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Smokejumper #1
The Two-Date Rule
Willa Frank has one simple rule: never go on a date with anyone more than twice. Now that her business is providing the stability she’s always needed, she can’t afford distractions. Her two-date rule will protect her just fine…until she meets smokejumper Grady Billman.
After one date—one amazing, unforgettable date—Grady isn’t ready to call it quits, despite his own no-attachments policy, and he’s found a sneaky way around both their rules.
Throwing gutter balls with pitchers of beer? Not a real date. Everyone knows bowling doesn’t count.
Watching a band play at a local show? They just happen to have the same great taste in music. Definitely not a date.
Hiking? Nope. How can exercise be considered a date?
With every "non-date" Grady suggests, his reasoning gets more ridiculous, and Willa must admit she’s having fun playing along. But when their time together costs Willa two critical clients, it's clear she needs to focus on the only thing that matters—her future. And really, he should do the same.
But what is she supposed to do with a future that looks gray without Grady in it?
After one date—one amazing, unforgettable date—Grady isn’t ready to call it quits, despite his own no-attachments policy, and he’s found a sneaky way around both their rules.
Throwing gutter balls with pitchers of beer? Not a real date. Everyone knows bowling doesn’t count.
Watching a band play at a local show? They just happen to have the same great taste in music. Definitely not a date.
Hiking? Nope. How can exercise be considered a date?
With every "non-date" Grady suggests, his reasoning gets more ridiculous, and Willa must admit she’s having fun playing along. But when their time together costs Willa two critical clients, it's clear she needs to focus on the only thing that matters—her future. And really, he should do the same.
But what is she supposed to do with a future that looks gray without Grady in it?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 25, 2020
208 people are currently reading
4042 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
73 books1,612 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
December 5, 2020
This is so cute, realistic romance story. In the world where career sometimes takes unprecedent priority, some skeptism can arise from possible romantic relationship.
Miss Fenske delivers a good humor story. Both Willa and Grady are relevent and relatable. I can relate to Willa who choose to be career oriented. Her family background where her father is alcoholic provided background for her to choose career and financial stability.
When sparks ignites between Willa and Grady, their complicated not dating rules become funny and hilarious. I enjoy the chemistry between the characters. Their banter is engaging and full of laugh.
Overall this is a wonderful read to start my weekend.
4 stars
Miss Fenske delivers a good humor story. Both Willa and Grady are relevent and relatable. I can relate to Willa who choose to be career oriented. Her family background where her father is alcoholic provided background for her to choose career and financial stability.
When sparks ignites between Willa and Grady, their complicated not dating rules become funny and hilarious. I enjoy the chemistry between the characters. Their banter is engaging and full of laugh.
Overall this is a wonderful read to start my weekend.
4 stars
September 18, 2023
"Regula celor două întâlniri" este povestea lui Grady și Willa, o poveste de dragoste, o lecție despre maturizare și înțelegere, un pas spre un viitor plin de surprize.
Willa și cele două cele mai bune prietene ale sale ies în oraș, iar atunci îl cunoaște pe Grady, despre care crede că este un stripper...
De aici, cei doi continuă să se vadă, cu toate că Willa este hotărâtă să-și respecte propria regulă, aceea de a nu se duce cu un bărbat la mai mult de două întâlniri!
O poveste romantică frumos scrisă, captivantă, cu răsturnări de situație ce par a ține cititorul cu sufletul la gură pe tot parcursul poveștii.
Autoarea Tawna Fenske a creat două personaje complexe, care sunt învăluite în mai multe straturi, iar pe măsură ce le descoperim, aflăm lucruri interesante despre fiecare dintre personajele principale.
O lectură captivantă, despre depășirea trecutului și încrederea în viitor!
Impresiile mele aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Willa și cele două cele mai bune prietene ale sale ies în oraș, iar atunci îl cunoaște pe Grady, despre care crede că este un stripper...
De aici, cei doi continuă să se vadă, cu toate că Willa este hotărâtă să-și respecte propria regulă, aceea de a nu se duce cu un bărbat la mai mult de două întâlniri!
O poveste romantică frumos scrisă, captivantă, cu răsturnări de situație ce par a ține cititorul cu sufletul la gură pe tot parcursul poveștii.
Autoarea Tawna Fenske a creat două personaje complexe, care sunt învăluite în mai multe straturi, iar pe măsură ce le descoperim, aflăm lucruri interesante despre fiecare dintre personajele principale.
O lectură captivantă, despre depășirea trecutului și încrederea în viitor!
Impresiile mele aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
August 12, 2021
Solid, sexy, and that thing I keep saying lately: Maybe a little too long. Extremely endearing and considerate hero, but his name is Grady Billman, and I just wanted it to be Brady Gilman?
Thanks for reading this edition of 15 seconds with Sam.
Thanks for reading this edition of 15 seconds with Sam.
February 7, 2020
Good but Willa is not my favorite...3.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author gives us a bit of a different look at the two date rule. I’ve read similar stories and it’s usually the guy who has a restriction on dates. It usually isn’t just two.
The story surrounds an overachiever who is fiercely neurotic when it comes to money and working due to her upbringing. Because of that she had installed a two date rule while never allowing herself to enjoy life.
But then she met the right guy in Grady and together they found ways around her silly rules and rigid work and life structure.
While this could’ve been a heavy story across the board, the author did institute fun and lightness around her rule and eventually Willa let her guard down and began to enjoy her non-dates with Grady.
Unfortunately Willa was not my favorite character but Grady certainly brought so much to the story. He broke down her walls and truly cared for her and her feelings. Plus, he knew how to turn it up in the bedroom. I just loved him and his character made this story for me.
The story is a fun and unique read with sizzle and emotionally charged characters. Overall a good read.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-two-date...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author gives us a bit of a different look at the two date rule. I’ve read similar stories and it’s usually the guy who has a restriction on dates. It usually isn’t just two.
The story surrounds an overachiever who is fiercely neurotic when it comes to money and working due to her upbringing. Because of that she had installed a two date rule while never allowing herself to enjoy life.
But then she met the right guy in Grady and together they found ways around her silly rules and rigid work and life structure.
While this could’ve been a heavy story across the board, the author did institute fun and lightness around her rule and eventually Willa let her guard down and began to enjoy her non-dates with Grady.
Unfortunately Willa was not my favorite character but Grady certainly brought so much to the story. He broke down her walls and truly cared for her and her feelings. Plus, he knew how to turn it up in the bedroom. I just loved him and his character made this story for me.
The story is a fun and unique read with sizzle and emotionally charged characters. Overall a good read.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-two-date...
October 26, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
“Yes, please.” Kayla’s attention was fixed on Tony, and Grady couldn’t tell if her response was for the beer or for the tall smokejumper with rumpled black hair and dark eyes that seemed to make women crazy.
Sometimes I feel like I’m wearing a gorilla suit and trying to tread water in a pool filled with molasses.
My Review:
I adore Tawna Fenske and am greedy to amass every clever word she has and will ever scribble. Her wit is sharp, fathomless, and cleverly irreverent; who else would come up with a male stripper group named “The Bone Yard Gang,” or would give the main character a trio of special needs pets and name the three-legged cat Wheelbarrow and her deaf cat Earmuff? I eagerly ripped through this engagingly amusing missive and am licking my lips in readiness for the next in the series. I was quickly enamored with the featured couple and deeply infatuated with the secondary cast of characters and can’t wait to see what the wily minx has in store for the rest of them.
“Yes, please.” Kayla’s attention was fixed on Tony, and Grady couldn’t tell if her response was for the beer or for the tall smokejumper with rumpled black hair and dark eyes that seemed to make women crazy.
Sometimes I feel like I’m wearing a gorilla suit and trying to tread water in a pool filled with molasses.
My Review:
I adore Tawna Fenske and am greedy to amass every clever word she has and will ever scribble. Her wit is sharp, fathomless, and cleverly irreverent; who else would come up with a male stripper group named “The Bone Yard Gang,” or would give the main character a trio of special needs pets and name the three-legged cat Wheelbarrow and her deaf cat Earmuff? I eagerly ripped through this engagingly amusing missive and am licking my lips in readiness for the next in the series. I was quickly enamored with the featured couple and deeply infatuated with the secondary cast of characters and can’t wait to see what the wily minx has in store for the rest of them.
June 27, 2020
3.5 Too Cute Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This has all the cuteness promised from the blurb. We have a career-driven woman who has created a personal rule of not dating the same person more than two times. She has used this concept for a while and it has worked.
Until she crosses dating path with a very hot, fun FireJumper...
Had the fantastic first date-Done
Ended up doing another date...
But that wasn't the end...
The fella was smart enough to have our gal do other things with him and just not call them Dates!
A very fun read.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This has all the cuteness promised from the blurb. We have a career-driven woman who has created a personal rule of not dating the same person more than two times. She has used this concept for a while and it has worked.
Until she crosses dating path with a very hot, fun FireJumper...
Had the fantastic first date-Done
Ended up doing another date...
But that wasn't the end...
The fella was smart enough to have our gal do other things with him and just not call them Dates!
A very fun read.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 10, 2020
Want a sequel very very good
March 6, 2022
Category Romance part of Entangled Publishing's Amara line.
I really liked Willa and Grady's romance. It felt very realistic. Willa has some intense emotional wounds that felt very realistic which resulted in these two-date rules she's put in place and stands by firmly..but here comes Grady who doesn't set out to change the game necessarily but these two are so drawn to each other that there are a few "non-dates." I like how as the reader you're seeing the walls Willa has put up for herself slowly begin to break apart.
I adored the side characters in this book. I am slightly obsessed now with Smokejumpers. Hello romance hero I'd like to see more of.
This was fun and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
I really liked Willa and Grady's romance. It felt very realistic. Willa has some intense emotional wounds that felt very realistic which resulted in these two-date rules she's put in place and stands by firmly..but here comes Grady who doesn't set out to change the game necessarily but these two are so drawn to each other that there are a few "non-dates." I like how as the reader you're seeing the walls Willa has put up for herself slowly begin to break apart.
I adored the side characters in this book. I am slightly obsessed now with Smokejumpers. Hello romance hero I'd like to see more of.
This was fun and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
Want to read
February 26, 2020Check out my SPOTLIGHT #blogpost with EXCLUSIVE Excerpt and GIVEAWAY of 2 digital copies of the reader’s choice from Tawna Fenske’s Ponderosa Resort rom-com series. Open to all entrants 18+ HERE
March 8, 2022
Willa has had a rough upbringing and devotes herself to the company she owns. She occasionally finds time to go out with her two best friends but most of her time is spent in front of her computer. To accomplish her goals in life, she feels that being in a committed relationship would take too much time away from her job so she's made a personal rule that she'll only go out with someone twice before she ends the relationship.
When she meets Grady, she has a fantastic first date with him. When she explains her two date rule, he finds ways to spend time with her that she won't consider a date -- playing putt-putt, hiking and other activities that they decide do not count as dating. The more time they spend together, the closer they get to breaking her rule. When she loses two clients, she decides that Grady is too distracting and tells him that the relationship is over.
What will win - Willa's commitment to her job or getting into a committed relationship with Grady?
******************************************************
Susan lives in NC with her husband of over 50 years. She grew up in Michigan but now calls North Carolina home. She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family. She reads almost anything but her favorite genres are Southern fiction, Women's fiction and Historical fiction. Susan is a top 1% goodreads reviewer. You can connect with her on on Facebook
When she meets Grady, she has a fantastic first date with him. When she explains her two date rule, he finds ways to spend time with her that she won't consider a date -- playing putt-putt, hiking and other activities that they decide do not count as dating. The more time they spend together, the closer they get to breaking her rule. When she loses two clients, she decides that Grady is too distracting and tells him that the relationship is over.
What will win - Willa's commitment to her job or getting into a committed relationship with Grady?
******************************************************
Susan lives in NC with her husband of over 50 years. She grew up in Michigan but now calls North Carolina home. She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family. She reads almost anything but her favorite genres are Southern fiction, Women's fiction and Historical fiction. Susan is a top 1% goodreads reviewer. You can connect with her on on Facebook
June 22, 2020
Not really sure what to say about this one. It was a cute book that I picked up randomly on a Target run. I'd say if you're looking for a cute, quick read and this is on your radar to give it a go.
March 24, 2020
Light and cute. I liked Grady more than I did Willa.
May 14, 2020
Two Date Rule was as cute as I expected it to be. Grady and Willa had amazing chemistry right from the beginning, and an adorable banter to boot.
Initially I worried the chemistry between the two characters would be too lusty. There was a lot of time spent talking about swaying bums, hard abs, and breasts, which is all fine provided it eventually leads to chemistry in the heart. Contemporary romance only works for me if the love is emotional, not physical.
I got a big ole sappy heart, ready to be full.
Grady brought the romance though, consistently. His non-date idea’s were fantastic, especially because they were so ridiculous. Mini Golf can’t be a date because it’s nerdy. Hiking can’t be a date, because it’s exercise. Netflix and chill can’t be a date, because no money is spent… right, Grady! Sure!
Every single interaction between them was a date.
By the end of the book I needed these two characters to be together. I wanted them to not hurt each other. I couldn’t understand why they didn’t see each others fears.
In the end I felt like everything was resolved. Mostly. It’s possible there’s room for a sequel, or a smaller bit part in another Smokejumper book. At least I’m hoping so, because I’d really love to read more about Grady and Willa.
Thank you to A Novel Take PR and Tawna Fenske, for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more review content, visit Birdie Bookworm!
Initially I worried the chemistry between the two characters would be too lusty. There was a lot of time spent talking about swaying bums, hard abs, and breasts, which is all fine provided it eventually leads to chemistry in the heart. Contemporary romance only works for me if the love is emotional, not physical.
I got a big ole sappy heart, ready to be full.
Grady brought the romance though, consistently. His non-date idea’s were fantastic, especially because they were so ridiculous. Mini Golf can’t be a date because it’s nerdy. Hiking can’t be a date, because it’s exercise. Netflix and chill can’t be a date, because no money is spent… right, Grady! Sure!
Every single interaction between them was a date.
By the end of the book I needed these two characters to be together. I wanted them to not hurt each other. I couldn’t understand why they didn’t see each others fears.
In the end I felt like everything was resolved. Mostly. It’s possible there’s room for a sequel, or a smaller bit part in another Smokejumper book. At least I’m hoping so, because I’d really love to read more about Grady and Willa.
Thank you to A Novel Take PR and Tawna Fenske, for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more review content, visit Birdie Bookworm!
March 3, 2020
For her defense, there was a policeman, a Tarzan and a cowboy gyrating on the stage, so no wonder Willa Frank mistook a stranger with a firefighter uniform for an other stripper at girl's night out in a bar.
Grady Billman is not offended. More like amused and intrigued by the vivacious woman. He spent the last five days battling fire in the forest and wouldn't mind spending more time with her. On their first date, she tells him how she deal with any date and how it's gonna be with him too. No relationship for her and after their second date, she's out. She owns a web developement company and she says she's married to her work. Surprised but still not offended, after all, his job make relationship too difficult, there's something about her that makes him not ready to say goodbye yet. So instead of getting the last second date, he'll find activities that they can do that doesn't count for a date according to her.
It was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed the moments I spent with Willa and Grady. Fun, flirty and with just enough serious matter and self grow. The story dragged a bit in the middle but not enough to spoil the fun. My favorite parts were the witty game with questions at their first date, when Grady show Willa a tour at the smokejumper base and learning more about what it is that they do and the heroine's special pets.
Grady Billman is not offended. More like amused and intrigued by the vivacious woman. He spent the last five days battling fire in the forest and wouldn't mind spending more time with her. On their first date, she tells him how she deal with any date and how it's gonna be with him too. No relationship for her and after their second date, she's out. She owns a web developement company and she says she's married to her work. Surprised but still not offended, after all, his job make relationship too difficult, there's something about her that makes him not ready to say goodbye yet. So instead of getting the last second date, he'll find activities that they can do that doesn't count for a date according to her.
It was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed the moments I spent with Willa and Grady. Fun, flirty and with just enough serious matter and self grow. The story dragged a bit in the middle but not enough to spoil the fun. My favorite parts were the witty game with questions at their first date, when Grady show Willa a tour at the smokejumper base and learning more about what it is that they do and the heroine's special pets.
January 31, 2020
Original review
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled: Amara!
The Two-Date Rule is the first book in the Smokejumper series and tells the story of Willa and Grady.
The Two-Date Rule is the first book I’ve read by Tawna Fenske and won’t be the last one! I really enjoyed reading the story of Willa and Grady, it was such an enjoyable Romance read! I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time I was reading this book.
Willa is this weird woman who doesn’t date guys, she just goes on two dates and that’s it. Her work is important for her, and that’s what I really like about her. When she meets Grady, everything changes. Grady is a hot smokejumper who’s kind of a hero and he’s just perfect for Willa! And he doesn’t do two dates…
The Two-Date Rule was such a fun and amazing Romance read and I couldn’t put it down. It’s such a fast paced read and I will definitely be reading some more books by Tawna Fenske. I’m really excited for the next book in the Smokejumper series!
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled: Amara!
The Two-Date Rule is the first book in the Smokejumper series and tells the story of Willa and Grady.
The Two-Date Rule is the first book I’ve read by Tawna Fenske and won’t be the last one! I really enjoyed reading the story of Willa and Grady, it was such an enjoyable Romance read! I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time I was reading this book.
Willa is this weird woman who doesn’t date guys, she just goes on two dates and that’s it. Her work is important for her, and that’s what I really like about her. When she meets Grady, everything changes. Grady is a hot smokejumper who’s kind of a hero and he’s just perfect for Willa! And he doesn’t do two dates…
The Two-Date Rule was such a fun and amazing Romance read and I couldn’t put it down. It’s such a fast paced read and I will definitely be reading some more books by Tawna Fenske. I’m really excited for the next book in the Smokejumper series!
March 15, 2020
Have you ever read a story and then say I will review later and forget, that is what happened to me I read it before cruise and totally forgot, along with others..shoot I need to catch up...So I read this and immediately liked myself some hottie firefighter, I mean firefighter, who doesn't love one. So we meet Willa and her friends who are out for the night and they really have to use the bathroom at the club they are at, but the line is long however the mens room empty (you know we always have this problem) Willa asks Grady if he can get them in the mens and she will pay but she swears he is a stripper, Grady goes along with it but not for money a date..They go to there date and while she does enjoy she has a rule two date max because she wants to be successful since she grew up poor. Grady whom again I sigh every time he comes on the page gets around this and Willa succumbs, she was not my favorite but after getting more of her background I gave a break and was happy she got to get her happiness.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
February 17, 2020
ARC REVIEW
Smokejumpers #1, A sweet and steamy book all in one. I'm new to Tawna Fenske and figured what better place to start that with a new series and it was a good start. I really enjoyed this one it was funny in all the right parts and romantically sweet and hot in the bedroom, but not limited to the bedroom. Best of all it had relatable characters, Grady and Willa are opposites but their spontaneous reaction to each other soon grows deeper but not without its hardships because of those differences.
Willa had a difficult childhood, her mother left and her father was an alcoholic and a gambler and more often than not they had to spend nights "out camping" because of some bill wouldn't get paid. Willa left home as soon as she could and became a successful web designer with her own company. But she's still a smart buyer, she hates spending money when she doesn't have to and when she does she's smart about it, her friends are use to her. Willa is also a planner and a hard worker and because of that she wasn't going to let anyone sidetrack her from her goal or her work hence the two-date rule.
Grady is one of ten kids, he can handle chaos. Growing up the son of a smokejumper he knew getting involved in a relationship would be difficult for his partner, he saw how it affected his parents and how hard it was on his mom for his dad to be away months at a time. He decided going into his career he wasn't going to make plans his work was dangerous enough why look forward to something if there's a chance you might not make it home.
Willa gives Grady his first date, and then a series of non-dates; miniature golf is not a date, it's a group outing not a date, meeting his parents isn't a date and so on until one day it is the second date and then third. Willa and Grady have pretty much fallen in love and not even drama from her past can get in the way of her happiness at least until it interferes in her business. Then their differences seem insurmountable and it would take a pretty big leap for them to find their way back to each other.
Overall, it was a pretty good read. I liked all the characters and the funny situations; all the non-dates. Grady's parents are pretty awesome too. I look forward to the upcoming books in this series.
Smokejumpers #1, A sweet and steamy book all in one. I'm new to Tawna Fenske and figured what better place to start that with a new series and it was a good start. I really enjoyed this one it was funny in all the right parts and romantically sweet and hot in the bedroom, but not limited to the bedroom. Best of all it had relatable characters, Grady and Willa are opposites but their spontaneous reaction to each other soon grows deeper but not without its hardships because of those differences.
Willa had a difficult childhood, her mother left and her father was an alcoholic and a gambler and more often than not they had to spend nights "out camping" because of some bill wouldn't get paid. Willa left home as soon as she could and became a successful web designer with her own company. But she's still a smart buyer, she hates spending money when she doesn't have to and when she does she's smart about it, her friends are use to her. Willa is also a planner and a hard worker and because of that she wasn't going to let anyone sidetrack her from her goal or her work hence the two-date rule.
Grady is one of ten kids, he can handle chaos. Growing up the son of a smokejumper he knew getting involved in a relationship would be difficult for his partner, he saw how it affected his parents and how hard it was on his mom for his dad to be away months at a time. He decided going into his career he wasn't going to make plans his work was dangerous enough why look forward to something if there's a chance you might not make it home.
Willa gives Grady his first date, and then a series of non-dates; miniature golf is not a date, it's a group outing not a date, meeting his parents isn't a date and so on until one day it is the second date and then third. Willa and Grady have pretty much fallen in love and not even drama from her past can get in the way of her happiness at least until it interferes in her business. Then their differences seem insurmountable and it would take a pretty big leap for them to find their way back to each other.
Overall, it was a pretty good read. I liked all the characters and the funny situations; all the non-dates. Grady's parents are pretty awesome too. I look forward to the upcoming books in this series.
February 10, 2020
Spectacular start to a new series! Come meet Grady and Willa, and the rest of the smokejumper crew and good grief I hope they all get their own books!
Willa is one stressed out woman, she operates on overdrive every moment of the day. She'll date, but has a two date rule. No more. Anymore means involvement and she doesn't have time for that, she's too busy working herself to the bone and worrying about money. Her backstory fills in those details with a father who is still hitting her up for money and her caving in and giving it to him.
Grady is a smokejumper, comes from a large family of the same, father and his brothers are all involved in some sort of firefighting. You get great insight into that life reading this story. Grady is now stationed with the local crew in their town in Oregon, always on call and can be gone for however long it takes. When he meets Willa and finds out about her two date rule, he contrives things to do with her that aren't "dates" and pretty much lures her out of her routine. Provides the reassurance that she doesn't have to always be "on." Willa's problem is that Grady isn't a planner, he has no idea what he'll do when he retires and doesn't have a plan in place. He's never needed one. Until he meets Willa. One of my favorite scenes is when Grady takes Willa home to his parents for the weekly Saturday dinner and she gets full on the chaos of growing up in a family of 10 children, now with their spouses as well as kids and his parents. It was organized chaos and I loved it. Willa finally feels like she belongs to a family and what that normal life is like. She likes it. Scratch that, she loves it.
While Grady is getting Willa to loosen up and their relationship goes to the next level the two hit a major snag. Willa looses her proverbial sh** and Willa retreats back into her safe place, but not before a few choice words were slung by both.
How will these two opposites ever work? Can Willa learn to relax and let go? Can Grady find a way for himself that includes Willa? Damn good questions. Damn good book! Yes you should read this book.
I love Tawna, she's the bomb when it comes to writing stellar characters and tight plots. Oh to get a glimpse inside her head, what I wouldn't give!
Willa is one stressed out woman, she operates on overdrive every moment of the day. She'll date, but has a two date rule. No more. Anymore means involvement and she doesn't have time for that, she's too busy working herself to the bone and worrying about money. Her backstory fills in those details with a father who is still hitting her up for money and her caving in and giving it to him.
Grady is a smokejumper, comes from a large family of the same, father and his brothers are all involved in some sort of firefighting. You get great insight into that life reading this story. Grady is now stationed with the local crew in their town in Oregon, always on call and can be gone for however long it takes. When he meets Willa and finds out about her two date rule, he contrives things to do with her that aren't "dates" and pretty much lures her out of her routine. Provides the reassurance that she doesn't have to always be "on." Willa's problem is that Grady isn't a planner, he has no idea what he'll do when he retires and doesn't have a plan in place. He's never needed one. Until he meets Willa. One of my favorite scenes is when Grady takes Willa home to his parents for the weekly Saturday dinner and she gets full on the chaos of growing up in a family of 10 children, now with their spouses as well as kids and his parents. It was organized chaos and I loved it. Willa finally feels like she belongs to a family and what that normal life is like. She likes it. Scratch that, she loves it.
While Grady is getting Willa to loosen up and their relationship goes to the next level the two hit a major snag. Willa looses her proverbial sh** and Willa retreats back into her safe place, but not before a few choice words were slung by both.
How will these two opposites ever work? Can Willa learn to relax and let go? Can Grady find a way for himself that includes Willa? Damn good questions. Damn good book! Yes you should read this book.
I love Tawna, she's the bomb when it comes to writing stellar characters and tight plots. Oh to get a glimpse inside her head, what I wouldn't give!
February 25, 2020
4+ Stars!
This author is easily able to change the tone of her storytelling when switching from women's fiction, her Entangled-published rom-coms, and her indie-published small town rom-coms. While Fenske's women's fiction/romance are some of my favorites, I have had great success with her Entangled releases. The Two-Date Rule was another wonderful entry from this line that showcased the author's quick wit, banter, and realistic poignancy. Initially, I felt like the actual two-date rule by the heroine was going to be a contrived plot device, but as the story progressed and more of Willa’s past was revealed, her strict, self-mandated rules began to make sense. The way that both the H/h lived their adult lives through a child's filter of what they witnessed growing up, was very realistic. Both characters had to confront those skewed perspectives in order to see a future with each other. I enjoyed this conflict and how they reconciled. With light wit and a highly developed story, this author continues to remain a favorite.
March 3, 2020
I have once again ventured into the realm of heterosexual romances! Well, 'ventured' is a strong word. I've taken a peek at it. I just had a feeling, from the synopsis, that this would be a fun book, and that it wouldn't have a crappy female protagonist who would piss me off. And I was right!
The main characters are Willa and Grady. Willa has her own web design company, and she works very hard to make it grow into something that will provide her with the financial security her family never had when she was a kid. Grady is a smokejumper, meaning he jumps out of helicopters to contain bushfires and such. He, like a few of his brothers, followed in the footsteps of his father. Both Willa and Grady love their jobs. Their jobs take up a lot of their time. And these jobs are also part of the problem.
Well, it's not the jobs themselves exactly. Willa is afraid that a relationship will distract her from her job, and she'll fail. That's why she has a two-date rule. She doesn't go on more than two dates with anyone. Grady, initially, is fine with that rule. He has his own reason for avoiding relationships.
But from the first conversation, it's obvious how good they are together. They get along perfectly and seem to understand one another better than anyone ever has. And their first date is so great that neither wants to stop seeing the other just yet. So Grady comes up with a plan, one that Willa happily goes along with, to have dates that aren't dates. For example, if you go out in a group, that doesn't count as a date, right? And that's the beginning of some an adorable and entertaining series of non-dates.
Yes, there's still a feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it's overshadowed by how well the story is handled. There are a lot of potential moments for unnecessary angst, and the author takes none of them. That makes the characters look more mature. And it makes them more likable.
There's still a conflict toward the end, of course, but it's also handled well. And honestly, I think there needed to be one for Willa and Grady to come out stronger. In fact, the only issue I remember having was about a throwaway mention of therapy. Because, for me, when a character decides that there's a need to consult a professional, it needs to be addressed in more than a sentence or two.
...And that's it! This was a great book. A simple story with likable protagonists, that was elevated by how well the author developed them. She made sure the reader understood where each issue/insecurity was coming from. And that made a huge difference.
Thank you to the publicist for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters are Willa and Grady. Willa has her own web design company, and she works very hard to make it grow into something that will provide her with the financial security her family never had when she was a kid. Grady is a smokejumper, meaning he jumps out of helicopters to contain bushfires and such. He, like a few of his brothers, followed in the footsteps of his father. Both Willa and Grady love their jobs. Their jobs take up a lot of their time. And these jobs are also part of the problem.
Well, it's not the jobs themselves exactly. Willa is afraid that a relationship will distract her from her job, and she'll fail. That's why she has a two-date rule. She doesn't go on more than two dates with anyone. Grady, initially, is fine with that rule. He has his own reason for avoiding relationships.
But from the first conversation, it's obvious how good they are together. They get along perfectly and seem to understand one another better than anyone ever has. And their first date is so great that neither wants to stop seeing the other just yet. So Grady comes up with a plan, one that Willa happily goes along with, to have dates that aren't dates. For example, if you go out in a group, that doesn't count as a date, right? And that's the beginning of some an adorable and entertaining series of non-dates.
Yes, there's still a feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it's overshadowed by how well the story is handled. There are a lot of potential moments for unnecessary angst, and the author takes none of them. That makes the characters look more mature. And it makes them more likable.
There's still a conflict toward the end, of course, but it's also handled well. And honestly, I think there needed to be one for Willa and Grady to come out stronger. In fact, the only issue I remember having was about a throwaway mention of therapy. Because, for me, when a character decides that there's a need to consult a professional, it needs to be addressed in more than a sentence or two.
...And that's it! This was a great book. A simple story with likable protagonists, that was elevated by how well the author developed them. She made sure the reader understood where each issue/insecurity was coming from. And that made a huge difference.
Thank you to the publicist for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2020
Very impressive!
Really enjoyed the fire jumpers aspect of the tale! Great character development.
Quite a believable tale! Surprisingly riveting! Read on!
Really enjoyed the fire jumpers aspect of the tale! Great character development.
Quite a believable tale! Surprisingly riveting! Read on!
January 7, 2021
Fresh and fun and then some
4 stars
How cute is that blurb? It ticks all my boxes for a sweet and enjoyable romance. And by and large it lives up to that promise.
This book was quirky, fresh and fun. I enjoyed Ms Fenske’s writing style and it was very readable and kept you interested in the story and the characters. While this is a cute storyline overall, there is still a little more depth here what with Willa’s background and childhood, and Grady’s own issues about the future. Oooh - I just realised that one’s afraid of the past and one’s afraid of the future. Ha! Pretty sure I should have realised that before now!
I was convinced that Tawna Fenske used to write for the Harlequin Blaze line - a line that I adored! - but I must have been mistaken. I think it’s a fair comparison to make as we have two strong characters who know what they want, good writing, interesting situations and some sizzling sex thrown in for good measure. While I’ll take any kind of hot sex in a book, I liked that while there’s the rush of lust with our main couple, it never seemed too soon or lacking emotion - since the pair had a connection from the first time Willa mistakes Grady for a stripper!
Willa herself is a strong, successful woman. She knows what her plan is and even knows how her childhood has moulded her as a person. On the surface, she’s not normally my kind of heroine as I sometimes feel a bit of shade when someone has their life together!! But Willa is very likeable in a lot of different ways. Her wonky pets, her quirks and anxieties, her honesty - and the way she doesn’t shy away from her attraction to Grady. She reacts like anyone would react when they find a hot guy who likes them but also has dating rules. She goes with the flow - even if she’s not comfortable.
Grady is most comfortable going with the flow and I loved the way he tried to cajole Willa into just one more non-date. It was so darn cute. He has his own journey but all the while he’s supportive of Willa and I love that. I also love that he’s hot and has a sexy job. And the man can knit!
The only reason that the story dropped a star for me was because I felt Willa freaked out one time too many regarding a future relationship with Grady. The ending did almost make me forget about that fact as it was just lovely. While I do sometimes like it when only one of our couple has to apologise and make amends - having them both make compromises and come together at the end made my little heart pitter pat and made me think that this couple would definitely last.
I’m excited to read the next book in this new series all about the hot Smokejumpers. I was intrigued by Kayla and Tony’s relationship in this current book. Are they a future couple? Or was that just a red herring? I’m interested to find out and will definitely be popping the next book onto my wishlist.
4 stars for this one and a recommended read.
November 25, 2020
Love it!
February 22, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first book in a new series, and I will definitely be looking out for future installments. I really enjoyed how the world building was done as the story progressed, so that we learned what we needed to know at the same rate as the protagonists. The life of a smokejumper is not an easy one, but Grady certainly does not consider himself a hero. After you've read about how many ways they have to eat spam whilst on a mission, you may think that itself heroic! I loved the wider group of friends, both of Grady's and Willa's. It is fun getting to know them, and there is a lot of great humour, as well as some very moving moments.
Willa, we discover, is constantly working, building her business, giving her website clients the very best service, because she fears poverty. She has therefore developed a 2 date rule, so that a relationship cannot derail her priorities. As we learn why, it is both understandable and sad. But she does not consider herself a victim, but someone who is very risk averse. So Grady really is the complete opposite to her ... in many, many ways. However, the chemistry between them is explosive, and somehow they find a way to break her rules.
I most definitely recommend this excellent read to you - it is sexy, funny, and very romantic. I do hope that book 2 is out soon!
This is the first book in a new series, and I will definitely be looking out for future installments. I really enjoyed how the world building was done as the story progressed, so that we learned what we needed to know at the same rate as the protagonists. The life of a smokejumper is not an easy one, but Grady certainly does not consider himself a hero. After you've read about how many ways they have to eat spam whilst on a mission, you may think that itself heroic! I loved the wider group of friends, both of Grady's and Willa's. It is fun getting to know them, and there is a lot of great humour, as well as some very moving moments.
Willa, we discover, is constantly working, building her business, giving her website clients the very best service, because she fears poverty. She has therefore developed a 2 date rule, so that a relationship cannot derail her priorities. As we learn why, it is both understandable and sad. But she does not consider herself a victim, but someone who is very risk averse. So Grady really is the complete opposite to her ... in many, many ways. However, the chemistry between them is explosive, and somehow they find a way to break her rules.
I most definitely recommend this excellent read to you - it is sexy, funny, and very romantic. I do hope that book 2 is out soon!
February 26, 2020
A free fall into an inferno of happiness!
Willa is a bit of a hard sell on things outside of her safe secure world.
She has her father, her not so reliable alcoholic father. Her two best friends. Her menagerie of broken animals. And her business.
But every so often the girls get her outside her comfort zone.
And on one of these nights she happens to meet Grady. She mistakes him for a male stripper, but rather than be offended he's thoroughly charmed.
He also charmed enough to find himself determined to see her for more than two dates. Even if that is her 'rule'.
Grady is a smoke jumper from a family of smoke jumpers. He doesn't tend to be a planner. But maybe he needs to re-evaluate that, because he's met someone who may not appreciate his short sightedness.
Willa & Grady have both been affected by things they saw their parents do. But can they figure out what they need to do to get past that?
I love this book. It's got the humor and love I expect from Tawna, but I will say Willa and her baggage hit me a bit more than I expected. She touches on the topics of mental health, addiction, alcoholism, homelessness, and poverty, but with Tawna's touch of care and humor.
I love the bumpy but happily ever yellow brick road their journey takes. Funny. Sweet. Steamy. Touching. Really, all sorts of feels. Leaves you with a warm happy glow.
I received a review copy from NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Willa is a bit of a hard sell on things outside of her safe secure world.
She has her father, her not so reliable alcoholic father. Her two best friends. Her menagerie of broken animals. And her business.
But every so often the girls get her outside her comfort zone.
And on one of these nights she happens to meet Grady. She mistakes him for a male stripper, but rather than be offended he's thoroughly charmed.
He also charmed enough to find himself determined to see her for more than two dates. Even if that is her 'rule'.
Grady is a smoke jumper from a family of smoke jumpers. He doesn't tend to be a planner. But maybe he needs to re-evaluate that, because he's met someone who may not appreciate his short sightedness.
Willa & Grady have both been affected by things they saw their parents do. But can they figure out what they need to do to get past that?
I love this book. It's got the humor and love I expect from Tawna, but I will say Willa and her baggage hit me a bit more than I expected. She touches on the topics of mental health, addiction, alcoholism, homelessness, and poverty, but with Tawna's touch of care and humor.
I love the bumpy but happily ever yellow brick road their journey takes. Funny. Sweet. Steamy. Touching. Really, all sorts of feels. Leaves you with a warm happy glow.
I received a review copy from NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 6, 2020
These two impressed me with their determination and avoidance, and that's a good thing. Lol. Both are afraid of life but for different reasons. Both will deny it. Both are exactly what the other needs....also heavily denied.
The Two-Date Rule is fun, funny, and heartwarming. Neuroses aside, Willa is a complicated woman. Work is first and all. Meeting Smokey wasn't in her plans. (Though that was one helluva meet cute!) With a first date that tops all other first dates, it should have been clear from the beginning that Willa was way in over her head! Thankfully she is too stubborn to realize it before it becomes permanent.
Grady, or Smokey... (I'll leave that part as a surprise), has what has got to be one of the most underrated sexy jobs. A smokejumper isn't just a fireman; they are firemen on steroids that jump out of planes. So, definitely underrated in the sexy department, also extremely dangerous. Uniform chasers will definitely be trailing behind but as we learn, not for long. Its a difficult job and schedule. Leading him to believ Willa's rule is the perfect solution to a smokejumpers time constraints. Too bad he didn't get the memo; the rule is set in stone.
These two tread the waters of their non dating with the determination of an Olympic synchronized swim team. I enjoyed every minute I got to watch their resolve go down in flames. 😗
The Two-Date Rule is fun, funny, and heartwarming. Neuroses aside, Willa is a complicated woman. Work is first and all. Meeting Smokey wasn't in her plans. (Though that was one helluva meet cute!) With a first date that tops all other first dates, it should have been clear from the beginning that Willa was way in over her head! Thankfully she is too stubborn to realize it before it becomes permanent.
Grady, or Smokey... (I'll leave that part as a surprise), has what has got to be one of the most underrated sexy jobs. A smokejumper isn't just a fireman; they are firemen on steroids that jump out of planes. So, definitely underrated in the sexy department, also extremely dangerous. Uniform chasers will definitely be trailing behind but as we learn, not for long. Its a difficult job and schedule. Leading him to believ Willa's rule is the perfect solution to a smokejumpers time constraints. Too bad he didn't get the memo; the rule is set in stone.
These two tread the waters of their non dating with the determination of an Olympic synchronized swim team. I enjoyed every minute I got to watch their resolve go down in flames. 😗
February 26, 2020
I enjoyed this one a lot. It has a lot of humor that will make you laugh, but this book also has plenty of heart and feels. My heart broke for Willa. She hasn't had the greatest of childhoods and it has impacted the way Willa lives her life. Grady is yummy, but he as some soul searching to do as well.I loved Willa and Grady's first meeting.It is quite memorable and leads to many inside jokes between them. I loved Willa's pets. They were a favorite part for me. Willa and Grady bring a balance to each other which to me is one of the beautiful things about this book. Willa doesn't do relationships just her two date rule so it was enjoyable to watch these two with their non-dates. I loved Grady's family. It warmed my heart watching Willa interact with them. This is a book you don't want to miss. It's going to suck you right in and you'll look up to see time has just flown by.
May 3, 2022
Grady Billman & Willa Frank
Grady and Willa meet at a bar that was hosting a stripper night, so Willa assumed that Grady was a stripper. Lol!
There was a bargain by the bathroom, that lead to Willa agreeing to a date.
From that I'm sure you can see how surprised out was to find so much depth in this story. My heart broke for Willa at so many moments throughout this story. She has had to deal with things (and still do) that would make most people buckle under the pressure.
Grady stood by her, even when he didn't know what was actually going on. He also had some issues that he was trying to come to terms with. Not as dramatic as Willa's but still something that I think most people in his shoes would realistically have to cope with.
The were complete opposites in more than one way, but they work, together.
Grady and Willa meet at a bar that was hosting a stripper night, so Willa assumed that Grady was a stripper. Lol!
There was a bargain by the bathroom, that lead to Willa agreeing to a date.
From that I'm sure you can see how surprised out was to find so much depth in this story. My heart broke for Willa at so many moments throughout this story. She has had to deal with things (and still do) that would make most people buckle under the pressure.
Grady stood by her, even when he didn't know what was actually going on. He also had some issues that he was trying to come to terms with. Not as dramatic as Willa's but still something that I think most people in his shoes would realistically have to cope with.
The were complete opposites in more than one way, but they work, together.
February 17, 2020
“Your willingness to shove thirty bucks down a stranger’s pants for the good of others shows an admirable level of self-sacrifice.”
Another winning read from Tawna Fenske!
I have to admit, I opened this one when I was in a terrible mood, and several pages in, I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to finish it... and then something awesome happened—it turned my mood around. Before I knew it was a laughing and smiling as Willa and Grady bent the rules of dating and tried to come to terms with the changes in their lives and their relationship.
A funny, heartwarming, and absolutely charming book, The Two-Date Rule introduces stories and characters that I can’t wait to revisit as this new series unfolds. Highly recommend!
Another winning read from Tawna Fenske!
I have to admit, I opened this one when I was in a terrible mood, and several pages in, I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to finish it... and then something awesome happened—it turned my mood around. Before I knew it was a laughing and smiling as Willa and Grady bent the rules of dating and tried to come to terms with the changes in their lives and their relationship.
A funny, heartwarming, and absolutely charming book, The Two-Date Rule introduces stories and characters that I can’t wait to revisit as this new series unfolds. Highly recommend!
March 2, 2021
Tawna Fenske writes books that make you laugh out loud with her whity writing and will make those around you ask, what are you reading? But the steamy scenes she writes will have you blushing and passerby’s asking the same question… but the stories are worth the giggles, spitting out your coffee, and blushing in public!
The two-date rule is meant to protect Willa from losing focus of her goals but still allow her to have fun. Grady is all about the fun and no-attachments but his and Willa’s chemistry is undeniable. Each starts to give a little bit more and more.
Ms. Fenske’s story telling will have you turning the pages so fast you’ll be in danger of papercuts!
This is the first book in the Smokejumper series but is a standalone and ends in a HEA.
The two-date rule is meant to protect Willa from losing focus of her goals but still allow her to have fun. Grady is all about the fun and no-attachments but his and Willa’s chemistry is undeniable. Each starts to give a little bit more and more.
Ms. Fenske’s story telling will have you turning the pages so fast you’ll be in danger of papercuts!
This is the first book in the Smokejumper series but is a standalone and ends in a HEA.
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