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The Bayou Bachelors #1
Fully Dressed
There’s nowhere hotter than the South, especially with three men who know how to make the good times roll. But one of the Bayou Bachelors is about to meet his match…
New York City stylist Poppy Kaminsky knows that image is everything, which is why she’s so devastated when hers is trashed on social media—after a very public meltdown over her cheating fiancé. Her best friend’s New Orleans society wedding gives her the chance hide out and lick her wounds...
Brandon Boudreaux is in no mood to party. His multi-million dollar sailboat business is in danger of sinking thanks to his partner’s sudden disappearance—with the company’s funds. And when he rolls up to his estranged brother’s pre-wedding bash in an airboat, a cold-as-ice friend of the bride looks at him like he’s so much swamp trash.
The last person Poppy should get involved with is the bad boy of the Boudreaux family. But they have more in common than she could ever imagine—and the steamy, sultry New Orleans nights are about to show her how fun letting loose can be…
New York City stylist Poppy Kaminsky knows that image is everything, which is why she’s so devastated when hers is trashed on social media—after a very public meltdown over her cheating fiancé. Her best friend’s New Orleans society wedding gives her the chance hide out and lick her wounds...
Brandon Boudreaux is in no mood to party. His multi-million dollar sailboat business is in danger of sinking thanks to his partner’s sudden disappearance—with the company’s funds. And when he rolls up to his estranged brother’s pre-wedding bash in an airboat, a cold-as-ice friend of the bride looks at him like he’s so much swamp trash.
The last person Poppy should get involved with is the bad boy of the Boudreaux family. But they have more in common than she could ever imagine—and the steamy, sultry New Orleans nights are about to show her how fun letting loose can be…
- GenresContemporary Romance
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2018
1 person is currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Geri Krotow
97 books196 followersAward winning, bestselling author of cozy mystery, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction. Buffalo, NY native and proud of it. Navy veteran.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 14, 2018
Poppy Kaminski is running away. When your fiancé dumps you for your twenty-one-year-old intern (five months pregnant) and she then tries to claim all your designs for herself, sometimes you can’t quite help a public meltdown. When it goes viral on Twitter and Instagram, though, it’s time to get the hell out of Dodge - or in this case, New York. Her best friend’s wedding in New Orleans provides the perfect excuse to flee the scene of the crime.
Poppy certainly isn’t looking for any entanglements, but from the first moment, there are sparks flying between her and Brandon Boudreaux. The bad boy of his family, Brandon’s got issues of his own - like a missing best friend and the fifteen million dollars he absconded with. The last thing he needs is a New York socialite clipping all over his business in her too-high heels.
There were parts of this book I really enjoyed - the banter between Poppy and Brandon was wonderful, if a bit razor-sharp at times between two souls who were obviously both hurting. Brandon had a couple of moments of being a complete dick, but they were spur-of-the-moment and to me not complete deal-breakers. The sex scenes were really hot and the descriptions of New Orleans and surrounds well done.
Where things fell down is that, weirdly, all the best scenes seemed to be missing. I’d have loved to see Poppy’s meltdown and the aftermath, but instead, we were only told about it with minimal details. Frankly, I think the story should have started there, rather than with Poppy’s rather anticlimatic arrival in New Orleans. While Brandon’s business partner turned up, the fifteen million dollars didn’t - and I still have absolutely no clue where it went or what he was doing about getting it back. I started wondering if maybe this was part of a series and I’d missed earlier books, but checking on Amazon, this is the first in a new series.
This could have been really good, but it feels as though it’s been cut to fit a word count and the story’s continuity has suffered in the process. I dithered between two and three stars, but at the end of the day, I’m really not interested in reading the rest of the series, so I think I’m going to have to settle on two.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Poppy certainly isn’t looking for any entanglements, but from the first moment, there are sparks flying between her and Brandon Boudreaux. The bad boy of his family, Brandon’s got issues of his own - like a missing best friend and the fifteen million dollars he absconded with. The last thing he needs is a New York socialite clipping all over his business in her too-high heels.
There were parts of this book I really enjoyed - the banter between Poppy and Brandon was wonderful, if a bit razor-sharp at times between two souls who were obviously both hurting. Brandon had a couple of moments of being a complete dick, but they were spur-of-the-moment and to me not complete deal-breakers. The sex scenes were really hot and the descriptions of New Orleans and surrounds well done.
Where things fell down is that, weirdly, all the best scenes seemed to be missing. I’d have loved to see Poppy’s meltdown and the aftermath, but instead, we were only told about it with minimal details. Frankly, I think the story should have started there, rather than with Poppy’s rather anticlimatic arrival in New Orleans. While Brandon’s business partner turned up, the fifteen million dollars didn’t - and I still have absolutely no clue where it went or what he was doing about getting it back. I started wondering if maybe this was part of a series and I’d missed earlier books, but checking on Amazon, this is the first in a new series.
This could have been really good, but it feels as though it’s been cut to fit a word count and the story’s continuity has suffered in the process. I dithered between two and three stars, but at the end of the day, I’m really not interested in reading the rest of the series, so I think I’m going to have to settle on two.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
January 21, 2018
💞💞4.5 Amazing stars💞💞
Ok, well - wow! I didn't expected....that! This is my first time reading from the author and I'm literally finding myself blown away.
The story was very well written, the characters were full of depth - The heroine was Fierce and independent, our hero strong and full on alpha. And even after having an obvious plot, it kept on taking me by suprise again and again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
https://giphy.com/gifs/30-rock-shocke...
Well you get my drift😂. It's a wonderful novel and i would recommend you all to atleast give it a try👍
An ARC was provided to me via Netgally in exchange of an Honest review.
Hope you all have a fun experience reading!
Ok, well - wow! I didn't expected....that! This is my first time reading from the author and I'm literally finding myself blown away.
The story was very well written, the characters were full of depth - The heroine was Fierce and independent, our hero strong and full on alpha. And even after having an obvious plot, it kept on taking me by suprise again and again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
https://giphy.com/gifs/30-rock-shocke...
Well you get my drift😂. It's a wonderful novel and i would recommend you all to atleast give it a try👍
An ARC was provided to me via Netgally in exchange of an Honest review.
Hope you all have a fun experience reading!
March 25, 2018
Poppy and Brandon somehow hit all the right notes for me. Both were in the middle of professional crises and had to figure out a way to rely on each other and themselves in the middle of a natural disaster and in love.
May 26, 2018
Review also found here https://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/...
I had received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I apologize for the delay in writing this review as family obligations have pulled me away.
This review will be short but I will say that I think I may have found a new series to read. It follows the expected roadmap from this genre, with two broken people whose paths cross and help each other heal, not without drama and angst along the way
The writing was in such a way that the story felt fresh and the reader is rooting for the characters. For me, the highlight was the setting. I haven't read many stories that take place in New Orleans but this one made me want to be there. In fact, as someone who has never been, it ranks high on my bucket list of places to visit.
Without disclosing the plot, I will say just pick this book up and read it if you are a fan of this genre!
I had received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I apologize for the delay in writing this review as family obligations have pulled me away.
This review will be short but I will say that I think I may have found a new series to read. It follows the expected roadmap from this genre, with two broken people whose paths cross and help each other heal, not without drama and angst along the way
The writing was in such a way that the story felt fresh and the reader is rooting for the characters. For me, the highlight was the setting. I haven't read many stories that take place in New Orleans but this one made me want to be there. In fact, as someone who has never been, it ranks high on my bucket list of places to visit.
Without disclosing the plot, I will say just pick this book up and read it if you are a fan of this genre!
January 17, 2021
Good book about two people who experience significant crises in their lives, and with each other's help, find their way to new beginnings. The story opens as Poppy, a New York City stylist to the rich and famous, arrives in New Orleans for her best friend's wedding. The timing is perfect, as Poppy desperately needs to get away. After finding her fiancé in bed with her intern, Poppy had a very public meltdown, which ended up splashed all over social media. Her image is destroyed, and she needs to find a way to fix it. Hiding out in New Orleans for a couple of weeks will give Poppy the time to do so. However, she isn't really in much of a party mood, and the arrival of the groom's bad boy brother is one more irritation.
Brandon is the black sheep of his family. While his brother followed their father into the law, Brandon's interest lay in boat-building. After a massive blow-up with his father, Brandon and his best friend Jeb set out on their own. Brandon hasn't spoken to his parents in ten years, though he has remained in touch with his brother, Henry. He's not about to miss Henry's wedding and the hoopla before it, though he isn't in much of a mood to party. His partner Jeb has disappeared, taking all of the business's money with him. He doesn't want to believe it, but the facts are hard to deny. The last thing he wants to deal with is a stuck-up Yankee.
I liked the first meeting between Poppy and Brandon. He pulls up to his brother's dock in an obnoxiously loud airboat, and Poppy looks at him like he's pond scum. But there is no doubt about the sparks that fly between them. Brandon is a charming flirt, and he immediately lays it on thick with Poppy, who wants nothing to do with him or any other man right now. There's also a pretty big gentlemanly streak in him, and Brandon comes to her rescue when she has a panic attack. I thought she could have been a little more appreciative, but she was also fighting her attraction.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Brandon and Poppy. A hurricane-like storm brings them together as Brandon rescues her from a dangerous flooding situation. As they ride out the storm together, the attraction between them continues to grow. Both try to resist, as neither wants a relationship, thanks to the current upheaval in their lives. Instead, they form an unexpected friendship, discovering that they have more in common than they knew. I loved how their first impressions of each other changed as they got to know each other. I ached for Poppy, whose run of bad luck left her with some insecurities. Brandon is more sensitive than I expected at first, and it isn't long before he finds ways to show Poppy what an amazing woman she is. Brandon also faces a situation he doesn't feel prepared for, and this time it's Poppy who comes to the rescue. I had a grand time watching her prep Brandon for his big meeting.
All the while, the attraction between Brandon and Poppy continued to simmer until they couldn't resist any longer. Each one is clear that they don't want anything serious and decide to have fun together. But as Poppy builds Brandon up for his meeting, he discovers that he wants more than just her professional attention and a short-term affair. This freaks him out a bit, especially since he doesn't feel that he's in a place to do anything about it. Meanwhile, Poppy makes significant progress reinventing herself and her brand but doesn't know how to tell Brandon that she plans to relocate to New Orleans. After a blow-up where Brandon says some bone-headed things, both of them have some soul-searching to do before either is ready to look at a future together. I liked the ending. Both Brandon and Poppy show some real growth, and I loved Brandon's big moment.
The drama regarding the wedding between Henry and Poppy's friend, Sonja, added some extra tension to the story. I liked both Henry and Sonja, who genuinely appear to love each other. However, outside forces create an untenable situation, and Sonja doesn't handle it well. Their issues are left hanging, so I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see how that turns out. Brandon's troubles with his partner, Jeb, are also glossed over at the end, leaving that open for the third book.
I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of New Orleans, from the bayous to the little details about the city itself. I especially liked the scene set at Café du Monde, as it brought back fond memories of my visit there. I also liked the mentions of post-Katrina issues, from the loss of jobs to the way people helped each other. I liked Poppy's reminisces of her time volunteering and the impact it had on her life.
Brandon is the black sheep of his family. While his brother followed their father into the law, Brandon's interest lay in boat-building. After a massive blow-up with his father, Brandon and his best friend Jeb set out on their own. Brandon hasn't spoken to his parents in ten years, though he has remained in touch with his brother, Henry. He's not about to miss Henry's wedding and the hoopla before it, though he isn't in much of a mood to party. His partner Jeb has disappeared, taking all of the business's money with him. He doesn't want to believe it, but the facts are hard to deny. The last thing he wants to deal with is a stuck-up Yankee.
I liked the first meeting between Poppy and Brandon. He pulls up to his brother's dock in an obnoxiously loud airboat, and Poppy looks at him like he's pond scum. But there is no doubt about the sparks that fly between them. Brandon is a charming flirt, and he immediately lays it on thick with Poppy, who wants nothing to do with him or any other man right now. There's also a pretty big gentlemanly streak in him, and Brandon comes to her rescue when she has a panic attack. I thought she could have been a little more appreciative, but she was also fighting her attraction.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Brandon and Poppy. A hurricane-like storm brings them together as Brandon rescues her from a dangerous flooding situation. As they ride out the storm together, the attraction between them continues to grow. Both try to resist, as neither wants a relationship, thanks to the current upheaval in their lives. Instead, they form an unexpected friendship, discovering that they have more in common than they knew. I loved how their first impressions of each other changed as they got to know each other. I ached for Poppy, whose run of bad luck left her with some insecurities. Brandon is more sensitive than I expected at first, and it isn't long before he finds ways to show Poppy what an amazing woman she is. Brandon also faces a situation he doesn't feel prepared for, and this time it's Poppy who comes to the rescue. I had a grand time watching her prep Brandon for his big meeting.
All the while, the attraction between Brandon and Poppy continued to simmer until they couldn't resist any longer. Each one is clear that they don't want anything serious and decide to have fun together. But as Poppy builds Brandon up for his meeting, he discovers that he wants more than just her professional attention and a short-term affair. This freaks him out a bit, especially since he doesn't feel that he's in a place to do anything about it. Meanwhile, Poppy makes significant progress reinventing herself and her brand but doesn't know how to tell Brandon that she plans to relocate to New Orleans. After a blow-up where Brandon says some bone-headed things, both of them have some soul-searching to do before either is ready to look at a future together. I liked the ending. Both Brandon and Poppy show some real growth, and I loved Brandon's big moment.
The drama regarding the wedding between Henry and Poppy's friend, Sonja, added some extra tension to the story. I liked both Henry and Sonja, who genuinely appear to love each other. However, outside forces create an untenable situation, and Sonja doesn't handle it well. Their issues are left hanging, so I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see how that turns out. Brandon's troubles with his partner, Jeb, are also glossed over at the end, leaving that open for the third book.
I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of New Orleans, from the bayous to the little details about the city itself. I especially liked the scene set at Café du Monde, as it brought back fond memories of my visit there. I also liked the mentions of post-Katrina issues, from the loss of jobs to the way people helped each other. I liked Poppy's reminisces of her time volunteering and the impact it had on her life.
April 9, 2018
In the first Bayou Bachelors story, two people have to overcome the life-changing challenges that have arisen in their lives. Though no fault of their own, these two individuals must struggle with making numerous tough decisions, and what they end up choosing could greatly alter their futures. As the story progressed, I came to know Poppy and Brandon as very different people than what my initial impression told me. Geri Krotow makes FULLY DRESSED entertaining with complex developments and spirited characters.
After the fiancé of Poppy Kaminsky betrayed her, their wedding is off and the whole world knows all the details since her confrontation with him was posted on the internet. While their breakup made her sad, her career as a personal stylist was also greatly affected because of how potential clients viewed her. Attending the wedding of a good friend will let Poppy escape the chaos in her life, so she leaves New York City and travels to New Orleans.
Upon her arrival, she is soon caught up in the pre-wedding festivities. During one event, Poppy meets the groom’s brother, Brandon Boudreaux, a man whose conduct shows that he is someone whom she should avoid. Neither are looking to be in a relationship at this time because of stressful current circumstances, yet the desire each feel is hard to ignore.
From the moment Brandon and Poppy come in contact, the sexual tension between them continues to escalate with each new interaction. But their feelings about not getting involved with anyone keep them from acting on the attraction. Poppy is especially reluctant to let a man into her life, because her ex-boyfriend’s actions are still too painful. While I could understand her reasoning for how she reacted to several happenings connected to Brandon, I did not always think that her deductions were in her best interest. But this made the story realistic, as people do not want to feel vulnerable and will do everything they can to protect themselves. Brandon also has some current problems in his life, and his choices showed loyalty even when big doubts are raised. Much soul-searching is done in FULLY DRESSED, and what is ultimately decided could lead to happiness or despair. The relationship of this couple has some good spots when they let themselves respond without too much thinking and they follow their hearts, while a situation could become unpleasant if their minds are in control. Some witty retorts are spoken by Brandon and Poppy, and they both have passionate natures.
The New Orleans setting is extremely colorful, and I really felt like I was experiencing a number of the occasions along with the characters. I particularly enjoyed all the tasty foods mentioned. There is also a huge dilemma associated with two secondary characters that definitely needs to be resolved, and I am very glad the next book is about them.
After the fiancé of Poppy Kaminsky betrayed her, their wedding is off and the whole world knows all the details since her confrontation with him was posted on the internet. While their breakup made her sad, her career as a personal stylist was also greatly affected because of how potential clients viewed her. Attending the wedding of a good friend will let Poppy escape the chaos in her life, so she leaves New York City and travels to New Orleans.
Upon her arrival, she is soon caught up in the pre-wedding festivities. During one event, Poppy meets the groom’s brother, Brandon Boudreaux, a man whose conduct shows that he is someone whom she should avoid. Neither are looking to be in a relationship at this time because of stressful current circumstances, yet the desire each feel is hard to ignore.
From the moment Brandon and Poppy come in contact, the sexual tension between them continues to escalate with each new interaction. But their feelings about not getting involved with anyone keep them from acting on the attraction. Poppy is especially reluctant to let a man into her life, because her ex-boyfriend’s actions are still too painful. While I could understand her reasoning for how she reacted to several happenings connected to Brandon, I did not always think that her deductions were in her best interest. But this made the story realistic, as people do not want to feel vulnerable and will do everything they can to protect themselves. Brandon also has some current problems in his life, and his choices showed loyalty even when big doubts are raised. Much soul-searching is done in FULLY DRESSED, and what is ultimately decided could lead to happiness or despair. The relationship of this couple has some good spots when they let themselves respond without too much thinking and they follow their hearts, while a situation could become unpleasant if their minds are in control. Some witty retorts are spoken by Brandon and Poppy, and they both have passionate natures.
The New Orleans setting is extremely colorful, and I really felt like I was experiencing a number of the occasions along with the characters. I particularly enjoyed all the tasty foods mentioned. There is also a huge dilemma associated with two secondary characters that definitely needs to be resolved, and I am very glad the next book is about them.
March 3, 2018
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Geri Krotow is a new-to-me author, but I see she has quite the library. Not tons of books, but a significant amount. I’m surprised this is my first time delving into her work.
As much as I enjoyed the storyline and characters, I have mixed feelings on this one. It felt a bit choppy. Now, that could partially be blamed on the fact that I read an ARC. Yet I don’t think it being an ARC is wholly to blame. I just couldn’t fully immerse myself in the bayou along with Poppy and Brandon until about halfway through.
Part of the issue could also be that I felt as though I was missing part of the story. As I mentioned before, I enjoyed the characters. In fact, I liked both the hero and heroine quite a lot. Poppy has had some bad luck but is determined to land on her feet. Plus, she’s in New Orleans for her best friend’s wedding and she doesn’t want anything to distract from the bride. Same but different for Brandon. He’s having an extremely bad run of luck, but he’s a great guy and doesn’t want to disrupt his brother’s wedding. The chemistry between Poppy and Brandon is definitely there. And when we do find out some of the what each of them has gone through I physically ached for them. As much as I don’t mind an author being somewhat vague about a past event as long as the reader gets the gist of what the character is currently going through, I didn’t feel I fully could understand Poppy’s predicament. Sure, I got the main idea about what was done to her. But what did she do at that fateful event that made her such a pariah and fodder for the gossips? What made her so infamous that people in Louisiana had heard (and talked about) her sad story. They all knew, but the reader did not.
I had similar issues with feeling like I was missing part of Brandon’s story, but only toward the end. I can only assume some of his issues are going to be revisited in later books in this series. Especially because his brother’s portion of this story is definitely left up in the air. I wasn’t left hanging in the way a real cliffhanger would leave one, but there is some unfinished business for sure.
The emotions this author evoked will have me reading more of her work. I really did enjoy with story as a whole, there was just a small puzzle piece missing for me.
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
Geri Krotow is a new-to-me author, but I see she has quite the library. Not tons of books, but a significant amount. I’m surprised this is my first time delving into her work.
As much as I enjoyed the storyline and characters, I have mixed feelings on this one. It felt a bit choppy. Now, that could partially be blamed on the fact that I read an ARC. Yet I don’t think it being an ARC is wholly to blame. I just couldn’t fully immerse myself in the bayou along with Poppy and Brandon until about halfway through.
Part of the issue could also be that I felt as though I was missing part of the story. As I mentioned before, I enjoyed the characters. In fact, I liked both the hero and heroine quite a lot. Poppy has had some bad luck but is determined to land on her feet. Plus, she’s in New Orleans for her best friend’s wedding and she doesn’t want anything to distract from the bride. Same but different for Brandon. He’s having an extremely bad run of luck, but he’s a great guy and doesn’t want to disrupt his brother’s wedding. The chemistry between Poppy and Brandon is definitely there. And when we do find out some of the what each of them has gone through I physically ached for them. As much as I don’t mind an author being somewhat vague about a past event as long as the reader gets the gist of what the character is currently going through, I didn’t feel I fully could understand Poppy’s predicament. Sure, I got the main idea about what was done to her. But what did she do at that fateful event that made her such a pariah and fodder for the gossips? What made her so infamous that people in Louisiana had heard (and talked about) her sad story. They all knew, but the reader did not.
I had similar issues with feeling like I was missing part of Brandon’s story, but only toward the end. I can only assume some of his issues are going to be revisited in later books in this series. Especially because his brother’s portion of this story is definitely left up in the air. I wasn’t left hanging in the way a real cliffhanger would leave one, but there is some unfinished business for sure.
The emotions this author evoked will have me reading more of her work. I really did enjoy with story as a whole, there was just a small puzzle piece missing for me.
https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
January 16, 2019
Fully Dressed is the first of three books that follow the same characters but focus on a different couple in each one. This first book is about Poppy and Brandon. Poppy has recently lost everything, her fiance, her cool (flipping out about the break up very publically and then having everything splashed all over social and not so social media) and her business. Brandon (who for reasons that are never explained, is also known as Gus) has had a similar loss. His best friend and business partner Jeb has scarpered, taking all of the businesses money and now he faces losing everything too.
I think that the three books could probably be read as stand-alone stories, but there is clearly a lot of cross over. Or I assume that to be the case, this being the first book, I'm not sure how things will play out in the other two. The main romance story is contained well within this first book, but there are a lot of questions left about other events, which I assume are to be the main storylines in the next two instalments. I did find the timeline a little confusing throughout the book, things seemed to move along at what seemed an odd rate whenever the passage of time was mentioned.
As for the romance itself, I liked it. Poppy and Brandon work well together and I particularly liked Brandon as a character. Poppy was a little less likeable, but she grew on me as the story progressed. Overall, their romance worked and was satisfying. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next books add to the story.
I think that the three books could probably be read as stand-alone stories, but there is clearly a lot of cross over. Or I assume that to be the case, this being the first book, I'm not sure how things will play out in the other two. The main romance story is contained well within this first book, but there are a lot of questions left about other events, which I assume are to be the main storylines in the next two instalments. I did find the timeline a little confusing throughout the book, things seemed to move along at what seemed an odd rate whenever the passage of time was mentioned.
As for the romance itself, I liked it. Poppy and Brandon work well together and I particularly liked Brandon as a character. Poppy was a little less likeable, but she grew on me as the story progressed. Overall, their romance worked and was satisfying. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next books add to the story.
February 5, 2018
I received Fully Dressed as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Desperate to escape the attention of a gawking press after a post-breakup meltdown, stylist Poppy Kaminsky is looking forward to her best friend's wedding in New Orleans. Upon arrival, however, she immediately butts heads with the groom's brother, Brandon "Gus" Boudreaux, a successful boat builder with rugged good looks and an inherent need to needle Poppy. Alternately attracted and repelled by the prickly, sarcastic black sheep Brandon, Poppy is thrown together with him by forces of nature and fate. As they learn more about each other, however, their first impressions begin to fade away as they cooperate to solve their various life crises.
I admit, I wish romances featuring one lead from the north and one from the south would stop harping on regional differences and how much better one is than the other. If I heard Brandon call her "Yankee girl" one more time, *I* would have backhanded him. The Civil War ended 150+ years ago, people--at some point those jokes started to fall flat. That said, this is an enjoyable romance with, I felt, a bit more depth than most similar novels I've read lately. The characters had more nuance, and their problems weren't all easily wrapped up by book's end, which I appreciated. Hopefully there's more to come from Geri Krotow.
Desperate to escape the attention of a gawking press after a post-breakup meltdown, stylist Poppy Kaminsky is looking forward to her best friend's wedding in New Orleans. Upon arrival, however, she immediately butts heads with the groom's brother, Brandon "Gus" Boudreaux, a successful boat builder with rugged good looks and an inherent need to needle Poppy. Alternately attracted and repelled by the prickly, sarcastic black sheep Brandon, Poppy is thrown together with him by forces of nature and fate. As they learn more about each other, however, their first impressions begin to fade away as they cooperate to solve their various life crises.
I admit, I wish romances featuring one lead from the north and one from the south would stop harping on regional differences and how much better one is than the other. If I heard Brandon call her "Yankee girl" one more time, *I* would have backhanded him. The Civil War ended 150+ years ago, people--at some point those jokes started to fall flat. That said, this is an enjoyable romance with, I felt, a bit more depth than most similar novels I've read lately. The characters had more nuance, and their problems weren't all easily wrapped up by book's end, which I appreciated. Hopefully there's more to come from Geri Krotow.
March 24, 2018
I was asked by the author for an honest review.
3.5 Stars!
The story of two wounded souls and how they healed each other. Poppy is our main female character and she's been through some stuff recently that not only shook up her world, but brought it crashing down. Now she's in New Orleans to wait out the storm still unleashing hell in New York. Here she meets her best friend's fiancé's sexy as all get out brother. Brandon "Gus" is a marshmallow, but no one else can see it except for Poppy. Unfortunately, they don't get off on the right foot.
I loved how well the characters were written and the interactions between Poppy and Brandon were oftentimes hilarious. The sexual tension between them could've been cut with a knife! The strength shown in Poppy's character was immense to have gone through what she did. I would've liked the author to have backed the book up to just before Poppy's "breakdown". It's alluded to often, but he details are not included. I'm also surprised/confused how things when with Brandon's business partner at the end of the book. All-in-all, a cute book and a fun read.
3.5 Stars!
The story of two wounded souls and how they healed each other. Poppy is our main female character and she's been through some stuff recently that not only shook up her world, but brought it crashing down. Now she's in New Orleans to wait out the storm still unleashing hell in New York. Here she meets her best friend's fiancé's sexy as all get out brother. Brandon "Gus" is a marshmallow, but no one else can see it except for Poppy. Unfortunately, they don't get off on the right foot.
I loved how well the characters were written and the interactions between Poppy and Brandon were oftentimes hilarious. The sexual tension between them could've been cut with a knife! The strength shown in Poppy's character was immense to have gone through what she did. I would've liked the author to have backed the book up to just before Poppy's "breakdown". It's alluded to often, but he details are not included. I'm also surprised/confused how things when with Brandon's business partner at the end of the book. All-in-all, a cute book and a fun read.
April 9, 2018
When Poppy has a bad breakup, she grabs her best friend Sonja’s New Orleans wedding as a chance to get away from the drama in New York City. Even though she is a stylist, she is planning to enjoy the wedding festivities. Then she meets the groom’s brother, Brandon, when he arrives at the engagement party in a loud boat. She thinks is an obnoxious jerk, but when he saves her from a disastrous night out she is forced to reevaluate her initial opinion. In addition, she cannot deny the sizzling chemistry they share. The only thing is that she has enough complications in her life already. She is not sure if she wants to add sex into the mix.
I would give this book 3 stars. I liked the overall premise, but the story was hard to get into. The second half of the book was better than the first, and I liked that it was set in New Orleans. I was asked by the author for an honest review.
I would give this book 3 stars. I liked the overall premise, but the story was hard to get into. The second half of the book was better than the first, and I liked that it was set in New Orleans. I was asked by the author for an honest review.
February 5, 2018
I received this book through Goodreads giveaways. This was an enjoyable story with an enchanting setting. It is hard not to like a book set in such a charming city as NOLA. The two main characters filled out as the story moved along. To begin with it seemed they were both pretty shallow, but as the story progresses you begin to see true depth to their personalities. I would have liked to have seen some resolution with Brandon's brother, but that hopefully will come with a second book to this series. If you enjoy contemporary romance this is a fun read.
February 14, 2018
* I received this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway. *
It took me a little while to get into this book. It had enough of my interest to continue until around the middle when the pace really picked up and things got very intense. My attention was grabbed then and I had to finish. The main story was finished nicely, but there were things that are unfinished that I'm guessing will be addressed in a later book. Overall it was a sweet story worth reading.
It took me a little while to get into this book. It had enough of my interest to continue until around the middle when the pace really picked up and things got very intense. My attention was grabbed then and I had to finish. The main story was finished nicely, but there were things that are unfinished that I'm guessing will be addressed in a later book. Overall it was a sweet story worth reading.
March 12, 2018
2.5☆
This is my first book by Geri Krotow.
What I liked:
The writing style
Part of a series: The Bayou Bachelors
Standalone
HEA
What I didn't like:
Poppy
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
This is my first book by Geri Krotow.
What I liked:
The writing style
Part of a series: The Bayou Bachelors
Standalone
HEA
What I didn't like:
Poppy
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
August 18, 2018
Love in the bayou
Gotta love love, and Geri Krotow knocks it out of the park with Brandon and Poppy. I guess this one would be an enemies to lovers story, which happen to always be fun to read.
Gotta love love, and Geri Krotow knocks it out of the park with Brandon and Poppy. I guess this one would be an enemies to lovers story, which happen to always be fun to read.
February 7, 2018
Short review. Likable characters and enjoyable story but wish the characters were flushed out a little bit more. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 13, 2018
Good book!
March 21, 2018
Steamy contemporary romance!
I received an e-version of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I received an e-version of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
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