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Marsden #1
Down on Love
Welcome to Marsden...where every resident has an opinion about whom you should date. And will share it with you. Even if you don’t ask.
Georgiana Down isn’t interested in romance, thank you very much. Newly single after escaping a toxic, emotionally abusive ex, George is perfectly happy being alone, running her successful blog, Down on Love, where she gives gloves-off advice to the lovelorn. And baking the occasional pie as, you know, therapy. When her sister Sera wages a campaign to get her to return to their small hometown of Marsden, a place George had fled fifteen years earlier, it’s the last thing George wants to do. But the pull of family is strong...and no one ever truly escapes the eccentric, insular, odd little town in the heart of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Maybe she can cope if she avoids gossipy neighbors...and one particular Marsden resident who broke her heart years ago...
Casey Bowen would know George Down’s unusual pink car anywhere...but he never expected to see it tearing through the streets of Marsden long after George left town and never looked back. Casey manages to escape with his toes intact, but his heart is another matter. As a teenager, Casey had been fascinated by the ethereal, mysterious George, but he never made a move on his friend’s younger sister...until one fateful night....After that, everything went sideways, and George and Casey went on to live very different lives.
Now they’re both back in Marsden, both single...and the attraction is still there. George and Casey could have a second chance at happiness...as long as their meddling neighbors don’t screw everything up.
Georgiana Down isn’t interested in romance, thank you very much. Newly single after escaping a toxic, emotionally abusive ex, George is perfectly happy being alone, running her successful blog, Down on Love, where she gives gloves-off advice to the lovelorn. And baking the occasional pie as, you know, therapy. When her sister Sera wages a campaign to get her to return to their small hometown of Marsden, a place George had fled fifteen years earlier, it’s the last thing George wants to do. But the pull of family is strong...and no one ever truly escapes the eccentric, insular, odd little town in the heart of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Maybe she can cope if she avoids gossipy neighbors...and one particular Marsden resident who broke her heart years ago...
Casey Bowen would know George Down’s unusual pink car anywhere...but he never expected to see it tearing through the streets of Marsden long after George left town and never looked back. Casey manages to escape with his toes intact, but his heart is another matter. As a teenager, Casey had been fascinated by the ethereal, mysterious George, but he never made a move on his friend’s younger sister...until one fateful night....After that, everything went sideways, and George and Casey went on to live very different lives.
Now they’re both back in Marsden, both single...and the attraction is still there. George and Casey could have a second chance at happiness...as long as their meddling neighbors don’t screw everything up.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
138 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Denker
11 books255 followersJayne Denker is the author of closed-door, low-spice romantic comedies. When she's not hard at work on another novel (or, rather, when she should be hard at work on another novel), she can usually be found frittering away stupid amounts of time on social media. Check in with her on Facebook (“Jayne Denker Author”), Twitter (@JDenkerAuthor), Instagram (@JayneDenkerAuthor), or her blog, jaynedenker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 4, 2013
*****4 1/2 Heartwarming Stars*****
ARC provided by the publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
What a wonderful - heartfelt story....I never wanted this book to end because there were so many "Ahhh" moments.
This book takes us through a journey with Georgiana while she learns how to love again. It is a journey of mending fences with her sister and learning how precious a baby's life can be. She also learns that she deserves the "right" type of love and can give her trust over to another man without losing herself. We watch as George breaks out of her shell and opens herself up to love again.
Georgiana starts a blog "Down on Love" after her messy breakup with her controlling boyfriend. She turns into a snarky blogger who "pshes" at romance with each letter a viewer sends her. She lives in Boston and hasn't been back to her small hometown in over 15 years. Until....her sister calls and begs her to come home to help out with her niece. George is petrified to return scared that she will be sucked back in to the black hole of small town living and guffaws at her old neighbors every chance she can get. George falls right into the daily mess of her hometown....learning that all the folks gossip now through text messaging and these buggers are right up in her space. Especially when she runs into Casey!! It's neighbor against neighbor voting for the two must eligible bachelorettes for Casey.
Who is Casey? George has been in love with Casey since she was a little girl tagging after her older sister and her friends. When George graduated from high school Casey kissed her and then ran off which broke George's heart. Casey tries to start up a relationship with her but George keeps her shields up and blocks his advances at every turn.
There are so many times while reading this book that I laughed so hard at some of the antics of the townspeople and George....then there were other times, I wanted to smack George upside her head and tell her "JUST GIVE HIM A CHANCE"
Why did I only rate this book 4 1/2 stars?? Well, it's obvious....I wanted more George and Casey!!
ARC provided by the publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
What a wonderful - heartfelt story....I never wanted this book to end because there were so many "Ahhh" moments.
This book takes us through a journey with Georgiana while she learns how to love again. It is a journey of mending fences with her sister and learning how precious a baby's life can be. She also learns that she deserves the "right" type of love and can give her trust over to another man without losing herself. We watch as George breaks out of her shell and opens herself up to love again.
Georgiana starts a blog "Down on Love" after her messy breakup with her controlling boyfriend. She turns into a snarky blogger who "pshes" at romance with each letter a viewer sends her. She lives in Boston and hasn't been back to her small hometown in over 15 years. Until....her sister calls and begs her to come home to help out with her niece. George is petrified to return scared that she will be sucked back in to the black hole of small town living and guffaws at her old neighbors every chance she can get. George falls right into the daily mess of her hometown....learning that all the folks gossip now through text messaging and these buggers are right up in her space. Especially when she runs into Casey!! It's neighbor against neighbor voting for the two must eligible bachelorettes for Casey.
Who is Casey? George has been in love with Casey since she was a little girl tagging after her older sister and her friends. When George graduated from high school Casey kissed her and then ran off which broke George's heart. Casey tries to start up a relationship with her but George keeps her shields up and blocks his advances at every turn.
There are so many times while reading this book that I laughed so hard at some of the antics of the townspeople and George....then there were other times, I wanted to smack George upside her head and tell her "JUST GIVE HIM A CHANCE"
Why did I only rate this book 4 1/2 stars?? Well, it's obvious....I wanted more George and Casey!!
January 30, 2016
I think it is more professional if I start saying that while reading this book I almost fell asleep. Down on love has to be one of those books where the reader enjoys the simple story in it rather than the reader enjoying the chemistry between the two main characters.
George is a woman who never looked back after she left her small town in pursue of the big city. Having bad luck in the boyfriend she decides to start a blog where she pours her thoughts. Soon after she gains audience and fame which she takes back when she finally gets the call from her sister asking her to go back home and help take care of her niece. Casey, a farm owner and a very very nice guy moved back into town almost two years and as soon as his high school sweetheart is divorced, the speculations start of the two of them getting back together. That was not his plan but the people of his town think so.
When after all these years George and Casey meet, the flame burns a little hot(well the author tried to portray that they were hot for each other) and they have to find a way to be together in their small town.
My main thought on this book is that the characters though very interesting in their own way lacked chemistry together. I wanted to see a lot of more passionate scenes and I do not mean in the bedroom but rather I wanted the two of them to have a strong connection which I felt was lacking. And I am pretty sure that for all of those who have read the book they have the same thoughts as mine when it comes to Casey…he should have been a little bit more manly and go after what he wants. He should have shown George that he wanted her in every way possible!
Anyhow, this dedicated reader recommends this book to those who
a) Love a simple story
b) Can take the time to read a book without any sex scenes
c) Who can handle a book I almost fell asleep while reading!
2 stars because there was potentially a good story in the book.
November 6, 2013
3.5 Enjoyable Stars
Down with Love was a very cute quirky story with likeable characters. This book was a winner for me as it addressed many concerns women go through while trying to find out who they really are.
Do we give all of ourselves to the people we love?
Do we know how it can sometimes turn into loosing the real essence of the girl who first fell in love? And the bigger question is how do we recover from the loss and heartbreak of thinking we were having our happily ever after only to learn it was a fraud.
Georgina, known as George, experiences all of these questions and comes up with answer that works for her; a blog entitled Down with Love. At first it was just an outlet to vent and workout the pain of her horrible relationship. She thought she would write and put down her feelings about all she experienced; and work things through. Little did she realize she would start to have a following; others who had had awful dating experiences would write in and share. Her mantra to all of her peeps was Dump his Ass. This was her standard cry.
This has a very sweet side … there is a small town which knows everyones’ business and are very verbal about it. There is a long lost love George had which impacted all of her behavior with men; a sister Sere, who has always felt George, was the golden child she had to watch over. She is an artist with a wonderfully open strong marriage with Jaz, her wife. As a biracial lesbian couple, they a have experienced it all. They watch George deal with being back in this community, adapting to small town life and her dormant feelings for Casey… the boy who has grown into a man.
Much happens and I enjoyed the ride. The characters were well thought out; the small town’s personality drove a lot of the story. There were many layers and thoughts about interpersonal relationships, forgiveness and love. I would recommend this for anyone who loves romance with a kick.
ARC provided by the publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
(Although, those are the only kind I write, whether the book was bought or given.... :D)
Down with Love was a very cute quirky story with likeable characters. This book was a winner for me as it addressed many concerns women go through while trying to find out who they really are.
Do we give all of ourselves to the people we love?
Do we know how it can sometimes turn into loosing the real essence of the girl who first fell in love? And the bigger question is how do we recover from the loss and heartbreak of thinking we were having our happily ever after only to learn it was a fraud.
Georgina, known as George, experiences all of these questions and comes up with answer that works for her; a blog entitled Down with Love. At first it was just an outlet to vent and workout the pain of her horrible relationship. She thought she would write and put down her feelings about all she experienced; and work things through. Little did she realize she would start to have a following; others who had had awful dating experiences would write in and share. Her mantra to all of her peeps was Dump his Ass. This was her standard cry.
This has a very sweet side … there is a small town which knows everyones’ business and are very verbal about it. There is a long lost love George had which impacted all of her behavior with men; a sister Sere, who has always felt George, was the golden child she had to watch over. She is an artist with a wonderfully open strong marriage with Jaz, her wife. As a biracial lesbian couple, they a have experienced it all. They watch George deal with being back in this community, adapting to small town life and her dormant feelings for Casey… the boy who has grown into a man.
Much happens and I enjoyed the ride. The characters were well thought out; the small town’s personality drove a lot of the story. There were many layers and thoughts about interpersonal relationships, forgiveness and love. I would recommend this for anyone who loves romance with a kick.
ARC provided by the publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
(Although, those are the only kind I write, whether the book was bought or given.... :D)
September 22, 2013
First off the guy on the cover totally reminds me of Josh Bowman from the show 'Revenge' so of course I needed to have this book (I keep telling ya'll I'm obsessed with book covers.) One scene in this book had me rolling over in laughter, "then she gasped and scrambled as a can of beans rolled out of one of those bags. She made a valiant grab for it, but she was never good at fielding. She bobbled the can, and it went even farther then it would have on it's own - straight into the worst possible spot for a metal can to hit a man." And to make matters worse George tried to help Casey relieve some of the pain, "George held the bag of peas above the area in peril as she nervously turned it one way, then another, trying to figure out what to do with it. Then he moved his hand from out between his legs, and George grabbed the opportunity to push the bag onto the spot at the base of his zipper....
"Stop...helping," he choked out."
Yeah... good scene. Casey really does care for George that he's willing to fix whatever problem she has, "what? Tell me what's wrong, I'll fix it -" This book did have funny moments, and cute and sweet moments but I felt like it was missing something I'm not sure what, but it was missing something.
"Stop...helping," he choked out."
Yeah... good scene. Casey really does care for George that he's willing to fix whatever problem she has, "what? Tell me what's wrong, I'll fix it -" This book did have funny moments, and cute and sweet moments but I felt like it was missing something I'm not sure what, but it was missing something.
July 13, 2016
2.5 Stars
What happens when a lover is scored? She turns to the internet to blog about it, of course. And that's exactly what Georgiana Down did. Her blog, Down on Love, started as an outlet for venting about her loser of an ex, but has turned into an advice blog of sorts. When Georgiana (George to her friends) gets called back to her hometown to help out her sister's family, she runs into Casey Bowen, her high school crush and old feelings resurface.
The love story between George and Casey was at times adorable. They had witty banter and played off of each other nicely. I liked them together - but separately was another story.
I adored Casey. He was smart, funny, charming, and admitted when he made mistakes. He admitted to George that he screwed up in the past, but he wants a chance to make up for it - to make it up to her. I also liked how much he loved his hometown. He went to college after high school, took a job in London, but ultimately realized his love was restoring his family farm into a tourist stop.
On the other hand, I did not really like George. I get that she had been hurt in the past, and yes, that does affect how you view future relationships, but George let it control her every move and though. Years ago, Casey kissed George at a high school party then he immediately freaked and left. George continues to hold this against him even though he's apologized and told her the reason why he left. Casey is constantly putting himself out there to prove his feelings for her, and all George does is whine and complain and tell him to go date his ex-girlfriend (to which she gets upset when she thinks he does). Ultimately I wanted Casey to not end up with her because she was so immature.
Then there was George's sister, Sera. While I loved her wife, Jax, Sera was another story. What exactly was her point here? Oh yes, to be that annoyingly rude sister. Obviously, because it wasn't like she was actually a mom to her daughter. The minute George arrived back home, Sera just handed off her baby. Feedings, diaper changes, naps, middle of the night wake up calls, everything George did. Then Sera had the nerve to get mad when her daughter reached for her aunt instead of her mother. Umm, maybe because you weren't acting like one?
The author did a great job of showing off the perks of living in a small town, however, it soon turned into Gilmore Girls x1000 with everyone assuming your business is theirs and they have a say in who you marry. There were times I enjoyed the town and times I wanted to pull my hair out and shout "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!".
Also, was there a reason that the female protagonist had a masculine name while the male protagonist had a feminine name? This did nothing for me expect to make me cringe every time I read George. Because while Casey is a fine name for either boy or girl, the name George is not very flattering on a female and it definitely took me out of the book a few times.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and Denker has a way with male/female banter that had me laughing out loud at many scenes. But I feel like in a romance novel, I should root for the couple to be together, and I just didn't feel it here.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review via Netgalley.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
What happens when a lover is scored? She turns to the internet to blog about it, of course. And that's exactly what Georgiana Down did. Her blog, Down on Love, started as an outlet for venting about her loser of an ex, but has turned into an advice blog of sorts. When Georgiana (George to her friends) gets called back to her hometown to help out her sister's family, she runs into Casey Bowen, her high school crush and old feelings resurface.
The love story between George and Casey was at times adorable. They had witty banter and played off of each other nicely. I liked them together - but separately was another story.
I adored Casey. He was smart, funny, charming, and admitted when he made mistakes. He admitted to George that he screwed up in the past, but he wants a chance to make up for it - to make it up to her. I also liked how much he loved his hometown. He went to college after high school, took a job in London, but ultimately realized his love was restoring his family farm into a tourist stop.
On the other hand, I did not really like George. I get that she had been hurt in the past, and yes, that does affect how you view future relationships, but George let it control her every move and though. Years ago, Casey kissed George at a high school party then he immediately freaked and left. George continues to hold this against him even though he's apologized and told her the reason why he left. Casey is constantly putting himself out there to prove his feelings for her, and all George does is whine and complain and tell him to go date his ex-girlfriend (to which she gets upset when she thinks he does). Ultimately I wanted Casey to not end up with her because she was so immature.
Then there was George's sister, Sera. While I loved her wife, Jax, Sera was another story. What exactly was her point here? Oh yes, to be that annoyingly rude sister. Obviously, because it wasn't like she was actually a mom to her daughter. The minute George arrived back home, Sera just handed off her baby. Feedings, diaper changes, naps, middle of the night wake up calls, everything George did. Then Sera had the nerve to get mad when her daughter reached for her aunt instead of her mother. Umm, maybe because you weren't acting like one?
The author did a great job of showing off the perks of living in a small town, however, it soon turned into Gilmore Girls x1000 with everyone assuming your business is theirs and they have a say in who you marry. There were times I enjoyed the town and times I wanted to pull my hair out and shout "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!".
Also, was there a reason that the female protagonist had a masculine name while the male protagonist had a feminine name? This did nothing for me expect to make me cringe every time I read George. Because while Casey is a fine name for either boy or girl, the name George is not very flattering on a female and it definitely took me out of the book a few times.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and Denker has a way with male/female banter that had me laughing out loud at many scenes. But I feel like in a romance novel, I should root for the couple to be together, and I just didn't feel it here.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review via Netgalley.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
November 21, 2013
If you consistently made bad “boyfriend choices,” how do you make lemonade out of those lemons? Why not start a blog and regale your stories for the world to see? Down on Love by Jayne Denker is a light and quirky small town tale where everyone knows everyone’s business and Georgiana becomes a star, dishing advice on her blog. When an old high school flame shows up, all grown up and drool-worthy, can Georgiana use some advice of her own to survive the fallout one too many drinks causes?
Get ready for small town fun with this quirky romance that will charm you from page one on! Filled with humor, and delightful characters, Jayne Denker has created a world where caring about your neighbors is everybody’s business and the advice flows freely! Who knows, you may even learn a thing or two and find your own second chance at love, or at least see some pretty valid issues discussed by everyone, and I mean everyone.
Publication Date: November 21, 2013
Publisher: eKensington
ISBN-13: 9781601830852
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 285
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Get ready for small town fun with this quirky romance that will charm you from page one on! Filled with humor, and delightful characters, Jayne Denker has created a world where caring about your neighbors is everybody’s business and the advice flows freely! Who knows, you may even learn a thing or two and find your own second chance at love, or at least see some pretty valid issues discussed by everyone, and I mean everyone.
Publication Date: November 21, 2013
Publisher: eKensington
ISBN-13: 9781601830852
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 285
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
July 14, 2014
[I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.] Jayne Denker's Down on Love proves that sometimes you can go home to discover what you were searching for. It's not often that I'll open a book up and while I'm reading find myself literally in my backyard, but with Jayne Denker's Down on Love, that's the situation I'm in. Her Catskill Mountain hometown of Marsden seemed SOOO familiar that at one point when I was making a run to the general store I thought I might bump into George. Denker captured this area perfectly and while the people here are not quite as nosy as George's neighbors, somehow there is some truth to that description as well.
With that in mind how could I not love Down on Love? I couldn't. From the moment I started reading, when George was still blogging about her love disasters in Boston, I emphasized and identified with her. Her return to Marsden, absolutely perfect. And the tension between her and her sister… spot on. Now, I just wish I had a friend like Casey somewhere round here too…but maybe he'll show up someday as well.
This was a highly enjoyable read and Denker's humor was fabulous. I was reminded of Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series when I read this and do hope that there might be more about Marsden (or Mars) to come. I have to admit to wanting to nudge George and Casey on, but loved the depictions of their circle of friends and the environs.
So, with George, I'll give this a five pie salute and I've got to run as that apple pie from Denker's recipe is almost done.
Fab Fantasy Fiction
http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2013...
With that in mind how could I not love Down on Love? I couldn't. From the moment I started reading, when George was still blogging about her love disasters in Boston, I emphasized and identified with her. Her return to Marsden, absolutely perfect. And the tension between her and her sister… spot on. Now, I just wish I had a friend like Casey somewhere round here too…but maybe he'll show up someday as well.
This was a highly enjoyable read and Denker's humor was fabulous. I was reminded of Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series when I read this and do hope that there might be more about Marsden (or Mars) to come. I have to admit to wanting to nudge George and Casey on, but loved the depictions of their circle of friends and the environs.
So, with George, I'll give this a five pie salute and I've got to run as that apple pie from Denker's recipe is almost done.
Fab Fantasy Fiction
http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2013...
November 27, 2025
Georgiana (George) Down is an expert on choosing the wrong guy. She starts a blog that goes viral, it is all about her bad boyfriend stories.
When her sister calls and needs her help, its the last place George wants to go. But then she looses her apartment and with no where else to turn she decides to head to the home town she left behind to help her sister take care of her new baby.
George seamlessly adapts to taking care of her niece until the day Casey Bowen washes back into her life. Casey was her child hood crush who sent her running from Marsden all those years ago. Marsden puts the "M" in meddling.
It seems that Casey's ex-high school girl friend has recently divorced and the town starts to take sides. Everyone has a team green or blue tee shirts, but will George keep running from her fears of a relationship or will she find the happiness she desires?
You can't help but be pulled in by the witty banter, family snark and genuine realness to the characters. I utterly enjoyed the ending, completely charming from start to finish. Jayne Denker perfectly captures small town USA, with all it's eccentricities, creating a fabulously funny, heart warming story with characters that you want to call friends.
I received this ARC copy of Down on Love from Kensington Books - eKensington in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication November 21, 2013.
When her sister calls and needs her help, its the last place George wants to go. But then she looses her apartment and with no where else to turn she decides to head to the home town she left behind to help her sister take care of her new baby.
George seamlessly adapts to taking care of her niece until the day Casey Bowen washes back into her life. Casey was her child hood crush who sent her running from Marsden all those years ago. Marsden puts the "M" in meddling.
It seems that Casey's ex-high school girl friend has recently divorced and the town starts to take sides. Everyone has a team green or blue tee shirts, but will George keep running from her fears of a relationship or will she find the happiness she desires?
You can't help but be pulled in by the witty banter, family snark and genuine realness to the characters. I utterly enjoyed the ending, completely charming from start to finish. Jayne Denker perfectly captures small town USA, with all it's eccentricities, creating a fabulously funny, heart warming story with characters that you want to call friends.
I received this ARC copy of Down on Love from Kensington Books - eKensington in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication November 21, 2013.
September 22, 2013
This review can also be found at http://chiquitablogger.wordpress.com
Wow wow wow! I absolutely LOVE when I find an ARC that I LOVE! (Seeing a theme here?)
This book was so cute and funny and amazing that I'm dying for a sequel or an epilogue or a story about someone else in Mars (tee hee hee) . Fantabulous! Loved George and Casey (even though I thought their names were a little backward) and I loved the secondary characters too! No sex at all in this book, but that was okay because it was 200+ pages of ooey gooey apple pie goodness! Read this book now!
*Received an ARC for honest review*
Wow wow wow! I absolutely LOVE when I find an ARC that I LOVE! (Seeing a theme here?)
This book was so cute and funny and amazing that I'm dying for a sequel or an epilogue or a story about someone else in Mars (tee hee hee) . Fantabulous! Loved George and Casey (even though I thought their names were a little backward) and I loved the secondary characters too! No sex at all in this book, but that was okay because it was 200+ pages of ooey gooey apple pie goodness! Read this book now!
*Received an ARC for honest review*
July 24, 2021
This review is of “Down on Love”, #1 in the “A Marsden Novel” series by Jayne Denker.
The book opens in Boston, with the heroine of the book, Georgiana Down (I refuse to call her George the way Ms. Denker does) being threatened by her former boyfriend, Thom, over what he says is Georgiana defaming him. (Georgiana runs a blog, “Down on Love” for people to talk about their bad relationships. Georgiana and Thom had a long-term relationship where he was abusive to her). Soon Georgiana is facing other problems: Her sister, Serafina, has called wanting Georgiana to come home to help Sera and her wife, Jaz, care for their daughter, Amelia, Georgiana’s niece (Jaz was in an accident and hurt their back). At first, Georgiana refuses, but when her roommate leaves her and Georgiana can’t afford her apartment, she decides to return to her hometown, Marsden, New York.
Georgiana’s return home causes a stir, including with Casey Bowen, the hero of the book. Georgiana and Casey reunite when he shows up at the Down home to fix a plumbing issue and Georgiana-accidentally-drops a heavy can...on someplace important to Casey. This, however, doesn’t do permanent damage (to Casey or their relationship).
As Georgiana and Casey spend more time together, we learn more about Casey, who, like Georgiana, left Marsden and returned. He now runs his family’s farm, but has big plans for significant change in that regard. He also discovers-via Down on Love-that Georgiana has long-standing romantic feelings for him.This creates a bit of controversy in Marsden as some of the residents want Casey to reunite with his ex, Celia Marshall, Soon, the townspeople are divided; some on Team George, others on Team Ceilia. Things don’t improve when other townspeople start writing to Down on Love for relationship advice.
When Georgiana receives an award, she returns to Boston, and Thom. Living with him temporarily, Georgiana finds out she’s strong enough to not be sucked into the black hole of a relationship with him again. She also realizes that she needs her family...and Casey. Georgiana returns to Marsden, she and Casey acknowledge their love for each other and have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: Although it is a romantic comedy, Ms. Denker has managed to include a surprising amount of depth here; Down on Love is a book about relationships. Relationships we have with intimate partners, friends, family, the communities we live in, how those relationships evolve, and how we have to evolve with them. Georgiana and Casey are both strong characters, well-developed and very likeable. She also does a good job introducing the characters who will be featured in the following two books, which is vital to keep interest in the series.
Down-no pun intended-side: I didn’t find a depth of caring about Georgiana, Casey and the other characters until the last four chapters of the book; I cared before that, but not at the level I wanted to care. I like books where I can like the characters from the get-go.
Sex: One passionate kissing/heavy petting scene; the scene shifts before anything sexual occurs. In other words, Down on Love is an almost sweet/clean romance.
Violence: Angry words are exchanged between characters, but no physical violence takes place.
Bottom Line: Readers who like Hallmark Channel programming may find Down on Love the apple pie of their eye. (There’s an apple pie recipe at the end of the book; I’ve tried it. It is great!) I’m not really sure Down on Love is a 5 star book, but it’s in the high 4’s range, so I’ll round up.
The book opens in Boston, with the heroine of the book, Georgiana Down (I refuse to call her George the way Ms. Denker does) being threatened by her former boyfriend, Thom, over what he says is Georgiana defaming him. (Georgiana runs a blog, “Down on Love” for people to talk about their bad relationships. Georgiana and Thom had a long-term relationship where he was abusive to her). Soon Georgiana is facing other problems: Her sister, Serafina, has called wanting Georgiana to come home to help Sera and her wife, Jaz, care for their daughter, Amelia, Georgiana’s niece (Jaz was in an accident and hurt their back). At first, Georgiana refuses, but when her roommate leaves her and Georgiana can’t afford her apartment, she decides to return to her hometown, Marsden, New York.
Georgiana’s return home causes a stir, including with Casey Bowen, the hero of the book. Georgiana and Casey reunite when he shows up at the Down home to fix a plumbing issue and Georgiana-accidentally-drops a heavy can...on someplace important to Casey. This, however, doesn’t do permanent damage (to Casey or their relationship).
As Georgiana and Casey spend more time together, we learn more about Casey, who, like Georgiana, left Marsden and returned. He now runs his family’s farm, but has big plans for significant change in that regard. He also discovers-via Down on Love-that Georgiana has long-standing romantic feelings for him.This creates a bit of controversy in Marsden as some of the residents want Casey to reunite with his ex, Celia Marshall, Soon, the townspeople are divided; some on Team George, others on Team Ceilia. Things don’t improve when other townspeople start writing to Down on Love for relationship advice.
When Georgiana receives an award, she returns to Boston, and Thom. Living with him temporarily, Georgiana finds out she’s strong enough to not be sucked into the black hole of a relationship with him again. She also realizes that she needs her family...and Casey. Georgiana returns to Marsden, she and Casey acknowledge their love for each other and have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: Although it is a romantic comedy, Ms. Denker has managed to include a surprising amount of depth here; Down on Love is a book about relationships. Relationships we have with intimate partners, friends, family, the communities we live in, how those relationships evolve, and how we have to evolve with them. Georgiana and Casey are both strong characters, well-developed and very likeable. She also does a good job introducing the characters who will be featured in the following two books, which is vital to keep interest in the series.
Down-no pun intended-side: I didn’t find a depth of caring about Georgiana, Casey and the other characters until the last four chapters of the book; I cared before that, but not at the level I wanted to care. I like books where I can like the characters from the get-go.
Sex: One passionate kissing/heavy petting scene; the scene shifts before anything sexual occurs. In other words, Down on Love is an almost sweet/clean romance.
Violence: Angry words are exchanged between characters, but no physical violence takes place.
Bottom Line: Readers who like Hallmark Channel programming may find Down on Love the apple pie of their eye. (There’s an apple pie recipe at the end of the book; I’ve tried it. It is great!) I’m not really sure Down on Love is a 5 star book, but it’s in the high 4’s range, so I’ll round up.
November 14, 2013
It had been almost a decade and a half at least since Georgiana Down had been home to Marsden. One day out of the blue Sera (her sister) calls her in Boston where she is now living. She is asking her to come home to Marsden to care for her niece Amelia (who she has never met) and to help with Sera’s wife Jaz who hurt her back at work. Sera needs to work at making her pottery and can’t do it with a baby under foot and her wife to care for.
George’s first reaction is to say, “NO!” If she goes back she is sure she will never get out once they suck the life out of her and she is trapped there. Then she will never get away. This is visit sucked her in and the one person she really wanted to avoid since she felt nothing but embarrassment was, Casey Bowen, she runs right into within hours of being home.
You see when she was young she lusted after Casey, dreamed of Casey, and loved Casey. Even now after all her time away in the Big City of Boston and having gone through several failed relationships, the last one making her mildly famous. In fact it helped her keep almost afloat monthly. You could say you see the last failed relationship with Thom (to be mean she would say the “h” when saying it.) She exacted her revenge on his abusive ways how you ask by writing in her blog. Come on a roller coaster of a story as two people find each other again after just a taste of what it means to be one then two and now one again. You will not regret it. Provided by Netgalley.com
George’s first reaction is to say, “NO!” If she goes back she is sure she will never get out once they suck the life out of her and she is trapped there. Then she will never get away. This is visit sucked her in and the one person she really wanted to avoid since she felt nothing but embarrassment was, Casey Bowen, she runs right into within hours of being home.
You see when she was young she lusted after Casey, dreamed of Casey, and loved Casey. Even now after all her time away in the Big City of Boston and having gone through several failed relationships, the last one making her mildly famous. In fact it helped her keep almost afloat monthly. You could say you see the last failed relationship with Thom (to be mean she would say the “h” when saying it.) She exacted her revenge on his abusive ways how you ask by writing in her blog. Come on a roller coaster of a story as two people find each other again after just a taste of what it means to be one then two and now one again. You will not regret it. Provided by Netgalley.com
September 11, 2016
ARC copy received from NetGalley & publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Georgina (George) Down writes a blog called Down on Love, following the breakup of a relationship, where she gives out snarky love advice. She's roped into returning to her hometown, where she hasn't visited for decades, to care for her niece. While back there, she runs into her high school crush and this is where things get tricky.... She has sworn off love and doesn't want to trust in men again. Can she and Casey start a relationship amidst the hurt of teenage rejection & the meddling townspeople?
This was a sweet romance that touches on small town idiosyncrasies, relationships with family & friends, and whether George can overcome letting past decisions stand in the way of her getting the love she deserves.
My only small complaint was that I thought the book went on for a little too long, which gave the opportunity for George's indecision to become slightly annoying.
Overall, this is a good read. 3.5 stars.
Georgina (George) Down writes a blog called Down on Love, following the breakup of a relationship, where she gives out snarky love advice. She's roped into returning to her hometown, where she hasn't visited for decades, to care for her niece. While back there, she runs into her high school crush and this is where things get tricky.... She has sworn off love and doesn't want to trust in men again. Can she and Casey start a relationship amidst the hurt of teenage rejection & the meddling townspeople?
This was a sweet romance that touches on small town idiosyncrasies, relationships with family & friends, and whether George can overcome letting past decisions stand in the way of her getting the love she deserves.
My only small complaint was that I thought the book went on for a little too long, which gave the opportunity for George's indecision to become slightly annoying.
Overall, this is a good read. 3.5 stars.
October 8, 2013
In Down on Love, Georgiana (George) returns to her hometown to help her sister and sister-in-law take care of their daughter after her sister-in-law gets injured. George hasn't been home in more than a decade but decides to go help and get to know her niece. Not long after she returns she sees her high school crush, Casey. Casey had a crush on George when they were in high school but was afraid to say anything. He was friends with George's sister, Sera, and Sera had warned him to not make any moves on her sister. Casey's ex-girlfriend, Celia, is getting a divorce, and the town (full of nosy gossips) begin to argue over who Casey should be with - Team George vs. Team Celia.
Down on Love was a nice story, but it took me a little while to warm up to George. I also got somewhat annoyed with the townspeople. However, the story did have some cute and funny moments.
*I received my copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Down on Love was a nice story, but it took me a little while to warm up to George. I also got somewhat annoyed with the townspeople. However, the story did have some cute and funny moments.
*I received my copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book!!!!!! It was funny to the point of giggle out loud in spots. Love in a small town that's what was going on. But everyone thought that Casey should be with Celia not Georgina. Comedy abounds when old people start texting rumours & start division in the town with Team Celia & Team George. George is a former ad writer for an agency in Boston now a blogger on the evils of Love who goes back home after many years to help her sister & her family out. Casey is a former sports hero gone on to college to become big in finance, to finally come home to take over his parents failing farm. Both in love with each other since high school they meet again & the sparks, rumours & heart break fly. This is a great story of love that was young that continued into true love. Will definitely be recommending this book.
March 8, 2014
Humor--check.
Snark--check.
Interesting dynamics--check.
Chemistry--check, check and check.
This is a great romantic-comedy read. An interesting tale of the small town girl who escaped to the big city. Now, she is forced to return to the place where everybody in the town of Marsden is all up in everyone else's business. George (short for Georgianna) struggles against those reins, especially when her high-school love is in the picture, making them the primary subject of gossip. I could completely relate to the struggles that George is going through, wanting to reconnect with family and friends, but without wanting to be under the microscope. I found the characters realistic, to the point where I wanted to sit down and talk with them. The best news about this book--the next book in the series is due out in July 2014. I can't wait to hear more about the residents of Marsden!
Snark--check.
Interesting dynamics--check.
Chemistry--check, check and check.
This is a great romantic-comedy read. An interesting tale of the small town girl who escaped to the big city. Now, she is forced to return to the place where everybody in the town of Marsden is all up in everyone else's business. George (short for Georgianna) struggles against those reins, especially when her high-school love is in the picture, making them the primary subject of gossip. I could completely relate to the struggles that George is going through, wanting to reconnect with family and friends, but without wanting to be under the microscope. I found the characters realistic, to the point where I wanted to sit down and talk with them. The best news about this book--the next book in the series is due out in July 2014. I can't wait to hear more about the residents of Marsden!
November 9, 2013
Cute, fun romp watching a confirmed cynic fall hard! This was a great quick read that had me laughing and not wanting to put down the book!
George is a wonderfully lovable character who doesn't know who or where her place in the world. She is forced back to her hometown after 11years of avoiding the trapping of a small town. She finds herself and her true love with
lots of laughs and stumbles along the way.
George is a wonderfully lovable character who doesn't know who or where her place in the world. She is forced back to her hometown after 11years of avoiding the trapping of a small town. She finds herself and her true love with
lots of laughs and stumbles along the way.
March 11, 2015
Laugh out loud goodness!!!
November 16, 2014
Down on Love. What can I say. Cute, cute, funny, and cute. And, might I add, totes adorbs. For those of you looking for a behind-closed-doors romance, this is one. And guess what, it is fun and well written and well edited and did I mention fun?
Funniest meet cute ever. Well, not necessarily a “meet” since they have known each other forever. And not so much “cute” as painful for at least one participant. But it is definitely funny and I will allow you to discover it yourself.
But here is the story. Georgiana (George) and Casey grew up together in small town America. George had a crush on her older sister’s friend Casey. Unbeknownst to George, Casey had a thing about her. Alas, Casey, being the noble sort, decided that George was too young and he must not act on his attraction. Except for that one memorable kiss on a memorable summer day.
Time has passed. George is writing a blog, a somewhat popular blog, about love. Or rather, antilove. She has just ended a long-term relationship and let’s just say it wasn’t a positive experience for her. That is, the relationship wasn’t positive. The aftermath and the blog have been very positive.
George is living in Boston now and is quite happy, at least as happy as she feels she needs to be. Then circumstances require her to get back to Marsden, the hometown she left 15 years ago, never to even visit again. Between an older sister who needs help and a current roommate who leaves her unexpectedly and suddenly homeless, the timing is right and George bites the bullet and returns.
Yep. Marsden is just like it was when she left it. Everybody knows everything (and if they don’t, they have no problem making it up) and everybody else. There are no secrets. And everybody now has texting capability so the race is on to share all you know.
George and Casey, as stated above, have an interesting reintroduction. And the feelings are still there. Feelings the one doesn’t know the other has.
“And he had hardly changed on iota, except…there was more. More of him, but not in an ‘Oh wow, he really let himself go’ way. No, just the opposite: more muscles, more eye twinkles, more…presence. Just more of everything that had made him irresistible to her years ago. It was as if he was magnified into someone even more…Casey-ish. And that made her forget how to speak. Just like back in high school. “
Casey’s feeling about George are just as passionate, just as strong. I love a man who loves a woman with a brain and a backbone.
“He didn’t realize she’d gotten under his skin until he started his senior year. As a sophomore, George had blossomed into a beautiful, waiflike creature. But the only think delicate about George was the way she looked. Inside she was all sharp intellect that could cut you at twenty paces if you weren’t careful. Having a conversation with her was like walking through a minefield – you had to have your entire route mapped out, or you’d be blown to smithereens.”
Now, George has a great outlook on life. She is funny and giving and warm. When she comes home to help her sister out, there are acknowledged issues between them. Serafina (Sera), the older sister, has never left Marsden, and George thought she never wanted to leave. But Sera might have had different thoughts, different plans.
There is a lot going on in this book, and it all dovetails very nicely. It is not just two beautiful people who have nothing to do but reacquaint and fall in love. There is baggage that needs to be dealt with. There are perceptions that need to be proved or dispelled. There are jobs and new projects, new endeavors. There are old loves who pop up, some with good intentions and some with bad intentions. There are people who care about them who try to help, and do help to varying degrees of helpfulness.
This is the first of a series. I have no idea how many are planned. But I do know that the second one is already out and I downloaded it immediately after I finished this. I can’t remember ever doing that before.
Funniest meet cute ever. Well, not necessarily a “meet” since they have known each other forever. And not so much “cute” as painful for at least one participant. But it is definitely funny and I will allow you to discover it yourself.
But here is the story. Georgiana (George) and Casey grew up together in small town America. George had a crush on her older sister’s friend Casey. Unbeknownst to George, Casey had a thing about her. Alas, Casey, being the noble sort, decided that George was too young and he must not act on his attraction. Except for that one memorable kiss on a memorable summer day.
Time has passed. George is writing a blog, a somewhat popular blog, about love. Or rather, antilove. She has just ended a long-term relationship and let’s just say it wasn’t a positive experience for her. That is, the relationship wasn’t positive. The aftermath and the blog have been very positive.
George is living in Boston now and is quite happy, at least as happy as she feels she needs to be. Then circumstances require her to get back to Marsden, the hometown she left 15 years ago, never to even visit again. Between an older sister who needs help and a current roommate who leaves her unexpectedly and suddenly homeless, the timing is right and George bites the bullet and returns.
Yep. Marsden is just like it was when she left it. Everybody knows everything (and if they don’t, they have no problem making it up) and everybody else. There are no secrets. And everybody now has texting capability so the race is on to share all you know.
George and Casey, as stated above, have an interesting reintroduction. And the feelings are still there. Feelings the one doesn’t know the other has.
“And he had hardly changed on iota, except…there was more. More of him, but not in an ‘Oh wow, he really let himself go’ way. No, just the opposite: more muscles, more eye twinkles, more…presence. Just more of everything that had made him irresistible to her years ago. It was as if he was magnified into someone even more…Casey-ish. And that made her forget how to speak. Just like back in high school. “
Casey’s feeling about George are just as passionate, just as strong. I love a man who loves a woman with a brain and a backbone.
“He didn’t realize she’d gotten under his skin until he started his senior year. As a sophomore, George had blossomed into a beautiful, waiflike creature. But the only think delicate about George was the way she looked. Inside she was all sharp intellect that could cut you at twenty paces if you weren’t careful. Having a conversation with her was like walking through a minefield – you had to have your entire route mapped out, or you’d be blown to smithereens.”
Now, George has a great outlook on life. She is funny and giving and warm. When she comes home to help her sister out, there are acknowledged issues between them. Serafina (Sera), the older sister, has never left Marsden, and George thought she never wanted to leave. But Sera might have had different thoughts, different plans.
There is a lot going on in this book, and it all dovetails very nicely. It is not just two beautiful people who have nothing to do but reacquaint and fall in love. There is baggage that needs to be dealt with. There are perceptions that need to be proved or dispelled. There are jobs and new projects, new endeavors. There are old loves who pop up, some with good intentions and some with bad intentions. There are people who care about them who try to help, and do help to varying degrees of helpfulness.
This is the first of a series. I have no idea how many are planned. But I do know that the second one is already out and I downloaded it immediately after I finished this. I can’t remember ever doing that before.
Want to read
January 15, 2021Author's guest post at my blog:
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November 19, 2013
After having read several dish-rag heroines latley, George is so refreshing in Down on Love! The idea that she is a blogger who gets internet-famous for her blog on hers and others failed relationships is a unique idea that I haven't read before. That her snark and advice to "dump his ass" are her trademarks made me laugh. And she always stays true to who she is. Having mentally fought her way out of a relationship that not everyone would be able to see was abusive, she had to figure out who she was again, but through it all she stayed true to her.
Oh yeah, and then there is poor Casey who was just a goner from word one. Thank goodness someone in their relationship was. I will say that I can't see George actually being happy in Marsden due to how angry (not mad, not irritated, I'm talking angry) she gets at times about the nosiness of her neighbors, but I'm sure they worked it out in the end.
This was also a book where all of the side characters shine! I love authors who can do that! There wasn't one person on the sidelines who you felt you didn't know by the end of the story.
Really, really enjoyed this book and I am looking for more by the author!
Copy courtesy of Kensington Books, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh yeah, and then there is poor Casey who was just a goner from word one. Thank goodness someone in their relationship was. I will say that I can't see George actually being happy in Marsden due to how angry (not mad, not irritated, I'm talking angry) she gets at times about the nosiness of her neighbors, but I'm sure they worked it out in the end.
This was also a book where all of the side characters shine! I love authors who can do that! There wasn't one person on the sidelines who you felt you didn't know by the end of the story.
Really, really enjoyed this book and I am looking for more by the author!
Copy courtesy of Kensington Books, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2013
This book had everything it had small town busy bodies when Georgiana aka George aka Goose goes home to help her sister and her sister's wife after she is injured. There she bumps into the hot Casey who broke her heart so many years ago when he kissed her and ran. George is also author of a blog where she is down on love after being burned a few times.
Casey sees Goose is back in town and isn't about to let her go this time. He can't seem to get Goose of his mind so he tries to date her but finds that Goose is still needing to come to terms with why she keeps leaving, Casey even tries to apologizing for running away when she was 18. Goose gets smothered by the town that seems to be in their business and runs to Boston to escape but finds that she isn't down on love anymore and that she is in love.
After realizing this she goes home again to get her man and tell him she loves him too. This book was great it is up there with Kristan Higgins, and Jill Shalvis and even Robin Carr. I just loved how she Jayne Denker was able to weave a great story that spanned 20 years in the making in this story. I would love to read more by her. Definitely my new go to romance author!
Casey sees Goose is back in town and isn't about to let her go this time. He can't seem to get Goose of his mind so he tries to date her but finds that Goose is still needing to come to terms with why she keeps leaving, Casey even tries to apologizing for running away when she was 18. Goose gets smothered by the town that seems to be in their business and runs to Boston to escape but finds that she isn't down on love anymore and that she is in love.
After realizing this she goes home again to get her man and tell him she loves him too. This book was great it is up there with Kristan Higgins, and Jill Shalvis and even Robin Carr. I just loved how she Jayne Denker was able to weave a great story that spanned 20 years in the making in this story. I would love to read more by her. Definitely my new go to romance author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2014
I found myself drawn in so easily to this engaging tale of finding love when you least expect it - or perhaps in this case finding love when you expressly do not want it. Georgiana Down (hereafter known as George) has been through the ringer in her romantic life and is only able to find comfort in her wiseacre blog about the perils of relationships. Amidst her attempt to piece her life back together, she discovers that she must return to her home town of Marsden to help her antagonistic sister, Sera, by caring for her infant niece. Little does George realize that she is about to be faced with Casey, the gorgeous boy that got away many years ago. George's snark is hilarious, Casey is captivating and the townsfolk take meddling to a whole new level. I absolutely agree with one of the other reviewers who wanted to hang out with the residents of Marsden. An afternoon with them would be an unforgettable experience! I am beyond excited that the next book in the series is about to come out!
November 23, 2013
Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
1.5*
I honestly don't like it when I dislike a book and then review it as I feel like I'm kicking a cute puppy when it's down but ....... gosh, this book was just never-ending. It went on and on and on that I ended up skimming the last quarter just to be done before I cried from boredom.
Small-town romances work because they have a certain charm to them but there was no charm to be seen in this one. The characters were all various degrees of annoying, there was no sexual chemistry between George and Casey and by the end, I don't even think I wanted them to get their HEA.
I also didn't like the way the characters spoke to each other like they were still thirteen years old.
Yeah ...... unfortunately this book didn't work for me.
1.5*
I honestly don't like it when I dislike a book and then review it as I feel like I'm kicking a cute puppy when it's down but ....... gosh, this book was just never-ending. It went on and on and on that I ended up skimming the last quarter just to be done before I cried from boredom.
Small-town romances work because they have a certain charm to them but there was no charm to be seen in this one. The characters were all various degrees of annoying, there was no sexual chemistry between George and Casey and by the end, I don't even think I wanted them to get their HEA.
I also didn't like the way the characters spoke to each other like they were still thirteen years old.
Yeah ...... unfortunately this book didn't work for me.
November 28, 2013
I received a copy this book to review from Netgalley.
Georgiana (George) moves back to her hometown to help out with her niece while her sister-in-law is injured. Casey wants a relationship with George but she has to move past her series of bad boyfriends. I liked the interactions between George and Casey. I loved the idea that George kept visually people from her hometown when she read the responses to her blog posts. The secondary characters were great additions to the story as well. They made the reader feel you are in the town with them observing everything.
Overall I enjoyed the book but I wish that George had come to her conclusion a bit faster. Her behaviour became a bit tiresome near the end of the book. I find it preferable to read a book that is shorter with a complete story instead of a drawn out story to make the page count longer.
Georgiana (George) moves back to her hometown to help out with her niece while her sister-in-law is injured. Casey wants a relationship with George but she has to move past her series of bad boyfriends. I liked the interactions between George and Casey. I loved the idea that George kept visually people from her hometown when she read the responses to her blog posts. The secondary characters were great additions to the story as well. They made the reader feel you are in the town with them observing everything.
Overall I enjoyed the book but I wish that George had come to her conclusion a bit faster. Her behaviour became a bit tiresome near the end of the book. I find it preferable to read a book that is shorter with a complete story instead of a drawn out story to make the page count longer.
March 28, 2015
I loved this book....it was funny, witty, just a great story. George, (whose full name is Georgiana) returns to her home town after leaving for almost 14 years. She returns almost kicking and screaming to help her sister with her baby, and after losing her roommate in Boston. She ensues on a literal trip down memory lane, (the town is VERY nosy) and runs into her high school crush, Casey Bowen. Casey, 2 years older than her, broke her heart years before....so seeing him again fills George with anxiety, vowing never to feel that way again. The entire town weighs in on whom Casey should end up with, reminding George of all of the reasons why she left. I literally read this in 12 hours, I enjoyed it so much. I could have done with less foul language, but it was a clean book with nothing graphic described. great read!
September 22, 2013
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
Georgiana Down hasn't been home in over a dozen years; she has missed weddings, her niece's birth and a lot more, her sister, Sera, points out when she calls and begs her to return. George is hesitant, but, as Sera points out, it's not like she has a lot going on in her life. Her blog, Down on Love, is doing amazing but can be written anywhere. George returns to Marsden and immediately regrets her decision.
This more a book about small towns and the power of a crush than anything else. Gossip and innuendo have Geroge running back to Boston, but small town charm and a loving group of friends and family show her that home is really where her heart is.
Georgiana Down hasn't been home in over a dozen years; she has missed weddings, her niece's birth and a lot more, her sister, Sera, points out when she calls and begs her to return. George is hesitant, but, as Sera points out, it's not like she has a lot going on in her life. Her blog, Down on Love, is doing amazing but can be written anywhere. George returns to Marsden and immediately regrets her decision.
This more a book about small towns and the power of a crush than anything else. Gossip and innuendo have Geroge running back to Boston, but small town charm and a loving group of friends and family show her that home is really where her heart is.
January 26, 2014
***ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review***
Down with Love was a very hilarious and sexy read. George Down always picks the wrong guy. After her latest relationship flop she decides to wrong a blog about her bad boyfriend experiences and goes viral.
After a call from her sister asking for help, George goes back to her hometown and is reunited with Casey Bowen, her first love.
This book had me laughing out loud at some of the antics the townspeople did in this book. Denker definitely captures the whole small town social issue where everyone gets involved with other people's business. Down with Love is a must read with its combination of witty banter, snarky sense of humor, and engaging characters. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end.
Down with Love was a very hilarious and sexy read. George Down always picks the wrong guy. After her latest relationship flop she decides to wrong a blog about her bad boyfriend experiences and goes viral.
After a call from her sister asking for help, George goes back to her hometown and is reunited with Casey Bowen, her first love.
This book had me laughing out loud at some of the antics the townspeople did in this book. Denker definitely captures the whole small town social issue where everyone gets involved with other people's business. Down with Love is a must read with its combination of witty banter, snarky sense of humor, and engaging characters. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end.
December 5, 2013
Loved this book. Jayne Denker's talent for writing strong, multi faceted, believable characters comes to the forefront in this well plotted love story. She wrote not only a great lead couple, but the secondary characters are just as compelling. I would love to read more about many of them...possible series? I hope so. The story was strong, the pacing even, the settings well drawn, and the happily ever after everything I wanted.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2015
Down on Love is a perfect mix of small town dynamics, sister snark and sweet romance. George is a thoroughly lovable heroine and Casey is the perfect leading man - sexy in a down to earth kind of way. No alpha male chest beating here. The supporting cast of quirky townsfolk is just perfect and adds much hilarity to what is a beautiful story about being brave enough to revisit and make up for missed opportunities.
March 21, 2015
I gave this five stars because it was a fun read, but I was tempted to take it down to four stars just because it has a few characters I hate to see in books - the kind that you think the main character should chew out rather than tolerate, and the nosy, small town stereotypes that need to just mind their own business. I felt like the peripheral characters got more attention than the couple's relationship did. Still worth a couple hours of my time to read, though.
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