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Welcome to Otter Tail #1
An Unlikely Setup
Maddie's teenage crush humiliated her fifteen years ago. Now Quinn runs the Otter Tail pub that Maddie inherited and needs to sell. Too bad Maddie's high school crush on Quinn is still alive and kicking. Quinn wants to buy the pub, but can’t afford Maddie’s price, so he plays dirty. His smile, bright blue eyes, and broad shoulders are just his initial bid. As they get reacquainted, they realize someone else has plans for the pub. Plans that endanger Maddie and Quinn – and the rest of Otter Tail. Can Maddie and Quinn save the pub? Can they put their past behind to create a future together?
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2009
528 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Watson
105 books129 followersUSA Today bestselling author Margaret Watson is a two-time RITA Finalist with thirty books in print for Harlequin and Silhouette and many other award-winning romantic suspense novels.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
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October 8, 2018
An Unlikely Setup by Margaret Watson
Otter Tail #1
Maddie needs money – LOTS of money! And, an inheritance from her godfather just might see her able to pay back the huge loans weighing heavily on her shoulders. Sure, she made unwise choices investing but with the income from a pub and house she should be fine, right?
Little did she realize that returning to Otter Tail would bring back so many memories, put her face to face with someone she once had a crush on and make her start weighing up what she really wants from life.
Quinn Murphy also is back in town after years away. His past haunts him and the pub he believes will soon be his is his salvation. When he finds out that Maddie owns it he is sure she will sell to him not realizing she wants and needs top dollar. It is soon apparent that he might not have what she needs - monetarily or emotionally.
Maddie and Quinn tap dance around feelings, do a bit of sharing, tend to be impulsive with words and reticent with feelings so finding a way for them to achieve a HEA is not easy.
Add in some friends in the making for Maddie, some people with anger issues lurking in the wings and some men wanting to cash in on the sale of property now in Maddie’s hands and you have a well written, fast paced story that left me eager to read the next book in this series.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Otter Tail #1
Maddie needs money – LOTS of money! And, an inheritance from her godfather just might see her able to pay back the huge loans weighing heavily on her shoulders. Sure, she made unwise choices investing but with the income from a pub and house she should be fine, right?
Little did she realize that returning to Otter Tail would bring back so many memories, put her face to face with someone she once had a crush on and make her start weighing up what she really wants from life.
Quinn Murphy also is back in town after years away. His past haunts him and the pub he believes will soon be his is his salvation. When he finds out that Maddie owns it he is sure she will sell to him not realizing she wants and needs top dollar. It is soon apparent that he might not have what she needs - monetarily or emotionally.
Maddie and Quinn tap dance around feelings, do a bit of sharing, tend to be impulsive with words and reticent with feelings so finding a way for them to achieve a HEA is not easy.
Add in some friends in the making for Maddie, some people with anger issues lurking in the wings and some men wanting to cash in on the sale of property now in Maddie’s hands and you have a well written, fast paced story that left me eager to read the next book in this series.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
October 4, 2018
When Maddie returns to Otter Tail she only wants to take care of business and get back to Chicago again to sort all her debts out. There are no good memories of the town or its citizens only of her godfather David who has left her his properties in his will. She gets a surprise when she finds Quinn “Mad Dog” Murray running her godfather’s refurbished bar. The sparks fly between them instantly but Maddie has a history with Quinn that she's struggled to get past, Quinn is dealing with his own demons which stops him from having any lasting relationships. There is lots going back and forth between these great characters with their drama, emotion and passion. you will certainly enjoy the journey with twists and turns to keep you glued...…. to the very end.
March 6, 2010
Margaret Watson wrote her first book in 1991 and in a very good way, it shows. Her writing is solid, fresh and effortless to read. She understands the slow build up that comes with a belivable romance novel and she spends most of her word count exploring the characters by delving into their souls. She doesn’t race to see how fast she can get them into bed, she lets them take their own sweet time and come into themselves as people before heading into the romance full force.
All of the characters in An Unlikely Setup are well-illustrated and unique – no stock people here. Reading An Unlikely Setup is like kicking back with a soft, fuzzy blanket and hot chocolate on a cold snowy winter day. Warm, comfortable and entertaining. ~ Ana, www.ireadromance.com
All of the characters in An Unlikely Setup are well-illustrated and unique – no stock people here. Reading An Unlikely Setup is like kicking back with a soft, fuzzy blanket and hot chocolate on a cold snowy winter day. Warm, comfortable and entertaining. ~ Ana, www.ireadromance.com
February 25, 2010
From my review: Sometimes, a romance is like a souffle. It’s all delicate and airy: there’s some fat and egg white for structure, and it’s sweet and light, and it can be satisfying, if not the most rib-sticking, satisfying thing you’ve ever eaten. But sometimes, because it’s a souffle, one little thing will break it, and the whole puffy thing that until that moment was fun and simple and pleasing will collapse while you stare in horror because there is NO WAY THAT JUST HAPPENED.
My review at SB-TB.com: D+.
My review at SB-TB.com: D+.
November 9, 2018
Maddie has returned to Otter Tail after leaving 15 years earlier. When her beloved godfather passed away from leukemia, he left her a house and a pub. Otter Trail has no good memories for her and Maddie plans on leaving as soon as the pub and house are sold. But she is forced to face those memories when she learns that Quinn is managing the pub. Quinn is the reason she never returned to Otter Trail. Quinn and Maddie are soon at odds over what will happen to the pub. Can Maddie and Quinn get over the past? Will they have their HEA or will everything blow up in their faces.
I enjoy reading books where the hero and heroine have to overcome the odds to be together. An Unlikely Setup is such a book. Maddie had to overcome what happened in the past to be with Quinn. Quinn had to overcome his anger and grief to be with Maddie. Both had a hard time of overcoming past and current hurts to forge a relationship with each other. I loved it. I loved that it showed how hard it is to overcome the past. Maddie and Quinn struggled with it. Quinn more than Maddie.
I did like Maddie and I did feel bad for her about what happened between her and Quinn in the past. I had some of the same issues that Maddie did when I was a teen. It hurts to be rejected like that. But, dwelling on it for 15 years? That was a bit much. And judging a whole town on how their teenagers treated her 15 years past was a bit much too. I did like that Maddie was able to finally reconcile her hurt feelings when she talked to Quinn about what happened.
I wasn’t too sure about what Quinn wanted with Maddie. I was starting to think that he was only doing things for her because he wanted the pub. And that the attraction he had to her was part of his end game. I hate writing that because he did keep me guessing. But after Maddie’s house got vandalized, I realized that he cared for her. I do wish that his “secret” was addressed sooner in the book. I did kind of figure out what was going on but still. It would have been nice to hear about it upfront.
The sexual attraction between Quinn and Maddie was understated at times but when it flared up, it was red hot. I loved the whole scene when she wore the skirt to work. I loved seeing Quinn getting turned on. I loved knowing that Maddie knew what it was doing to him. The sexual attraction gave away to some amazing sex scenes. I had to fan myself after some of them. Sex on the beach in the moonlight? Thank you very much!!
The plotline involving Maddie, her secret, Quinn and the pub was well written. I was surprised by Quinn’s reaction to the naughty secret (you have to read the book). His reaction to her main secret was what I thought it was going to be. I mean, how else was he supposed to feel? Happy that he destroyed a teenage Maddie’s confidence. His reaction to Maddie meeting with the store rep was a bit much. But I get it. I would have freaked out too.
The secondary plotlines and characters were as well written as the main plotline. I liked how she merged the secondary plotlines with the main one at the end of the book. Also, I liked how the secondary characters added that extra “Oomph” to the storyline.
The end of the book was amazing. I had a huge smile at how everything ended. It was perfect!!
I gave An Unlikely Setup a 4-star rating. This was a fast-paced romance novel. The plotlines were fantastic. The characters were well written. This was a book that I enjoyed reading. I also cannot wait to read book 2!!
I would give An Unlikely Setup an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is violence. There are triggers. They would be the death of a parent/parental figure and bullying. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread An Unlikely Setup. I would also recommend this book to family and friends. I would include a note about the triggers, though.
I would like to thank the author and Dragonfly Press for allowing me to read and review An Unlikely Setup.
All opinions stated in this review of An Unlikely Setup are mine.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
I enjoy reading books where the hero and heroine have to overcome the odds to be together. An Unlikely Setup is such a book. Maddie had to overcome what happened in the past to be with Quinn. Quinn had to overcome his anger and grief to be with Maddie. Both had a hard time of overcoming past and current hurts to forge a relationship with each other. I loved it. I loved that it showed how hard it is to overcome the past. Maddie and Quinn struggled with it. Quinn more than Maddie.
I did like Maddie and I did feel bad for her about what happened between her and Quinn in the past. I had some of the same issues that Maddie did when I was a teen. It hurts to be rejected like that. But, dwelling on it for 15 years? That was a bit much. And judging a whole town on how their teenagers treated her 15 years past was a bit much too. I did like that Maddie was able to finally reconcile her hurt feelings when she talked to Quinn about what happened.
I wasn’t too sure about what Quinn wanted with Maddie. I was starting to think that he was only doing things for her because he wanted the pub. And that the attraction he had to her was part of his end game. I hate writing that because he did keep me guessing. But after Maddie’s house got vandalized, I realized that he cared for her. I do wish that his “secret” was addressed sooner in the book. I did kind of figure out what was going on but still. It would have been nice to hear about it upfront.
The sexual attraction between Quinn and Maddie was understated at times but when it flared up, it was red hot. I loved the whole scene when she wore the skirt to work. I loved seeing Quinn getting turned on. I loved knowing that Maddie knew what it was doing to him. The sexual attraction gave away to some amazing sex scenes. I had to fan myself after some of them. Sex on the beach in the moonlight? Thank you very much!!
The plotline involving Maddie, her secret, Quinn and the pub was well written. I was surprised by Quinn’s reaction to the naughty secret (you have to read the book). His reaction to her main secret was what I thought it was going to be. I mean, how else was he supposed to feel? Happy that he destroyed a teenage Maddie’s confidence. His reaction to Maddie meeting with the store rep was a bit much. But I get it. I would have freaked out too.
The secondary plotlines and characters were as well written as the main plotline. I liked how she merged the secondary plotlines with the main one at the end of the book. Also, I liked how the secondary characters added that extra “Oomph” to the storyline.
The end of the book was amazing. I had a huge smile at how everything ended. It was perfect!!
I gave An Unlikely Setup a 4-star rating. This was a fast-paced romance novel. The plotlines were fantastic. The characters were well written. This was a book that I enjoyed reading. I also cannot wait to read book 2!!
I would give An Unlikely Setup an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is violence. There are triggers. They would be the death of a parent/parental figure and bullying. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread An Unlikely Setup. I would also recommend this book to family and friends. I would include a note about the triggers, though.
I would like to thank the author and Dragonfly Press for allowing me to read and review An Unlikely Setup.
All opinions stated in this review of An Unlikely Setup are mine.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
September 18, 2018
Maddie Johnson reluctantly leaves Chicago and returns to Otter Tail, Wisconsin. Her godfather, David, has left her his pub and house and she needs to sell them. Unfortunately, Maddie owes a great deal of money for a house flipping deal that went bad and needs money as soon as possible to pay off her debts. Although she has some fond memories of her time in Otter Tail, there are other memories that still cause her embarrassment. When Maddie arrives at the pub, she encounters Quinn Murphy, aka “Mad Dog” a reminder of one of those embarrassing moments. She learns, from others in town, that David had promised to sell the pub to Quinn, but since he cannot come up with the price she needs Maddie will have to seek other offers. Those other offers will add conflict to the already fragile situation as the attraction between Maddie and Quinn develops. Can she remain objective about what she needs to do versus what she would like to do? Maddie begins to feel as if she could belong in Otter Tail, living in David’s house and become part of the loving and welcoming town atmosphere. Wonderful small-town atmosphere and characters makes this a truly heartwarming read. This is the first book in the Otter Tail series and I can’t wait to read the next book. Ms. Watson has a way with writing a story and characters that make each book a delight. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
September 22, 2018
When Maddie returns to Otter Tail she’s expecting only to get in, take care of business, and get out again. She doesn’t have good memories of the town or its citizens. She’s surprised to see Quinn “Mad Dog” Murray running her godfather’s refurbished bar, but not more surprised than Quinn when he finds out Maddie’s the new owner of his pub. From the start the sparks fly between the two. Maddie has history with Quinn that she has trouble getting past. Quinn has his own baggage which he uses to keep from forming any lasting relationships. Every time they start to come together, they create barriers to protect themselves from any more pain. As things really heat up between the two, there’s only more conflict to keep them apart.
This is a very engaging, fast-paced love story with well-developed, appealing characters. There is lots of drama, emotion, and steamy passion. We are taken on quite a roller coaster ride as we follow Maddie and Quinn’s struggle to overcome their pasts to make this amazing journey together. We are there right along with them through the ups and downs, twists and turns from their start until the very end. I highly recommend this very enjoyable read.
This is a very engaging, fast-paced love story with well-developed, appealing characters. There is lots of drama, emotion, and steamy passion. We are taken on quite a roller coaster ride as we follow Maddie and Quinn’s struggle to overcome their pasts to make this amazing journey together. We are there right along with them through the ups and downs, twists and turns from their start until the very end. I highly recommend this very enjoyable read.
September 30, 2018
After a failed business decision, Maddie returns to Otter Tail to deal with the pub and house her godfather had left her in his will. She just wants to sell the pub to pay her friend back, but what she doesn't count on is Quinn, who can't understand why David left the pub to Maddie when he had promised it to him.
Other than the time spent with her godfather, Maddie doesn't have fond memories of Otter Tail...including a failed attempt to get Quinn to notice her. But as the pair works together, she begins to hope that Quinn can see her as the woman she is now, not the awkward teenager she had been when she last visited Otter Tail. Quinn has his own hang ups about getting into a relationship, but the more time he spends with Maddie, he can't help but fall for her.
This is a fast-paced book with enjoyable characters. There's a little bit of mystery thrown in, when it becomes obvious that someone is out to sabotage Maddie, Quinn, and the business.
This was a great start to the Otter Tail series, and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
**A copy was provided for an honest review**
Other than the time spent with her godfather, Maddie doesn't have fond memories of Otter Tail...including a failed attempt to get Quinn to notice her. But as the pair works together, she begins to hope that Quinn can see her as the woman she is now, not the awkward teenager she had been when she last visited Otter Tail. Quinn has his own hang ups about getting into a relationship, but the more time he spends with Maddie, he can't help but fall for her.
This is a fast-paced book with enjoyable characters. There's a little bit of mystery thrown in, when it becomes obvious that someone is out to sabotage Maddie, Quinn, and the business.
This was a great start to the Otter Tail series, and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
**A copy was provided for an honest review**
October 23, 2018
*I received this book free from the author.*
The last thing Maddie wanted to do was return to Otter Tail. She used to spend the summers with her godfather, but after a humiliating one she never came back. That is until he passed away and left her everything from his house to the bar he'd owned.
"There's a lot to be said for instant gratification."
Quinn was supposed to buy the bar, but everything changed once the owner passed away. Now he had to convince the new owner to sell it to him for the amount he could afford. He never expected to be told no. Nor did he expect to be attracted to the woman who was basically destroying his future.
"I just like touching you."
An Unlikely Setup puts two people who just may be destined for each other together...or rather someone they both cared for did. Even after death her godfather worked his magic knowing better than they did what they both needed.
It's funny and quirky, not to mention a little emotional. It's a good way to start a series and I look forward to reading more.
The last thing Maddie wanted to do was return to Otter Tail. She used to spend the summers with her godfather, but after a humiliating one she never came back. That is until he passed away and left her everything from his house to the bar he'd owned.
"There's a lot to be said for instant gratification."
Quinn was supposed to buy the bar, but everything changed once the owner passed away. Now he had to convince the new owner to sell it to him for the amount he could afford. He never expected to be told no. Nor did he expect to be attracted to the woman who was basically destroying his future.
"I just like touching you."
An Unlikely Setup puts two people who just may be destined for each other together...or rather someone they both cared for did. Even after death her godfather worked his magic knowing better than they did what they both needed.
It's funny and quirky, not to mention a little emotional. It's a good way to start a series and I look forward to reading more.
September 30, 2018
An Unlikely Setup revolves around Maddie Johnson and her return to Otter Tail, Wisconsin, a place that holds both good and bad memories for her. Returning after fifteen years, to the town where she felt like an outsider, she finds a lot has changed except for her attraction to her teenage crush, Quinn Murphy. The big difference is that now he's noticing her and liking what he sees. The complicated relationship between Maddie and Quinn makes for a lot of tension between these two characters but just as things are looking up, their romance hits a breaking point from which they might not be able to recover.
The detailed writing and emotional storyline pulled me in and made me care about the characters in this well-written story. I can't wait to read the stories of the other inhabitants of Otter Tail.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
The detailed writing and emotional storyline pulled me in and made me care about the characters in this well-written story. I can't wait to read the stories of the other inhabitants of Otter Tail.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
May 1, 2019
An Unlikely Setup by Margaret Watson is a fantastic romantic suspense. Ms. Watson has delivered a book that is well-written and loaded with phenomenal characters. Maddie spent her last summer in Otter Tail with her godfather 15 years ago and never went back. Now that he's gone she has to go back and dispose of the property he left her. Quinn doesn't remember how he embarrassed Maddie the last time she was in town. He's trying to find a way to buy the bar from Maddie and is disappointed that David didn't leave it to him as he promised. Maddie and Quinn's story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed reading An Unlikely Setup and look forward to reading more from Margaret Watson in the future. An Unlikely Setup is book 1 of the Welcome To Otter Tail Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
January 7, 2019
A very full on story, of a young woman coming into a small town with one idea of what to do with property she had inherited, only to find a whole different reception and attitude to what she felt she would encounter. A hot male in the picture made it a bit of a warmer story still.
A very good read!
A very good read!
April 13, 2019
Great romance with a fantastic female protagonist who refuses to be taken advantage of. She comes back to the town she spent summers in during her high school days. It had been a miserable experience as a fat teenager. Her finances are in a mess and she has inherited property on the death of her godfather. Couple of hot scenes Highly recommended.
July 16, 2019
Quick enjoyable read
This was a light and interesting small town romance. Quinn and Maddie were acquaintances when she was visited her godfather in the summer and he embarrassed her her last summer there. Her godfather died and she inherited his house and business so she had to go back to deal with things throwing them together.
This was a light and interesting small town romance. Quinn and Maddie were acquaintances when she was visited her godfather in the summer and he embarrassed her her last summer there. Her godfather died and she inherited his house and business so she had to go back to deal with things throwing them together.
August 17, 2019
Nice, easy read
A fast and enjoyable read. The male character is not so we'll developed in my opinion, and the ending is a bit abrupt but I did enjoy it. So much so that I wanted to buy the rest of the books of this series but I was expecting to see Laura's and Paul's story somewhere...was I mistaken to assume there was something there between those 2????
A fast and enjoyable read. The male character is not so we'll developed in my opinion, and the ending is a bit abrupt but I did enjoy it. So much so that I wanted to buy the rest of the books of this series but I was expecting to see Laura's and Paul's story somewhere...was I mistaken to assume there was something there between those 2????
June 18, 2019
Maddie and Quinn
Set up by their dead friend, Maggie and Quinn didn't stand a chance. All the other details just got in the way and nearly broke their hearts before they discovered that love was stronger than any hurt from the past.
Set up by their dead friend, Maggie and Quinn didn't stand a chance. All the other details just got in the way and nearly broke their hearts before they discovered that love was stronger than any hurt from the past.
July 15, 2019
An Unlikely Setup
This was a fun beach book and a fast read. It had a little action, mystery, romanace, etc to keep u interea
This was a good beach book. It had a little action, mystery, romance, etc. To keep it moving.
This was a fun beach book and a fast read. It had a little action, mystery, romanace, etc to keep u interea
This was a good beach book. It had a little action, mystery, romance, etc. To keep it moving.
September 11, 2019
Fault annoyed with Amazon kindle
Read the free sample I was enjoying it decided to buy the book but Amazon no matter how many times I tried would not down load full content. Never had this before this is definitely Amazon's clock up..
Read the free sample I was enjoying it decided to buy the book but Amazon no matter how many times I tried would not down load full content. Never had this before this is definitely Amazon's clock up..
September 17, 2018
A romantic small town story that ticks all the boxes!
Well written with characters that stand out.
Well written with characters that stand out.
June 20, 2019
Romantic
I'm getting really tired of stories where the main characters are so completely stupid, and then they see the light at the end.
I'm getting really tired of stories where the main characters are so completely stupid, and then they see the light at the end.
June 21, 2019
Great
Great book well written great characters hooked from the start couldn't put it down will read more from this author
Great book well written great characters hooked from the start couldn't put it down will read more from this author
June 28, 2019
Great book
This book is not the ordinary romance novel.
The author has designed the characters to have an exciting plot.
I really enjoyed the mystery behind the characters.
TA TA
This book is not the ordinary romance novel.
The author has designed the characters to have an exciting plot.
I really enjoyed the mystery behind the characters.
TA TA
July 2, 2019
David wanted them together.
July 10, 2023
It was cute
September 25, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
October 3, 2018
This is the very first book from this author I have ever read and rest assured it won’t be my last. This is a very endearing story filled with old memories for Maddie. When Maddie returned to Otter Tail 15 years after she left she never expected to see it completely modernized rather than the old sleepy town she left. Her only goal was to sell the business and home her godfather left to her in his will so she could pay off her debts and then get out. But this author has other plans for the characters in this story, one that leaves me very delighted with the outcome. For those who love romance with a lot of angst and an HEA then you will love this one as I did.
December 20, 2018
These weren't the nicest characters this author could come up with trust me I have read enough of her books, but unfortunately they are what they are. She ran from the only person who ever valued her and someone she loved and respected, as a silly child. He ran from a past that haunted him and kept everyone at a distance except for her. It isn't a pretty story but this author makes it one worth reading. They aren't a sweet all american couple so don't expect that. But you can expect a little distraction with the back story and a little fun with the sub characters and a great story overall. Ms Watson gives a second chance at life, love and happiness to two who thought their time was past.
May 23, 2012
J'ai pas mal apprécié cette lecture qui n'est pas au "pays des petits oiseaux". Maddie a des problèmes d'argent et elle retourne dans la ville où elle passait ses étés pour vendre l'héritage qu'elle a de son oncle. Sauf que c'est compliqué car très fort émotionnellement et surtout elle retrouve un homme sur lequel elle avait flashé adolescente.
C'est l'ambiance d'une petite ville des Etats Unis avec sa communauté, ses combats pour garder les petits commerces et c'est également les fantômes du passé à combattre.
C'est une histoire sympathique à lire.
C'est l'ambiance d'une petite ville des Etats Unis avec sa communauté, ses combats pour garder les petits commerces et c'est également les fantômes du passé à combattre.
C'est une histoire sympathique à lire.
October 6, 2014
Une grosse déception. Ça avait plutôt bien commencé, y'avait une réel alchimie entre nos 2 héros, mais c'est très vite tombé dans le pathos et la niaiserie au détriment de l'histoire. C'est dommage parce que ça aurait pu être plutôt sympa.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews