviews, is that I had some hesitation about Kate’s profession. I hate reality shows with a passion. I had to push myself through that hesitation in order to appreciate the way Kate was written. After that, I enjoyed myself immensely reading this book! I thought this book was a bit more serious even with the witty banter than some other books I’ve read by Tawna Fenske, but it was something that belonged in this book considering the topic.
TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.
Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.
TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.
Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.
September 14, 2017
Such fun characters - Jonah and Kate. Kate cracked me up with the fact that she can quote all of the self-help books that her idol, Dr. Viv ever wrote. Funny thing is, that after she meets Jonah and they hit it off on an "unofficial" date, the next time she meets him is when she is working out the kinks of Dr. Viv's reality TV show. Not knowing why Jonah is there, and trying not to make it obvious that they knew each other somewhat intimately, Kate finds out that Jonah is Dr. Viv's ex-husband. This proves to be a sticky situation in that the producers feel that having Jonah's perspective on the show would be great.
I love that Tawna brings funny, romantic and sexy all into one book!
The characters were great, even Dr. Viv who I wanted to knock out sometimes. The fact that Jonah had a cat cafe was pretty awesome too. But, there was also some seriousness to the story with Jonah choosing to do the show to help his sister out. It was a great book and I just love how Tawna can bring all the makings of great characters into one story.
I was given a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love that Tawna brings funny, romantic and sexy all into one book!
The characters were great, even Dr. Viv who I wanted to knock out sometimes. The fact that Jonah had a cat cafe was pretty awesome too. But, there was also some seriousness to the story with Jonah choosing to do the show to help his sister out. It was a great book and I just love how Tawna can bring all the makings of great characters into one story.
I was given a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2019
"We were pulled into each other's orbit for a reason."
Two total strangers meet... they have a very brief romance and depart without a trace. But, as you have it, life works in mysterious ways and these two strangers find themselves again but this time they have to work with each other on a professional level along with an ex-wife who may or may not be crushing on said ex! Yeah, "At The Heart Of It" is going to make you laugh, piss you off and make you sigh all in the same book! 5 Romantically Sweet Stars for a romance with so many obstacles!
Two total strangers meet... they have a very brief romance and depart without a trace. But, as you have it, life works in mysterious ways and these two strangers find themselves again but this time they have to work with each other on a professional level along with an ex-wife who may or may not be crushing on said ex! Yeah, "At The Heart Of It" is going to make you laugh, piss you off and make you sigh all in the same book! 5 Romantically Sweet Stars for a romance with so many obstacles!
October 4, 2017
A laugh out loud rom com that I could not put down, finished it in one day. Loved Kate and Jonah from their first accidental meeting till their HEA. Their chemistry was off the chart, even thought it was just going to be one kiss, lol. Lots of emotions between friends and family. Loved what Jonah's ultimate goal was for his sister.
This is a book that you can not go wrong with, plenty of romance, animals and many laugh out moments. I highly recommend. Read through kindle unlimitied.
This is a book that you can not go wrong with, plenty of romance, animals and many laugh out moments. I highly recommend. Read through kindle unlimitied.
June 24, 2019
This book had all the feels, as well as smart, well-written characters and an engaging story that was hard to put down -- and if I didn't need sleep, I wouldn't have.
AT THE HEART OF IT was my first book by Tawna Fenske, but it definitely won't be my last.
I highly recommend it.
AT THE HEART OF IT was my first book by Tawna Fenske, but it definitely won't be my last.
I highly recommend it.
April 25, 2020
Super cute - I loved the cat! The reality TV part was really fun and I liked the easy, sweet romance. It was short, too, which is lovely in a romance novel - sometimes they drag and this one just flew by.
October 11, 2017
My Musings
What an awesome read! Loved it from the first page to the last. Loved, loved the characters and the engaging plot. What a talented author.Happy ☺reading 📚!
What an awesome read! Loved it from the first page to the last. Loved, loved the characters and the engaging plot. What a talented author.Happy ☺reading 📚!
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