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Don't Ruin Katie's Wedding #1
Falling to Centerpieces
The plan: best friends Clio and Nicole take a fun road trip across Michigan to deliver the centerpieces to their friend Katie’s wedding, giving the groom’s cousin, August, a ride for the big day. Nicole planned everything, from borrowing her mom’s minivan, to hotel accommodations, and the perfect amount of sight-seeing along the way.
The reality: Nicole is having emergency surgery, Clio overslept, her car is way smaller than a minivan, and August turns out to be super hot.
The centerpieces? Enormous. The itinerary? Blurry at best. The chemistry with August? Unexpected, and very intriguing…
This is a road trip they’ll never forget.
Falling to Centerpieces is a stand-alone romantic comedy that is part of the Don’t Ruin Katie’s Wedding Series. They can be read in any order!
The reality: Nicole is having emergency surgery, Clio overslept, her car is way smaller than a minivan, and August turns out to be super hot.
The centerpieces? Enormous. The itinerary? Blurry at best. The chemistry with August? Unexpected, and very intriguing…
This is a road trip they’ll never forget.
Falling to Centerpieces is a stand-alone romantic comedy that is part of the Don’t Ruin Katie’s Wedding Series. They can be read in any order!
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2020
110 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Cahill
12 books255 followersWant to be the first to know the latest releases and giveaways from Ellie? Sign up for Ellie's newsletter to get a free epilogue to CALL ME, MAYBE!
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Ellie Cahill is the author of the Cordially Invited series, including I Temporarily Do, as well as stand-alone romantic comedies like When Joss Met Matt, Call Me Maybe, and Just a Girl. Ellie is also the not-at-all secret pen name of Young Adult author Liz Czukas (Ask Again Later, and Top Ten Clues You're Clueless). Liz's books are often compared to John Hughes movies, while Ellie usually gets compared to Nora Ephron. Either way, if you like a good 80s rom-com, you've found the right place. When they're not writing fun, funny romances full of shenanigans and awkward kisses, Liz and Ellie are at home with their family and a golden retriever with different ideas about the definition of "dog bed."
You'll find Ellie on Facebook and Twitter (@ellie_cahill) but you'll more easily find Liz in those same places as well as Instagram and Tumblr. You'll find either one of them parked in front of the TV every Sunday night getting their fill of Zombies, Westeros, The Doctor, or any other place where cute English guys fight evil.
Speed round: sweet tea, Hufflepuff, dark chocolate, cheese is the perfect food, Go Badgers, and Han shot first.
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Ellie Cahill is the author of the Cordially Invited series, including I Temporarily Do, as well as stand-alone romantic comedies like When Joss Met Matt, Call Me Maybe, and Just a Girl. Ellie is also the not-at-all secret pen name of Young Adult author Liz Czukas (Ask Again Later, and Top Ten Clues You're Clueless). Liz's books are often compared to John Hughes movies, while Ellie usually gets compared to Nora Ephron. Either way, if you like a good 80s rom-com, you've found the right place. When they're not writing fun, funny romances full of shenanigans and awkward kisses, Liz and Ellie are at home with their family and a golden retriever with different ideas about the definition of "dog bed."
You'll find Ellie on Facebook and Twitter (@ellie_cahill) but you'll more easily find Liz in those same places as well as Instagram and Tumblr. You'll find either one of them parked in front of the TV every Sunday night getting their fill of Zombies, Westeros, The Doctor, or any other place where cute English guys fight evil.
Speed round: sweet tea, Hufflepuff, dark chocolate, cheese is the perfect food, Go Badgers, and Han shot first.
OFFICIAL SITE
AMAZON
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 7, 2026
A Minnesota boy and a girl of unknown origin (oops, I forgot) on summer break from u mich make a road trip across Michigan into Northern Wisconsin...
It's cute. And putdownable.
It's cute. And putdownable.
January 5, 2021
Falling to Centerpieces by Ellie Cahill is a road trip story about two college students who are tasked with picking up a bunch of centerpieces for a wedding that they will be attending. Clio's best friend Nicole, we find out in the very beginning of the story, has to have emergency surgery to remove her appendix, and Nicole puts Clio in charge of picking up some centerpieces for their friend's wedding as well as giving a ride to the bride's (or was it the groom's?) cousin, August.
This is definitely a cute story that I ended up enjoying in the end, but for a while there, I was starting to think that this book may not have been for me because the main protagonist, Clio, is annoying to the max. She's overexcitable, and there were more than a few times where I felt like the writing was trying too hard to make her "quirky" because it just came across forced, but eventually, I was able to get past that and move on to a new annoyance of mine: Clio's apparent grudge against dentists. It's not just one disparaging comment, either, there were a few times where her inner monologue would say things like, "Dentists shouldn't be this hot," or some other such nonsense, and I just want to know what did a dentist ever do to her because the comments definitely seemed to be coming out of nowhere. I don't understand it.
As for August? I can't really say much about him except that he's a dental student from Minnesota, plays hockey, he keeps himself in shape, and... he has German ancestry, I guess, because his full name is Augustus Klein, and everyone in his family (his sister and brother, at least, I don't know about his parents) have German names and this is something that Clio also keeps commenting on throughout the story. Like it matters. We don't really get a chance to actually get to know August beyond the surface level. We learn more about Clio than anything, which makes sense because the story does mostly revolve around her.
We learn that she has poliosis (decrease or absence of melanin) and Waardenburg syndrome (a group of rare genetic conditions characterized by at least some degree of congenital hearing loss and pigmentation deficiencies, which can include bright blue eyes, a white forelock, or patches of light skin). It's something that she's been insecure about her entire life because people can be assholes when they don't understand something, and of course, her condition is something that August likes about her, so they were clearly meant to be.
What I really enjoyed about this story was the whole road trip aspect. Because Clio plays by her own rules and seemingly dislikes any kind of order, once she picks up August (later than the agreed-upon 8:15 a.m.), once August tells her about getting a stamp in every state capital, they're making detours because Clio can't just abide by an itinerary, at least until they pick up the centerpieces, and they cut it really close to Nicole's aunt's shop because she's about to go out of town and Clio insisting on going to the state capital (I think this was in Michigan) made them incredibly late to pick up the centerpieces. These centerpieces happen to be bigger than Clio imagined (they're small trees in vases), and there are so many of them. Too many, in fact, because they won't all fit in her Kia Soul, so she decides to double up the trees two to a vase and make them fit that way.
I did enjoy reading Clio and August together, and I loved seeing their chemistry play out. I love that their roadside attraction game was basically just an excuse to make out with each other. The closer we get to the end of the road trip, things start to take a turn and they get stranded on Mackinac Island for a night because both Clio and August weren't paying enough attention to the ferry schedule, and then when they're about a half hour outside of their destination, we have some miscommunication going because it's not a romance novel if there's no miscommunication. While August could have definitely been clearer in what he said, I put the onus squarely on Clio's shoulders because she took everything he said to her and twisted it, manipulated it to make it sound like the exact opposite of what he was attempting to say.
Fortunately, the miscommunication didn't last long and was resolved that same day because once August found out why Clio had been avoiding him for most of the reception, he doesn't let her escape without talking through the egregious misunderstanding. So, points for that. Usually, miscommunication in romance novels lasts for at least a chapter or two, so the fact that it was resolved so quickly is enough for me to let it slide.
Overall, it's a cute story and quick read, and if you love road trip stories, you may enjoy this one. I will say, though, that a well-hung horse statue isn't as fascinating as the author tried to make it seem, nor is it hilarious to have a little girl shout about how big a horse statue's penis is. August and Clio lost their damned minds in laughter at that scene and I was reading that like, "Why?" It's probably my least favorite scene in the book that went on way longer than it should have. It just... It didn't work for me.
3 stars.
This is definitely a cute story that I ended up enjoying in the end, but for a while there, I was starting to think that this book may not have been for me because the main protagonist, Clio, is annoying to the max. She's overexcitable, and there were more than a few times where I felt like the writing was trying too hard to make her "quirky" because it just came across forced, but eventually, I was able to get past that and move on to a new annoyance of mine: Clio's apparent grudge against dentists. It's not just one disparaging comment, either, there were a few times where her inner monologue would say things like, "Dentists shouldn't be this hot," or some other such nonsense, and I just want to know what did a dentist ever do to her because the comments definitely seemed to be coming out of nowhere. I don't understand it.
As for August? I can't really say much about him except that he's a dental student from Minnesota, plays hockey, he keeps himself in shape, and... he has German ancestry, I guess, because his full name is Augustus Klein, and everyone in his family (his sister and brother, at least, I don't know about his parents) have German names and this is something that Clio also keeps commenting on throughout the story. Like it matters. We don't really get a chance to actually get to know August beyond the surface level. We learn more about Clio than anything, which makes sense because the story does mostly revolve around her.
We learn that she has poliosis (decrease or absence of melanin) and Waardenburg syndrome (a group of rare genetic conditions characterized by at least some degree of congenital hearing loss and pigmentation deficiencies, which can include bright blue eyes, a white forelock, or patches of light skin). It's something that she's been insecure about her entire life because people can be assholes when they don't understand something, and of course, her condition is something that August likes about her, so they were clearly meant to be.
What I really enjoyed about this story was the whole road trip aspect. Because Clio plays by her own rules and seemingly dislikes any kind of order, once she picks up August (later than the agreed-upon 8:15 a.m.), once August tells her about getting a stamp in every state capital, they're making detours because Clio can't just abide by an itinerary, at least until they pick up the centerpieces, and they cut it really close to Nicole's aunt's shop because she's about to go out of town and Clio insisting on going to the state capital (I think this was in Michigan) made them incredibly late to pick up the centerpieces. These centerpieces happen to be bigger than Clio imagined (they're small trees in vases), and there are so many of them. Too many, in fact, because they won't all fit in her Kia Soul, so she decides to double up the trees two to a vase and make them fit that way.
I did enjoy reading Clio and August together, and I loved seeing their chemistry play out. I love that their roadside attraction game was basically just an excuse to make out with each other. The closer we get to the end of the road trip, things start to take a turn and they get stranded on Mackinac Island for a night because both Clio and August weren't paying enough attention to the ferry schedule, and then when they're about a half hour outside of their destination, we have some miscommunication going because it's not a romance novel if there's no miscommunication. While August could have definitely been clearer in what he said, I put the onus squarely on Clio's shoulders because she took everything he said to her and twisted it, manipulated it to make it sound like the exact opposite of what he was attempting to say.
Fortunately, the miscommunication didn't last long and was resolved that same day because once August found out why Clio had been avoiding him for most of the reception, he doesn't let her escape without talking through the egregious misunderstanding. So, points for that. Usually, miscommunication in romance novels lasts for at least a chapter or two, so the fact that it was resolved so quickly is enough for me to let it slide.
Overall, it's a cute story and quick read, and if you love road trip stories, you may enjoy this one. I will say, though, that a well-hung horse statue isn't as fascinating as the author tried to make it seem, nor is it hilarious to have a little girl shout about how big a horse statue's penis is. August and Clio lost their damned minds in laughter at that scene and I was reading that like, "Why?" It's probably my least favorite scene in the book that went on way longer than it should have. It just... It didn't work for me.
3 stars.
Read
April 11, 2022dnf at 30%
a little confused about the sexual organs of a stallion. Not rating.
a little confused about the sexual organs of a stallion. Not rating.
January 5, 2021
First of all, HUGE thanks to the author for the eARC! Now on to the review....
This may have just been the perfect book to start the year with, especially given how 2020 was so, well, 2020. But everything about this book is delightful - caring friends, witty banter, interesting back stories, road trip seeing weird attractions. It's so lighthearted and just fun. It's one of the best rom-coms I've read and one I will happily reread. It has plenty of moments that had me grinning and/or outright legit laughing out loud. Please, somebody turn this into a movie. Seriously, who do I have to talk to about putting this on the big screen?
One big thing I noticed is that the book is so laid back for most of the ride I started to get nervous. I mean, it's part of a series called Don't Ruin Katie's Wedding - that means there has to be conflict right? And there is, but it doesn't pop up until roughly 75% of the way through the book. You know something is coming, but Clio and August have formed such a great bond in such a short time that you know it'll be fine. That doesn't mean it was any easier to put down. In fact, I basically raced through the last 25% of the book.
It's a romance, so it shouldn't come as any surprise that Clio develops feelings for August, even though they've known each other for two days or so. And I know that people give plots like that a lot of hate because they're so unrealistic. But honestly, they cover this really well. Cahill acknowledges that it's weird when we see Clio's inner thoughts. And I can appreciate that. Also, the whole thing just feels so effortless, it's not hard for me to believe it could happen that way.
I also really love the fact that Clio and August are so different from the typical rom-com leads. Clio is going to school and planning on grad school to become an opera singer. August is a dental student, and even though that might be more mainstream than singing opera, it's still a departure from what I feel like I normally see in rom-coms. This was just a lovely, refreshing read to kick off the new year with. And if it's a sign of what's to come on my reading list this year, there are going to be loads of winners.
This may have just been the perfect book to start the year with, especially given how 2020 was so, well, 2020. But everything about this book is delightful - caring friends, witty banter, interesting back stories, road trip seeing weird attractions. It's so lighthearted and just fun. It's one of the best rom-coms I've read and one I will happily reread. It has plenty of moments that had me grinning and/or outright legit laughing out loud. Please, somebody turn this into a movie. Seriously, who do I have to talk to about putting this on the big screen?
One big thing I noticed is that the book is so laid back for most of the ride I started to get nervous. I mean, it's part of a series called Don't Ruin Katie's Wedding - that means there has to be conflict right? And there is, but it doesn't pop up until roughly 75% of the way through the book. You know something is coming, but Clio and August have formed such a great bond in such a short time that you know it'll be fine. That doesn't mean it was any easier to put down. In fact, I basically raced through the last 25% of the book.
It's a romance, so it shouldn't come as any surprise that Clio develops feelings for August, even though they've known each other for two days or so. And I know that people give plots like that a lot of hate because they're so unrealistic. But honestly, they cover this really well. Cahill acknowledges that it's weird when we see Clio's inner thoughts. And I can appreciate that. Also, the whole thing just feels so effortless, it's not hard for me to believe it could happen that way.
I also really love the fact that Clio and August are so different from the typical rom-com leads. Clio is going to school and planning on grad school to become an opera singer. August is a dental student, and even though that might be more mainstream than singing opera, it's still a departure from what I feel like I normally see in rom-coms. This was just a lovely, refreshing read to kick off the new year with. And if it's a sign of what's to come on my reading list this year, there are going to be loads of winners.
April 25, 2022
DNF at 21%, but it's probably fine? It just isn't interesting me enough to continue.
I paused to read other things, but returning, discovered that I'd lost interest in both characters and plot, as well as having some difficulty with suspending disbelief. There's a kind of unmoored quality that's kept me from investing in either character. I'm usually better at defining these failures; I can't quite put my finger on where it went wrong.
I paused to read other things, but returning, discovered that I'd lost interest in both characters and plot, as well as having some difficulty with suspending disbelief. There's a kind of unmoored quality that's kept me from investing in either character. I'm usually better at defining these failures; I can't quite put my finger on where it went wrong.
September 17, 2023
Read Completed 9/5/23 | 3.5 stars
I've read several Ellie Cahill books (and some of her YA books as Liz Czukas) and have really enjoyed them so I was so excited to see this series available as audio on Hoopla!
This book was immediately entertaining. Clio is a big ball of energy and not afraid to be herself. Most of the time it was fun, cheeky, and wonderfully unique. Sometimes it was a bit over the top and annoying. She is still college age so it's understandable if she seemed a little "immature" at times, but it was something that got on my nerves once or twice. I also really liked August and the chemistry between the two characters!
The road trip aspect of the book was really cute. I liked seeing the fun little stops made along the way and the hidden treasures that these two characters enjoy. I always like a good road trip and it gave both of them new experiences, a clear purpose/mission, and also a sort of set end date for them to decide what they were to each other.
I do think it could have had a LITTLE more depth. The ending was a little quick -- quick to conflict, quick to resolve. I like that it wasn't too drawn out but I also feel like it could have lasted a touch longer, we could have spent a little more time thinking about everything and reflecting. It was a toss up! I appreciated a lot about the book but it's not really going to stick with me. I really did like the banter quite a bit and that's what I'm taking away the most!
I've read several Ellie Cahill books (and some of her YA books as Liz Czukas) and have really enjoyed them so I was so excited to see this series available as audio on Hoopla!
This book was immediately entertaining. Clio is a big ball of energy and not afraid to be herself. Most of the time it was fun, cheeky, and wonderfully unique. Sometimes it was a bit over the top and annoying. She is still college age so it's understandable if she seemed a little "immature" at times, but it was something that got on my nerves once or twice. I also really liked August and the chemistry between the two characters!
The road trip aspect of the book was really cute. I liked seeing the fun little stops made along the way and the hidden treasures that these two characters enjoy. I always like a good road trip and it gave both of them new experiences, a clear purpose/mission, and also a sort of set end date for them to decide what they were to each other.
I do think it could have had a LITTLE more depth. The ending was a little quick -- quick to conflict, quick to resolve. I like that it wasn't too drawn out but I also feel like it could have lasted a touch longer, we could have spent a little more time thinking about everything and reflecting. It was a toss up! I appreciated a lot about the book but it's not really going to stick with me. I really did like the banter quite a bit and that's what I'm taking away the most!
March 20, 2021
A delightful comedy with romance to make you smile. Two people have to help out and not ruin the wedding. How will they pull this off. Don’t miss out.
September 20, 2022
Didn’t finish, liked it at first but plot became too boring and I lost interest
September 10, 2023
Upbeat cute romance. I liked the road trip aspect of the story. Didn’t get much character insight overall but hey. It was a quick and easy read that made me laugh.
January 26, 2021
I got a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. So here goes...I found the beginning of their road trip very boring and mundane. The novel picked up when their relationship started to heat up and from there on in it was a very cute romantic adventure.
January 2, 2021
https://bit.ly/3o9syqN
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
Falling to Centerpieces by Ellie Cahill is a romantic comedy about two people who were trying not to ruin Kate's wedding.
Nicole Maldonatto and Clio Hathaway were best friends and roommates. This weekend they were going to drive across the Upper Peninsula for
their friends' wedding. They were also delivering the centerpieces Nicole's aunt made for the bride. The groom's cousin, Augustus Klein
was going to travel with them as well. At the last moment, Nicole was rushed to the hospital to remove her appendix so she couldn't go
with them. Since she was a person who always planned everything she sent August her itinerary. If they followed her instructions they
would be on time to deliver everything and enjoy the wedding. Unfortunately, Clio was the exact opposite of her friend and was easily
distracted by enjoyable quests. That created an interesting trip filled with adventures...
It's a really nice book with a lot of laughs and weird moments. It's well written and told from Clio's point of view. Each chapter has its
own title. The storyline is fun and unpredictable which easily holds your attention throughout the whole book.
The relationship that grows between the two main characters is the strangest I have ever read. They go from strangers to friends to lovers
in a very weird yet fun way. Both Clio and August are normal people but unique at the same time. She is a girl who goes with the flow and acts like crazy at times. August is nerdy and hot, strict but fun. From the first chapter, you have the feeling that nothing will go as planned but you can't guess how exciting this will be.
I enjoyed reading about their journey to falling in love and I will rate it with 4 stars.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
Falling to Centerpieces by Ellie Cahill is a romantic comedy about two people who were trying not to ruin Kate's wedding.
Nicole Maldonatto and Clio Hathaway were best friends and roommates. This weekend they were going to drive across the Upper Peninsula for
their friends' wedding. They were also delivering the centerpieces Nicole's aunt made for the bride. The groom's cousin, Augustus Klein
was going to travel with them as well. At the last moment, Nicole was rushed to the hospital to remove her appendix so she couldn't go
with them. Since she was a person who always planned everything she sent August her itinerary. If they followed her instructions they
would be on time to deliver everything and enjoy the wedding. Unfortunately, Clio was the exact opposite of her friend and was easily
distracted by enjoyable quests. That created an interesting trip filled with adventures...
It's a really nice book with a lot of laughs and weird moments. It's well written and told from Clio's point of view. Each chapter has its
own title. The storyline is fun and unpredictable which easily holds your attention throughout the whole book.
The relationship that grows between the two main characters is the strangest I have ever read. They go from strangers to friends to lovers
in a very weird yet fun way. Both Clio and August are normal people but unique at the same time. She is a girl who goes with the flow and acts like crazy at times. August is nerdy and hot, strict but fun. From the first chapter, you have the feeling that nothing will go as planned but you can't guess how exciting this will be.
I enjoyed reading about their journey to falling in love and I will rate it with 4 stars.
January 5, 2021
A big thank you to the author for an advanced copy of Falling to Centerpieces: A Romantic Comedy. Falling to Centerpieces begins with Nicole having an emergency appendectomy. As a result, Clio is responsible for picking up centerpieces for their friend Kate's wedding and delivering them. The centerpieces need to be picked up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and delivered to Minocqua, Wisconsin. Nicole and Clio were to use Nicole family's minivan and also give a ride to the bride's cousin, Augie. Since Nicole is not going anywhere now, Clio drives her Kia Soul. Thus begins an awkward road trip with Clio and Augie, who informs her that Augie is a nickname reserved for family and wishes to be called August. The two do hit it off and establish road trip rules which evolve into stopping at random roadside exhibits and kissing at the exhibits. When they pick up the centerpieces, they are small trees that fill up Clio's Kia Soul. They make good time until they encounter some complications that delay them. They barely make it to the wedding and then the real question is what will happen to Clio and August now that their road trip is over? Falling to Centerpieces is a charming book which I read very quickly. I really enjoyed that the book was set in the Midwest and l learned about some roadside exhibits as well. I look forward to reading more books by Ellie Cahill.
April 18, 2022
Clio and her best friend Nicole plan to drive across Michigan to attend the wedding of their good friend Katie. Nicole has made all the plans for the trip but ends up in hospital for an emergency appendectomy. They are supposed to use Nicole’s mom’s van, pick up her cousin Augie and bring these special centrepieces for the wedding and reception location. They end up using Clio’s smaller older car with a lot less room and quite a distance to drive. They also end up having to bring a bunch of trees and the containers for them and water to keep the leaves from falling off. Because Nicole is at the hospital thinking she’ll be able to get the van and the trees, containers and water all packed in the van, when the reality is Nicole needs surgery, getting the van and the rest of the centrepiece stuff is a problem that Clio has to figure logistics for, it will make for so much confusion she doesn’t know if they will be able to get there on time. She discovers that Augie will have to help and he seems to be a bit of a pill, not sure he even wants to ride with Clio since they are complete strangers. This ends up being a madcap nightmare that they have to rush to get everything together and to the wedding venue. This is not a boring read!
December 31, 2020
This is a really feelgood book, just the type to be reading in the midst of a global pandemic.
When Clio's friend Nicolle needed an appendicectomy it was left to disorganised trainee opera singer Clio to deliver huge tree table centrepieces in her small car to their friend Kate's wedding reception, this meant a long drive across state. To make matters just a little bit more complicated they had offered a lift to Kate's cousin, trainee dentist Augustus
This story is of the incredible journey of Clio and August, the wonderful sights, the quirky edifices they discover along the way and the zany rituals they set up between them.
The chemistry between the goes from "not quite sure" to "electric" over the period of the two day journey. The banter between them is madcap but enchanting, this zany couple are completely likable and the antics on Mackinac island are epic.
To be honest, this story is probably way out of my usual age group but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily leave a review.
When Clio's friend Nicolle needed an appendicectomy it was left to disorganised trainee opera singer Clio to deliver huge tree table centrepieces in her small car to their friend Kate's wedding reception, this meant a long drive across state. To make matters just a little bit more complicated they had offered a lift to Kate's cousin, trainee dentist Augustus
This story is of the incredible journey of Clio and August, the wonderful sights, the quirky edifices they discover along the way and the zany rituals they set up between them.
The chemistry between the goes from "not quite sure" to "electric" over the period of the two day journey. The banter between them is madcap but enchanting, this zany couple are completely likable and the antics on Mackinac island are epic.
To be honest, this story is probably way out of my usual age group but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily leave a review.
January 4, 2021
What a hysterical and fun book! I love quirky stories like this and Ellie Cahill outdid herself on this one. August and Clio are pretty much thrown together on a long road trip after her roommate ends up in the hospital to have emergency surgery. Everything from strange and funny side trips to having to pack 30 tree centerpieces into a small car happens with these two on this trip through Michigan. The bonus is they actually fall for each other. I especially laughed myself sick with the horse side trip, the island trip was great, you definitely had anxiety for them with that situation. The whole trip with these two unlikely college students made for laughing throughout the entire book. Only thing I would have liked to see more of was steamier scenes between the two, other than that a perfect read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
January 5, 2021
Falling to Centerpieces is a really fun, road trip romance. Clio is preparing to deliver wedding centerpieces for a friend's wedding with her best friend and a cousin of the groom. Unfortunately, Nicole, the bff, had to have emergency surgery so now it's Clio and August on the trip. These two have never met, but they go with the flow. What follows is a so much fun. These two find the most random and unusual, but interesting attractions and really get to know each other. It was fun to see their feelings develop and go along on the ride with them. These two were definitely meant for each other There is humor and romance in the best combination. The writing is fluid and with no forced or awkward dialogue. I enjoyed this book so much and look forward to more from Ellie Cahill! I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
February 13, 2022
First off, I have to say I love Ms. Cahill’s stories and style of writing. It is all just wacky enough to reflect real life.
However, as a native Michigander, I was woefully disappointed by her lack of research on locations and directions.
Grand Rapids is on the WEST side of the state, not the east, and Sleeping Bear, also on the WEST side of the state is nowhere near the thumb, which is on the east side.
Someone needed to have a better editor or do more research on geography before putting pen to paper.
I still loved the characters and the story, but those very obvious mistakes dial back the rating and make me sad no one bothered to put a little extra time into getting the details right. So much that occurred were things actually found in the state, so why was something this patently obvious missed?
However, as a native Michigander, I was woefully disappointed by her lack of research on locations and directions.
Grand Rapids is on the WEST side of the state, not the east, and Sleeping Bear, also on the WEST side of the state is nowhere near the thumb, which is on the east side.
Someone needed to have a better editor or do more research on geography before putting pen to paper.
I still loved the characters and the story, but those very obvious mistakes dial back the rating and make me sad no one bothered to put a little extra time into getting the details right. So much that occurred were things actually found in the state, so why was something this patently obvious missed?
December 21, 2023
I am obsessed with this book and these characters. This was the best romance I have ever read. First off, LOVE the name August. This book had me smiling the entire time. It was so funny and natural, I could see this actually happening which made this so much better.
I also appreciate that it had positive vibes almost the entire book. Personally, I'm not a fan of a book where they finally get together the last couple chapters. The relationship is my favorite part and Cahill did this beautifully.
I was laughing out loud through August and Clio’s journey of roadside attractions. I saw myself in both of them, but I am definitely Clio. I could absolutely see all of these things happening to me. Especially since my husband and I have a history of things going wrong on trips.
This was such a beautifully written book that I would absolutely give it 15 stars out of 5. I cannot wait to read more by the author. If you like romance this is a must read for sure. I need a movie, this would be hilarious.
I also appreciate that it had positive vibes almost the entire book. Personally, I'm not a fan of a book where they finally get together the last couple chapters. The relationship is my favorite part and Cahill did this beautifully.
I was laughing out loud through August and Clio’s journey of roadside attractions. I saw myself in both of them, but I am definitely Clio. I could absolutely see all of these things happening to me. Especially since my husband and I have a history of things going wrong on trips.
This was such a beautifully written book that I would absolutely give it 15 stars out of 5. I cannot wait to read more by the author. If you like romance this is a must read for sure. I need a movie, this would be hilarious.
March 28, 2021
This is a fun road trip story that starts with the need to deliver centerpieces for a wedding, that unites two people that started as strangers and results in a lasting friendship (or more?). Fun, albeit sometimes annoying but likable characters will keep you engaged until you get to the end and the story also makes you want to take your own road trip to check out the places visited. Humor and romance make this book an excellent choice for a relaxing change of pace from any other genre...I would certainly characterize this as a wonderful beach read. I received an ARC and am providing my honest review.
March 29, 2022
Mostly really sweet and fun! These novels are like a tasty sauce on pasta when there’s slightly too little of the sauce, so you keep eating more to get the flavor, but you end up never quite satisfied. Road trip caper with Americana was delightful. Mackinac Island was believable. Traverse City is NOT in the thumb. And the Big Misunderstanding was too silly and obvious and unbelievable. Then the resolution was instant—which was appropriate given the lack of conflict but felt far too rushed for the Big Feelings story. Loved “this is a thing we do,” especially in the epilogue. Anyway, a nice mid-semester break. Will be back, I’m sure.
March 13, 2024
too cute!
Oh man, I just scrolled through my kindle and came across this beauty and decided to give it a shot and I am so SO glad I did!
What a cute, fun and adorable road trip these two had.
After an appendicitis emergency ends up from three people to two, the two remaining have a job delivering wedding centrepieces.
Whilst not really knowing each other these two stop at roadside destinations seeing the wild and wonderful attractions in back gardens and on beaches and so many different places and having fun whilst doing so.
It’s been so cute watching the fun these two have.
This is my first read from this author and I would love to read more of her books.
Oh man, I just scrolled through my kindle and came across this beauty and decided to give it a shot and I am so SO glad I did!
What a cute, fun and adorable road trip these two had.
After an appendicitis emergency ends up from three people to two, the two remaining have a job delivering wedding centrepieces.
Whilst not really knowing each other these two stop at roadside destinations seeing the wild and wonderful attractions in back gardens and on beaches and so many different places and having fun whilst doing so.
It’s been so cute watching the fun these two have.
This is my first read from this author and I would love to read more of her books.
January 1, 2021
This was a fun book to read. What a great idea for a book - a road trip to fall in love. I really enjoyed the characters. The road trip to a wedding involved Nicole showing Clio and August her stomping grounds. The trip didn't go off as planned but it worked out much better in the end. Clio and August take advantage of roadside attractions and push the limit on giving themselves enough time to get to the wedding with lots of adventure involved.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. I recommend this fun book!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. I recommend this fun book!
January 13, 2024
This one was cute - definitely a fluff book (no brainpower required). It was a kindle freebie at some point and I finally got around to it. I enjoyed it while reading, but each time I set it down, I completely blanked on what I had read. Not much plot, but a lot of fun road trip stops. Also uses the dumb miscommunication trope, which is absolutely obnoxious. Won't continue the series, but don't feel like I wasted my time reading it. The roadside attractions were the most enjoyable part of this one.
January 5, 2021
I’ve always enjoyed Ellie’s writing and was so happy to see she had a new book coming soon. This hilariously sweet road trip novel centers around 2 strangers and their quest to no ruin Katie’s wedding. Clio and Nicole are besties who are going to a weeding across the state and are bringing the centerpieces and the groom’s cousin. But an emergency appendectomy ends Nicole’s role and it’s up to Clio and August to get the extravagant centerpieces to the wedding on time and without injury. Along the way the strangers become friends then more but what happens when their “journey” ends? You’ll have to read and find out!!
This was my last read before the end of a dreadful year and I am so happy I ended on a happy book that I could give a glowing review! Happy 2021!
This was my last read before the end of a dreadful year and I am so happy I ended on a happy book that I could give a glowing review! Happy 2021!
January 6, 2021
It was romantic, and funny and made me smile the whole way through the story. I simply adored the characters and I could not stop reading. With witty banter, undeniable attraction that grows between the characters, heartwarming moments, and a HEA, this is a definite must read. This is the first book by this author but not the last. So anyone after a feel good romance especially in these trying times then this book will brighten up your day!! Happy reading everyone!!
January 11, 2021
This a comedy of errors a massive century piece emergency surgery and missed fairy and one cooky girl Clio who really knows how to miss judge a situation. Then theres pore August this guy has to deal with Clio and her quirky off the wall attitude about dentist among other things. But some how among all the chaos of and appending marriage and Clio's insecurities they find romance.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 12, 2023
Great book but some noticeable errors
This was a great story. I live in MI so I’ll have to check some of these places out. I dropped a star though because there were some noticeable typos/wrong words used, and at one point it erroneously stated that they were in the thumb. They were on the opposite side, on the finger side. Just little things that take you out of the story. But I enjoyed the characters and the plot; would read again.
This was a great story. I live in MI so I’ll have to check some of these places out. I dropped a star though because there were some noticeable typos/wrong words used, and at one point it erroneously stated that they were in the thumb. They were on the opposite side, on the finger side. Just little things that take you out of the story. But I enjoyed the characters and the plot; would read again.
August 13, 2023
This road trip romance was a fun read. August and Clio unexpectedly end up on a rush trip to deliver perishable wedding centerpieces after her roommate ends up having emergency surgery. They have a car that's too small, don't know each other, and whatever can go wrong does. She is an aspiring opera singer, and he is in dental school. The one thing they have in common is that they love quirky side trips and find many on their journey. This was an adorable blend of comedy and romance.
December 31, 2023
this read like a wattpad story but in the best possible way. i’m a sucker for road trip romances so i absolutely ate this up. i thought clio and august had great banter, which made for great chemistry, even though it felt way too rushed (hate the insta-love trope tbh). it was overly cheesy at times, almost as if the author was trying too hard to get her characters to be ~quirky~ and ~different~, but overall it was a fun, easy read!
March 21, 2024
Kindle readers can relate- late night scrolling through your library when you have finished a book and your library holds aren’t ready yet, and you accidentally open a book as you are scrolling. Yup, that’s what happened. Turned out I loved the quirkiness of this book/author. Rating is based on surprise factor of how much I enjoyed reading the adventures of August and Clio. Then I added more of her titles to my kindle.
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