Make Me Crazy

Loco, Texas #2

by Codi Gary

Miranda “Rand” Coleman has seen the way love can wreck a person and wants absolutely no part of it. When her granddaddy dies suddenly, he leaves a clause in his will that has her married in three months or she loses her inheritance. Unwilling to give up the Double C Ranch, she starts to set her eyes towards the eligible men in town, with little luck in finding a man she can stand for a minute let alone a year. Until she sets eyes on the new veterinarian and enlists the help of her womanizing best friend, Jake, to help.

Jake Hansen is a single guy who likes his women pretty and uncomplicated, with no plans to settle down anytime soon. When he decides to help Rand hook her man, he has no idea the effect watching Rand change would have on him. Especially when she starts letting her gorgeous brown hair down and showing off a body he didn’t even know she had. Before too long, Jake isn’t just lusting after his best friend, he’s feeling downright possessive. But when it comes down to the wire, will he get over his issues and step up to the alter…or lose the only woman he was ever meant to love?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Westerns, Chick Lit, Adult

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2013

About the author

From the time I could put a Disney Book cassette into my little stereo,and read along, books have held a fantastic distraction. When I was eleven, I decided I wanted to be one of those magical people that brought stories to life. Devouring a book a day sometimes, my first romance novel stuck with me. I've always been a sucker for a happy ending (and the great romantic gesture)and that's what I try to put into my stories. I am so honored to be a part of Avon, and am so excited to have my own dreams coming true.

Reviews

[Jennifer ♛Jenna♛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story;it's about two best friends, Miranda and Jake, who finally see that they can be so much more.

Miranda finds out that in order to keep her ranch she has to get married in 3 months. She is a bit of a tomboy and has never even dated so she has her work cut out for her. On top of that she lives in a small town where finding a suitable husband seems next to impossible.

Jake is one of Miranda's best friends and doesn't see himself settling down any time soon. But, when he sees Miranda going on dates and they kiss for the first time he feels something more than friendship for her. It's like he finally sees her as a woman and can't help but think if she is going to marry someone why not him.

Miranda and Jake get married but they want to treat it like a business deal.Miranda soon realizes she is in love with Jake but doesn't know how to convince Jake that they can make their marriage real. Jake on the other hand isn't ready to let go of thoughts that he will be just like his father having witnessed his parents bad marriage.

Ultimately Jake has to decide to either open himself up to being in love with Miranda and let go of the past or to walk away and lose the woman he loves.

[SassyLeg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.
A beautiful friends to lovers romance with a tomboy heroine who needs marriage to keep her ranch and a commitment phobic hero who steps in to help her to charm the bachelors in town.
We have so many romance tropes but all of them well developed:
- small town setting
- H/h knowing each other since childhood and closest friends
- quirky side characters that soon perceive that the relationship between the two main characters is much deeper than friendship
- a playboy hero soon developing jealousy and possessiveness for the heroine
- an inexperienced heroine that grew up in a ranch and that has always been "one of the guys"

Funny - steamy - emotional (I shed a few tears...)

A good medicine for the heart - Yes 🙂

[Catherine Crook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Me Crazy

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in Southern California. Beaches, surfboards and all that jazz. I loved it, don't get me wrong, I just wished I could ride horses all day, I adore country music and something about a Southern boy drawl with his "Yes Ma'ams" just suckers me EVERYTIME. Now, I have been living in Mississippi for almost 8 years, and I could do smaller. Montana, maybe. The mister would never go for it. He is a big city guy. These reasons and many more are why I love Codi Gary and her books. She brings you into Small Town, U.S.A. And all its quirks and charm come alive in her words. Rock Canyon is the perfect example. But, then I go and visit Loco, Texas and I am in awe all over again at the talent Codi possesses to paint such a vivid picture with her words.

When you get to Loco, Texas you meet all the fun townsfolk. There's Earl who nobody goes around, except Rand who is oddly friendly with him, as he is with her. You will often find Rand hanging with her 2 best friends: Red and Jake. They have been friends for over 20 years. Drinking beers, movie nights and cracking jokes. Red's sisters are a riot. The Momma's will smack you upside the head if you act out in church, and Heaven's forbid you use His name in vain. A sudden death of the only family Rand has close leaves her in a pickle. According to her Granddaddy's will, the ranch she was raised at and put her blood, sweat and tears into will go into the hands of her cousin unless she marries within 3 months. What was her Granddaddy thinking? Rand doesn't want to marry. Heck, she doesn't even date. When word gets out about her predicament, all the single men come a calling. That ranch is a pretty penny in the eyes of her potential suitors. Only problem with that, she isn't willing to give that up. Her lifelong friend (and town hussy!) Jake helps her when she sets her sights on the only male in town that sparks her interest."He squeezed her close. 'Only okay sometimes? I'm awesome all the time." The new town vet. What better way to catch the eye of another man than to appear unavailable while on the arm of the town hottie? "He lost the deer in the headlights expression and flashed a sheepish grin. 'I'm not narcissistic; I'm just self-aware."


This book reads like one of those romantic comedies that I always force my husband to watch with me. Just the right amount of heat, humor and tugs of the heart strings. Plus, Codi knows how to make her supporting cast of characters so likable that you find yourself proposing your ideas for their own stories to the author. (SORRY!)

Miranda "Rand" Coleman is full of sass, and the last person anyone looks to as sexy. When Jake enlists the help of Red's sisters to help make her more ladylike, he feels sparks. Does she feel them? What is happening? She is stubborn and just one of the guys. Why is she suddenly charming? "I don't know what you've been told, but you have as much charm as an armadillo's backside."

The walk down this aisle is one filled with fights, drunken stupors and several smacks upside the heads from some loving Mommas. "'I was sick, Mom. Rand's been taking care of me out at her place. And besides all that, you do know I'm a grown ass man?' 'Of course I do! Doesn't mean I won't kick your ass up one side and down the other id you ever scare me like that again.'" Throw in a pleasure party, a penis cake, a romance novel from an unlikely author, an ALMOST ticket for lewd acts ("No ticket tonight but do us all a favor. Keep it zipped until you get home. Or park somewhere.") you have a great read!

My favorite quote of this book! The grand,
romantic gesture!


Now, for a few more of my favorite quotes, and teases...

"Miranda Coleman, that was downright romantic."

"Love makes even the worst situations bearable, Jake."

"Suddenly, sleep seemed a little over-rated when she had six foot plus of hot Texas male in her bed."


You won't be disappointed with this love story!

[Miranda King · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Make Me Crazy*--who wouldn't be if you had your pick of all the single cowboys in town? That's what happens to Miranda "Rand" Coleman after her father leaves her the Double C Ranch, with one condition: She must marry within 3 months!

Despite every single cowboy in Loco, Texas having his eye on her, Rand has her sights set on the new doctor in town, Jay. She enlists the help of her best friend, Jake--a man who has lots of experience with women... lots. Jake doesn't think he's the type to settle down with one woman, but he has a plan to help Rand get Jay: Make Jay jealous.

Soon Jake is opening car doors, holding hands, escorting her around town--all of it only to make Jay jealous, right? But what happens when the handsome doctor starts to take an interest in Rand? And what about all those other men hoping to catch Rand's attention and perhaps a piece of the Double C Ranch, too?

Rand doesn't want Jake, anyway. All he does is make her crazy, feeling things she doesn't want to feel, especially after she gets all wrapped up in his kiss--literally (you'll have to read to see what I mean). But when things heat up even more, Rand knows Jake isn’t the type to settle down, or is he?

With the help of some supportive friends and meddling parents, Jake and Rand might just find that making each other crazy is exactly what they both need!

[TrixieTalksBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun and sexy read. I quickly fell in love with the town and people of Loco, Texas. I love the relationship Rand had with her 2 best friends, Jake and Red. They’ve been friends to years….she and Jake go back 20 years! I don’t want to go into too many details because I want you to discover everything yourself. There are some really great surprises in this book. Wonderful relationships are forged….not just romantic ones, but bonds are strengthened with friends and family, new and old. I can see that more great things will be coming to us from Loco, Texas. Go check it out….we all need a little bit of crazy.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends turn lovers equal undeniable chemistry. Rand and Jake are the perfect couple.

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You make me crazy," she muttered as she obeyed. "Likewise," he countered.

What a light and fun romance read with a southern twist. I am a big fan of Codi Gary because she always knows how to write a story that keeps me constantly entertained without wanting to pull my hair out from too much drama. I sat down to start this book thinking I would read a few chapters then get back to life, instead I found myself in the same chair a few hours later with a fully read book!

"In fact, I've been thinking; lips like that have got to be soft as a rose petal. You wouldn't mind if I tested them out, would ya, sweetheart?"

So the one thing about this book is the main character shares a name with me, my name isn't that common so it is always strange when I read it. That being said almost always a character with my name is not the heroine and is instead some kind of bitchy temptress. Not this time, Miranda or "Rand" is the sweetest girl and I loved her. A tomboy at heart the one thing Rand cares about is keeping the ranch her grandfather left her, the catch, she must get married like ASAP! With no prospects in sight Rand finds herself struggling. Enter longtime best friends Red and Jake. Not surprising that Rand has two men as best friends since she is such a tomboy. She is not willing to mess up her friendship with either man by causally marrying one just to help her save the ranch. But before long it would seem like playboy Jake and Rand actually have some crazy good chemistry and decide that a year of marriage while having a little fun isn't a bad idea and they both agree that they will come out of this friends. But can they do fake-married-couple-with-benefits without developing real feelings or losing it all?

"Make Me Crazy. Make me nuts! I don't care as long as you're here. With me."

Boy did I fall for Jake! Who wouldn't he was possessive, sexy and alpha to a core! But as always a sexy man does not come without baggage and Jake has plenty of his own. I loved Rand and Jake to me they felt like real people and I wanted more and more of them. Watching them come to terms with their developing feeling while balancing that with the constant desire for each other made for a great and easy read. Make Me Crazy had just the right mix of fun, sex, and drama to keep me reading and ignoring the rest of my "real world" responsibilities!
4.5 Stars
~miranda

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Me Crazy is the first in the Loco, Texas series and it is small town romance at its finest. Ms. Gary continues to write books with humor, engaging characters and of course sweet romance.

Miranda (Rand) Coleman has a big problem, her grandfather recently passed away and in order to inherit The Double C, the ranch she has worked on her whole life, she must marry in the next three months, for at least a year. As she looks around her small town, she realizes there is no one she would consider marrying.

Jake and Red, her two best friends offer to help, however the more that Jake is around to find her a husband, the more he realizes he does not want any other man near.

Oh the trouble Rand and Jake get into as they try to solve her problem and realize the feelings they have for each other. I really enjoy the camaraderie between Rand and her two best friends and the growing chemistry with Jake. They have a standing night of fun each Saturday, unless of course, one of boys has a date. Rand rarely dates as she had an embarrassing incident in high school which turned her off finding anyone to get serious about, so this whole clause that her grandfather added to the will is hard for her to handle.

The secondary characters that surround Rand add so much to the story, Earl, the older man who most stay away from because of his grumpiness is actually a sweetheart to Rand and their Sunday afternoons are to treasure and Red’s four sisters are a wild bunch that help (or hinder) the wedding plans and make for some hilarious reading. And there is added drama when Jake’s brother comes to visit with his new son, a child he just found out he had. Make Me Crazy is a well written, delightful story with all the angst, drama and fun that small town romances should have.

Copy from author for an honest review

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miranda "Rand" finds out upon her grandfather's passing that in order to inherit the ranch she has worked on and loved her whole life, she must get married for at least one year within the next three months. This is problematic as Rand never intended to get herself into a relationship, much less a serious one right away. Rand is a tough girl who doesn't intend to settle, and doesn't ever want to rely on a man to take care of her. She decides that she needs to find someone to marry her for a year even as part of a business arrangement so that she won't lose her ranch. Jake has been best friends with Miranda for the past 20 years, and has never considered attempting any romantic relationship with her. He is a man who enjoys brief sex only relationships with women and has no intention of changing that. This marriage crisis of Rand's has her and her guy friends thinking about things in a whole new way.

This was a good friends to lovers story. I liked that Rand and Jake are best friends, and even when they start to feel a strong physical attraction to one another it doesn't take away from their playful friendship and snarky banter with one another. I like that even with all the confusion about their situation they try to make sure their friendship will remain in tact no matter what happens. Both of these characters are very frustrating at times, and I wanted to shot at them to just stop acting so stubborn and be happy already. Their physical chemistry is definitely intense, and the sexy stuff in this book is very sexy. I loved watching Rand open up and discover her own sexuality, and Jake finding out how awesome sex can be with someone he really cares about. I would recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake sure is a passionate man, "suddenly, his hands were on her shoulders, and spinning her around. He slipped his hands down to lay flat on the counter, leaning over her until their noses were almost touching. "Now that isn't very nice darlin', especially when it's coming from the prettiest mouth I've seen west of the Mississippi." Rand that sure knows how to state how she's feeling, "you had to go and kiss me! Now all I can think about is kissing and I want to keep doing it! Before I could just pretend I didn't mind being alone and I could live with a man for a year without any hanky panky, no problem. But I like kissing! And it's all your fault!" Jake he's really considerate especially when it comes to Rand and her first time, "I'm sorry. I've never been with someone who hadn't..." He ran his hand over her hair and cheek. "Does it hurt now?" I loved the banter between Jake and Rand:
That surprised the hell out of him and he pulled all the way back to look at her face. "You want me to take you to a movie so you can lust over another guy?"
She smiled. "No I want you to take me to a movie so I can watch cars blow up and bad guys get shot."
Her tone was sarcastic and he growled. "Maybe I'll make you watch a chick flick."
These two sure get caught in some pretty interesting situations, "she pumped him in her hand, using her other to tickle the back of his neck as she took his earlobe into her mouth and teased it with her teeth. A flash of red and blue filled the cab and Rand looked behind at the police cruiser. "Sh**." Jake flipped on the blinker and added, "Help me get my pants up." I'm going to need to get this book in paperback!

[T.J. Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, they are rare on this blog but this book was a 5 Star book in my opinion. It had everything I love in a read - fantastic characters who move along swiftly in a great plot, plenty of romance and even a few laughs. Not to mention that several of the scenes in Make Me Crazy had me, not only surprised, but laughing out loud!

Miranda "Rand" is everything I love in a heroine, and it might just be my own bias, but I love a country girl who doesn't want to change to impress a man, even when everything in her world is at stake. She's going to remain true to who she is. Every choice she makes, even the ones that would seem to go against what she claims to want, were still within her character and rang completely true to character. Jake Hansen was an adorable male lead, a player without being a "dog" and so well suited as Miranda's best friend that every move he made toward her, in the name of helping her find a husband, was hilarious. Watching the two of them struggle to find stable ground provided plenty for the author to work with and she used each situation well.

The supporting cast was fun, included her grouchy codger of a neighbor; Red, her brotherly best friend and her new-found girlfriends, Tammy and Jaime. There were several scenes in this story that had me shocked (in a good way) with the author's creativity and sense of humor and I knew I was sold on her writing. The plot moved quickly and this book was an entertaining read that had me scrambling for ways to finish it when my tablet battery died. There was no way I was waiting to see how it ended.

Looking forward to the next Loco book!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Western Romance is not my usual genre of reading (I usually prefer paranormal, fantasy, not overly technical scifi, or Victorian period), but I loved this story! It was a very sweet romance, in how it followed the already strong, capable Rand as she grew as a person realizing that for all her knowledge of the world, was still very naieve and vulnerable, going from wanting just marriage in name only just so she could keep the ranch, to being swept up in passion, to discovering just what love is and how much she needed it in her life, to trying to understand all the innerworkings of what a marriage is and its ups and downs, not to mention meeting new friends along the way. And don't get me wrong that this is entirely chicklit because it does also alternate with Jake giving us the male viewpoint.The story is a lovely experience that kept taking new twists and turns as Rand experienced new things and had to re-evaluate her life from being stubborn and rigid, to finding the new person inside her. I would recomend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance.

[Brendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny plot!

crazy characters and even funnier circumstances. Mainly romance but, with a few hot scenes.
I really loved the chemistry between both characters; and with their friends.
Liked it very much! XD

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't anticipating reading this straight through in a day but here we are, hour later and couldn't put it down until I finished! One of my favorite tropes of course ends up not letting me put it down.

[Greymalkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was meh. The writing kept it from being terrible, but never elevated the story above the most basic and forgettable friends-to-lovers plot arc.

[relaxolibro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Troppo sesso e poca "sostanza".

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

I really enjoyed Make Me Crazy by Codi Gary. It was cute and sweet, and I love the friends to lovers trope. The characters were all likable and I really enjoyed Gary's writing style. I felt invested in these characters and their HEA right from the start, and I was able to just lose myself in their story.

Miranda "Rand" Coleman grew up seeing that love can destroy a person, and since then she has been against love, marriage and kids. When her grandpa dies and leaves her the Double C Ranch, she is glad to be able to continue living the life she loves. But when she finds out that in order to keep the ranch she must get married in three months she begins to panic. She turns to her two best friends Red and Jake to help her find eligible men in town that she could marry. When she decides to after the town veterinarian, Jake agrees to help her make him jealous and give him a bit of competition. But soon the feelings between Jake and Rand start to become more about them and less about helping her secure a husband. As Jake and Rand grow closer, they begin to think about the possibility of them getting married instead. But Jake has never done commitment and Rand isn't willing to settle. Can Jake and Rand work things out before it's too late, or will they end up destroying their friendship in the process?

I really liked Jake and Rand. These characters were so real and normal, and I thought that they were extremely easy to relate to. Rand was strong and capable, and I loved that she was so comfortable running her ranch. She wasn't intimidated easily, and I also liked that she wasn't afraid to be herself. It was great to see her start to loosen up a bit with Jake though. I liked that she wasn't a girly girl, but it was great that she started to try something new and that she would think about Jake and what he would like. He really brought out more of her feminine qualities, and it was nice to see her show that side more. Jake was sweet and easy-going, and I loved the friendship between him and Rand. Jake knew her so well, and yet he started to see so much more to her than he ever had before. I liked seeing him start to develop real feelings for her and see that he was capable of more than just casual with someone. Jake and Rand were a great match because of their foundation as best friends, but beyond that they had great chemistry together and worked really well as a couple. These two were really hot together, and I loved seeing them take their friendship to the next step.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and fun, and I had a really good time reading it. This book had it all, and I loved how it was sweet and playful but also sexy and intense. Rand and Jake were great to read about, and I loved watching their growth as a couple but also as individuals. I highly recommend this book to contemporary romance fans. I think this is a book that has something for everyone, and a lot of people will really enjoy this story just like I did. I can't wait to read more from Codi Gary, and I look forward to the next book in this series.

**Copy Provided by Literati Author Services**

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Me Crazy review

Make Me Crazy is the second fun and sassy romance in the Loco, Texas series written by author Codi Gary.

[Melissa Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a compulsive reader. I am usually attracted by a books cover but generally decide to read it or not by the hook of the blurb.
This is what caught me for Codi Gary’s book “Make me Crazy”. It’s a story about two friends who come together as a means to an end. Rand needs to get married within three months of her grandfather’s passing or she does not get her inheritance which she needs in order to keep her beloved ranch running. She’s the typical tomboy with dung on her heels and mud in her hair. Jake is one of her best friends and the quintessential ladies man. And to both their credit, neither have ever viewed the other as a potential lover. There have never been romantic feelings between them. Till Rand’s situation presents itself and Jake sees a parade of men that Rand is considering as husband material. In the midst of a heated argument, they share a scorching kiss and like Pandora’s box, it’s swirls around them.
The moment itself is written with such heat and passion that you actually feel like you are in the scene with the characters. You feel the accelerated heart beat and the confusion when their lips part. The great thing about this book is that the author did not make them suddenly fall in love. Nosireebob. The push and pull with their emotions and struggles is tangible. They don’t want this attraction and physically fight each other off till they give in. Their blowouts are intense and sometimes entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion, especially when secondary characters provide hilarity.
The author is also not afraid to let real life embarrass these characters. For instance when Jake tries to feel up Rand only to find out that she tapes down her boobs. I actually got red faced for her!
It’s brilliant. I absolutely loved it.
Well written, great banter and an all around fantastic storyline.
Get yours today! and check out Codi Gary’s other books. She’s awesome!

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[Vishal Mudgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, thank God I've found this light read & I'm back in game of reading again. For a moment I thought there's something wrong with me. But thanks to all that's holy it isn't me it were the books I was set-up with. And I swear I'd never adhere to the requests of ppl I don't know about which book I should go out with.

In the end, for me, it'd always be about love. It's been a month and I was so worried & then one day I found this book, all sweet and b'ful waiting for me to read her. And I did, within an hour I read it all and I loved it. There are still a few things which bug me but all's well, that ends well, right?

I loved Miranda, she was sweet and funny and she reminded me of Elizabeth in A Time for Love and before I go further about this book let me just say this was the book which made me partial to the name Elizabeth. She'd always be my first love, I'd never forget her.

Coming back to Miranda and her story, there's this feeling in your chest when you read something which you love, the feeling which transport you to the place where nothing exists but a slow hum of exictement and you feel it growing and expanding in your heart with every breath you take.

I loved this book so much because it ended the draught for me. For a moment I thought I'd never be able to enjoy any other book but thanks to this wonderful read, she showed me it wasn't me. And here I go again to read once more and fall in love again and again with love.

Why the three stars?
Because both Miranda & Jake could've had all of that b'ful feelings if only they had talked. There's nothing wrong in being vulnerable and open to the person you think you love. But I'm not complaining, I'm happy that I'm back again.

And I'll read 'A Time for Love' once again.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
When Miranda “Rand” Coleman’s grandfather passes away, he leaves her with an ultimatum through his will. Either Rand gets married or she loses the Double C Ranch. Rand never expected to have to get married, she never wanted to get married in the first place. With a plan in place Rand sets out in the small town of Loco, Texas to find her temporary husband.
Make Me Crazy is a cute and sweet story. It focuses on Rand, Jake and Red, best friends since childhood. When Rand is forced to find a husband or lose her ranch she turns to Jake and Red for help. But as time gets closer so do Rand and Jake. Rand never wanted to fall in love, let alone get married and Jake is the town playboy. So when they find themselves attracted to one another things start getting confusing. I enjoyed the story, but found it not really detailed enough. Jake and Red have been friends with Rand since childhood, yet their friendship seemed superficial. They proclaim to be best friends, but they didn’t seem to really know each other, there wasn’t a lot that really showed how they were best friends and the bond that they shared. The story definitely followed a more sweet element, and there wasn’t a lot of angst, whatever conflict there was ended just as quickly. The story moved and progressed nicely and never felt drawn out, but it seemed to just move from point A to point B. I really enjoyed any scenes with Jake and Red’s moms, especially the church scenes when Red would get slapped across the back of his head, I laughed out loud at those parts. All in all it was a sweet story, but I did feel that the details were lacking which, for me, lessened my connection to the story and the characters.

[Ellie Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars!

Codi Gary continues to impress with her stories, writing a charming friends-to-lovers tale. Staying true to her love of small towns, Make Me Crazy takes us to Loco, Texas and introduces us to Rand and Jake, giving the series a strong start.

A twist of her grandfather’s will has Miranda “Rand” scrambling to make a life change she thinks she doesn’t want and definitely does not need. Her two best friends, Red and Jake, help her out in their own ways: Red by sending his sisters to help shed her tomboy tendencies and Jake – well, he helps himself to her sexy new image.

It’s the perfect arrangement –Rand wants to gain experience so she doesn’t disappoint her potential husband and Jake doesn’t want anything close to resembling a commitment. Neither of them expects the growing desire for more than just a physical experience. But their reticent natures get in their way until things come to a head and they have to finally acknowledge and accept their feelings for each other.

Gary’s writing is continuing to improve and her ability to entrance her readers is as well. Jake and Rand have wonderful exchanges interspersed with episodes of hot scenes bound to fog up your windows. Gary impresses once more with her creativity and humor, writing scenes that had me grinning and wishing I was sitting in the room with the characters. An unexpected but fully enjoyed treat of the novel are the secondary characters: all are strong and well-developed to the point where I am anxiously waiting to hear about Book 2 of the series.

A good read, I recommend this book with 3.5 stars out of five.

This ARC was provided by BWB Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Clever Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, sweet and sexy story of long time friends who try desperately not to fall in love.

Friends into lovers is one of my favorite themes. Rand and Jake have been best friends for twenty years but life - and a will - have them suddenly seeing each other in another way, a way that has them with their hands all over each other.

I adored the characters, heroine Rand, ladies' man Jake, country boy Red, ornery Earl and even Scout the cat. Rand is not a girly girl. She's practical and determined. I liked watching her grow, to be confident in herself, and have a little fun along the way. I also enjoyed watching her find her own style, a way to be comfortable in her own skin.

I really liked Jake. He was fun to watch as he struggled with his feelings for his best friend. Rand is a strong, independent woman but with her grandfather's edict that she marry she's at risk of losing the only stability she had in her young life. Rand's tears are Jake's kryptonite and suddenly he's teaching her how to be irresistible to men. Irresistible to him.

Neither Jake or Rand are looking for love, and for good reason, they've both been badly hurt, but are they willing to pass on love when they find it?

I liked Gary's writing style, it felt easy and effortless and the story never lagged. The characters were well flushed out and endearing. The town of Loco, with its large cast of well meaning, gossipy inhabitants, is definitely a place I'll want to visit again.

Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews

Miranda "Randa" Coleman and Jake Hansen have been best friends for twenty years. During that whole time, they never even considered anything more. In fact, Randa was just looked at as one of the guys. But things change when Randa finds out she has three months to get married, otherwise her Grandfather's will states that the Double C Ranch goes to her yuppie out of state cousin.

With not a boyfriend or any prospect in sight, Randa goes on the hunt and eventually enlists the help of Jake to help her catch the eye of a certain someone. In the act of attempting to make the guy Randa has her eyes on jealous, Jake discovers his pretend relationship with Randa is starting to feel awfully real.

Make Me Crazy is a fun and entertaining read. Think hillbilly moments and you're pretty close. This is a friends to lovers story that is surprisingly full of sex and lots of it. While the book gives you tons of laugh out loud moments, you also get serious moments where the characters make discoveries about themselves. I must admit, the ending for one character is surprising. This is the first book in the series and there are several characters whose stories I'm looking forward to reading. Who would have thought I would be patiently waiting to return to Loco, Texas?

Source: Author

[Sassy Moms Say Read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to thank Literati for allowing us a copy of this book so we could bring you this review.

Man did I like this story... it is so sweet and feel good. I know I have a soft spot for these best friends finding love in each other stories, so it's no surprise to me that this was another one I just devoured.

When Rand's grandfather passes away and leave a stipulation on his will that she needs to marry in three months or the ranch that he owned and she loved and lived in most of her life will go to a cousin that only wants to sell it she turns to her two best friends for help.

Though Red loves her and would do anything to make her happy, Jake turns out to be the one that she completely falls for.

After a suggestion by Red over Rand's situation, he starts to see her in a completely different light. He no longer sees her like the girl that used to get into mischief with him and Red but as the woman that she keeps hidden under flannel shirts and work jeans. He starts to notice that she isn't just one of the guys but as a sexy female.

Jake's suggests that they pretend to have something more going on to help her find a man to marry, little does he know that he will never be able to let her go with someone else.

There are other characters I can't wait to read more about and, know their books will come in the future...

Happy Reading... Adri.

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Me Crazy by author Codi Gary was a sweet and sexy story with characters that I adored and scenes I could so relate to. I loved the close friendship between Miranda "Rand", Jake and Red and the close knit community of Loco, Texas. I felt like I knew these characters and that they could have been my real life friends and sharing those movie nights and get-togethers. I love stories where best friends fall in love and I enjoyed the circumstances that allowed Rand and Jake to do this, albeit reluctantly. It was great to see Red being all protective of Rand where Jake was concerned and seeing these two friends "butting heads" at times out of jealousy. I liked how Rand slowly emerged from her tomboyish self and into a beautiful woman who made Jake crazy with desire. I really felt a connection to Rand and Jake and some of their scenes brought back memories of similar times in my life that had me smiling. The author had me laughing so hard with the vibrator scene and yes, she even managed to make me cry again with a poignant scene between her and old man Earl that tugged at my heart. After reading this book, I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

[Susan Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda "Rand" Coleman has three months to find a husband and get married, or lose her beloved ranch. She's always avoided romance, but refuses to lose the place she calls home. She's unsure how to go about enticing a man and her best friend Jake, who has a lot of experience when it comes to the opposite sex, offers to help. Best friends since they were kids, they share a comfortable, easy relationship but all that changes as Rand blossoms and they both start seeing each other in a whole new light.
Soon, the men around town are clambering for her attention and Jake, while not looking to settle down, realizes he doesn't want her kissing anyone else. Rand and Jake's chemistry is explosive but if they marry and it doesn't work out, they'll lose a vital friendship they both depend on.

The engaging secondary characters and small-town setting draw the reader in and make her feel at home. This is a well-written romance full of heart-sighing moments, hot attraction, and satisfying friendships. It's one of those books where when you finish reading it, all you want to do is go back to the beginning and read it again.

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the friends-to-lovers trope and this book was not the exception. Rand and Jake are great together. Once they get past their friends barrier, their chemistry is electric.

I found this book to be quite the enjoyable reads. There are many laugh out loud moments and a few that tug at your heartstrings (Earl is such a dear old grump!!). I liked how we got to see Rand and Jake's relationship evolve but also how that affected their third best friend, Red, as he dealt with the changes not only in Rand but in how the three of them were together.

If I had one complaint (and this is my personal beef with books in general) is that the publisher's did Ms Gary a great disservice with the editing. There were a few spelling errors but mostly it was with paragraph spacings and transitions into new scenes that weren't properly separated which drove me batty! If they revised the kindle edition and properly format it, there'd be no issues with this book at all!

Despite that, I definitely recommend this read. And I'm looking forward to reading Red's book next in I Want Crazy

[Michelle Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maranda "Rand", who has recently lost her beloved grandfather, finds out that she only has a short time to be married according to the terms of his will or she will loose the farm that she loves so much.

Jake, who is Rand's best friend, but a bit of a lady's man decides to help her find someone to marry only to discover that there is no one that can fill that space but him. Sparks fly when they are together and explode when anyone else is near her.


Codi Gary has done it again with this first book in her new Loco, Texas Series. I love the characters in this book and can't wait to see where she takes them next. Her writing has a way of drawing you in and has a "feel good" air about it. I can't wait to read more and will recommend her to anyone who loves romance.

This book was provided as a complimentary copy for an honest review.

[Terry Gregson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!! I read the whole thing in one afternoon...I couldn't put it down!! Codi Gary's books hook me from the first page and just won't let go. My favorite kind of books are good romances that can also make me laugh. Codi does this with her books. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I loved a certain tattoo scene and the Corrupter had me laughing out loud. The way I see it, you can't go wrong with a book with the name Codi Gary on it. I can't wait for the next book in the Loco, Texas series and I highly recommend that you go forth and read Make Me Crazy as soon as it hits the shelves!!