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To Wed or Not To Wed #1

Just the Way You Are

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How can she resist? After a painful breakup and the loss of her job, Cinnamon Smith feels battered and bruised. The only place to go is her best friend Fran’s bed-and-breakfast in the small coastal town of Dunlin Shores, Oregon. The first person she meets on her arrival is Nick Mahoney, Fran’s handyman. Cinnamon’s attraction to Nick is immediate, and the feeling is definitely mutual.But Cinnamon has spent years working toward a certain kind of life, a life she can’t have with Nick. Spending time in Dunlin Shores and with him is beginning to change all that. Then she gets a job offer that will put her career goals back on track… Which means choosing between the life she’s always wanted and the love that’s right in front of her.

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

701 people are currently reading
373 people want to read

About the author

Ann Roth

90 books70 followers
I'm a bit of a voyeur. I love to stick my nose into total strangers' business and observe how they deal with life's hurdles and whatever obstacles fate throws at them. I can't think of anything more challenging or interesting than delving into a character's psyche to discover what makes her/him tick. The surprises and insights are amazing.

The people who interest me most are the ones I know will triumph despite life’s problems and challenges. For me, writing their stories is both rewarding and a whole lot of fun.

Publication didn't come easy for me--just ask my family! That took seven-plus years, during which I worked full-time as a banker, complete with an MBA in finance and human resources management. I wrote evenings and weekends, spending countless hours hunched in front of the computer while I painstakingly honed my craft, and collected folders of rejections. In 1999 my efforts at last paid off. That summer, I won the Golden Heart for best long contemporary romance. Sadly it is now defunct. Six months later, just four days before Christmas, I sold my first book to Silhouette Special Edition, also now gone. That book, STRANGER IN A SMALL TOWN, was a 2000 Romantic Times nominee (another loss) for best first long series novel.

Since then I have sold multiple novels to publishers and tried my hand at indie publishing.

But things change, so check back often for updates.

Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!

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5 stars
231 (37%)
4 stars
225 (36%)
3 stars
114 (18%)
2 stars
40 (6%)
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13 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Somia.
2,071 reviews172 followers
Want to read
August 11, 2019
99p on Amazon 11th August 2019
Profile Image for Messy Bun Book Blog.
2,319 reviews
May 23, 2019
I'm reading these in backward order, but they are still amazing! I think I will love books two and four a little more now (I started with book three). I love this series! Ann Roth is a very talented writer; she makes me feel like these characters are my best friends! Cinnamon and Nick's story was perfect! I loved watching them fall in love! PERFECT!
5,704 reviews39 followers
August 3, 2019
honestly this is like a 3.5 for me.. it was a short read.. i didnt feel like i connected well with the characters.. it wasnt bad at all just not my thing i think.. it was a sweet read but yea.. i didnt connect well.. i did enjoy this author though so i will try another by this author one day
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
July 14, 2019
I enjoyed Nick & Cinnamon's story. Lots of chemistry. An enjoyable read by a new author, for me. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via hidden gems.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
July 6, 2019
This was a good read. Cinnamon has been through some things and decides to come visit her best friend. While here she meets Nick. They both act like they don't want anything serious but that's not really what they want. However, in the end they both stop being stubborn and get their HEA.
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,311 reviews110 followers
May 22, 2019
First, I want to thank Ann Roth for providing me with this review so I may bring you this review.

Ann Roth’s Just the Way You Are the first book in the Dunin Shores series was such a refreshing read. Why you may ask?! Last year alone I read 226 books and in them I had never seen any of the story lines she came up with. That is a huge compliment in her favor.

Instantly I fell in love with the main character’s name Cinnamon. It is such a unique and pretty name. I love it when authors come up with creative names for their characters.

Ann did an amazing job allowing yourself to fall in love with the scenery and the bed and breakfast where the story took place. It would be a place that I would gladly visit.

Ann put a really great lesson in this book. If you are focused and determined your dreams and wishes can come true. The same goes for Abby on how focused she was in studying for her math competition that she so desperately wanted to win!! I commend her on how much she studied as Math is not an easy subject.

There is a part in the book where I had to laugh. Reason being is it is something I would say. “You two have fun tonight. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, but if you do, think of me.” The last bit of that had me laughing like crazy as I had never thought to say that. I might just have to use that line.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lara.
1,150 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2020
Just the Way You Are by Ann Roth is the first book in the Dunlin Shores series. It is a story of finding love and a home in the most unlikely of places. The story opens with Cinnamon Brown still reeling from recent events. She left her job at a consulting firm after a bad breakup with the boss. She is heading to her friend’s bed and breakfast on the Oregon coast for a two-week rest and reorganization as she looks for a new job. There she meets Nick Mahoney, the handsome handyman. The two start off on the wrong foot as Cinnamon makes a wrong assumption and keeps her distance. Nick finds Cinnamon attractive but with a secret he doesn’t want to share, Nick also keeps his distance as he feels he isn’t good enough for the smart and talented Cinnamon. Eventually, the attraction becomes too much to hide or even bear, but something keeps both Cinnamon and Nick at arm’s length. As she visits around town and begins to fall in love with the people, the town and even Nick, Cinnamon must decide: does she wants a job in the big city or is the small Oregon town her new future? Will Nick tell Cinnamon his secret?
Just the Way You Are was a fast and easy read. A fun romance with all the charm of a small town and its common cast of eccentric characters. I didn’t care for Cinnamon as she kept making assumptions about Nick and even after being proved wrong, time and time again she makes herself the fool with her assumptions. I really liked Nick and his struggles which made him more sympathetic than Cinnamon and her troubles. I also liked the small town characters. If the opportunity comes to read the rest of the series, I think I will. The book was a fun read for a lazy afternoon. I recommend Jus the Way You Are.

Just the Way You Are
is available in paperback and eBook
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
July 5, 2019
A simply wonderful small-town romance! Both the hero and the heroine are flawed, each having a history that embarrasses them. The heroine comes to a small town on the Oregon coast to crash with a friend after she quit her vice president job at a consulting firm in Los Angeles after the breakup of her short-term relationship with one of the partners. The hero is a handyman with dyslexia, which he keeps a secret from everyone but his older sister because he feels ashamed and unworthy. On the night they first meet, the heroine breaks down in tears, the roughness of the past couple of months finally catching up with her. The two have a near-instant attraction, but both determined not to do anything about it.

This was a really sweet, well-done small-town romance. The author drew me right into the story with the heroine’s unbalanced emotional state, even though she was her own worst enemy with that bad relationship with the boss. The hero at first comes off as sweet and flirty, but he has deep self-esteem issues because of his dyslexia that wasn't diagnosed until he was a teen. His feelings and thoughts about himself seem so realistic. I am often caught up in the heroine’s emotional drama in a romance but rarely the heroes, so I liked that he had a flaw, so to speak, that held such an emotional charge for him. The town itself can almost be seen as a character. I don't want to give too much more away, but there is a series of events that involve the whole town that also touches the heroine, and I thought it was a beautiful thing to behold. Having lived in a small coastal town in California, I can say it was true to small-town life. If you enjoy a contemporary small-town Romance, you may very well find this as much of a delightful read as I did.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
June 15, 2019
I'm still pretty new to the talent that is Ann Roth, but I'm trying to rectify that, as I'm falling more in love with her stories as I go. Just the Way You Are is a sweet story with a slow burn journey that while can be frustrating, it still hurts so good at the end of the day. It's the story of Cinnamon, who has had her whole world upended when she loses her boyfriend, who's a total douche, and job, which is tied up with him as well, so she takes this time to visit an old friend that she hasn't seen in some years to lick her wounds, while looking for another job. It brings her to Dunlin Shores, Portland, where she meets Nick, the handyman. They have some serious chemistry, but he's not the type of man Cinnamon goes for, while he has a complicated life that keeps him from relationships. There's also a drama filled situation with the pending closure of the Cranberry Factory that will be catastrophic for many people, including Nick's sister, which Cinnamon can help fix, but can she stop being distracted by the sexy handyman to do so?! You'll have to actually one click this bad boy to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Martha B..
836 reviews11 followers
June 21, 2019
True Compatibility Requires Two Open Hearts

Just the Way You Are by Ann Roth is a sweet story about letting down your guard so that love can settle within your heart. Both Cinnamon Smith and Nick Mahoney have their reasons for keeping the other at arms length. However, cupid has a different opinion, and is willing to shoot a few arrows in their direction, if only to prove a point.

Overall I liked the story, writing and characters. I did seem a bit slow at times, but alas, the stubborn couple finally had their happy beginning. I just wish the had been an epilogue, but I must assume that future books in this series will update readers on how they are doing.

Content alert: Although the language is pretty clean, there is a lot of sexual innuendo, passionate kissing and a descriptive bedroom scene.

I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
May 7, 2019
After a heartbreaking breakup and losing her job, Cinnamon decides to visit her best friend, Fran, in Dunlin Shores. A much needed vacation to clear her head and look for a new job.

Upon arriving Cinnamon runs into Fran's handyman, Nick. Sparks ignite between them, but he isn't what she wants with her lifestyle.

Nick loves and protects his sister and his niece. He helps his sister provide for his niece. Nick has a secret that prevents him from having a relationship and a family.

When the crisis of the town is brought to Cinnamon's attention, she does what she can to help out.

With two job offers on the table Cinnamon must make a decision. To stay in Dunlin Shores with the man who has rejected her or go to Boston to fulfill her dream.

A beautifully written love story that will melt your heart.
Profile Image for Shari Broyer.
Author 37 books2 followers
August 17, 2019
Just as good as Simple Jess

One of my all-time favorite romances is Simple Jess, by Pamela Morse. Just the Way You Are ranks right up there. As someone with slight reading dyslexia and severe numerical dyslexia (I had to take college algebra over three times before I finally passed it), I could completely empathize with Nick. As someone who grew up poor but determined to make something of herself, I could also empathize with Cinnamon. Completely believable characters in a setting reminiscent of New in Town, a favorite movie of mine. Great story. Shari Broyer, Author, Ether Man
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,245 reviews61 followers
May 17, 2019
This is my first book by Ann Roth and the first in her new Dunlin Shores Series. I was sent this as an ARC for an honest review.

Firstly I was impressed with this writer and if you like contemporary fiction then you are in for treat. A slow burn feel good book.

First up in this series is Cinnamon and Nick. Cinnamon a hotshot executive whohas fled LA to the small town of Dunlin Shores Portland after finding out the man she loved was not what he seemed and losing her job because of it. She arrives in Dunlin Shores for thirteen days to lick her wounds and look for another top exc job. The guest house she stays in is run by her BFF Fran – the two met in college and shared an apartment but haven’t seen each other in years. This is a chance for the two to catch up with cozy nights by the fire and discuss where life has taken.

Cinnamon meets Nick who has spent all his live in Dunlin Shore and is the local handyman working on Frans guest house. His main focus is his sister and niece and although he is drawn to Cinnamon he holds a secret that in his eyes could dash any chance with the lovely lad who seems to be looking for the well read exec type which Nick is NOT.

The story’s back drop is the pending closure of the Cranberry Factory where everyone works include Nick’s sister and how Cinnamon can help safe the town all the while not thinking about the sexy as sin handyman who is everything that she thought she didn’t want in man but everything she needs.

I am looking forward to reading the 2nd in the series.
Profile Image for EducatedBookFreak.
642 reviews
June 16, 2019
This was a quick, sweet, romantic read. It hit lots of heartstrings and made me realize life can happen again in life after an upset. I was happy with the characters and their flaws. I love reading about flawed people, not perfect people. It was emotional read due to the deceit and secrets, but it got its happy ending. Great book Ann Roth!!

Nick and cinnamon have to work together. Their chemistry grows each day until they finally have to give in to the attraction. They go through their ups and downs, lies and secrets, but they make it and it will warm your heart!!!
Profile Image for Nati.
2,957 reviews16 followers
July 21, 2019
Can Cinnamon find love, friendship and a job in Dunlin Shores? She is visiting with her friend Fran while trying to overcome her lost job and her broken heart. She is not planning to fall in love nor to stay in this small town. But while trying to help keeping the cranberry factory from closing she can’t help but feel an instant attraction to Nick, local handyman. But he has a secret that will keep them apart. Can they find their way to each other? A sweet love story. I voluntarily reviewed it after receiving a free copy.
9,376 reviews140 followers
September 14, 2019
This is a well written book with with strong characters and an entertaining story line. It's a small town romance between Cinnamon and Nick who have a strong connection and hot chemistry together. Each for their own reasons are holding back on moving forward. The author does a great job developing their story and bringing it around , giving them their HEA in the end. It moves at a steady pace and I enjoyed reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Leah.
175 reviews
March 29, 2020
I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. That being said, my opinion is my own.

This is the first novel that I read by this author but I really enjoyed it. She does a great job on capturing that small town feel and interactions. The characters are very realistic and well done. The romance itself could have used a little more fleshing out. They had like a date/a few encounters, lots of avoidance, then bam they are in love. I felt like the ending was a bit abrupt as well. I would still recommend it if your into small town romance
Profile Image for Annette.
3,167 reviews9 followers
May 21, 2019
Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees. :) This couple is perfectly matched but they have their own "secrets" that cause them to lack the confidence to give a relationship a try. They are so attracted to one another though that pressure gets steamy. Love the title which perfectly fits this story and is a realistic reminder that love excepts you, as is. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
Profile Image for Emma Johnston.
935 reviews30 followers
June 15, 2019
Before this book, I had ever heard of Ann Roth. But I'm delighted to say that after this book, I will be devouring the rest in this series.

I love Cinammon. Such a beautiful and unique name. She was so focused and determined to follow her dreams, it made me root for her.

Ann had a way of making me feel like I was friend with these characters. It was amazing to see Cinammon and Nick fall in love.

On to the next!
918 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2019
A Good Summer Read

What brings a couple together and keeps people apart--what truly matters in a relationship--is the theme of this enjoyable book. A subtheme on an important topic helps move things along. A friendly community I look forward to visiting in future books and interesting characters add to its charm. And the winter weather is so clearly drawn that it will help you stay cool on a hot summer day.
623 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2019
Good small town romance

I love stories where the town and its inhabitants are as much a part of what's going on as the main characters. Nick and Cinnamon are immediately attracted to each other but hesitate to take the risk of acting on it as they are very different in their goals and outlook on life. Everyone in town conspires to help them. I do think the ending was too short but all is well and the whole story was very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Isis Ray-sisco.
753 reviews
September 24, 2019
This is a sweet small town romance. I enjoyed reading it. I give it 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Though I think some of it was just the two main characters being stupid...having expectations that shouldn't be there and thinking they didn't deserve each other etc. I like the fact that the two of them brought out the best in each other, even when they couldn't see it themselves. I look forward to reading more Dunlin Shores books in the future.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Terrill.
Author 49 books124 followers
July 19, 2019
Jackie

June 3, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
I liked how Cinnamon was a high paid executive and ran into barriers to make her not know which way to turn. After vacationing for a while in this small town, she got to meet other nice people in the community, and she fit in. Loved how
the story ended. Couldn't wait to turn to the next page
Profile Image for KateZ.
210 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2019
This was a nice story but maybe a little too nice for me. I prefer some spice to my love stories but I didn't connect with the characters at all.

I don't like too much angst but I was waiting for a little more sexual tension between Nick and Cinnamon.

It was a pretty short read so I got my HEA in fast time anyway.
1,796 reviews11 followers
September 2, 2022
A sweet romance with a lot of feels. Cinnamon's last relationship has left her feeling vulnerable and being unemployed brings up her insecurities. Nick has a secret that makes him vulnerable. When these two connect there are fireworks even though they both try to deny their feelings. Once they confess their secrets they get the ending they deserve.
Profile Image for Evonne Hutton.
1,342 reviews10 followers
June 1, 2019
A lovely small town romance that touches the heart.
She is damaged by the past but so is he. Can they move past that?
Characters that will make you think.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,696 reviews
July 5, 2019
3.5 stars

Dunlin shores came alive for me through the writing, the characters seemed real and I cared about what happened to them. I struggled at times with some of the assumptions and judgements that were made or thought, but that's due to personal reasons. The author made me interested in the people, their lives and the community they were a part of and has made me interested into looking into reading the rest of this new series. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
1,788 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2019
This was a really sweet, well-written small-town romance.

The characters are likeable, and the storyline is easy to follow.

I look forward to reading the rest of the Dunlin Shores stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
733 reviews
August 24, 2019
Love is in the air.

When there's an instant attraction between two people it can be problematic. They don't always want the same things out of life. Such was the situation with Cinnamon and Nick.
Can they possibility find the life they want together?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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