Checked Out

by Hazel James

Tuesday Collins was born to stand out.



As a college graduate, she’s *thisclose* to achieving her childhood dream of becoming a reporter. Too bad that breaking into the news world is harder than she thought.



With no job offers, she’s back in Idaho. That’s where she meets Jack Price and his seriously talented hands. Things get even better when she lands a spot at Channel 3 with her idol, local hotshot Blaine Stavros.



Suddenly, moving home isn’t such a bad idea—except for the part about walking into a rivalry fourteen years in the making.



Jack Price wants to blend in.



Growing up with a stutter and a bully for a neighbor meant he found out the hard way just how cruel kids could be.



Years later, he’s enjoying the quiet life as director of the local library. That’s where he meets Tuesday Collins and her megawatt personality. Everything’s great until she lands a spot at Channel 3 with his childhood nemesis.



Suddenly, he’s forced to choose what’s worth holding on to—a lifelong grudge or the girl of a lifetime?

Genres: Romance, Rom Com, Humor

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2020

About the author

Hazel James owes her writing career to her 12th grade English teacher, who wrote, “You should consider a career in writing” on the top of her short story. As a kid who grew up bringing books to the dinner table, Hazel took that advice to heart and became a journalist in the Army.

Years later, Hazel read four books that gave her the courage to begin writing her own novels: Divergent by Veronica Roth, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, and Bright Side by Kim Holden.

Hazel is best known for her military romance novels, which weave in pieces of her husband’s Army career and journey with PTSD. Connecting with readers and promoting the importance of mental health awareness will always be the biggest highlight of her career.

Hazel lives in Tampa Bay, Florida with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she can be found knee-deep in a DIY project (usually accompanied by 90s music and a Diet Coke).

For a list of upcoming events, go to www.authorhazeljames.com.

Instagram and TikTok:@realhazeljames

Facebook: www.facebook.com/realhazeljames

Reader group: www.facebook.com/groups/hazelsnuts

Reviews

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Zing went the strings of my heart! I loved this book to the moon and back!! It was like a breath of fresh spring air that brings a bright bouquet of colors with it.

A cast full of delightful, sweet, eccentric characters -- both young and old(er) -- who'll pitter-patter their way into your heart with their lovable antics and helpful shoves. The main characters are vibrant and amazing. I swear Jack is one of my most favorite beta-heroes ever! Although he has his own brand of quirks, he still lands on the side of well-adjusted and respectful, intelligent and can be tough when needed. And Tuesday was just as lovable, feisty, talented and a go-getter -- but loyal and trustworthy. Together they were a perfect match.

From start to finish, a well-balanced blend of happy, humorous, and sweet with just a touch of angst -- while demonstrating a great life lesson on resilience.

My only complaint is that I wanted so much more. The ending slipped up on me way too fast. I was yelling for more of Jack and Tuesday's future. And that cost this book half a star.

Now get ready-set-go! One-click for an unmissable big-hearted love story that I guarantee will leave readers with a warm-cuddly-blanket effect.

[Lindsey Domokur · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a light read, this is the one for you! I love Hazel's humor and this one will pick you right up. Jack and Tuesday are adorable. Tuesday just wants to be heard in her field of journalism and Jack wants to stay hidden. Tuesday is the best thing that has happened to him, in my opinion, because she causes him to get out of his comfort zone and so things he is scared of. They both challenge each other in the best way, but the support they show one another is the best part. These two put a smile on my face and will make you believe in love!

[M.E. Carter]

You guys are going to love this one.

[Alyson Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, funny, and just the right amount of heat, Checked Out is the trifecta of a feel-good good story that left me rooting for humanity beyond the pages. My world just feels brighter from knowing Tuesday Collins and Jack Price.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jack and Tuesday’s story. Tuesday is kind, sweet, and caring, and has just graduated from college, and hopes she achieves her dream of becoming a journalist, so with no offers coming, she heads back home. Jack had a tough time growing up with a stutter, and bullying, and he is now shy, kind, funny, and intelligent and is the director of the local library. Jack and Tuesday cross paths in the library, and the sparks fly. Tuesday sees through Jack’s façade to the wonderful man he is, and they bring out the best of each other and compliment each other perfectly, while constantly challenging each other. This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, endearing, and light-hearted, with trust, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy, delightful page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Tuesday, she's finally a college graduate but getting a job as a reporter isn't going well so she ends up back in Idaho. Jack Price just wants to blend in after his childhood taught him cruelty when it comes to others. He's the director of a local library living a quiet life when Tuesday crashes into his life. These two were super cute together as they were perfect for each other but then life takes another turn. She gets a job at the news station that has his childhood enemy working at so things get complicated since he's not quite past that childhood. Checked Out was a sweet story with a lot of humor, and not heavy on the angst. Nope, it was light & heartfelt so I really enjoyed it quite a bit. This is a story that would turn a bad day around since it left a smile on my face! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHECKED OUT is the first Hazel James book I’ve read, and I’ll definitely be reading more. This book is cute, sweet, steamy, and funny, which is everything I was hoping to find in it. Hazel has a talent for one-line jokes that come out of nowhere and make you laugh aloud. Her sexy scenes make you want to fan yourself. And the heart of the characters is so organic it felt like I’ve met them, or would like to meet them, in real life. Some of the lines I wanted to highlight for their beauty, others because they made me snort.

[Denise Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute Sweet Read!!

First of all, I had to stop and go make some brownies! ;) but mine didn’t have any fun shapes!

Wow. I am so so so happy I read this book. Blown. Away. I met Hazel at a book signing last year but hadn’t had a chance to read any of her work yet. Then her book baby came out here. And it kept nagging in the back of my mind to read it. I’m SO GLAD I DID!!!

Tuesday and Jack are such swoon worthy characters. Tuesday has her own way of being comical and serious at the same time. Plus her current job and her dream job are those that aren’t common jobs in the book world I felt. She has all the perfect comebacks to truly compliment Jack well. BUT SO DOES JACK! Jack compliments Tuesday so perfectly they just jive so well. They’re both shy in their own little ways but that doesn’t stop them. Jack is total book boyfriend worthy in my eyes, and I claim him! Ha! His job I found was so much better than those of from other authors. It just WORKED for him. Hazel was able to bring out the best in these characters and had me snorting and chuckling the whole way through this rom-com.

I highly recommend this sweet, perfect rom-com to anyone who needs a light read right now... which, we all obviously do right now.

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel James has provided us with just what the doctor ordered. In these trying times, Hazel has delivered a breath of fresh air to us. Her recipe for the love story of Tuesday and James has the exact amount of sweet and sassy, romantic and steamy, and of course let's not forget that dash of angst just to spice things up. Tuesday has returned to Idaho after college with a search to fulfill her dreams to be a newscaster. James is also from the area and has settled on a quiet life as the director of the library. He suffered from a stutter growing up and he would prefer a life in the shadows doing what he loves. When their worlds collide it sets off a sparks that put in motion the very different plans that fate has set out for them. Because this story has so much more than humor, I hesitate to label it as a rom-com, but when you hit "The End" you will definitely walk away feeling refreshed, lighthearted and with a "spring in your step".

[Darlene Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checked Out by Hazel James is absolutely hilarious and endearing.

You will love Tuesday & Jack. And you’ll wish you had an Aunt Alma and a niece Olivia.

These two had me in stitches!

Not to mention the other supporting characters that make this book a treasure.

Ms James does an excellent job of bringing you into these characters lives and making you invested. You’ll find yourself laughing with them, hurting with them, and celebrating with them.

But most of all, you’ll find yourself wanting more.

This is one book I’d love to see at least cameo appearances by these characters, so we can get more of them.

Absolutely loved!

4.5 Stars

[Megha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the branding for this book is way off. Whatever you think this is going to be, it’s 100 times more wholesome and more cute. Jack Price is the most perfect character written into existence. If people like jack existed in real life, I don’t know what I would do.
The romance in this novel is not anything remarkable, but it’s just so freaking perfect. There’s no unnecessary drama. There’s no annoying humor. There’s just a romance story that feels so genuine, and the story makes you shake with genuine laughter.
This makes me happy.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this book so much. I laughed so many times - much to the chagrin of my dogs. It was nice to escape the reality of life right now. Hazel James has so much talent and seeing her sass in these characters was amazing! If you're looking for a book to help you escape for a few hours, I highly recommend reading this one!! You won't be disappointed!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to love it but I didn't. But I didn't hate it either. It's most likely my mood so I'm not faulting the author for that! It was well written and I liked the characters so it's a 3.5 from me.

[Megan | A Page to Turn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh. Sweet jack. I love this story so much; so heartwarming and slow burn & perfect! I loved all the endearing side characters too; especially Taylor and Olivia, and Aunt Alma.

[Kristin N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked both the main characters. Easy read. Enjoyable.

[Sian Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨

A hot bookdaddy enables his job-hopping neighbour

𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛

Fun
Lighthearted

𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛

Bullies
Swapping between present and past tense continuously

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨

Romcom
Neighbours to lovers
Opposites attract ish

𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨

All Tuesday has ever wanted is to be a reporter, and all Jack has ever wanted is to 𝘯���𝘵 be the centre of attention, especially in the form of public speaking.

So Tuesday decides to help get him ready for a speech he’s been asked to make, and because Jack wants Tuesday in all the ways on all the days, he agrees to try her methods.

These two were so cute. I loved the ideas behind Tuesday’s blog and how it brought her and Jack closer together. And Jack was so supportive of her that was willing to live in discomfort if it meant that she was happy.

It’s a super fun, lighthearted read with a great dose of humour and dynamic characters. Great for a pick-me-up!

The only real negative was the author changing between past and present tense throughout the whole book, sometimes even within the same sentence. And of course Dicky Dick was a big negative, but a necessary one as the villain of the story!

Also is it just me or was anyone else a bit thrown by Tuesday apparently constantly changing jobs?

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨

🤤🤤🤤🤤
💦💦
🤣🤣🤣
😭
🌟🌟🌟💫

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In preparation for attending the Holidays with the Belles book signing in Dallas next month, I am reading several new-to-me authors who will be attending. When I looked up Ms. James, this book sounded adorable and it really, really was. It is written in first person with an alternating dual POV.

Jack is the most awesome hero. He is a little shy, a little lacking in confidence in some areas, and that only makes him more likable. He is handsome, intelligent, kind, and has an amazing sense of humor. I fell hard for him. Luckily, so did Tuesday. She sees Jack for the good man he is and falls for him hard and fast. I love that they build a solid friendship and trust along the way. I love that their black moment is really more of a gray moment. I love the way they are together and the HEA is incredibly sweet.

I giggled throughout this book. This could totally be a Hallmark movie if the couple of bedroom scenes were fade to black. I love the bit of steam with the open door scenes, though, so don't do that. This was a feel good read that left me smiling from ear to ear. It was exactly what I needed.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very light and cute read, filled with the character complexities you have grown to expect if you have read any of Hazel's other works. In this we meet Jack-the nerd with a childhood stutter turned hunky librarian and Tuesday-the recent college grad who moved home with the dreams to become the next Diane Sawyer. Chance meeting turned instasparks- Tuesday was looking to learn sign language for her video blog, Jack was the teacher due to his best friend being deaf( I mean what better bestie for someone who stuttered then someone who couldn't hear it). Tuesday and her sass take Jack by surprise- hes used to being the one that never gets the girl, until old enemies come back to haunt him in the form of his old bully turned Tuesday's idol. Does he tell her the truth and hope he still has the girl in the end or does he keep it to himself and hope she never finds out? Filled with heart, spunk, old enemies and proof that the good guys sometimes do get the girls in the end, if you need a quick read this one is for you! - By Carli

[Simone Mcphail · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN RELATED NEWS: I loved EVERYTHING about this book!!!

I'm pretty easily pleased, I figure if you've taken time and effort to put thousands of words onto pages andvarranged them into a love story, then I'm already impressed. What Hazel has done here is, well, she's taken that love story and lifted it to next level. There wasn't a part of this story I didn't love.

New romance, old new romance, witty banter that was so easy to read it was effortless. And good! The goodness level in this book should have hurt my teeth it was so sweet, but it didn't. It made me smile with love heart eyes and turned me to warm gushy goo.

Jack and Tuesday are one of my favourite couples of this year and Checked Out has been added to the re-read list!!

I want to know these people, I want to live in their world. Jack and

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute quick read

This is such a fun HEA.

Jack is a librarian with a stutter and low self esteem. Tuesday is a pink wearing ball of energy that wants to be a reporter. Together they have a quirky relationship that shows how love can look.

The writing in this book is excellent. It’s a light read with some spice and lots of laughs. Sometimes writing in dual POV can overlap but both of these characters had their own unique points of view and never did I feel the internal dialogue overlapped.

I will also say the resolve is wonderful - this book did away with the typical formulaic HEA and gave a new spin on the damsel in distress. Heroines who rescue themselves are much more enjoyable than those who need the hero.

I am officially claiming Jack as my book boyfriend. Everyone should have an Aunt Alma in their lives.

[Chantelle Bouffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is Jack and Tuesday's story. Jack is a librarian with a stutter and low self-esteem. Tuesday is a pink wearing ball of energy that wants to be a reporter. When they crossed paths in the library, boy does the sparks fly. Jack and Tuesday start hanging out and realize they have feelings for each other. They are a powerhouse duo that will melt your heart and have you grinning like a loon. This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, endearing, and light-hearted, with trust, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy, delightful page turner. I highly recommend reading this one! Keep up the awesome work. Can't wait to read more of this author’s books!

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUN READ!
This is Jack and Tuesday's story. Jack is a librarian with a stutter and low self-esteem. Tuesday is a pink wearing ball of energy that wants to be a reporter. When they crossed paths in the library, boy does the sparks fly. Jack and Tuesday start hanging out and realize they have feelings for each other. They are a powerhouse duo that will melt your heart and have you grinning like a loon. This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, endearing, and light-hearted, with trust, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy, delightful page turner. I highly recommend reading this one! Keep up the awesome work. Can't wait to read more of this author’s books!

REVIEW BY CHANTELLE

[Karie Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed

Of you ever needed a romcom this is it! I loved Jack and Tuesday so much. They were exciting and refreshing. Jack didn't know how boring his life was until he met his neighbor Tuesday. Dungeness energetic and fun. He was amazingly sweet and handsome. I can't wait for you to fall in love with these two as much as I did.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Cute Stars

Let me start by saying, I enjoyed this book. It was adorable and cutesy and had a few laugh out loud moments. It just left me feeling like there was a little something more I wanted, but it was still a fun read.

[Amanda T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good!

I was a little bored with this one and it was hard staying with it. Overall, I thought it was cute and I kind of love that there wasn’t really any conflict between the two main characters.

[Ami Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Hazel James. She has this way of telling stories, that stays with me. So I knew she was exactly what I needed to get out of my reading slump.
Checked out is cute and smart and quirky and sexy. It's exactly what I needed and had me grinning throughout majority of the book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I liked the story but I didn't feel a great connection with it. The sex scenes were very bland and the story did not have a big storyline. It was a little boring. However, the story is good for when you want to read something light and fun.

[Christina Pannell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. Strangers to friends to so much more. There is a bit of drama added in there and some comedy as well.

[Ashley Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tuesday and Jacks story is the definition of rom-com. I loved that there wasn’t a lot of drama! I laughed more in this book than I have in a long time. Thank you Hazel for another great read!

[McKenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, light read