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Morning Man

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After draining her savings, moving 300 miles and then being dumped on arrival by her boyfriend, Dayna Cook vows to stop falling for the radio jocks she works with. But then Dayna’s new boss reassigns her to co-host Hot Country 103’s morning show with the cocky but irresistible Tack Collins and her hormones start backpedaling.

As Wake Up with Tack and Dayna kicks into high gear, so does the duo’s mutual lust. The boss warns them that knocking boots will kill the sexual tension that drives listeners to tune in to their show – then clamps down with a chastity belt of an offer: stay out of bed until the ratings period ends in exchange for a big, fat bonus. For Dayna, it means a sure-fire way to get back on her feet (and back at her ex). For Tack, it means the longest, most frustrating summer of his life.

Without being able to gratify their intensifying desire, the pair’s sizzling attraction deviates in an entirely unexpected direction fraught with secret trysts, jealous radio groupies, a remorseful ex-boyfriend and a resentful former co-host as Tack and Dayna discover that genuine feelings create more static than casual sex ever could.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

3 people are currently reading
530 people want to read

About the author

Barbara Kellyn

9 books83 followers
Canadian romcom author Barbara Kellyn writes funny, steamy stories about likeable heroines worth rooting for and alluring heroes worth the trouble of falling for, and is tickled that readers have crowned her “the Queen of Banter.”

Barbara has published five, full-length standalone romantic comedy novels and two holiday novellas, including Kobo Originals' 2024 Holiday Romcom Writing Contest winner, Polar Opposites, and thanks her lucky stars that she got her happily ever after in real life.

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5 stars
35 (67%)
4 stars
10 (19%)
3 stars
3 (5%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
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2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Julia Blake.
Author 19 books176 followers
July 1, 2022
I’ve read books by this author before and very much enjoy her light, breezy style of writing and “Morning Man” was no exception. When Dayna follows her boyfriend halfway across the country expecting to start a new job and settle down with him in domestic bliss, to say she’s shocked to discover he’s had a change of heart is an understatement. Although given what a useless article said boyfriend is, I wouldn’t have followed him across the street let alone several state lines.

Then a twist of fate places Dayna on the morning show with local country heartthrob Tack Collins and the sparks fly. Loving the feisty and frisky innuendo-laden banter that ricochets between the pair, the station manager makes them an offer they can’t refuse. Keep the sexual tension on the airwaves and out of the bedroom, and she will make it financially worth their while.

Unable to refuse because a certain ex-boyfriend has left her homeless, Dayna has no idea how hard it’s going to be to say no to Tack’s winning ways. But can true love blossom out of a mere chemical reaction? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

A fabulously fun and flirty read, this is a book to curl up and forget the real world with and deserves the frisky five stars I’m awarding it.
Profile Image for Julie Embleton.
Author 20 books77 followers
July 9, 2021
Dayna Cook has driven 300 miles to move in with her boyfriend, only to learn he’s done with their relationship. Furious he didn’t have the courage to tell her before she squashed her life into her VW Beetle, she forges ahead, determined to succeed with her new job at the local radio station. Dayna has sworn off radio jocks, but Tack Collins, her new co-host and flirt extraordinaire, leaves her floundering.
Show ratings soar as high as the sexual tension, but when management steps in, Dayna and Tack soon find themselves facing the most frustrating summer of their lives.

After reading Kellyn’s Deja You, I had to treat myself to another of her brilliantly engaging romantic comedies. Morning Man didn’t disappoint. I love a capable female lead character who can hold her own, and Dayna delivers, especially in her male-dominated workplace where she drops innuendos as good as—if not better than—her co-workers.

The banter between Dayna and Tack is hilarious and sexy. The electricity between them sparks off the page. It’s easy to root for these two. They’re both wickedly fun yet sweet, and the clever sub-plots not only rounds out their personalities, but brings extra layers to this read making it more than just a romance.

Morning Man is a sizzling, flirty and solid read. There’s no cheese or fluff, just honest, messy emotions and situations that Kellyn crafts into a believable story. It’s lighthearted, but realistic, sexy, yet sweet. All in all, Morning Man has everything you want from a romance read. I blew through this in two days, so can definitely recommend to romance fans who like an intelligent read.
Profile Image for Joanie Lunsford.
Author 1 book19 followers
June 9, 2022
The coffee is not the only thing steaming hot.

A newly created A.M. Radio Show wasted no time generating heat through the airwaves. Newsreader Dayna Cook was purposefully partnered with Tack Collins, a Morning Man, to do just that.

The funny flirtation between the charming duo engages listeners in amusement. The chemistry is sending sparks flying inside the station. Sparks that do not remain behind when the workday is done. I remained tuned in the whole time to see the development and how it eventually played out.

Next up, I want to speak about another area in which the hosts teamed up. The jovial and positive demeaner expressed by a homeless man named Abel combined with the life story he shared touched the pair to the degree of wanting to help. There is no act of kindness too small to make a difference, but they found themselves wanting to do more. The manner in which Abel imparts his wisdom about love makes him humorous and his contribution of relationship advice priceless.

Barbara Kellyn shines at combining moments of laughter, anticipation and feel good vibes all in one story.
Profile Image for Bruce Spydar.
Author 11 books39 followers
October 6, 2021
Chemistry … Oh Yes!!!
The words on the front cover ‘On-air chemistry brought them together, but sexual chemistry keeps them apart,’ are a perfect intro for this story.
Dayna is the newbie at the radio station, Tack is the established local celebrity. Their boss spots an instant vibe and throws them together for the morning slot, while side-lining Tack’s regular partner. The Tack-Dayna chemistry starts to sizzle and, in order to protect the spice and grow the ratings, the boss slaps down a financial incentive to prevent them from sleeping together.
Wow! This is such a story of building attraction, anticipation, frustration and … well, you’ll have to read it for yourself to see the climax. This is the third book I have enjoyed from Barbara Kellyn … and I’m craving the next release.
Profile Image for Garry Michael.
Author 11 books402 followers
April 10, 2021
Why is this not a movie yet?

Morning man is one of the best romantic comedy books I have ever read and I’ve read plenty over the years.

Romance as a genre is uniquely formulaic and that is not a slight because I write on this genre too, but it’s the author’s job to tell a story that will keep readers engaged knowing how it’s going to end. Barbara Kelly’s Morning Man did just that. The radio station setting is fresh and sets the tone for witty dialogue and banter that’ll make you grin like a maniac.

This book is worthy of film adaptation as it’s that good.

Did I mention that the characters are sexy and together, they are on fire.

I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Devin Sloane.
Author 29 books218 followers
July 26, 2021
Well! Good morning!

By far, Morning Man is my favourite of Barbara Kellyn’s books. Like Tack, she hit it out of the park with this one! I only wish Dayna and Tack’s show existed in real life. The banter between the two of them was fire and their relationship was sweet and sexy. Thanks to Bonnie for the slow burn!
Profile Image for Carmen Boyer.
48 reviews8 followers
November 14, 2021
I LOVE this book!
It's smart, funny, and snappy. The tension and build up are perfect, and the characters drew me in right out of the gate. I'm obsessed with Tack, and Dayna is one of my fave heroines ever, I think. Seriously, I'll read again. Barbara Kellyn lives up to her witty banter hype. I'm headed to read Forever Endeavor next!
Profile Image for From My Perspective.
17 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2025
Morning Man was so much fun to read! Tack and Dayna are great characters individually, but together they shine. Whether on air or off, their chemistry and witty banter kept my attention all the way through Labor Day. 😉
Profile Image for Janet Olson.
Author 6 books17 followers
July 27, 2021
After suffering a bad  breakup, Dayna is starting over, while still living with her ex, CJ, who is also in the radio business. She has a new job she likes at a country music radio station, and a hot colleague named Tack, who's reputation preceeds him. Dayna and Tack's banter was so funny and clever... I loved their interactions. In fact they are so great that they get their own radio show! When things start to heat up, not only does CJ decide he wants Dayna back, but the station starts to notice, and is afraid that if Dayna and Tack are a thing, the chemistry will vanish. They are so worried in fact, they lay a cash prize on the line. Meanwhile, Dayna is receiving odd threats. Could it be from a female fan of Tack's, or CJ? You'll be kept on your toes until the end. And boy is that ending a nail biter!
85 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2021
This was a fun, fast read. Thanks to the Goodreads Giveaways program for my copy, this is my honest review.
The main setting of the book is a radio station, with Dayna and Tack the morning jocks. Dayna has recently moved to town (just to be immediately dumped by her boyfriend) and begins her new job determined not to ever get involved with another radio jock. Tack is a "love 'em and lose 'em) kind of guy, with a bad reputation among the women at the station. Despite their best efforts, the attraction and sexual chemistry is immediate and intense.
Once their boss assigns them to the same programming hour, things get heated.
The banter was fun, the attraction realistic and the characters likeable.
Yes, there were a lot of steamy moments, but underneath it all was a sweet story.
Profile Image for Kandice DeLuccy.
Author 1 book25 followers
August 13, 2021
Since I'm a romance book reader I thought this book was right up my alley. I never read a romcom before, only watched them in movies. But, since it was a romance novel, it looked like something fun to read. Now having read it, I understand why this book received a lot of hype. It's romantic, funny, and a page turner! It started up quick at chapter one. There after, I saw myself staying up late because I couldn't put the book down. Toward the middle of the book until the end was my favorite. I dont want to give anything away, so just read the book for yourself and you'll see what I mean! You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Nikki.
6 reviews
January 7, 2021
I adored this book! There's nothing better than a fun and flirty romantic comedy that makes you laugh out loud. Morning man is both lighthearted and sexy; the perfect combination. From the first page I was drawn into it and immediately felt like I was getting a sneak peek into the radio world. The chemistry between Tack and Dayna is superb and it’s impressive how the author conveys this so skillfully.
Profile Image for Kristy Mallory.
Author 6 books10 followers
June 4, 2021
I was so looking forward to this book as the premise reminded me of one I'd read many years ago (thirty?). Morning Man didn't disappoint! Full of witty banter, lots of innuendo, and more chemistry than a high school science lab, this book was fun from beginning to end. Add to that very likeable characters that you would want to be friends with, and a secondary plot line that would melt the coldest of hearts, and you have a great summer read.
Profile Image for Jess Molyneux.
Author 3 books11 followers
August 30, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. When Tack and Dayna present the breakfast show together, the listeners can hear the sexual tension over the airwaves, but when the station boss imposes a sex ban, it's going to be hard and they don't know if they can keep it up... this is a book you've love if you like your romance real, full of sharp banter between the two main characters and with a dash of drama and humour along the way. It'd make a great film!
51 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2021
Loved it

I don't read a lot of romance, but this one really worked for me. Tack and Dayna were an adorable duo and the chemistry between them was fantastic. I really enjoyed the "behind the scenes" look at radio station life. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a steamy romance as well as those who are curious.
1 review
September 25, 2020
I’ve often wondered what goes on behind the scenes with those radio personalities. And Morning Man doesn’t disappoint. Loved the sexy chemistry and banter between Tack and Dayna.
This funny romantic story was a great read!!
Profile Image for Diana Chabai-Booker.
11 reviews
January 6, 2021
I tore right into Morning Man as soon as I got it and couldn't put it down! Don't want to give away all the juicy spoilers, but you'll fall in love with Tack and Dayna and all the tension! A perfect weekend read.
Profile Image for Lili Grouse.
Author 17 books25 followers
February 23, 2021
Such a fun story with a lot of tension, banter, and heartwarming tales! I'll definitely be reading more from Barbara Kellyn in the future.
Profile Image for Tiffany Andrea.
Author 20 books89 followers
April 13, 2021
Laugh out loud hilarious

This is probably my favourite rom-com to date. It was absolutely hilarious and the chemistry between Dayna and Tack was perfection. I loved every minute.
Profile Image for Vikki Alexander.
Author 3 books29 followers
August 6, 2021
Loved this romcom. It was the perfect read for my beach vacation. I loved the hidden mystery!
Profile Image for Jessi.
Author 41 books172 followers
June 1, 2012
A hot jock and a mouthy, new-to-town radio babe have incredible on-air chemistry, earning their mid-market country station unheard-of ratings. But if they hop in the sack together, their show will go the way of Cheers when Sam and Diane finally did it. Unwilling to risk their show's popularity, they embark on a relationship that is as packed with inuendo as their morning show, Wake Up with Tack and Dayna.

I loved, loved this book. It is incredibly hard to write believable dialog. It is even harder to get this finecky reader to laugh out loud. Barbara Kellyn did both. She earned my trust as a reader from page one and kept me hooked right up to the tension-packed ending. Seriously, Morning Man has it all, great setting, honest, believable plot, and compelling characters with jobs that actually show up on the page and drive their story.

Wishing I could wake up with Tack and Dayna in real life!
Profile Image for Kellie Kamryn.
Author 49 books74 followers
January 14, 2021
A sassy heroine and a smooth talking hero make the pages sizzle with sexual tension!

Dayna Cook is the epitome of a strong female, owning her mistakes and wanting to forge a new life for herself when a move to another state didn't turn out the way she expected. From the get-go, she holds her own in a male dominated workplace. Her co-worker, Tack Collins, matches her wit but we aren't left wanting when the author quickly shows us his softer side. I love a romance where the characters admit their feelings and don't keep each other guessing. As a reader, I was hooked, wondering where their adventures would take them, and turning the pages to see if they'd choose love over anything else.

I highly recommend Morning Man to all the romance lovers out there. Ms. Kellyn has penned a tale that is a pleasure to read from beginning to end!
Profile Image for Gary.
Author 1 book9 followers
February 14, 2022
Sweet, sexy and genuinely funny

This is a light-hearted, slow-burn romance from Barbara Kellyn. Unlike most so-called rom-coms, which rarely raise more than a smile, Morning Man is often laugh out loud funny. There’s enough tension to pull you through a delightful story, a great leading man, who’s struggling to hide his true, softer nature; best of all, there’s a funny, feisty leading lady who has you rooting for her from the start. Ms Kellyn also writes some of the best dialogue I’ve read in ages. My first book by this author, but definitely not my last.
4 reviews
August 22, 2021
Definitely some of the funniest banter I've read in awhile. Plus Kellyn gives us window into a world not often covered in romance novels - thank you Barbara for taking me inside the radio booth.
Profile Image for Louise.
161 reviews13 followers
January 1, 2022
Oh Tack!

This slow-burning romance has laughs, frustrating bits and is a page-turner for sure! I love all Ms Kellyns work so far: one to grab when you can! Morning, man!
452 reviews
June 6, 2022
Why did I leave this book unread in my Kindle for so long? Read it in one gulp, nice story, nice characters, smooth writing style, a relaxing and funny read.
Profile Image for Nicole Sharp.
Author 13 books39 followers
December 4, 2023
Barbara Kellyn is a quick witted, fun, engaging writer that pulls you into her stories quickly and keeps you there until the bitter end. I say bitter, because I always hate when her books are done. I wasn’t sure where she was going with this storyline, but I didn't care, because I knew Kellyn's author prowess would take me some where wonderful. And she didn't disappoint. I'll say it again, Kellyn's books continue to be well written, fun, and thoroughly engaging.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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