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Tanner Family #1
Mischief & Mayhem
Zeke Tanner was my childhood crush, but over a decade had passed since I'd last seen him. For many years I had done my best to avoid him and the entire Tanner family. The circumstances that caused me to keep my distance were entirely my fault, but the sheer mention of the Tanner family still filled me with waves of dread. Thankfully, Lexington was a large city and I never had to encounter them.
That would all change though. One minute I was happily working as a pastry chef and the next I was dealing with an order for the Tanner family. All those feelings of regret came rushing back as I wrote "Happy Birthday Zeke" on the cake. I thought I could simply hide in the back of the bakery and escape an encounter with them. Fortunately for me, things didn't play out like I expected.
That would all change though. One minute I was happily working as a pastry chef and the next I was dealing with an order for the Tanner family. All those feelings of regret came rushing back as I wrote "Happy Birthday Zeke" on the cake. I thought I could simply hide in the back of the bakery and escape an encounter with them. Fortunately for me, things didn't play out like I expected.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2019
779 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Brooke St. James
116 books953 followersBrooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 25, 2020
Didn't like it, too much telling, not enough showing and a LOT of introspective thoughts going on. they didn't really interact that much and it was sooooooo slow. Great title and cover but the inside doesn't match the outside.
July 27, 2022
Read if you like:
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Dual pov
- Clean/ Christian romances
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
My Thoughts: I always love a good, short book! Even though it had about 200 pages, I still felt like it was rather slow at some parts. Allison was honestly pretty frustrating at times, but given her past, I can understand why she acted the way she did. Since she was a pastry chef, I wish more of her baking was described! Besides that, this is a fun and clean romance to read if you're looking to pass the time. Would recommend!
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Dual pov
- Clean/ Christian romances
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
My Thoughts: I always love a good, short book! Even though it had about 200 pages, I still felt like it was rather slow at some parts. Allison was honestly pretty frustrating at times, but given her past, I can understand why she acted the way she did. Since she was a pastry chef, I wish more of her baking was described! Besides that, this is a fun and clean romance to read if you're looking to pass the time. Would recommend!
Read
March 28, 2020The writing style isn't for me. I also don't like stories predicated on lying your face off for almost the entire book. The only thing I liked about this story was the hero. He was pretty awesome.
April 21, 2021
A new series - yay!
I was just thinking that I needed a new Brooke St James book & there was the notice in my email today! I was wondering about the title all the way till the end, lol. Simple & low key, yet very real & always swoony; I can always count on her books for low stress & much happiness. This one's no exception.
I could so sympathize with Allison. When I was young & much more immature, I was messing around with some friends in their yard & one of their parents overheard something I said which was pretty vulgar & I had said it precisely for its shock value. I was mortified when I found out later that I'd been heard, & to top it off, she said her parents didn't want her to hang out with me anymore.
I can't imagine how awful it would be if I had had to face them after that - especially if they had a son and I had started seeing him, and they'd be thinking I was that kind of person when it was just a stupid childish phase I had gone thru.
So I could understand Allison's reluctance to burst the fairytale bubble she was enjoying. And I especially loved the way it was all resolved.
I can't wait to read more of the Tanner family's stories!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
*Religion: generically Christian, subtle not at all preachy
I was just thinking that I needed a new Brooke St James book & there was the notice in my email today! I was wondering about the title all the way till the end, lol. Simple & low key, yet very real & always swoony; I can always count on her books for low stress & much happiness. This one's no exception.
I could so sympathize with Allison. When I was young & much more immature, I was messing around with some friends in their yard & one of their parents overheard something I said which was pretty vulgar & I had said it precisely for its shock value. I was mortified when I found out later that I'd been heard, & to top it off, she said her parents didn't want her to hang out with me anymore.
I can't imagine how awful it would be if I had had to face them after that - especially if they had a son and I had started seeing him, and they'd be thinking I was that kind of person when it was just a stupid childish phase I had gone thru.
So I could understand Allison's reluctance to burst the fairytale bubble she was enjoying. And I especially loved the way it was all resolved.
I can't wait to read more of the Tanner family's stories!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
*Religion: generically Christian, subtle not at all preachy
June 14, 2021
Not for me…
But maybe for someone else? This is the first book I have read from this author. The second book in the series was free so I bought it and then downloaded this first book from KU so I could read them in order.
I would describe this book as ‘sweet’ (no heat, some Bible references) but it really did not give me any feels except exasperation. I did not find much in the way of character development. The heroine, Allison, was annoying/immature and the hero, Zeke, was a saint for hanging on to her as long as he did. Outside of describing an event from her childhood, we don’t even hear anything about Allison’s family/best friend until the 65-66% mark. How did she get where she was now after the way things were as a child?
I was not a fan of the writing itself and it abruptly goes right into an epilogue. I read the chapter teaser for the next book in the series and I am getting the same immature vibe. I honestly do not like to be critical of someone’s hard work but…I will be passing on other books from this author.
But maybe for someone else? This is the first book I have read from this author. The second book in the series was free so I bought it and then downloaded this first book from KU so I could read them in order.
I would describe this book as ‘sweet’ (no heat, some Bible references) but it really did not give me any feels except exasperation. I did not find much in the way of character development. The heroine, Allison, was annoying/immature and the hero, Zeke, was a saint for hanging on to her as long as he did. Outside of describing an event from her childhood, we don’t even hear anything about Allison’s family/best friend until the 65-66% mark. How did she get where she was now after the way things were as a child?
I was not a fan of the writing itself and it abruptly goes right into an epilogue. I read the chapter teaser for the next book in the series and I am getting the same immature vibe. I honestly do not like to be critical of someone’s hard work but…I will be passing on other books from this author.
October 29, 2024
This one was eh for me.
Pros:
- clean romance
- pastry chef
Cons:
- deceitful
- first and third person switch. Annoyed me
- felt really rushed
- super short ending and epilogue. Most of the book is spent with her trying to avoid a relationship and when it finally does happen, it just ends.
- the ending dad scene was cringy to me. My FIL would’ve never pulled me aside first time meeting me like that (wrapping arms around shoulders, singling out, etc). I get why he did it, but I feel like it was just awkward and didn’t read well.
Hopefully the next book is better! I love finding clean (and Christian) romances that aren’t from the 1800’s so fingers crossed this series gets better.
Pros:
- clean romance
- pastry chef
Cons:
- deceitful
- first and third person switch. Annoyed me
- felt really rushed
- super short ending and epilogue. Most of the book is spent with her trying to avoid a relationship and when it finally does happen, it just ends.
- the ending dad scene was cringy to me. My FIL would’ve never pulled me aside first time meeting me like that (wrapping arms around shoulders, singling out, etc). I get why he did it, but I feel like it was just awkward and didn’t read well.
Hopefully the next book is better! I love finding clean (and Christian) romances that aren’t from the 1800’s so fingers crossed this series gets better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2022
DNF Bland written in 1st and Third Person
DNF done by chapter six. Sounded interesting but was just boring and bland. Then the Zeke character was in third person which I absolutely despise. It makes the characters appear fake and part of someone else's imagination. I like to forget that these aren't real people. When an author can do that it's magic.
This book switched from first person to third. Ally spoke about what happened to her. Zeke thoughts and actions were narrated by some person hovering above who could read minds or at least feelings. Obviously he didn't have much on his.minf.if he couldn't tell the reader himself.
DNF done by chapter six. Sounded interesting but was just boring and bland. Then the Zeke character was in third person which I absolutely despise. It makes the characters appear fake and part of someone else's imagination. I like to forget that these aren't real people. When an author can do that it's magic.
This book switched from first person to third. Ally spoke about what happened to her. Zeke thoughts and actions were narrated by some person hovering above who could read minds or at least feelings. Obviously he didn't have much on his.minf.if he couldn't tell the reader himself.
June 30, 2020
A Tanner Family Rlilomance
I enjoy St. James books for marny reasons. She presents her characters in believable situations whether in high school, colleige, or real life. Often they advance from childhood crushes into attractions and eventually into marriage. The progressions and adventures hold the reader's interest through sports, thoroughbred horse racing, humorous sibling rivalry and teasing. Very subtle references to religion are included.
I enjoy St. James books for marny reasons. She presents her characters in believable situations whether in high school, colleige, or real life. Often they advance from childhood crushes into attractions and eventually into marriage. The progressions and adventures hold the reader's interest through sports, thoroughbred horse racing, humorous sibling rivalry and teasing. Very subtle references to religion are included.
April 18, 2020
Beautiful Contemporary Romance
First loves. Losing track of each other due to circumstances. Can they ever find each other and get their second chance? Find out as you tag along with Zeke and Allison and their journey through the ups and downs in relationships and life. A feel good, heart warming story. I highly recommend it! Happy Reading!
First loves. Losing track of each other due to circumstances. Can they ever find each other and get their second chance? Find out as you tag along with Zeke and Allison and their journey through the ups and downs in relationships and life. A feel good, heart warming story. I highly recommend it! Happy Reading!
July 17, 2020
This was an interesting and delightful story. Although it could have been called prejudice because fo the grudge she holds onto. I know it was her but she still held a grudge. I'm quite happy about eh outcome though. FOrgiveness and making amends. I really enjoyed this story. I loved the hero, he was patient, loving, kind, and pretty sexy. Best combos of course.
July 19, 2022
This novel had a lot of up and down moments for me. One moment, I was completely sure I wouldn't keep reading it; but then in the next second, something would grab my attention enough to pull me back in.
The overall story line was impeccable, I just could not stay hooked 100%. Definitely worth the read; however, because in the right hands this novel could be amazing.
The overall story line was impeccable, I just could not stay hooked 100%. Definitely worth the read; however, because in the right hands this novel could be amazing.
June 11, 2020
Interesting
This book is interesting. Allison is a bakery who is asked to create a birthday cake for Zeke She knows Zekes day and is reluctant to do it. But she does and that leads to more involvement with them. Can it work out? Read to find out.
This book is interesting. Allison is a bakery who is asked to create a birthday cake for Zeke She knows Zekes day and is reluctant to do it. But she does and that leads to more involvement with them. Can it work out? Read to find out.
August 12, 2020
Allison and Zeke have a past - a very long ago past. Loved how they reconnected. Reconciliation, accepting and extending forgiveness were major themes in this book. The tie in with the title is really cute.
August 24, 2020
Mischief and Mayhem
Sweet story. Zeke and Allison had known each other as children. But after a incident they hadn't seen each other in years. Now Zeke wants Allison but he doesn't recognize her. She is afraid the past will change things.
Sweet story. Zeke and Allison had known each other as children. But after a incident they hadn't seen each other in years. Now Zeke wants Allison but he doesn't recognize her. She is afraid the past will change things.
August 27, 2020
Cute romance story between Allyson and Zeke.
This is a cute romance story that involves a rough start when they were young, then letting up again only for Allyson to make it rough for Zeke. It is cute, emotional and funny. Love all the ups and downs in this clean romance.
This is a cute romance story that involves a rough start when they were young, then letting up again only for Allyson to make it rough for Zeke. It is cute, emotional and funny. Love all the ups and downs in this clean romance.
December 16, 2020
I just LOVE Brook St James books & this did not disappoint. The Tanners are a wholesome loving family so everyone connecting with them become an interesting active part of the weaving of the story. When the family series ends it is exceptionally disappointing. Thank you for a wonderful read
August 7, 2020
This book didn't have much scripture in it. They were christians though. It was a good short book
to read. I did enjoy it and hope you will too.
to read. I did enjoy it and hope you will too.
August 19, 2020
Review of Mischief and Mayhem
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
September 14, 2020
DNF at 48%
October 15, 2020
Cute, clean christian romance.
April 21, 2021
I love how Brooke St. James’ romances give me this swept away feeling and the heroes are so all-in once they recognize their feelings. It’s heady stuff while still maintaining so much innocence.
March 19, 2022
Mischief &Mayhem
Easy read to take time for yourself and get lost in the story. I truly enjoyed the characters and the story that was told.
Easy read to take time for yourself and get lost in the story. I truly enjoyed the characters and the story that was told.
September 11, 2022
Review of Mischief and Mahem
I loved that this book was about repentance and forgiveness. I also loved the story. As always, it was a much appreciated clean romance.
I loved that this book was about repentance and forgiveness. I also loved the story. As always, it was a much appreciated clean romance.
dnf
August 29, 2023I'm not feeling this book. I wasn't a fan of the writing. Some of the dialogue didn't feel natural at all. Not for me.
October 9, 2021
One thing I especially enjoyed is this series is based primarily in Lexington, Kentucky. Having lived there for several years, it is easy to place events to the actual locations even though those locations in my mind are seen from the late 1960s to - mid-1970s. Doesn't matter, it's still great. As for the stories themselves, it is fascinating to read about this dynastic family. Curl up in your favorite chair with a nice hot cup of tea and settle in for a lot of reading pleasure.
March 21, 2020
I liked this book although the main issue was a lack of communication. Just be honest people! Kisses and some religious references.
January 16, 2020
It's just not possible to go wrong with Brooke St. James! I love all her books and this one did not disappoint. Ms. St. James has the ability to draw her readers in from the first page, taking them on a journey through the boy-meets-girl world. Her use of first person point of view gives the reader insight into the thoughts and feelings of the main character. But she intersperses that POV with third person of the other MC, keeping the reader in the know as the story progresses. Like other families in Ms. St. James's world, the Tanners seem like the kind of people you want to meet and be friends with. This story of Allison's struggle with feeling worthy to be a part of Zeke Tanner's life felt real. What impresses me most with Ms. St. James's approach is how her characters see a problem and work to solve it. Allison knew she needed to come clean with Zeke about her past and she did it when it was evident he wanted their relationship to move to the next level. She didn't hide it, but owned it and allowed him to still love her inspite of it. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
February 8, 2020
Loved it!
I’m a little biased though because I already know I will love any romance Brooke St. James cares to write.
This is the start of the Tanner family series. Zeke Tanner is the eldest child of Ezekiel and Rhonda Tanner. And boy did they raise him right. Zeke is a confident, caring man who falls for Allison almost before he met her, because he adores the Strawberry Shortcake she makes. Allison is a pastry chef and she too is a confident person. Except when it comes to the Tanner family.
Zeke initiates a relationship with Allison. He senses she likes him but at the same time she seems pretty standoffish with him. What gives? He slowly makes headway with Allison and she is falling desperately for him but...
Zeke is confused and hurt but...here is the best part about him...he won’t give up on Allison. Eventually the truth about Allison’s behavior is revealed and she fully expects Zeke and his family to reject her. Not so.
The happy ending is wonderful and fulfilling. The reader will definitely want to find out if Rhonda and Ezekiel have any more sons as perfect as Zeke. I hope so!
I’m a little biased though because I already know I will love any romance Brooke St. James cares to write.
This is the start of the Tanner family series. Zeke Tanner is the eldest child of Ezekiel and Rhonda Tanner. And boy did they raise him right. Zeke is a confident, caring man who falls for Allison almost before he met her, because he adores the Strawberry Shortcake she makes. Allison is a pastry chef and she too is a confident person. Except when it comes to the Tanner family.
Zeke initiates a relationship with Allison. He senses she likes him but at the same time she seems pretty standoffish with him. What gives? He slowly makes headway with Allison and she is falling desperately for him but...
Zeke is confused and hurt but...here is the best part about him...he won’t give up on Allison. Eventually the truth about Allison’s behavior is revealed and she fully expects Zeke and his family to reject her. Not so.
The happy ending is wonderful and fulfilling. The reader will definitely want to find out if Rhonda and Ezekiel have any more sons as perfect as Zeke. I hope so!
September 15, 2019
Sweet story about guilt and forgiveness
As a young kid Allison made a mistake that still haunts her to this day. She struggles to move on and let her past not dictate her future or who she can love but it’s an uphill battle. Zeke was very patient and single minded in his pursuit of Allison. Being that Allison was a pastry chef, all the talk of desserts made me want some late night cake! I liked the twists in the story. Very well written. Enjoyable book! Can’t wait to read the other stories to come!
G, clean and wholesome
As a young kid Allison made a mistake that still haunts her to this day. She struggles to move on and let her past not dictate her future or who she can love but it’s an uphill battle. Zeke was very patient and single minded in his pursuit of Allison. Being that Allison was a pastry chef, all the talk of desserts made me want some late night cake! I liked the twists in the story. Very well written. Enjoyable book! Can’t wait to read the other stories to come!
G, clean and wholesome
December 7, 2019
Sweet clean romance
Allison is a pastry chef with a secret she is ashamed of and Zeke is the sweet guy from her past that she’s never gotten over. Very nice, clean romance. Surprisingly, there were several typos and at least one inappropriate use of a word, which seems strange for such a prolific writer. But I didn’t let it take away my enjoyment of the story. And I liked the Christian message of forgiveness.
Allison is a pastry chef with a secret she is ashamed of and Zeke is the sweet guy from her past that she’s never gotten over. Very nice, clean romance. Surprisingly, there were several typos and at least one inappropriate use of a word, which seems strange for such a prolific writer. But I didn’t let it take away my enjoyment of the story. And I liked the Christian message of forgiveness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews