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Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies #6
Mancandy Crush
Josh Mattis is totally over getting his heart stomped six years ago, so what’s with the mule kick to the chest when he spots the girl who ghosted him? Turns out she’s not his teenage fling, but her twin sister—and she needs a fake date to her cousin’s wedding.
Valerie Vincent would rather shove sewing needles in her eyes than have one more person tell her she needs adventure. All she needs is a quiet reading nook and a chance to enjoy Bree’s quirky Christmas nuptials in the summer sun at Ponderosa Resort. Okay, she’d also like to skip the pitying looks when her twin trots out her fab new fiancé, but Val can fix all that with one rugged river guide who’s happy to play her arm candy.
As Josh and Val bond over weird eggnog and messed-up mistletoe hunts, the July sun isn’t the only source of scorching heat. Will the past be a blast of icy cold reality, or can their fling last longer than a peppermint fudgesicle on a hot day?
Valerie Vincent would rather shove sewing needles in her eyes than have one more person tell her she needs adventure. All she needs is a quiet reading nook and a chance to enjoy Bree’s quirky Christmas nuptials in the summer sun at Ponderosa Resort. Okay, she’d also like to skip the pitying looks when her twin trots out her fab new fiancé, but Val can fix all that with one rugged river guide who’s happy to play her arm candy.
As Josh and Val bond over weird eggnog and messed-up mistletoe hunts, the July sun isn’t the only source of scorching heat. Will the past be a blast of icy cold reality, or can their fling last longer than a peppermint fudgesicle on a hot day?
146 pages, ebook
First published July 8, 2019
367 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
73 books1,616 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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March 5, 2024
Mancandy Crush is book six in the Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies series by Tawna Fenske. This is a novella featuring two twin cousins of the Bracelyn siblings. And one very sweet owner of a rafting company. It’s Bree and Austin’s wedding at Ponderosa Resort and love is in the air.
Valerie Vincent is twenty four years old. She is a successful wedding dress designer and is at Ponderosa Resort early to make sure her cousin Bree’s dress is perfect for the big day. When Val is approached by a very good looking man who thinks he knows her, Val knows right away that he has mistaken her for her twin sister, Vanessa.
When Josh Mattis was eighteen years old, he had a sweet summer fling with Vanessa Vincent and then she ghosted him. And out of nowhere, here she is. Only much to his astonishment, it’s not her after all but her sister. When Valerie admits she needs a fake date to Bree’s wedding, Josh jumps at the chance. As these two get to know each other, fake starts to feel very real!
This was a sweet novella. Josh and Val were adorable together. I loved that Bree finally got her big day and her dream wedding. Now I can’t wait to continue with the series with book seven, Captain Dreamboat, which is Jonathan Bracelyn’s book!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Valerie Vincent is twenty four years old. She is a successful wedding dress designer and is at Ponderosa Resort early to make sure her cousin Bree’s dress is perfect for the big day. When Val is approached by a very good looking man who thinks he knows her, Val knows right away that he has mistaken her for her twin sister, Vanessa.
When Josh Mattis was eighteen years old, he had a sweet summer fling with Vanessa Vincent and then she ghosted him. And out of nowhere, here she is. Only much to his astonishment, it’s not her after all but her sister. When Valerie admits she needs a fake date to Bree’s wedding, Josh jumps at the chance. As these two get to know each other, fake starts to feel very real!
This was a sweet novella. Josh and Val were adorable together. I loved that Bree finally got her big day and her dream wedding. Now I can’t wait to continue with the series with book seven, Captain Dreamboat, which is Jonathan Bracelyn’s book!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 8, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
“When you’re eighteen, it’s all hormones and lust and raw, carnal attraction.” “Sounds horrible. How did you endure it?”
I used to be afraid of sharks… I still am, but this was serious. I wouldn’t swim in the pool at the country club because of it… I was captain of my high school swim team, but I still sometimes caught myself checking the lanes for fins.
“I was so afraid of tornadoes that I wouldn’t drive past the trailer park on the south end of town,” I admit. “That’s where they always struck when I heard about them on the news, so it seemed smart to steer clear.” Josh lifts one sandy brow. “Didn’t you grow up in Maine? I didn’t think they had tornadoes there.” “They don’t.”
I used to worry that if I closed my eyes in the shower, an ax murderer would show up and kill me… I got a lot of soap in my eyes.
I don’t care if you have a thousand condoms and a meatball sub in there. I’m not letting you near that damn phone that’ll end up dialing your financial advisor or your parents or something.
My Review:
I eagerly zipped through this quick, mischievous, highly amusing, and delectably steamy installment of the cleverly humorous Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies series. The storylines were quickly paced, witty, and observantly insightful of relevant and difficult issues and emotional triggers many people face. I adored Josh and Val as a couple and their thoughtful and gentle concern for each other. The storylines were creative, entertaining, and progressed at speed. I giggle-snorted several times during Val’s well-considered list of best and worst ways of biting the dust, her mental catalog of unusual deaths, and her colorful and comedic confessions of irrational fears.
“When you’re eighteen, it’s all hormones and lust and raw, carnal attraction.” “Sounds horrible. How did you endure it?”
I used to be afraid of sharks… I still am, but this was serious. I wouldn’t swim in the pool at the country club because of it… I was captain of my high school swim team, but I still sometimes caught myself checking the lanes for fins.
“I was so afraid of tornadoes that I wouldn’t drive past the trailer park on the south end of town,” I admit. “That’s where they always struck when I heard about them on the news, so it seemed smart to steer clear.” Josh lifts one sandy brow. “Didn’t you grow up in Maine? I didn’t think they had tornadoes there.” “They don’t.”
I used to worry that if I closed my eyes in the shower, an ax murderer would show up and kill me… I got a lot of soap in my eyes.
I don’t care if you have a thousand condoms and a meatball sub in there. I’m not letting you near that damn phone that’ll end up dialing your financial advisor or your parents or something.
My Review:
I eagerly zipped through this quick, mischievous, highly amusing, and delectably steamy installment of the cleverly humorous Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies series. The storylines were quickly paced, witty, and observantly insightful of relevant and difficult issues and emotional triggers many people face. I adored Josh and Val as a couple and their thoughtful and gentle concern for each other. The storylines were creative, entertaining, and progressed at speed. I giggle-snorted several times during Val’s well-considered list of best and worst ways of biting the dust, her mental catalog of unusual deaths, and her colorful and comedic confessions of irrational fears.
July 9, 2019
Mancandy Crush is sugary sweet and will leave you wanting more! Both Valerie and Josh are trying to move on from past feelings towards others, and what better way to do that than pretending to have a fling with each other. Hilarious moments ensue, and hearts are on the line. This was a hilarious, steamy and quick read. A wonderful addition to the Ponderosa Resort series!
May 20, 2020
Great, quick read touches on all the feels! A pretend fling that turns into true love,Mancandy Crush continues the Ponderosa Resort series with Vanessa Bracelyn, cousin to the Bracelyn siblings and wedding dress designer and Josh Mattis, local adventure guide helping with the pre-wedding festivities for Bree and Austin. Despite being a novella, the romance doesn’t seem rushed or come across as insta-love. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Ponderosa Resort series and am looking forward to Jonathan’s story next, Captain Dreamboat.
July 10, 2019
4 Stars!
The author did a fantastic job with this novella in the Ponderosa Resort Series. It strongly follows the same format as the previous stories without lacking the signature poignancy that this author always inserts into her books. I'm notoriously hard on heroines and I got to say, I loved Valerie. I enjoyed her characterization so much that I would have loved seeing this story expanded into a full-length addition to the series. Although shorter in length, Mancandy Crush was consistent in all things Fenske and Ponderosa.
July 20, 2021
4.5 stars
Mini review:
This was so stinking cute, yet sexy at the same time. Their first meeting was unique with him believing that she was her twin, who happened to be his ex. It was full of tension and spark then connection after Josh learned who Val was. Things just took of from there with Josh becoming her fake date for her cousin’s Christmas in July wedding. They have some great moments as they get to know each other and build intimacy between them. The baking cooking scene was hilarious and steamy as they flirted with one another. They had fun together, but got serious as well. I loved how they were vulnerable with one another her with her fears and him with his learning disability. It was just a nice sweet romance that I had a fun time reading. Even though it was short and things moved on the quick side, I was satisfied with the ending. The grand gesture Josh did at the end was perfection.
Mini review:
This was so stinking cute, yet sexy at the same time. Their first meeting was unique with him believing that she was her twin, who happened to be his ex. It was full of tension and spark then connection after Josh learned who Val was. Things just took of from there with Josh becoming her fake date for her cousin’s Christmas in July wedding. They have some great moments as they get to know each other and build intimacy between them. The baking cooking scene was hilarious and steamy as they flirted with one another. They had fun together, but got serious as well. I loved how they were vulnerable with one another her with her fears and him with his learning disability. It was just a nice sweet romance that I had a fun time reading. Even though it was short and things moved on the quick side, I was satisfied with the ending. The grand gesture Josh did at the end was perfection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2019
What a great book! I really enjoyed this book; from Josh and Valerie meeting, to mistaken identity, the ants and everything in between and culminating with Bree and Austin’s wedding. I also fell in love with Bree’s christmas in July wedding theme and all the christmas related food and drink and activities around that. I wanted to be there to be a part of the festivities. Josh and Val are definitely a great couple and I really liked how they were there for each other and how they talked about their pasts and were very understanding of each other’s limitations and I love how he finally won her over with his own rendition of the 12 days of Christmas, so perfect. My favorite line from this book, “I’m ready for anything,” I tell her. “Anything and everything.” This is a book I will definitely read again and again and it’s a great addition to this series. So excited to see what comes next.
July 5, 2019
I absolutely love this series and this one is so sweet and romantic in so many ways.
Josh has spent his entire life feeling less than others. Like he is dumb and no one really wants him. When he spots his teenage love that ghosted him he is not happy. When he finds out it isn't his old love but her twin sister he is intrigued.
Valerie has spent her life being safe. Afraid of being hurt in one way or another so she isn't one for taking risk. When her twin sister urges her to take some risks she decides to pretend to have a summer fling with the hot guy that her sister once spent a summer with. It doesn't take long for the pretend to turn to real.
This revolves around Bree and Austin's summer Christmas themed wedding. We have all the loveable characters from the previous books plus the new ones. I love this series and can't wait for the next book. I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Josh has spent his entire life feeling less than others. Like he is dumb and no one really wants him. When he spots his teenage love that ghosted him he is not happy. When he finds out it isn't his old love but her twin sister he is intrigued.
Valerie has spent her life being safe. Afraid of being hurt in one way or another so she isn't one for taking risk. When her twin sister urges her to take some risks she decides to pretend to have a summer fling with the hot guy that her sister once spent a summer with. It doesn't take long for the pretend to turn to real.
This revolves around Bree and Austin's summer Christmas themed wedding. We have all the loveable characters from the previous books plus the new ones. I love this series and can't wait for the next book. I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I loved it and highly recommend it.
July 8, 2019
What an absolute blast this sexy, flirty novella was! I really love this series by Tawna Fenske, and this brief dive in with a slightly different branch of the Bracelyn family tree was a perfect little interlude between full-length adventures. (Shh, don't let Valerie hear me utter the word "adventure"!)
Val and Josh have great chemistry and though I worried a little about the whole "fling with her twin" thing (I rhymed!), I needn't have. Ms. Fenske handled it wonderfully—never making it too awkward, always paying close attention to how each relationship developed.
Though short, Mancandy Crush is a sweet treat and rewarding installment in the must-read Ponderosa Resort series!
Val and Josh have great chemistry and though I worried a little about the whole "fling with her twin" thing (I rhymed!), I needn't have. Ms. Fenske handled it wonderfully—never making it too awkward, always paying close attention to how each relationship developed.
Though short, Mancandy Crush is a sweet treat and rewarding installment in the must-read Ponderosa Resort series!
June 28, 2019
This was a great, quick read. Any time I pick up a Tawna Fenske romantic comedy I know I am going to have a smile on my face the whole time I am reading. This book did not disappoint. This Ponderosa Resort story focuses on a Bracelyn cousin who is visiting for Bree’s wedding. Valerie and Josh meet when Josh mistakes Valerie for someone else. After figuring out this mistake they become friends while fighting an attraction to each other. Of course it doesn’t take long before they stop fighting their attraction. Josh takes Valerie on several adventures that she was always to afraid to try, she had a few awful events in her childhood that caused her to overthink everything and be wary of trying new things. Josh is hiding something too because he is worried about how people will view him if they find out. He is comfortable enough with Valerie that he tells her and he likes that she doesn’t look at him as weak but as strong for dealing with his issue. Of course they have an issue that threatens their new relationship but Josh comes up with a grand gesture that shows Valerie how much he loves her because he really put himself out there for her.
If you have enjoyed the other books in this series, this will be another great read.
If you have enjoyed the other books in this series, this will be another great read.
April 7, 2025
Mancandy Crush is the sixth absolutely delightful book in the Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies series.
I fell in love with Tawna's Rom Com's after reading her wonderful Assassin in Love series, Killer Instincts. It has the right mix of humour, angst, trouble, heartache, insecurities, haunted pasts, and longing. I laughed and sighed my way through the book as our couples come together with hope in their hearts.
This delightful book has big tough men brought to their knees by sassy women. But there are moments of tension and suspense to give the story another layer.
I can't wait to read more.
I fell in love with Tawna's Rom Com's after reading her wonderful Assassin in Love series, Killer Instincts. It has the right mix of humour, angst, trouble, heartache, insecurities, haunted pasts, and longing. I laughed and sighed my way through the book as our couples come together with hope in their hearts.
This delightful book has big tough men brought to their knees by sassy women. But there are moments of tension and suspense to give the story another layer.
I can't wait to read more.
July 1, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy Tawna’s books. This book will make you laugh out loud and you fall in love with both characters so quickly. Without revealing any teasers, I loved the little plot twists that Tawna included. A main point that I greatly appreciate in this book is that both characters have faults. We all have them and throughout this novella they continually support and defend each other. I also normally think it’s cheesy when authors have the characters sing to each other but I loved how Tawna did this one. It actually made me laugh out loud. Overall, you will continue to love and be enthralled with The Ponderosa Resort Series!
July 1, 2019
I can’t get enough of the Ponderosa Resort Series. I was so excited to find out that Tawna was coming out with something to hold us over until the next one.
I love how she includes all of the previous characters from the series in each book. I seriously laughed when I read some of Val’s fears of dying. Such a cute short read, can’t wait for the next one to come. Also there’s gonna be a spin off, I can’t wait to see what that’s goi g to be about!
I love how she includes all of the previous characters from the series in each book. I seriously laughed when I read some of Val’s fears of dying. Such a cute short read, can’t wait for the next one to come. Also there’s gonna be a spin off, I can’t wait to see what that’s goi g to be about!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2021
The couple: Josh and Valerie
Romance genre: Rom com
Series: Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies
Length: 158 pages
Plot: Val is at the resort for her cousin's wedding, and at the beginning of her visit, she runs into Josh. Unfortunately, he believes he knows her; in fact, he thinks she's the girl he had a fling with some years ago who then ghosted him. Turns out that was her twin sister. Valerie's not the adventurous one, but with her sister on her way to the resort with her new serious boyfriend, a guy that Val actually has a crush on, she's feeling a little apprehensive. Josh offers to be her fake boyfriend, and if that sticks it to the girl who ditched him once upon a time, that's just a bonus. But when they get to know each other, Valerie is so much more than her sister ever was to him; he just has to be able to open up to her and be honest, and she has to do the same with him.
Commentary: This was the absolute cutest and funniest story! I loved Val and her list of completely insanely ridiculous fears of dying. She was so much the opposite of her sister that it's impossible to see how Josh would have made it past that summer with her.
The miscommunications that caused trouble in their new relationship were fairly adult, which I liked, and I also enjoyed seeing a realistic picture of how having something like dyscalculia would affect your day-to-day living. At the end of it all, though, was the beautiful way they supported and championed each other, and that's what made them a couple that will last. I loved this story!
Previous book in the series: Stiff Suit
Next book in the series: Captain Dreamboat
Romance genre: Rom com
Series: Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies
Length: 158 pages
Plot: Val is at the resort for her cousin's wedding, and at the beginning of her visit, she runs into Josh. Unfortunately, he believes he knows her; in fact, he thinks she's the girl he had a fling with some years ago who then ghosted him. Turns out that was her twin sister. Valerie's not the adventurous one, but with her sister on her way to the resort with her new serious boyfriend, a guy that Val actually has a crush on, she's feeling a little apprehensive. Josh offers to be her fake boyfriend, and if that sticks it to the girl who ditched him once upon a time, that's just a bonus. But when they get to know each other, Valerie is so much more than her sister ever was to him; he just has to be able to open up to her and be honest, and she has to do the same with him.
Commentary: This was the absolute cutest and funniest story! I loved Val and her list of completely insanely ridiculous fears of dying. She was so much the opposite of her sister that it's impossible to see how Josh would have made it past that summer with her.
The miscommunications that caused trouble in their new relationship were fairly adult, which I liked, and I also enjoyed seeing a realistic picture of how having something like dyscalculia would affect your day-to-day living. At the end of it all, though, was the beautiful way they supported and championed each other, and that's what made them a couple that will last. I loved this story!
Previous book in the series: Stiff Suit
Next book in the series: Captain Dreamboat
June 28, 2019
Valerie and Josh are both awesome additions to the extended Bracelyn clan - whom I love more and more with each new book in the series.
I hear ya, Val, I truly do!
Yup, Josh, that sounds familiar ...
I also liked Vanessa, whom I was prepared to look at with squinty eyes because of her history with Josh. But I especially love the (twin) sister vibe between her and Val.
This novella has all the usual quirks, laughs, feels, and swoons - just like the other books in this series. <3
I am brave. I am fierce. I am—
“I’m going to die.”
I hear ya, Val, I truly do!
“I don’t need any help doing stupid shit,” he says. “I do plenty on my own.”
Yup, Josh, that sounds familiar ...
I also liked Vanessa, whom I was prepared to look at with squinty eyes because of her history with Josh. But I especially love the (twin) sister vibe between her and Val.
This novella has all the usual quirks, laughs, feels, and swoons - just like the other books in this series. <3
June 23, 2019
I can't get enough of this series! I was very happy when I found out Mrs. Fenske was going to be adding to this series.
I could relate to Valerie on SO many levels. She isn't a risk taker. She is the reliable, think things through, cautious one of the bunch. Her twin sister is the more careless, free, crazy, adventure type of person. When Valerie finds out about some of the acclivities at the wedding, she planned on staying in her room. Until a mistake of identity and a hot charming man comes into the picture.
I loved Josh. My heart both burst and hurt for this man. He was a solid and reliable man. He did like to take risk but yet he knew his limitations and was smart about it. He was good at reading people so in his line of work, it was easy to push people out of their comfort zone but yet he knew when to back off or redirect.
When he opened up to Valerie, my heart broke for him. There were parts of this that I could very much relate too. I loved that Valerie stood up for him and told him how great he was despite what he had been told in the past.
I really hope this isn't the last in this series.
I could relate to Valerie on SO many levels. She isn't a risk taker. She is the reliable, think things through, cautious one of the bunch. Her twin sister is the more careless, free, crazy, adventure type of person. When Valerie finds out about some of the acclivities at the wedding, she planned on staying in her room. Until a mistake of identity and a hot charming man comes into the picture.
I loved Josh. My heart both burst and hurt for this man. He was a solid and reliable man. He did like to take risk but yet he knew his limitations and was smart about it. He was good at reading people so in his line of work, it was easy to push people out of their comfort zone but yet he knew when to back off or redirect.
When he opened up to Valerie, my heart broke for him. There were parts of this that I could very much relate too. I loved that Valerie stood up for him and told him how great he was despite what he had been told in the past.
I really hope this isn't the last in this series.
June 30, 2019
I have really enjoyed the Ponderosa Resort series. This one is just a novella so it is a quick read. I think this is my favorite one. Valerie and Josh meet when Josh mistakes her for her sister. They end up enjoying each other's company and have more than the fling they think they will have. I love all of the awkward situations the characters get into. This was a fun read.
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July 8, 2019
Cute, fun, read. Val and Josh were so sweet together and finally conquered their fear and inadequacies. Christmas in July wedding was a great premise for the story. I received this arc for an honest review.
May 20, 2020
All the steamy, sweet, funny wonderfulness you expect
A visit to the Ponderosa Resort!!
For Bree's wedding, her cousin Valerie comes as a guest and as her wedding dress designer.
She is a twin. The less adventurous twin. She is mistaken for her sister by a man who was supposedly Vanessa's first. A man who Nessa ghosted.
Who's he?
Josh is in charge of all the adventurous things like white water rafting. And while he's stunned to see the woman who ghosted him all those years ago, he is instantly drawn to Valerie in a way he wasn't to Vanessa.
So they band together to help Val survive this wedding and in the process discover maybe their fake dating doesn't need to be faked after all. Funny, steamy, sweet, and tender.
All the hilarity and hotness with that dash of human weakness you expect from Tawna. Floved it!
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A visit to the Ponderosa Resort!!
For Bree's wedding, her cousin Valerie comes as a guest and as her wedding dress designer.
She is a twin. The less adventurous twin. She is mistaken for her sister by a man who was supposedly Vanessa's first. A man who Nessa ghosted.
Who's he?
Josh is in charge of all the adventurous things like white water rafting. And while he's stunned to see the woman who ghosted him all those years ago, he is instantly drawn to Valerie in a way he wasn't to Vanessa.
So they band together to help Val survive this wedding and in the process discover maybe their fake dating doesn't need to be faked after all. Funny, steamy, sweet, and tender.
All the hilarity and hotness with that dash of human weakness you expect from Tawna. Floved it!
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 21, 2019
Such a fun novella!!! Man Candy Crush is a hilarious book that starts out with a mistaken identity and a fake wedding date! Author Tawna Fenske has released another fantastic addition to the Ponderosa Resort series! Once again, the characters in this series have all been super, as well as the storyline! Josh and Valerie’s experiences…from the ants to the mistletoe hunting…it is all amazing! 4.5 stars!
August 30, 2019
Mancandy Crush is a laugh out loud good erotic rom com! It’s a quick read, perfect for the beach or beside the pool read. I am hooked on this series! I love the awkward situations these characters get into.
One of my favorite quotes “I swat my boobs like they insulted my mother. This is not how I saw my romantic woody date unfolding.” I am looking forward to the next installment of The Ponderosa Resort series.
I received and Advanced Readers Copy.
One of my favorite quotes “I swat my boobs like they insulted my mother. This is not how I saw my romantic woody date unfolding.” I am looking forward to the next installment of The Ponderosa Resort series.
I received and Advanced Readers Copy.
August 29, 2019
With every novel or novella, Tawna brings a genuine human element to her characters. "Mancandy Crush" does just that.
I'm an absolute fan of her writing style and the wit and innuendos are perfectly placed. As long as she produces books, I'll continue to read them.
I'm an absolute fan of her writing style and the wit and innuendos are perfectly placed. As long as she produces books, I'll continue to read them.
January 11, 2020
I think this one is a novella?
Anyway it's super cute.
I also can't keep all the [Bracelyns?] clear. Especially when you throw in cousin and shit. But whatever.
Josh and Valerie are ... it's kinda instalove, but not in an annoying way. [Also god I hate that term. I just annoyed myself even simply typing it :|]
ANYWAY.
I kinda didn't like how much Vanessa was centered in this story. Like... she ... kinda seemed clueless and ... granted it was when she was a kid but ... a super shitty selfish kid. [Yes, kids get a pass but also not all kids are awful?]
I mean Vanessa DOES grow up but a lot LOT of the book was kinda focused on Vanessa ignoring her problems and being unable to get her shit together.
And yes PARTIALLY it was done to contribute to the "dark moment" [which ... i more than low key hated...] it was so contrived and ugh.
BUT!
I liked that after the initial oops Josh totally saw Valerie for who she was - that he respected and loved her for who she was - that he didn't pity her but admire her for X things. (Also holy shit like - that's a LOT of trauma - where the fuck was her family? ... Although yeah her shit ass parents but ... damn her clueless sister too?!)
... ... ... >.> kinda wondering why I'm giving this book 3 stars now ... :X
BUT I mean - the characterizations ARE generally great. There's the lovely romance and the fact that Valerie and Josh both push each other towards growth. (Poor poor Josh and how he's ... felt ashamed for so much of his life because he has Dyscalculia. I can't even imagine.)
So - it's a sweet story and I was glad I read it.
It really was nice after the other DNFs.
(I'm not 100% sure though but I think there were a number of editing issues - typos etc?)
Anyway C- - -
Anyway it's super cute.
I also can't keep all the [Bracelyns?] clear. Especially when you throw in cousin and shit. But whatever.
Josh and Valerie are ... it's kinda instalove, but not in an annoying way. [Also god I hate that term. I just annoyed myself even simply typing it :|]
ANYWAY.
I kinda didn't like how much Vanessa was centered in this story. Like... she ... kinda seemed clueless and ... granted it was when she was a kid but ... a super shitty selfish kid. [Yes, kids get a pass but also not all kids are awful?]
I mean Vanessa DOES grow up but a lot LOT of the book was kinda focused on Vanessa ignoring her problems and being unable to get her shit together.
And yes PARTIALLY it was done to contribute to the "dark moment" [which ... i more than low key hated...] it was so contrived and ugh.
BUT!
I liked that after the initial oops Josh totally saw Valerie for who she was - that he respected and loved her for who she was - that he didn't pity her but admire her for X things. (Also holy shit like - that's a LOT of trauma - where the fuck was her family? ... Although yeah her shit ass parents but ... damn her clueless sister too?!)
... ... ... >.> kinda wondering why I'm giving this book 3 stars now ... :X
BUT I mean - the characterizations ARE generally great. There's the lovely romance and the fact that Valerie and Josh both push each other towards growth. (Poor poor Josh and how he's ... felt ashamed for so much of his life because he has Dyscalculia. I can't even imagine.)
So - it's a sweet story and I was glad I read it.
It really was nice after the other DNFs.
(I'm not 100% sure though but I think there were a number of editing issues - typos etc?)
Anyway C- - -
July 16, 2019
This is a novella starting with the beginning plans of Bree and Austin’s upcoming nuptials and the before wedding parties & activities at the Ponderosa Ranch Resort. I love this series and once again Tawna doesn’t disappoint with her story telling with some romance, a lot of humor & a little drama.
This story is about Valerie Vincent; who is Bree’s cousin and her wedding dress maker. Then she has an awkward run in with Josh Mattis; who thinks she’s Gabrielle; someone he met six years ago and left him with a broken heart 💔
He’s pretty rude to her right away and then she realizes this is Josh; the guy her twin sister Vanessa had a summer fling with.
So begins explanations and eventually a friendship, which Josh becomes her “fake” date/fling to the wedding.
Then there’s the wedding plans and activities for the Christmas themed wedding in July! They begin a friendship having weird conversations about their fears and weaknesses. Hers is a lack of adventure and strange fears and his problem calculating numbers and math skills known as Dyscalculia. But their attraction continues to grow starting with a very passionate kiss.
There is shooting mistletoe out of trees, thatching ants, baby reindeer, and a strange
version of a favorite Christmas carol.
We also get to read about the continuing characters of the Bracelyn brothers in the story.
This story is a quick entertaining read. 5 Stars ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is about Valerie Vincent; who is Bree’s cousin and her wedding dress maker. Then she has an awkward run in with Josh Mattis; who thinks she’s Gabrielle; someone he met six years ago and left him with a broken heart 💔
He’s pretty rude to her right away and then she realizes this is Josh; the guy her twin sister Vanessa had a summer fling with.
So begins explanations and eventually a friendship, which Josh becomes her “fake” date/fling to the wedding.
Then there’s the wedding plans and activities for the Christmas themed wedding in July! They begin a friendship having weird conversations about their fears and weaknesses. Hers is a lack of adventure and strange fears and his problem calculating numbers and math skills known as Dyscalculia. But their attraction continues to grow starting with a very passionate kiss.
There is shooting mistletoe out of trees, thatching ants, baby reindeer, and a strange
version of a favorite Christmas carol.
We also get to read about the continuing characters of the Bracelyn brothers in the story.
This story is a quick entertaining read. 5 Stars ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 9, 2019
A great read to cool off in July!
Don't get me wrong, there is heat and romance in this book, but with a Christmas wedding taking place in July, it will help cool things down. Another great read for the Ponderosa series. This novella steps a bit away from the core members of the Bracelyn family, but still ties them into the story. No worries though, because you will love 💘 Valerie and Josh as much as the other characters in the series. Tawna Fenske has a wonderful way to make you laugh out loud one minute and read something that tugs on your heart the next. Valerie and Josh each have issues they have had to deal with in their past and affects how they live their lives currently. Their relationship brings these to life and how they chose to deal with them alone and with each other. I love that I read Tawna's books for enjoyment, but always learn something new every time. And I cannot forget to mention this book delivers on falling in love with Oregon! The setting gives us a wonderful feel for the beautiful scenery and what activities the great outdoors has to offer.
Don't get me wrong, there is heat and romance in this book, but with a Christmas wedding taking place in July, it will help cool things down. Another great read for the Ponderosa series. This novella steps a bit away from the core members of the Bracelyn family, but still ties them into the story. No worries though, because you will love 💘 Valerie and Josh as much as the other characters in the series. Tawna Fenske has a wonderful way to make you laugh out loud one minute and read something that tugs on your heart the next. Valerie and Josh each have issues they have had to deal with in their past and affects how they live their lives currently. Their relationship brings these to life and how they chose to deal with them alone and with each other. I love that I read Tawna's books for enjoyment, but always learn something new every time. And I cannot forget to mention this book delivers on falling in love with Oregon! The setting gives us a wonderful feel for the beautiful scenery and what activities the great outdoors has to offer.
July 9, 2019
Every Ponderosa Resort book...okay, every Tawna Fenske book I’ve read, makes me laugh out loud. This one was no exception. I’m so glad Josh got his story, even if it wasn’t a full length book. But while short in length, it was full of fun, laughter, a few tears and so much sexiness.
Since I’m always honest, I did experience a bit of squeamishness that our heroine, Valerie, is the twin of Josh’s summer fling, Vanessa. You’ll need to read yourself to see exactly what that entailed...because this is a spoiler-free zone...but the idea of siblings, especially twins, “experiencing” the same guy/girl is not my favorite plot twist!
But I can definitely overlook that fact if the story is well-written and I’m totally smitten by the couple, which I completely was, thanks as always to Fenske and her writing. Great dialogue is a huge turn on for me. There’s nothing better, even the sexy parts! Shocking, right!?
While you can absolutely read Mancandy Crush by itself, reading the whole series gives a little more flavor to the secondary characters. And don’t we all want a little flavor to our romances!?
Since I’m always honest, I did experience a bit of squeamishness that our heroine, Valerie, is the twin of Josh’s summer fling, Vanessa. You’ll need to read yourself to see exactly what that entailed...because this is a spoiler-free zone...but the idea of siblings, especially twins, “experiencing” the same guy/girl is not my favorite plot twist!
But I can definitely overlook that fact if the story is well-written and I’m totally smitten by the couple, which I completely was, thanks as always to Fenske and her writing. Great dialogue is a huge turn on for me. There’s nothing better, even the sexy parts! Shocking, right!?
While you can absolutely read Mancandy Crush by itself, reading the whole series gives a little more flavor to the secondary characters. And don’t we all want a little flavor to our romances!?
July 10, 2019
I just have to start by saying that the Ponderosa Resort Series is a sweet and sexy series. If you are looking for something to to dive into and get lost, this is it.
Before reading Mancandy and Stiffsuit, I was in a book drought. But opening these books it pulled me in and now I cant wait till the next book I can get my hands on.
This story starts out as mistaken identity from a young love six years ago and it turns out that there are twins involved. Josh and Valerie pretend to have a fling, so that they dont have to be alone at yet another one of their cousins weddings.
Such a romantic and dare I say sexy story. Josh is all about adventure and Valerie doesn't want to have anything to do with it because if stuff that happened when she was a child. You wouldn't think that these two would have anything in common but the spark that flies off the page is what makes you keep turning the pages.
Also, a Christmas wedding in July is such a neat idea and with the details that Tawna Fenske comes up with, you'll WANT to read this book as well as all of the Ponderosa Resort books. Cant wait for the next one in the series. A+++
Before reading Mancandy and Stiffsuit, I was in a book drought. But opening these books it pulled me in and now I cant wait till the next book I can get my hands on.
This story starts out as mistaken identity from a young love six years ago and it turns out that there are twins involved. Josh and Valerie pretend to have a fling, so that they dont have to be alone at yet another one of their cousins weddings.
Such a romantic and dare I say sexy story. Josh is all about adventure and Valerie doesn't want to have anything to do with it because if stuff that happened when she was a child. You wouldn't think that these two would have anything in common but the spark that flies off the page is what makes you keep turning the pages.
Also, a Christmas wedding in July is such a neat idea and with the details that Tawna Fenske comes up with, you'll WANT to read this book as well as all of the Ponderosa Resort books. Cant wait for the next one in the series. A+++
July 10, 2019
Laughter and love abound when it is Christmas in July!
I love visiting the Ponderosa Ranch! There is family and friendship, quirky characters and always an abundance of fun. Of course, there is sweet love as well with all the ups and downs and challenges it brings…
Josh and Valerie’s first meeting was one for the record books. What followed though quickly made up for that particularly embarrassing “oops”. There was no stopping them as they bonded over saving face in front of lost loves.
These two clicked! Whether it was cavorting in uber-steamy scenes to shared love fails, they got each other in a way no one ever had. Whether letting go of life-long beliefs or hangups, their ‘fake’ arrangement quickly turned into something serious and real. Sharing painful secrets helped that bonding process. Their journey was full of all the good things too - including fuzzy feels, laugh out-loud conversations and karaoke at only the most perfect moment…
Throw in much-loved characters and this new couple fit right into the wonderful craziness that is the Ponderosa!
*I happily reviewed this story
I love visiting the Ponderosa Ranch! There is family and friendship, quirky characters and always an abundance of fun. Of course, there is sweet love as well with all the ups and downs and challenges it brings…
Josh and Valerie’s first meeting was one for the record books. What followed though quickly made up for that particularly embarrassing “oops”. There was no stopping them as they bonded over saving face in front of lost loves.
These two clicked! Whether it was cavorting in uber-steamy scenes to shared love fails, they got each other in a way no one ever had. Whether letting go of life-long beliefs or hangups, their ‘fake’ arrangement quickly turned into something serious and real. Sharing painful secrets helped that bonding process. Their journey was full of all the good things too - including fuzzy feels, laugh out-loud conversations and karaoke at only the most perfect moment…
Throw in much-loved characters and this new couple fit right into the wonderful craziness that is the Ponderosa!
*I happily reviewed this story
July 8, 2019
I have really enjoyed all of the books in the Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, and this Christmas in July novella was no exception. I felt like I got a special treat, and the introduction of a couple new characters in the Bracelyn extended family leaves me hopeful that we'll have several more stories to come.
Josh and Val are one of those couples with immediate chemistry, and Val's honesty about her own fears is just the impetus Josh needs to open himself up, and to expose some of the secrets hiding behind his easygoing nature. And while Val is overly cautious by nature, Josh provides the safety net she needs to go out and experience new things.
And we must NOT forget the chemistry between these two! What starts out as a pretend fling quickly turns into the real deal, leaving both of them wanting so. much. more.
Mancandy Crush is packed full to Tawna Fenske's signature humor, with several moments that had me laughing out loud - be sure to pick this one up to enjoy this mid year Christmas themed story. You'll be so glad you did!
Josh and Val are one of those couples with immediate chemistry, and Val's honesty about her own fears is just the impetus Josh needs to open himself up, and to expose some of the secrets hiding behind his easygoing nature. And while Val is overly cautious by nature, Josh provides the safety net she needs to go out and experience new things.
And we must NOT forget the chemistry between these two! What starts out as a pretend fling quickly turns into the real deal, leaving both of them wanting so. much. more.
Mancandy Crush is packed full to Tawna Fenske's signature humor, with several moments that had me laughing out loud - be sure to pick this one up to enjoy this mid year Christmas themed story. You'll be so glad you did!
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