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Good Hope #12
Bachelor Games in Good Hope
Bring on the Bachelor Games
His latest girlfriend may not have broken his heart, but she sure as heck wounded his pride.
Clay Chapin has looks, money and a knack for picking the wrong women.
When the matchmaking matriarch of Good Hope insists she can find him the perfect woman, Clay figures he has nothing to lose by playing along.
For Bea Appleton, living in the shadow of her vibrant twin is a sucky--but tolerable--place to be. Until her sister is set up with the man Bea has secretly loved for years.
The Bachelor Games are approaching the final inning. It's time for Bea to step up to the plate or risk being shut out and losing Clay forever.
His latest girlfriend may not have broken his heart, but she sure as heck wounded his pride.
Clay Chapin has looks, money and a knack for picking the wrong women.
When the matchmaking matriarch of Good Hope insists she can find him the perfect woman, Clay figures he has nothing to lose by playing along.
For Bea Appleton, living in the shadow of her vibrant twin is a sucky--but tolerable--place to be. Until her sister is set up with the man Bea has secretly loved for years.
The Bachelor Games are approaching the final inning. It's time for Bea to step up to the plate or risk being shut out and losing Clay forever.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2020
241 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Kirk
222 books1,614 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
January 18, 2020
The Good Hope series to me is like a comfortable outfit that brings you joy everytime you wear it. The #12 in the series, this storyline focuses on another Chapin this time Clay. We previously met Clay and his ladylove Stella in book #11 where no one seems to like Stella. From what we know about her in the previous book we know its not going to end well with her and Clay. After getting dumped by Stella Clay realizes he keeps picking the wrong woman and decides to let Gladys( the unofficially matchmaker of Good Hope) set him up with various single woman from the community. Along the way Bea Appleton who runs a bookstore seems to always know what to say to Clay when he comes into the bookstore and they seemed to have a budding friendship but is that all they are to each other? Its always sweet to see past couples and see what they are up to. The Bloom sisters (The family that started this series). In this storyline you get more than one thing happening. You got of course romance intrigue misunderstanding the difficult of life happenstance but overall having triumph through it all."I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
February 10, 2020
I always love returning to Good Hope. In this book we focus on Clay, who we have seen around in previous books, always dating annoying, shallow women. He wants to find someone who can be a real bond, and our resident matchmaker Gladys convinces him to let her set him up for true love.
Meanwhile, true love is obviously right under his nose in the form of Bea, a local bookshop owner. How can I not like her!? The one thing that I didn't like about this story was how Gladys constantly ignored and dismissed Bea. However, it was great seeing the friendship and love blossom between Clay and Bea, and it was also great seeing Bea develop more confidence in herself. Both Clay and Bea were very likeable!
Another thing I like about Cindy Kirk's books is that women develop real friendships instead of being competitors. I wish more stories did that.
Meanwhile, true love is obviously right under his nose in the form of Bea, a local bookshop owner. How can I not like her!? The one thing that I didn't like about this story was how Gladys constantly ignored and dismissed Bea. However, it was great seeing the friendship and love blossom between Clay and Bea, and it was also great seeing Bea develop more confidence in herself. Both Clay and Bea were very likeable!
Another thing I like about Cindy Kirk's books is that women develop real friendships instead of being competitors. I wish more stories did that.
to-be-review
June 29, 2020This is a romance, and this is the 12th book in the Good Hope series. I won a kindle edition of this book from goodreads, and I will post a honest review of this book as soon as I read it.
December 14, 2023
Bachelor Games in Good Hope
What a cute, sweet, romantic read! The characters were all so likeable and realistic. Just what a cute romance. Highly recommend
What a cute, sweet, romantic read! The characters were all so likeable and realistic. Just what a cute romance. Highly recommend
February 12, 2020
I love visiting Good Hope and seeing how all my friends there are doing. I love Clay and how clueless he seems to be about women and who would be a good match for him. I also loved Bea, and being a book lover myself can relate to who she is. It was fun watching them circle each other, Bea knowing she wanted to be with Clay and Clay not looking past their friendship to see what more there could be. Gladys is always a hoot, and her matchmaking is in full swing, but she also looks past Bea. It was very satisfying to see Clay come to his senses and find his happily ever after with Bea. A great entry in this small town, sweet romance series.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
February 6, 2020
Clay Chapin has it all together, except that he can't find the right woman. When the matchmaker of Good Hope turns her attention on him, Clay doesn't realize what he's in for. As he's set up on date after date, he realizes he has already found the one. Bea Appleton has been seeing Clay come in and out of her bookstore. She has always thought of him as a friend, but as she's faced with moving her business, she starts seeing him differently. But, can she trust in Clay's words of love?
I loved this romantic read. It was full of fun, and dynamic characters who I love to visit time and time again. Every time I read a Kirk romance, I get the love of community, the heart of romance, and a hope for happy endings.
I received and advanced reader's copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this romantic read. It was full of fun, and dynamic characters who I love to visit time and time again. Every time I read a Kirk romance, I get the love of community, the heart of romance, and a hope for happy endings.
I received and advanced reader's copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 12, 2020
Will Clay and Bea finally get it together or will it be Clay and Britt?
This instalment of the folk in Good Hope will leave you guessing until the very end. Misunderstandings and family loyalty make this a story you wont be able to put down. So get yourself a cuppa, a comfy chair and and cosy blanket because I guarantee you wont move until the end.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
This instalment of the folk in Good Hope will leave you guessing until the very end. Misunderstandings and family loyalty make this a story you wont be able to put down. So get yourself a cuppa, a comfy chair and and cosy blanket because I guarantee you wont move until the end.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
January 28, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
It is now Clay Chapin's turn for love. After numerous disaster romances, Clay enlists the help of known matchmaker, Gladys, for help in finding love. Little did he know that the friendship he was developing with local merchant Bea Appleton would become the real thing. Gladys sets Clay up with three Bachelorettes, all wrong for Clay, especially "the wonderful Ms. Appleton" who Clay assumes is Bea, but is really her twin sister Britt.
A key theme in this book is Courage. Both Clay and Bea need the courage to stand up for their love and tell the other how they feel. Bea also needs the courage to let go that she is no longer in high school and people have grown up since then. Clay needed the courage to tell Gladys that he had found love on his own.
It was great coming home to Good Hope. It was great to see the Bloom sisters, who are now the step sibling to the Chapins. Ms. Kirk sets up her next books by developing new characters in this book. Will the new people be Britt and JR, a developer and sports owner from Denver? Piper? Gladys already has someone in her site.
It is now Clay Chapin's turn for love. After numerous disaster romances, Clay enlists the help of known matchmaker, Gladys, for help in finding love. Little did he know that the friendship he was developing with local merchant Bea Appleton would become the real thing. Gladys sets Clay up with three Bachelorettes, all wrong for Clay, especially "the wonderful Ms. Appleton" who Clay assumes is Bea, but is really her twin sister Britt.
A key theme in this book is Courage. Both Clay and Bea need the courage to stand up for their love and tell the other how they feel. Bea also needs the courage to let go that she is no longer in high school and people have grown up since then. Clay needed the courage to tell Gladys that he had found love on his own.
It was great coming home to Good Hope. It was great to see the Bloom sisters, who are now the step sibling to the Chapins. Ms. Kirk sets up her next books by developing new characters in this book. Will the new people be Britt and JR, a developer and sports owner from Denver? Piper? Gladys already has someone in her site.
February 1, 2020
Reading the Good Hope series is like asking an old friend to dinner, a lot of catching up to do and a lot of happiness and joy to go around. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, the intertwined stories and emotions from the other characters takes this series OVER the TOP!
Ms Kirk writes with a passion and detail that draws the reader into the story and makes them feel as they are a part of the town, a part of the amazing community, and continually keeps you in the loop with "old friends" and the "new events in their lives".
You will enjoy this book all all the previous in this series! Happy Reading!
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
Ms Kirk writes with a passion and detail that draws the reader into the story and makes them feel as they are a part of the town, a part of the amazing community, and continually keeps you in the loop with "old friends" and the "new events in their lives".
You will enjoy this book all all the previous in this series! Happy Reading!
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
April 2, 2020
This was my first book to read from this series. It can easily be read as a stand alone book, but it mentions other characters. I now want to go read the other books from this series as well.
Clay is the principal of the local high school and he comes from a wealthy family in a small town. He is approaching 30 years old and has discovered that he seems to attract the wrong type of woman. All he wants is "the one" that he can share children with and grow old with one day. However, he hasn't been able to find her. The constant through all of this is his friend, Bea, the manager at the library /coffee shop where he frequents several times each week.
An elderly gypsy woman, Gladys, overhears that Clay has broken up with his latest failed relationship so she makes a deal with Clay that she will find him the love of his life if he agrees to play the "Bachelor Games". He doesn't know why he agrees to it (maybe it is out of desperation to find that special someone as all his siblings have done), but he does and Gladys begins setting him up on numerous dates.
This book is cute; it's an easy read and the characters were easy to like. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions states above are mine without any biases.
Clay is the principal of the local high school and he comes from a wealthy family in a small town. He is approaching 30 years old and has discovered that he seems to attract the wrong type of woman. All he wants is "the one" that he can share children with and grow old with one day. However, he hasn't been able to find her. The constant through all of this is his friend, Bea, the manager at the library /coffee shop where he frequents several times each week.
An elderly gypsy woman, Gladys, overhears that Clay has broken up with his latest failed relationship so she makes a deal with Clay that she will find him the love of his life if he agrees to play the "Bachelor Games". He doesn't know why he agrees to it (maybe it is out of desperation to find that special someone as all his siblings have done), but he does and Gladys begins setting him up on numerous dates.
This book is cute; it's an easy read and the characters were easy to like. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions states above are mine without any biases.
October 13, 2023
Adorable romance put into a fun twist!! 😍
This is Bea's and Clay's story. She's a character we've not known about until now and he's one that we've been getting to know in many of the books so far.
And that's the basis of his story. Clay has been dating the wrong women, ones that are emotionally unavailable. He's tired of it and wants to find THE ONE! And who helps him do that but Gladys Bertholf.
As the, now openly, town matchmaker, she takes it upon herself to make sure he finds her!! And she does it in a "bachelor games" way. And hence the name of the book!!
What follows is a comedic story where Clay is set up on many dates with many women. But things backfire and their personal issues get in the way.
In the end he chooses the one that's right for him.
It's a cute story. With a fun way to tell it!! It's an enjoyable story. And an easy read. Yes there is one sexy scene to watch for but not filled with erroneous details!!
Definitely worth reading 📚 👌
This is Bea's and Clay's story. She's a character we've not known about until now and he's one that we've been getting to know in many of the books so far.
And that's the basis of his story. Clay has been dating the wrong women, ones that are emotionally unavailable. He's tired of it and wants to find THE ONE! And who helps him do that but Gladys Bertholf.
As the, now openly, town matchmaker, she takes it upon herself to make sure he finds her!! And she does it in a "bachelor games" way. And hence the name of the book!!
What follows is a comedic story where Clay is set up on many dates with many women. But things backfire and their personal issues get in the way.
In the end he chooses the one that's right for him.
It's a cute story. With a fun way to tell it!! It's an enjoyable story. And an easy read. Yes there is one sexy scene to watch for but not filled with erroneous details!!
Definitely worth reading 📚 👌
March 3, 2025
Door Co Wisconsin.
Bea works at New Hope Book store. Clay is in the book store when he’s Girlfriend breaks up with him. Bea hears it all as the store isn’t busy. She sympathizes with him, they began to talk. He finds her warm and comfortable.
They met up at different events and the comfort they share continues. They go to a family event they all love her.
Then Gladys sets him up on dates. By the time she began he was feeling strong for Bea. But he’d commented to this and she knew it meant nothing to him. After an evening of beer and dancing they end up in bed. Now they are in it. But don’t say it.
Beas sister comes to town she gets set up with Clay she had always been the well like sister and she thought they deserved each other but it was Bea he wanted he goes to her and tells her his feelings and she fell with him.
Bea works at New Hope Book store. Clay is in the book store when he’s Girlfriend breaks up with him. Bea hears it all as the store isn’t busy. She sympathizes with him, they began to talk. He finds her warm and comfortable.
They met up at different events and the comfort they share continues. They go to a family event they all love her.
Then Gladys sets him up on dates. By the time she began he was feeling strong for Bea. But he’d commented to this and she knew it meant nothing to him. After an evening of beer and dancing they end up in bed. Now they are in it. But don’t say it.
Beas sister comes to town she gets set up with Clay she had always been the well like sister and she thought they deserved each other but it was Bea he wanted he goes to her and tells her his feelings and she fell with him.
May 22, 2020
Clay Chapin has been dating the wrong women and Gladys the mis-matchmaker decides to help him... by setting him up with all the wrong women. He's friends with Bea, who manages the local independent (yet failing) bookstore.
This story was filled with uncomfortable situations and traditional midwestern beat around the bush type of communication. I don't care that she's in her 90s, Gladys needed a stern talking to about how bad a matchmaker... and the end where he proposes at his sister's wedding was just tacky.
This story was filled with uncomfortable situations and traditional midwestern beat around the bush type of communication. I don't care that she's in her 90s, Gladys needed a stern talking to about how bad a matchmaker... and the end where he proposes at his sister's wedding was just tacky.
April 30, 2020
The Principal's Story
We finally got Clay Chapin's story & to have it intertwined with a bookstore dealing with modern day challenges was something I absolutely loved! Bea Appleton grew up in Good Hope & returned after college while her parents & twin sister moved away. Clay & Bea's relationship is friendship that blooms 💜 We also get another glimpse into Marigold & Cade's struggles to start a family in this book.
We finally got Clay Chapin's story & to have it intertwined with a bookstore dealing with modern day challenges was something I absolutely loved! Bea Appleton grew up in Good Hope & returned after college while her parents & twin sister moved away. Clay & Bea's relationship is friendship that blooms 💜 We also get another glimpse into Marigold & Cade's struggles to start a family in this book.
April 9, 2020
Frustrated. Personally I would punch Clay. You see what is right I front of you. You still go out and play these games when you had a connection. Why? Have the story revolve around Bea and Clay getting to know each other and go out. This made Bea look so bad. Clay was just a womanizer. Did not like this couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
I liked bea
I did not like this storyline.he works at a school he would not like everyone see him with different dates every other day.and poor bea I found it stupid how they did not talk about there feeling or understand there was a misunderstanding they got on so well and talking was there strong suit
I did not like this storyline.he works at a school he would not like everyone see him with different dates every other day.and poor bea I found it stupid how they did not talk about there feeling or understand there was a misunderstanding they got on so well and talking was there strong suit
Read
September 6, 2021Take the blinders off
Bea has lived in this small town which she considers home. Her family moved out of state when she went to college and her twin went to a bigger city. While she always had a crush on clay nobody knew and when Clay agreed to go along Gladys bachelor games he realized happiness was right in front of him
Bea has lived in this small town which she considers home. Her family moved out of state when she went to college and her twin went to a bigger city. While she always had a crush on clay nobody knew and when Clay agreed to go along Gladys bachelor games he realized happiness was right in front of him
May 19, 2020
Fun and games
I enjoyed this one. It had a lot of silliness but also good character growth. I did want Gladys to have a scene where she realizes she was wrong but maybe that’ll be in the next one.
I enjoyed this one. It had a lot of silliness but also good character growth. I did want Gladys to have a scene where she realizes she was wrong but maybe that’ll be in the next one.
March 30, 2023
A great romance book
This book was about family and friends. The love of all couples was so informative to read about. It really kept your interest and was hard to put down. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
This book was about family and friends. The love of all couples was so informative to read about. It really kept your interest and was hard to put down. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
December 16, 2023
Wow this was great
I loved this story the author wrote this time. I have never read a book that the characters danced around this much when they had so many feelings for each other. You never know what is under your nose.
I loved this story the author wrote this time. I have never read a book that the characters danced around this much when they had so many feelings for each other. You never know what is under your nose.
April 1, 2020
I LOVE this series so much. It's like a comfy blanket during these stressful times. This story in particular really made me smile and the characters were so sweet.
August 13, 2020
Short and sweet. Fits in well with the tone of the rest of the series.
September 22, 2020
Fabulous read, as are all in the Good Hope series. Connected well with the previous characters whilst involving newer ones as well. Highly recommend.
October 22, 2020
I love this series!!
February 1, 2021
A pleasant read, I enjoyed it, nice one Cindy TY.
April 21, 2022
A very good read
Interesting storyline. Feel good characters almost makes you feel like family. Two very different people with more in common than they realize.
Interesting storyline. Feel good characters almost makes you feel like family. Two very different people with more in common than they realize.
December 19, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
March 10, 2020
Opening a Good Hope novel is like returning home after a too-long break. With each new romance comes a journey to get to the end result, that happy ending! This book has Clay and Bea finding their way through games, assumptions, get togethers, and that darn Matchmaker Gladys. We get to really know Clay and Bea, while learning more about the stories of some of our beloved characters from past books in this series.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily reviewing it and all opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily reviewing it and all opinions expressed are completely my own.
March 2, 2020
Good Hope is the typical small town with its circles of friends & large families. Bea is the last one in town from her family. Her parents moved after Britt & Bea graduates high school & Britt moved east for a job after college. Bea couldn’t leave the town she loved. All her life, she’s been the smart, quiet, unassuming one. Could she break out of that shell?
Clay has had several relationships but they never end up where he wants them to. He’s determined that he’s picking the wrong type of women & agrees to let a gossipy older woman in the community act as his matchmaker. While she’s setting up her plans, Clay begins to fear what he’s set in motion.
I really enjoy these stories & learning more about Good Hope. Each one brings the readers updates about past characters lives & futures. The characters become friends that you’re happy to learn more about. In this story, an unlikely couple learns to look below the surface. Clay belongs to a large family & has always dated a certain type of woman. Bea has always sat back & watched quietly. They have enjoyed a quiet friendship & several conversations about books but never searched for anything deeper. I really can’t wait to see what couple Ms. Kirk matches up next!
Clay has had several relationships but they never end up where he wants them to. He’s determined that he’s picking the wrong type of women & agrees to let a gossipy older woman in the community act as his matchmaker. While she’s setting up her plans, Clay begins to fear what he’s set in motion.
I really enjoy these stories & learning more about Good Hope. Each one brings the readers updates about past characters lives & futures. The characters become friends that you’re happy to learn more about. In this story, an unlikely couple learns to look below the surface. Clay belongs to a large family & has always dated a certain type of woman. Bea has always sat back & watched quietly. They have enjoyed a quiet friendship & several conversations about books but never searched for anything deeper. I really can’t wait to see what couple Ms. Kirk matches up next!
March 2, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Waverly House for my unbiased opinion of the book. This is my favorite place for a staycation. This book centers around Clay Chapin and Bea Appleton, with a dash of Gladys Bertholf for good measure. Clay gets dumped by the town gold digger which he doesn't realize that's what she is until she breaks up with him at the bookstore Bea runs. Bea tries not to overhear Clay's conversation, but guilty as charged does. She herself has her own issues to deal with. Wondering if the owner of the bookstore will stay open after its forced to close at her current location due to upcoming development moving in. Does she have enough wherewithal to own it outright herself? Clay decides since he has had no luck himself finding the perfect mate why not let Glady try her hand at it. Bea finds out her newly returned twins’ sister to Good Hope is one of Clay's "dates" set up by Gladys, sparks start to fly in a good way. You must read it to find out will the best sister win or did Gladys finally miss the matchmaking mark on Clay? I love reading the Good Hope series gets better with each book! Keep up the great writing Cindy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews