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The Ballard Brothers of Darling Bay #1
On the Market
The Bachelor meets The Property Brothers:
Liam's life is perfect. Or at least it's as perfect as it can be with a foster son who seems to get off on making him crazy, but otherwise, his job--buying, fixing up, and flipping houses with his brothers--is nothing but fun.
Until Felicia from a major TV network shows up in town. When she offers him a reality show, the pay is too good for any of the brothers to turn down, even though the way she looks in her tight city clothes makes him more than a little hot under the collar.
But fine. The brothers will buy and fix up a house for a random woman while one of them dates her, all of it on camera, for major bucks.
No problem.
Except then Felicia, the network exec in high heels, falls in love with one of the houses. Suddenly, she's the buyer. And Liam's the one who has to date her.
He needs to kiss her, too. And more.
But it's all on camera.
Jake's screwed. And he's starting to like it.
"The Bachelor" meets "The Property Brothers": Love, property, and construction. What could possibly go wrong?
Liam's life is perfect. Or at least it's as perfect as it can be with a foster son who seems to get off on making him crazy, but otherwise, his job--buying, fixing up, and flipping houses with his brothers--is nothing but fun.
Until Felicia from a major TV network shows up in town. When she offers him a reality show, the pay is too good for any of the brothers to turn down, even though the way she looks in her tight city clothes makes him more than a little hot under the collar.
But fine. The brothers will buy and fix up a house for a random woman while one of them dates her, all of it on camera, for major bucks.
No problem.
Except then Felicia, the network exec in high heels, falls in love with one of the houses. Suddenly, she's the buyer. And Liam's the one who has to date her.
He needs to kiss her, too. And more.
But it's all on camera.
Jake's screwed. And he's starting to like it.
"The Bachelor" meets "The Property Brothers": Love, property, and construction. What could possibly go wrong?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
897 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Herron
54 books898 followersUnofficial bio: Rachael eats way too many Cadbury Creme eggs, no matter time of year it is. She lives with a menagerie, and battles dog hair on a full-time basis. She's a Knitter with a capital-K, and she reads WAY more than she'd ever even think about exercising.
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
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August 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/15/2019)! 🎁
February 29, 2024
So, "On the Market" by Rachel Harron had a cute happily ever after thing going on, but seriously, there were way too many writing blunders. I mean, they even mixed up Jack and Jake sometimes, like, come on! It kinda bugged me, but, you know, the book was okay overall. I won't bother with the rest of the series though.
August 29, 2016
**This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I really enjoyed Rachael Herron's Cypress Hollow Yarn series and was therefore excited to read the first in this new series.
The story had all the makings of a fun, romantic read. I loved the premise: 3 brothers, a quaint town, and a reality show. The characters, specifically the brothers, were likeable. Unfortunately, it just didn't all come together.
First, the lead characters never really revealed themselves. I knew deep dark secrets and some of the pains of the past, but I never felt they were fully developed--everything was just sort of glossed over and there was no lasting impression. It felt rushed.
Secondly, the brothers who I assume will be the leads in the upcoming books, were barely revealed. I have no attachment to either of them which I would have hoped would have gotten me excited about the next book in the series.
Rachael Herron is a great writer and can definitely tell a interesting story; I just wasn't drawn into this one for some reason but I'm not giving up. I'll be back to read the next in this series when it comes out.
I really enjoyed Rachael Herron's Cypress Hollow Yarn series and was therefore excited to read the first in this new series.
The story had all the makings of a fun, romantic read. I loved the premise: 3 brothers, a quaint town, and a reality show. The characters, specifically the brothers, were likeable. Unfortunately, it just didn't all come together.
First, the lead characters never really revealed themselves. I knew deep dark secrets and some of the pains of the past, but I never felt they were fully developed--everything was just sort of glossed over and there was no lasting impression. It felt rushed.
Secondly, the brothers who I assume will be the leads in the upcoming books, were barely revealed. I have no attachment to either of them which I would have hoped would have gotten me excited about the next book in the series.
Rachael Herron is a great writer and can definitely tell a interesting story; I just wasn't drawn into this one for some reason but I'm not giving up. I'll be back to read the next in this series when it comes out.
June 18, 2019
The concept is a good one
The climax and emotional scenes are off. There is a dissonance between what the characters should be saying and doing and what actually occurs. The abandonment thing is weird if someone breaks your heart and breaks faith you don't have to ever talk to them again. It's not abandoning someone that's messed up it's cutting your losses and breaking ties. That person isn't who you thought they were and if they are truly in love with you then they won't force you. They try again at your pace and don't try to guilt you into thinking you did something wrong. Liam did nothing wrong and has nothing to apologize for. She's the one who broke her own heart. Her apology would have been so much better than a guilt trip. She got scared and deliberately self sabotaged her chance at happiness. She needed to acknowledge that.
The climax and emotional scenes are off. There is a dissonance between what the characters should be saying and doing and what actually occurs. The abandonment thing is weird if someone breaks your heart and breaks faith you don't have to ever talk to them again. It's not abandoning someone that's messed up it's cutting your losses and breaking ties. That person isn't who you thought they were and if they are truly in love with you then they won't force you. They try again at your pace and don't try to guilt you into thinking you did something wrong. Liam did nothing wrong and has nothing to apologize for. She's the one who broke her own heart. Her apology would have been so much better than a guilt trip. She got scared and deliberately self sabotaged her chance at happiness. She needed to acknowledge that.
February 5, 2017
I did a 1-click buy hoping for something more than this one turned out to be.
March 13, 2017
I freaking ADORE Liam. A fun, whimsical look at finding true love.
August 16, 2016
This actually the first book I've read by author Rachel Herron and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Picture the property brothers meets the Bachelorette and you have the premise for this new series. Liam is the oldest of the three brothers and he is also the real estate agent tasked to meet with the reality show producer, Felicia. From their first interaction, sparks start flying and then when Liam shows Felicia her own dream house everything changes. Now instead of being the show producer, she is now the contestant! Great characters and a fun storyline, this romance was a fantastic summer read. Can't wait to see what is in store for the other two Ballard brothers.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2016
A light hearted HEA romance that is sure to make you laugh, smile, sigh and just plain enjoy a good story telling. The dialogue is smart, the banter witty, the secondary characters, especially the other two brothers, Aiden and Jake are hilarious.
Liam and Felicia are quite the pair, Ms Herron has created two characters that truly need each other to chase away each other's greatest fear. The steps they take to get to their HEA will keep you reading to see what's next, even if you think you know what's going to happen, there's plenty of surprising moments to keep the story flowing smoothly, and keep the reader engaged.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
Liam and Felicia are quite the pair, Ms Herron has created two characters that truly need each other to chase away each other's greatest fear. The steps they take to get to their HEA will keep you reading to see what's next, even if you think you know what's going to happen, there's plenty of surprising moments to keep the story flowing smoothly, and keep the reader engaged.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
October 9, 2019
Three single brothers drunkenly nominate themselves for a reality TV show where they will sell, and then renovate a house for the contracted woman; a kind of bachelor meets the renovators thing. The first hiccup happens when the production assistant Felicia, sees the house she dreamed of as a child.
The only way she can get it is if she is the TV buyer. But how will she pretend to love the realtor? The better question is how can she pretend she isn’t falling in love with him?
Liam desperately wants the money the production company is offering to open a centre for wayward youth. He and his brothers had a rough life until they were adopted by the right man at the right time, so he knows how important it is. He never expected to like the prospective partner, nor to worry about might happen if she doesn’t stay.
888
This was very sweet and an easy read. It’s also been tarted up with a new cover and is inst free on most platforms. Go check it out.
4 stars
The only way she can get it is if she is the TV buyer. But how will she pretend to love the realtor? The better question is how can she pretend she isn’t falling in love with him?
Liam desperately wants the money the production company is offering to open a centre for wayward youth. He and his brothers had a rough life until they were adopted by the right man at the right time, so he knows how important it is. He never expected to like the prospective partner, nor to worry about might happen if she doesn’t stay.
888
This was very sweet and an easy read. It’s also been tarted up with a new cover and is inst free on most platforms. Go check it out.
4 stars
March 11, 2021
Feelings And Fears, Just For Show?
Liam and his brothers didn’t have a great start in life, but Bill Ballard saw something even their parents hadn’t. He gave them a home they had never had before. They were all successful and now, they just might become famous!
Felicia Turnbinado is a TV exec from LA, her job is to find a house for the remodel show. But what happens when the house Liam shows her, is one she dreamed about, made up stories about with her mom?
Buying the home herself suddenly puts her in front of the camera with Liam. Their chemistry is so hot, but can he trust her to be true, or is it all just for show? Can she trust him to help her with her fears, or will he just walk away? What a great start to this series! I have so enjoyed the other stories set in Darling Bay, I can’t wait to dig into Aiden’s story next!
Liam and his brothers didn’t have a great start in life, but Bill Ballard saw something even their parents hadn’t. He gave them a home they had never had before. They were all successful and now, they just might become famous!
Felicia Turnbinado is a TV exec from LA, her job is to find a house for the remodel show. But what happens when the house Liam shows her, is one she dreamed about, made up stories about with her mom?
Buying the home herself suddenly puts her in front of the camera with Liam. Their chemistry is so hot, but can he trust her to be true, or is it all just for show? Can she trust him to help her with her fears, or will he just walk away? What a great start to this series! I have so enjoyed the other stories set in Darling Bay, I can’t wait to dig into Aiden’s story next!
July 27, 2024
ON THE MARKET is the first in Rachael Herron’s Ballard Brothers of Darling Bay series. They come up with an idea for a reality series that a network picks up and runs with. Liam Ballard is the numbers guy, while his brothers handle the construction and other aspects of real estate. Felicia Turbinado is the show’s producer but when she arrives in town to finalize the contract, she immediately falls for the house, and then, surprise, she and Liam kind of (okay, definitely, LOL) fall for each other, not that their pasts allow them to admit or enjoy that.
Rachael Herron’s written a very entertaining story, and Liam and Felicia are appealing leads. Aidan and Jake (Liam’s brothers), the town of Darling Bay, and the crew of the show make a great supporting cast, and the pages fly by. A terrific start to the series.
Rachael Herron’s written a very entertaining story, and Liam and Felicia are appealing leads. Aidan and Jake (Liam’s brothers), the town of Darling Bay, and the crew of the show make a great supporting cast, and the pages fly by. A terrific start to the series.
March 14, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
The Bachelor meets The Property Brothers:
Love, property, and construction. What could possibly go wrong?
From international bestseller Rachael Herron, comes a book too delightful to put down:
Liam Ballard is good at buying houses, fixing them up with his brothers, and flipping them for a profit. When Felicia from the network shows up to offer them a reality show (the brothers renovate a house while one of them dates the buyer), the pay is too good to turn down. With it, they'll finally be able to open the after-school program for at-risk youth to honor the man who raised them. But when the very LA-like Felicia decides she'll be the buyer of the property (and his date), Liam wonders for the first time what set of keys he'll want to pass over to her, and will one of them unlock his heart?
*3.5 stars*
Friendship, romance, love - all the right ingredients for making a great story. And this book has these three things in spades. The addition of the reality TV show certainly added a fresh spin on the story of story that I expected.
The story between Liam and Felicia was very good. It was played out over the length of the novel, as opposed to the insta-love that can happen in some romance novels. They were a great couple and really set a good tone for the story.
Why did I mark it so low, then, if it had all the ingredients for a great book? Well, there were no other brothers in the story! The blurb gave the impression that all three brothers were in the book when, in reality, it was all about Liam. I gather that the other boys would get books of their own but it was just a little misleading for me.
All in all, though, this was a great story that tells the story of a likeable couple in an interesting situation.
Paul
ARH
The Bachelor meets The Property Brothers:
Love, property, and construction. What could possibly go wrong?
From international bestseller Rachael Herron, comes a book too delightful to put down:
Liam Ballard is good at buying houses, fixing them up with his brothers, and flipping them for a profit. When Felicia from the network shows up to offer them a reality show (the brothers renovate a house while one of them dates the buyer), the pay is too good to turn down. With it, they'll finally be able to open the after-school program for at-risk youth to honor the man who raised them. But when the very LA-like Felicia decides she'll be the buyer of the property (and his date), Liam wonders for the first time what set of keys he'll want to pass over to her, and will one of them unlock his heart?
*3.5 stars*
Friendship, romance, love - all the right ingredients for making a great story. And this book has these three things in spades. The addition of the reality TV show certainly added a fresh spin on the story of story that I expected.
The story between Liam and Felicia was very good. It was played out over the length of the novel, as opposed to the insta-love that can happen in some romance novels. They were a great couple and really set a good tone for the story.
Why did I mark it so low, then, if it had all the ingredients for a great book? Well, there were no other brothers in the story! The blurb gave the impression that all three brothers were in the book when, in reality, it was all about Liam. I gather that the other boys would get books of their own but it was just a little misleading for me.
All in all, though, this was a great story that tells the story of a likeable couple in an interesting situation.
Paul
ARH
July 18, 2019
What do you do when a TV producers asks to do a reality show based on you and your brothers? A drunk Liam says, Sure! But when he meets Felicia in person he can't help but stare, she's everything he wants in a woman. For her part, Felicia falls in love with the house that Liam shows her as part of the show. It's the treehouse that she imagined as a kid and still holds dear. Actually it's a house built around a live redwood that also has a treehouse above the roof to visit. A great story written by Rachel Herron about getting in touch with one's feelings and admitting to oneself what you want out of life!
April 28, 2023
The Ballard brothers, a quaint town, a reality show….what could possibly go wrong? When the Ballard brothers are offered a chance to make a small fortune and finally be able to open Ballard Youth, their dream, they can’t refuse. They’d really, really like to, but they can’t. Add in an emotionally unavailable producer turned homeowner (of the home the brothers are renovating) and you’ve got even more trouble.
On the Market is the first in the Ballard Brothers series. It’s a quick and entertaining story with some drama, but mostly a pretty simple storyline. It’s decent but it didn’t blow me away.
On the Market is the first in the Ballard Brothers series. It’s a quick and entertaining story with some drama, but mostly a pretty simple storyline. It’s decent but it didn’t blow me away.
September 24, 2022
Escape to Darling Bay with the story of The Ballard Brothers. They have a home renovation company and when out celebrating one evening they meet a network exec who wants them for a reality show. The concept is that they will assist a single woman in buying a property, renovate to her liking, and one of the brothers will date her. It sounds good to them until the production assistant arrives and not only falls in love with one of the houses but also one of the brothers. It was an interesting start to the series, and I plan on moving on to the next one.
May 28, 2023
Eh. Probably more like 2.5 rounded up. A great concept, but it all felt a bit too fast to be believable. I would have much preferred a slower burn execution.
Just as an ancillary point - I probably wouldn't have picked this up if it wasn't for having a track record with the author and trying to knock some more NZ authors off my list as part of a personal reading challenge for the year - because it has zilch cover appeal! A better cover would do this one a great service.
Just as an ancillary point - I probably wouldn't have picked this up if it wasn't for having a track record with the author and trying to knock some more NZ authors off my list as part of a personal reading challenge for the year - because it has zilch cover appeal! A better cover would do this one a great service.
June 17, 2019
Finding Happiness
Liam & his brothers were celebrating Liam learning to be single again for one year after his fiancee walked away. Natalie told them about her idea of dating rehab show. Felicia goes up to Darling Bay to scout out the houses, since she works for Natalie. But she sees the house of her dreams, The Treehouse. Now can she & Liam find love.
Liam & his brothers were celebrating Liam learning to be single again for one year after his fiancee walked away. Natalie told them about her idea of dating rehab show. Felicia goes up to Darling Bay to scout out the houses, since she works for Natalie. But she sees the house of her dreams, The Treehouse. Now can she & Liam find love.
June 23, 2019
I really loved the overall idea of this book and loved the characters as individuals however the way the love came together was a bit unfinished almost. I also found there should have been more background information on a lot of issues brought up but there just wasn’t. Overall though it’s a good light read.
June 26, 2019
I loved this book so much! It was exactly the escape I needed this week, and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip to Darling Bay. The characters are relatable, lovable, and just plain good people who made it easy to root for them. I felt that the whole reality show behind the scenes aspect of the book was believable and fascinating. Definitely planning to read more in this series!
April 20, 2020
Enjoyable
Well written story for the most part. Sometimes it seemed slow. Timbo seemed to be the victim whenever drama was needed but he brought a smooth dose of variety. Jury is out on both Liam and Felicia but not glaring enough to take away the enjoyment. It is interesting enough to draw you to the rest of the series
Well written story for the most part. Sometimes it seemed slow. Timbo seemed to be the victim whenever drama was needed but he brought a smooth dose of variety. Jury is out on both Liam and Felicia but not glaring enough to take away the enjoyment. It is interesting enough to draw you to the rest of the series
April 22, 2020
It was very enjoyable to read! It was something lighthearted and loveable that I could enjoy. I actually want to start the second book in the series almost right away. I love the romance so much, although it's quite predictable, but I don't care. I really enjoyed reading it and it was pretty well written!
July 30, 2021
A delightful delicious read, one that has you hooked from the very first few pages. I enjoyed the plot as well as the love interest, can not wait to see what is in store for the other brothers in this series. At times this novel pulls at your heart strings" i can not imagine how anyone can ever feel unloved, like Liam feels.
December 30, 2019
Interesting Premise
This thoroughly enjoyable book uses a unique premise and plenty of emotion. Darling Bay, location of other books by Herron, forms the backdrop but the book features a mostly new cast of great folks.
This thoroughly enjoyable book uses a unique premise and plenty of emotion. Darling Bay, location of other books by Herron, forms the backdrop but the book features a mostly new cast of great folks.
October 24, 2021
The concept is a bit bizarre— a reality tv show about a house makeover that includes dating one of the brothers doing the work, but I can deal with that. What I was not happy with was the way Felicia passed on Liam’s big secret, yet he was the one who had to apologise when he cut her from his life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2022
New to me author. This book was so relatable. Property Brothers meets the bachelor yes please. Liam and Felicia hit it off when she comes to town as a scout? For her boss. They deal in reality tv. The road to home ownership. A little rocky.. you will love this book and fall in love with this author
July 12, 2025
Attraction at first sight
Great read, interesting
character's, and very interesting story line with lots of twists and turns.
Can two cynical people get over their fears long enough to become a real couple?
Great read, interesting
character's, and very interesting story line with lots of twists and turns.
Can two cynical people get over their fears long enough to become a real couple?
October 1, 2025
Three drunk brothers talk a reality TV producer into doing a program about them, selling a houses to women and fixing the house up for them. However, the assistant producer falls in love with one of the houses and sparks fly between the realtor brother and her.
November 21, 2017
This one surprised me! I thought the blurb sounded unoriginal but there was so much wonderfulness in the execution.
May 8, 2018
Wow this reads fast! Great book, so heartfelt!
June 18, 2019
4 Stars
Cute, a little different kind of love story. It was enjoyable to see Liam and Felicia she'd their hang ups and find romance.
Cute, a little different kind of love story. It was enjoyable to see Liam and Felicia she'd their hang ups and find romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews