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Apple Valley Love Stories #1
The Mostly Real McCoy
Single-dad Mac needs a temporary nanny for his daughter, Daisy. I need a second job until my promotion kicks in. Since our arrangement is only for one month, I am positive I won’t get attached. Medium positive. Okay, I’m negative.
This is a terrible idea.
Because I can’t give Mac and Daisy what they need, and I won’t risk breaking their hearts, but his green eyes and her crooked pigtails have me dreaming about forever. And who can resist a dad buying pink ballerina tights after a day spent in a hard hat?
The thing is Mac is a fixer, and I need to repair my own life. Better yet, I don’t want to feel broken. So it’s a good thing the worst has already happened to me. Nothing will hurt more now. Water can’t get wetter. That’s what I keep telling myself.
Too bad I’m all wrong...
This is a terrible idea.
Because I can’t give Mac and Daisy what they need, and I won’t risk breaking their hearts, but his green eyes and her crooked pigtails have me dreaming about forever. And who can resist a dad buying pink ballerina tights after a day spent in a hard hat?
The thing is Mac is a fixer, and I need to repair my own life. Better yet, I don’t want to feel broken. So it’s a good thing the worst has already happened to me. Nothing will hurt more now. Water can’t get wetter. That’s what I keep telling myself.
Too bad I’m all wrong...
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2021
577 people are currently reading
4566 people want to read
About the author
Julie Christianson
16 books605 followersJulie Christianson writes sweet romantic comedies—but only when she’s not reading them. Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, she loves her hilarious family, her three crazy rescue dogs, and laughing at her own jokes.
Julie dreamed of being an author the first time she held a crayon, and after the library where she worked closed in 2020, she decided to try her hand at penning her own small-town romcoms.
She’s a former high school English teacher and lapsed marathon runner, the mother of two great kids, and the wife of one very funny man. Her goal is to write books that make you laugh out loud, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
To connect with Julie, follow her on instagram (@juliechristiansonauthor), Facebook (@juliechristiansonauthor) or visit her website, juliechristianson.com.!
Julie dreamed of being an author the first time she held a crayon, and after the library where she worked closed in 2020, she decided to try her hand at penning her own small-town romcoms.
She’s a former high school English teacher and lapsed marathon runner, the mother of two great kids, and the wife of one very funny man. Her goal is to write books that make you laugh out loud, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
To connect with Julie, follow her on instagram (@juliechristiansonauthor), Facebook (@juliechristiansonauthor) or visit her website, juliechristianson.com.!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
May 2, 2021
Y'all. It's probably a good thing that I got everything thing done that I needed to get done for the day before I started this book. Why? Because the moment I started reading, there was no way I was putting this book down until I finished it.
I was quickly swept away to Apple Valley where I lived and breathed all things Brooke, Mac and Daisy. Oh how I adored these three! They had me busting out laughing (literally and now my neighbors think I'm even more crazy), getting teary-eyed (it's not all sunshine and rainbows), swoonying (that first kiss... yowzers), and letting out little dreamy sighs (I couldn't help it!) throughout the entire book. I loved their journey of self discovery, of healing, of strength, of family, of being their for each other even if it's sitting on the sidelines and cheering them on. Their journey was absolutely beautiful! I loved every single minute of this book.
I do have to say that little Daisy kinda stole the show for me. Watching her blossom and grow under Brooke's care was seriously the sweetest thing ever. I just can't with all her cuteness! And her names! MeeMaw and PeePaw. Y'all! I lost it! I seriously love Daisy! Haha.
I will admit that I was kinda sad when the book ended. I was not ready to say goodbye to Brooke, Mac and Daisy. Thank goodness this is a series and I'll get to catch up with them soon! I am dying to get my hands on Emi and Nash's book. Y'all. I can already tell that Emi doesn't stand a chance. Nash is a go getter and he always gets what he wants. I'm already planning on clearing my schedule when their book is released. I have a feeling I'm going to be sucked in again. Hehe.
I am SO glad that I found Ms. Christianson while searching Amazon for new authors to try. The moment I read the synopsis, I was stalking her until release day. I highly recommend grabbing this one! It is SO good!
And of course we can't forget my casting. Y'all. I'm loving these two! What do you think?!
I was quickly swept away to Apple Valley where I lived and breathed all things Brooke, Mac and Daisy. Oh how I adored these three! They had me busting out laughing (literally and now my neighbors think I'm even more crazy), getting teary-eyed (it's not all sunshine and rainbows), swoonying (that first kiss... yowzers), and letting out little dreamy sighs (I couldn't help it!) throughout the entire book. I loved their journey of self discovery, of healing, of strength, of family, of being their for each other even if it's sitting on the sidelines and cheering them on. Their journey was absolutely beautiful! I loved every single minute of this book.
I do have to say that little Daisy kinda stole the show for me. Watching her blossom and grow under Brooke's care was seriously the sweetest thing ever. I just can't with all her cuteness! And her names! MeeMaw and PeePaw. Y'all! I lost it! I seriously love Daisy! Haha.
I will admit that I was kinda sad when the book ended. I was not ready to say goodbye to Brooke, Mac and Daisy. Thank goodness this is a series and I'll get to catch up with them soon! I am dying to get my hands on Emi and Nash's book. Y'all. I can already tell that Emi doesn't stand a chance. Nash is a go getter and he always gets what he wants. I'm already planning on clearing my schedule when their book is released. I have a feeling I'm going to be sucked in again. Hehe.
I am SO glad that I found Ms. Christianson while searching Amazon for new authors to try. The moment I read the synopsis, I was stalking her until release day. I highly recommend grabbing this one! It is SO good!
And of course we can't forget my casting. Y'all. I'm loving these two! What do you think?!
January 30, 2024
2/2.5 stars. Clean fiction with no major language, no sexual innuendos, and no faith content.
There were so many parts of this that were just plain stupid or silly, but yet I kept reading. It was pretty cute despite the main girl being an awkward klutz most of the time. Some plot holes for sure, but it was overall entertaining—except for the third act breakup. I wanted to smack Brooke so hard then and felt a little jipped with that rushed makeup and ending. Not great, but not bad either. Content wise it was cleaner than most of the KU “clean” rom-coms I’ve been attempting but I honestly skimmed parts of the romance when reading it (I went back through and properly noted things for the content notes of this review, though).
Trigger Warnings that’s slight spoilers, but I will give more info under proper spoilers markers: Infertility, Divorce, A wife leaving her husband and daughter, & parents that are a piece of work.
Main Content-
A few mentions of luck; A couple mentions of aliens; A mention of karma; A mention of someone looking like a caveman; A mention of the Universe (capital ‘U’).
Mac lies to Brooke about his identity & Brooke about something else; Brooke & Mac lie to her parents that they’re married to get them off of Brooke’s back (they also get Daisy, Mac’s five year old daughter to go along with it by telling her it’s a play); Mac’s wife left him and their daughter almost a year prior to the book starting & the divorce is final on page (Mac thinks that she even had a child she didn’t want with him for the sake of his family’s business); Brooke has a strained relationship with her parents as she believes they’ve always tried to fix her and have never been satisfied with who she is.
Mentions of the death of a beloved father; A couple mentions of murder; A couple mentions of a mobster & threats; A few mentions of alcohol & drinking (Mac no longer drinks beer on Saturday nights because of the divorce); A couple mentions of tattoos; A mention of a parent being concerned that their child was kidnapped (didn’t happen); A mention of someone being a brown-noser.
No cussing but minor language is used such as: butt, buzz off, dang it, darn, duh, dumb, gah, gosh, heck, holy cow, idiot, oh my gosh, sheesh, shut up, & stupid; God’s name is not taken in vain at all; Sexy and hot are both used (4 and 6 times respectively); A mention of a man saying a string of curses (not written out).
1 almost kiss (semi-detailed or a few sentences in length), 6 semi-detailed kiss (four of these are two kisses told from both of their point of views; a couple could easily border-line on detailed with being longer in length); Recalling kisses & an almost kiss (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Electricity, Nearness, Butterflies, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Flirting; Noticing (including his muscles & her legs, up to semi-detailed); Mac offers Brooke a proposition, but there’s a misunderstanding with that word and he clarifies that he’s not that type of guy (which Brooke says is good because she’d hate to kick his butt); Mac answers the door shirtless (up to semi-detailed); To make her parents believe that they are married, Mac & Brooke share a house (not a bed or room) & kiss in front of them; Brooke sits in Mac’s lap.
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & making out (including a mention of a woman’s lips being plumped up after a kiss); Mentions of flirting & women making moves on Mac; Mentions of girlfriends/boyfriends, dates, dating, breakups, & exes; Mentions of a man cheating on his fiancée & a woman cheating on her husband (the other woman involved in the first one is called a homewrecker); Mentions of PMS, PMSing, & cramps (Brooke has cramps and says she’s PMSing); A mention of Brooke’s best friend saying that her (Brooke’s) dad is kind of hot for an old guy; A mention of a man’s father leaving one wife after another.
Infertility notes: *Spoiler* .
There were so many parts of this that were just plain stupid or silly, but yet I kept reading. It was pretty cute despite the main girl being an awkward klutz most of the time. Some plot holes for sure, but it was overall entertaining—except for the third act breakup. I wanted to smack Brooke so hard then and felt a little jipped with that rushed makeup and ending. Not great, but not bad either. Content wise it was cleaner than most of the KU “clean” rom-coms I’ve been attempting but I honestly skimmed parts of the romance when reading it (I went back through and properly noted things for the content notes of this review, though).
Trigger Warnings that’s slight spoilers, but I will give more info under proper spoilers markers: Infertility, Divorce, A wife leaving her husband and daughter, & parents that are a piece of work.
Main Content-
A few mentions of luck; A couple mentions of aliens; A mention of karma; A mention of someone looking like a caveman; A mention of the Universe (capital ‘U’).
Mac lies to Brooke about his identity & Brooke about something else; Brooke & Mac lie to her parents that they’re married to get them off of Brooke’s back (they also get Daisy, Mac’s five year old daughter to go along with it by telling her it’s a play); Mac’s wife left him and their daughter almost a year prior to the book starting & the divorce is final on page (Mac thinks that she even had a child she didn’t want with him for the sake of his family’s business); Brooke has a strained relationship with her parents as she believes they’ve always tried to fix her and have never been satisfied with who she is.
Mentions of the death of a beloved father; A couple mentions of murder; A couple mentions of a mobster & threats; A few mentions of alcohol & drinking (Mac no longer drinks beer on Saturday nights because of the divorce); A couple mentions of tattoos; A mention of a parent being concerned that their child was kidnapped (didn’t happen); A mention of someone being a brown-noser.
No cussing but minor language is used such as: butt, buzz off, dang it, darn, duh, dumb, gah, gosh, heck, holy cow, idiot, oh my gosh, sheesh, shut up, & stupid; God’s name is not taken in vain at all; Sexy and hot are both used (4 and 6 times respectively); A mention of a man saying a string of curses (not written out).
1 almost kiss (semi-detailed or a few sentences in length), 6 semi-detailed kiss (four of these are two kisses told from both of their point of views; a couple could easily border-line on detailed with being longer in length); Recalling kisses & an almost kiss (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Electricity, Nearness, Butterflies, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Flirting; Noticing (including his muscles & her legs, up to semi-detailed); Mac offers Brooke a proposition, but there’s a misunderstanding with that word and he clarifies that he’s not that type of guy (which Brooke says is good because she’d hate to kick his butt); Mac answers the door shirtless (up to semi-detailed); To make her parents believe that they are married, Mac & Brooke share a house (not a bed or room) & kiss in front of them; Brooke sits in Mac’s lap.
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & making out (including a mention of a woman’s lips being plumped up after a kiss); Mentions of flirting & women making moves on Mac; Mentions of girlfriends/boyfriends, dates, dating, breakups, & exes; Mentions of a man cheating on his fiancée & a woman cheating on her husband (the other woman involved in the first one is called a homewrecker); Mentions of PMS, PMSing, & cramps (Brooke has cramps and says she’s PMSing); A mention of Brooke’s best friend saying that her (Brooke’s) dad is kind of hot for an old guy; A mention of a man’s father leaving one wife after another.
Infertility notes: *Spoiler* .
December 12, 2021
Based on the timeline of one month, this was a little too unbelievable for me at times, but I can't deny how cute it was. I immediately read book two afterwards!
Financially strained and working as a part-time security guard in a new town, Brooke accepts a temporary nannying position for a handsome single dad, Mac. Their meet-cute was adorably awkward! Both keeping their true identity a secret, I absolutely loved their chemistry as they attempt to avoid their growing attraction.
Mac was the absolute sweetest hero. CEO of McCoy Construction, he's been taken advantage of in the past for his title and money. Guarded against it happening again, his struggles as a father were so admirable, always doing his best to protect his daughter's heart. Swoon!
I loved that although Mac strived to help Brooke, she was adamant that no one dictate her life. She was incredibly independent, and it was great to see them find a balance together. Adding in a fake marriage scheme, this romance was super fun and sweet!
Financially strained and working as a part-time security guard in a new town, Brooke accepts a temporary nannying position for a handsome single dad, Mac. Their meet-cute was adorably awkward! Both keeping their true identity a secret, I absolutely loved their chemistry as they attempt to avoid their growing attraction.
Mac was the absolute sweetest hero. CEO of McCoy Construction, he's been taken advantage of in the past for his title and money. Guarded against it happening again, his struggles as a father were so admirable, always doing his best to protect his daughter's heart. Swoon!
I loved that although Mac strived to help Brooke, she was adamant that no one dictate her life. She was incredibly independent, and it was great to see them find a balance together. Adding in a fake marriage scheme, this romance was super fun and sweet!
February 20, 2022
After all the romcoms I've read, I can honestly say this was a good one.
I love Daisy, and Mac, ans Brooke. And even the side characters I hated at first.
Plotwise, the trope there was very well executed. 5/5.
Definitely recommend for people like me who love a good, clean romcom.
I love Daisy, and Mac, ans Brooke. And even the side characters I hated at first.
Plotwise, the trope there was very well executed. 5/5.
Definitely recommend for people like me who love a good, clean romcom.
January 7, 2022
The premise was interesting initially but then the subplots made their grand entrance and made everything unbelievably stupid. The pace was all over the place. Sometimes the story dragged (the MCs literally made no progress for about 40% of the book). Other times events were happening too quickly.
I felt like none of the characters actually developed or had any growth. The more I read the more irritated I was with both Mac & Brooke because their behavior was so juvenile. The other characters couldn’t even make up for it because they were too unrealistic in every way.
Honestly their were some cute parts to the story especially scenes with Daisy but 70% was cringey, unrealistic and idiotic. Even if I could overlook all the antics and shenanigans, the thing that irked me the most was Brooke & Mac encouraging 4 year old Daisy to go along with their lie. I was so annoyed when I read that😠 And it was completely unnecessary. Just another nonsensical subplot that did not need to be fleshed out.
Content: Clean, kissing
I felt like none of the characters actually developed or had any growth. The more I read the more irritated I was with both Mac & Brooke because their behavior was so juvenile. The other characters couldn’t even make up for it because they were too unrealistic in every way.
Honestly their were some cute parts to the story especially scenes with Daisy but 70% was cringey, unrealistic and idiotic. Even if I could overlook all the antics and shenanigans, the thing that irked me the most was Brooke & Mac encouraging 4 year old Daisy to go along with their lie. I was so annoyed when I read that😠 And it was completely unnecessary. Just another nonsensical subplot that did not need to be fleshed out.
Content: Clean, kissing
August 2, 2023
Loved this one. The whole book was freaking hilarious. I laughed so many times in so many diferent occasions, God it was so good. Mac was doing everything he could to protect his heart and his daughter's and no one could blame him for that. The way they fell for each other and tried to navigate that whole situation. I liked how Brooke stood her ground, she was going to make her own way, no matter what. They were so perfect together, I loved them
July 22, 2021
I LOVE this type of book! It’s a rom-com and it’s so well done. I really loved every bit of it.
Brooke is our main female lead. She’s moved to Apple Valley to get away from her problems. It was kind of fun that the reader didn’t know exactly what those were until later in the book. Brooke has a job as a security guard at the local library as she waits for a better position to open up. But she is terrible at it! Her boss complains that she is far too nice to be a security guard. So he fires her when she appears to be being unkind to a library patron. This scene was such a funny opening scene/meet cute. You’ve got to read it!
Mac is the male lead. He’s the kind of guy who is chivalrous and kind. And a really great dad. I loved how much he cared for his daughter, Daisy. And Daisy is the cutest! Don’t get me started about how much I loved her. I loved how Mac recognized the immediate connection that Brooke had to Daisy and quickly enlisted her help. But he really shines when her parents show up later in the story.
This book is all that I had hoped it would be and more! I loved every second of reading it. And I can’t wait for the next one!
Brooke is our main female lead. She’s moved to Apple Valley to get away from her problems. It was kind of fun that the reader didn’t know exactly what those were until later in the book. Brooke has a job as a security guard at the local library as she waits for a better position to open up. But she is terrible at it! Her boss complains that she is far too nice to be a security guard. So he fires her when she appears to be being unkind to a library patron. This scene was such a funny opening scene/meet cute. You’ve got to read it!
Mac is the male lead. He’s the kind of guy who is chivalrous and kind. And a really great dad. I loved how much he cared for his daughter, Daisy. And Daisy is the cutest! Don’t get me started about how much I loved her. I loved how Mac recognized the immediate connection that Brooke had to Daisy and quickly enlisted her help. But he really shines when her parents show up later in the story.
This book is all that I had hoped it would be and more! I loved every second of reading it. And I can’t wait for the next one!
May 10, 2021
This was a sweet romance. I enjoyed an easy read amongst a bunch of really long stories.
April 13, 2023
This was SO sweet!!
Daisy was adorable and I loved her relationship with Brooke! Mac's love for Daisy was endearing and I was cheering everyone on as I read.
Needless to say, I loved this book and didn't want to put it down--like at all! I will definitely be reading more single dad stories!
Can't wait to read more of this series!
Daisy was adorable and I loved her relationship with Brooke! Mac's love for Daisy was endearing and I was cheering everyone on as I read.
Needless to say, I loved this book and didn't want to put it down--like at all! I will definitely be reading more single dad stories!
Can't wait to read more of this series!
September 21, 2022
Welp, this wasn't my favorite romcom. I liked it, but I didn't love it, thus the 3*
This has all of the necessary ingredients:
-newly-single dad with adorable daughter in need of someone to help him
-single woman new to town and in need of money to pay for broken car, rent, groceries
From the very first page it becomes clear that these two characters are meant to help each other but both come with some heartache history that will become obvious obstacles to blossoming feelings. All of that is fine and expected so I'm not upset about that. What I struggled with was empathy for the heroine. Honestly, I couldn't shake the image of her being some young teenager or early twenty-something, which is fitting for some of her behavior and thoughts. I also didn't get a real feel for the growing attraction because outside of Brooke's care for Mac's daughter, there aren't a lot of moments of romantic tension. So when they're suddenly claiming love, it feels much too forced. Or maybe convenient. And I really struggled believing Brooke's black moment.
So, all of that said, this story was a clean romance that won't deter me from trying another of Ms. Christianson's books.
This has all of the necessary ingredients:
-newly-single dad with adorable daughter in need of someone to help him
-single woman new to town and in need of money to pay for broken car, rent, groceries
From the very first page it becomes clear that these two characters are meant to help each other but both come with some heartache history that will become obvious obstacles to blossoming feelings. All of that is fine and expected so I'm not upset about that. What I struggled with was empathy for the heroine. Honestly, I couldn't shake the image of her being some young teenager or early twenty-something, which is fitting for some of her behavior and thoughts. I also didn't get a real feel for the growing attraction because outside of Brooke's care for Mac's daughter, there aren't a lot of moments of romantic tension. So when they're suddenly claiming love, it feels much too forced. Or maybe convenient. And I really struggled believing Brooke's black moment.
So, all of that said, this story was a clean romance that won't deter me from trying another of Ms. Christianson's books.
August 6, 2024
I was leaning towards four stars but the book really lost momentum at about the 70% mark and my enjoyment deteriorated from that point also, hence the middle of the road 3 stars.
So the premise (full spoilers). Brooke moves to Apple Valley after finding out that she can't have children (her appendix burst when she was a child and left scarring). She quits her kindergarten teacher job and becomes a part time security guard at a library where her best friend works as a librarian. The book opens with Emi being fired from said job after she meets Mac and his daughter Daisy. Mac, being this uber rich and influential person in the town convinces her boss to hire her back and also coerces Brook to become Daisy's nanny part time. He doesn't disclose who is is to Brooke (that he's uber rich and influential) or that he's the reason she got her job back. Brooke of course is hesitant to nanny because she's trying to get away from kids for a while and figure out her life. All fine.
I felt like this book was about 50 pages too long and that the pacing was all off, there was negligible momentum to the plot. At the 80% mark, Mac and Brooke were in the same place as the 20% mark of the book. Once Brooke starts nannying, she of course falls in love in Daisy and begins to develop feelings for Mac. Mac in turn develops feelings for Daisy but feels appropriate guilt because he still hasn't told her who he is. And this is a major gripe for me. From now on, I refuse to entertain plots where the tension comes from a convenient lie that is absolutely unnecessary. Mac feels that he can't tell Brooke who he is because she'll be mad, then because he finds out that she has a hangup about people using money to control her decisions blah blah. The reasoning was extremely thin and felt like exactly what it was (a plot convenience). There are ways to build compelling plots that don't surround nonsense. If a lie is told, there better be a good reason for that character feeling like they absolutely cannot come clean. And it cannot solely be because of "reasons".
Despite this, I was thoroughly enjoying this until about that 70% mark where we add-on the fake marriage trope on top of the unnecessary lie about who a person is trope. Brooke's family wants to come and return her home so their solution for this is to fake a marriage. This made no sense to me, because Brooke's characterisation up to that point was stubbornly independent. We get that she does receive a lot of disapproval and pressure from her mother but we were never given the impression that Brooke gives into this pressure. All of a sudden, she needs this fake husband buffer to not be returned home by her parents - it makes zero sense. This is also the stage where the book started to feel long, because there was no journey emotionally with these characters and Brooke actually became more unlikeable as the book progressed. She became more selfish and abrasive in her characterisation.
It all culminates in Mac being outed for the uber rich and influential person that he is, Brooke overreacts to this until she realises she's found the love of her life and the story wraps up.
It was a fine read, but very one note. I also didn't feel like I could stay in this world forever which is always a mark of my favourite reads, and I'm not invested in returning to read about Emi and Nash.
So the premise (full spoilers). Brooke moves to Apple Valley after finding out that she can't have children (her appendix burst when she was a child and left scarring). She quits her kindergarten teacher job and becomes a part time security guard at a library where her best friend works as a librarian. The book opens with Emi being fired from said job after she meets Mac and his daughter Daisy. Mac, being this uber rich and influential person in the town convinces her boss to hire her back and also coerces Brook to become Daisy's nanny part time. He doesn't disclose who is is to Brooke (that he's uber rich and influential) or that he's the reason she got her job back. Brooke of course is hesitant to nanny because she's trying to get away from kids for a while and figure out her life. All fine.
I felt like this book was about 50 pages too long and that the pacing was all off, there was negligible momentum to the plot. At the 80% mark, Mac and Brooke were in the same place as the 20% mark of the book. Once Brooke starts nannying, she of course falls in love in Daisy and begins to develop feelings for Mac. Mac in turn develops feelings for Daisy but feels appropriate guilt because he still hasn't told her who he is. And this is a major gripe for me. From now on, I refuse to entertain plots where the tension comes from a convenient lie that is absolutely unnecessary. Mac feels that he can't tell Brooke who he is because she'll be mad, then because he finds out that she has a hangup about people using money to control her decisions blah blah. The reasoning was extremely thin and felt like exactly what it was (a plot convenience). There are ways to build compelling plots that don't surround nonsense. If a lie is told, there better be a good reason for that character feeling like they absolutely cannot come clean. And it cannot solely be because of "reasons".
Despite this, I was thoroughly enjoying this until about that 70% mark where we add-on the fake marriage trope on top of the unnecessary lie about who a person is trope. Brooke's family wants to come and return her home so their solution for this is to fake a marriage. This made no sense to me, because Brooke's characterisation up to that point was stubbornly independent. We get that she does receive a lot of disapproval and pressure from her mother but we were never given the impression that Brooke gives into this pressure. All of a sudden, she needs this fake husband buffer to not be returned home by her parents - it makes zero sense. This is also the stage where the book started to feel long, because there was no journey emotionally with these characters and Brooke actually became more unlikeable as the book progressed. She became more selfish and abrasive in her characterisation.
It all culminates in Mac being outed for the uber rich and influential person that he is, Brooke overreacts to this until she realises she's found the love of her life and the story wraps up.
It was a fine read, but very one note. I also didn't feel like I could stay in this world forever which is always a mark of my favourite reads, and I'm not invested in returning to read about Emi and Nash.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
Absolutely LOVED this book!!
I’m new to this author and let me tell you- she is phenomenal! I truly enjoyed this story, so much so that I’m not gonna admit how late I stayed up reading it last night.
I loved how the chapters switched perspectives from Brooke to Mac- getting to see their perspective and inside their head really helped with the flow and build-up of the book. Both are fantastic protagonists, and so many times I found myself giggling at their inner thoughts and witty banter. Their romance was sweet and swoony, yet still clean (my favorite kind!).
Already salivating at the thought of starting the next book (this one leaves you with a taste of it at the end!) so I’m glad I already bought it and can start reading right away. Definitely don’t want to miss this series!!
I’m new to this author and let me tell you- she is phenomenal! I truly enjoyed this story, so much so that I’m not gonna admit how late I stayed up reading it last night.
I loved how the chapters switched perspectives from Brooke to Mac- getting to see their perspective and inside their head really helped with the flow and build-up of the book. Both are fantastic protagonists, and so many times I found myself giggling at their inner thoughts and witty banter. Their romance was sweet and swoony, yet still clean (my favorite kind!).
Already salivating at the thought of starting the next book (this one leaves you with a taste of it at the end!) so I’m glad I already bought it and can start reading right away. Definitely don’t want to miss this series!!
May 31, 2022
A sweet romance that I should have DNFd 🙈 For me, this one was just too cheesy and inconsistent. The clumsy girl who doesn't have her life together is getting to be overdone and I really cannot stand all the outbursts from female MC to male MC. What if male MCs had some of the attitudes that female ones do? They never do, and why is that? Why are men treated like doormats and women just get to laugh it off, blame it on circumstances, or be "independent." It's so so so cringe to me. I thought their involvement of the little daughter in their ruse was weird as the day is long. There were a bunch of things that were just major misses for me. I did finish this one but I won't pick up the rest in the series (which wayyy too much of the ending of this book was trying to pitch 😖) and I wouldn't recommend.
May 2, 2021
This book is a super fun pick-me up read. I always enjoy a fake romance trope and was excited to get the opportunity to read this from a new-to-me author! Brooke is relatable and her inner and outer dialogue had me laughing out loud. This read was slightly predictable, but 100% enjoyable. I’m excited to see what comes next from this author!
Possible infertility trigger for some. I’m very sensitive to this subject manner and thought the author did a great job handling the full range of emotions that come with this topic.
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Possible infertility trigger for some. I’m very sensitive to this subject manner and thought the author did a great job handling the full range of emotions that come with this topic.
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
August 14, 2024
The Mostly Real McCoy is such a super cute rom-com that melted my heart! It was just the sweetest story that had me smiling so much! The first meeting between Mac and Brooke was memorable and I just loved it! I adored Brooke’s connection with Mac’s daughter Daisy. Plus Mac and Brooke were just as cute together. I loved the way they looked out for and helped each other. The nanny trope was unique and I loved the fake dating twist the story takes. I literally inhaled the sweetness of this book and immediately added it to my favorites list!
June 12, 2021
This was a really fun story! This book kept me up reading way too late, but it was so cute and fun I just couldn’t stop reading. There were a few things that I wish had been expanded upon and other things that I wish weren’t resolved so easily, but overall this is a sweet, entertaining read that I greatly enjoyed. I’m excited for more in this series! 4.5/5 stars
May 22, 2021
Smiles and Swoons
Very cute! It's hard to resist a single dad of an adorable four year old. I really enjoyed my time with this book. It made me smile and it swoon. I'm so glad my friend recommended this book to me. Sweet romance.
Very cute! It's hard to resist a single dad of an adorable four year old. I really enjoyed my time with this book. It made me smile and it swoon. I'm so glad my friend recommended this book to me. Sweet romance.
November 27, 2021
Really, really enjoyed this. Some twists I didn't see coming. Very sweet story with some laughs and I loved all the characters. Could not read it fast enough.
April 25, 2021
Oh goodness, this book is a hug for your brain- and your heart- and the way Christianson imbues these pages with wit and whimsy is such a gift. Brooke is so beautifully flawed, so refreshingly messy, so utterly rootable...and Mac is just as imperfectly perfect. (Don’t even get me started on Daisy.) I really wish I could live near these peeps in Abieville, but I’ll take solace in the fact that this is part of a series. Keep ‘em coming!
February 1, 2022
POV: Dual.
Descriptive Sex: No.
OW/OM: No.
Separation: No.
★★★★
A cute, clean read. It can get too punny at times, but it's a fun read if you're looking for something light and easy.
Descriptive Sex: No.
OW/OM: No.
Separation: No.
★★★★
A cute, clean read. It can get too punny at times, but it's a fun read if you're looking for something light and easy.
June 1, 2021
This was a fantastic story. I laughed throughout the whole book, which is pretty rare for me. I will definitely be looking for more work busy this author. So good!
November 16, 2022
i started this and now it’s 1:30am and it’s finished oops
June 22, 2022
Single father Mac needs a nanny for his young daughter. Brooke is running from her past and needs quick cash. Her only rule is to not get attached.
I had high hopes for this. I loved the premise. But the whole thing was entirely surface level for me. There were about six or seven really strong plot points that the author introduced in the story. Each one could have been used to raise stakes and build tension between the characters. Instead, problems were introduced and solved within ten pages of each other. I never cared about their problems because I was never given time TO CARE about them. And the solutions felt cheap as well- too easy and too quickly given.
Also- was this supposed to be funny? Not trying to be rude. I’m genuinely asking. Because there was a lot of “look- that’s funny!” But it wasn’t actually funny at all. It just made me cringe. A lot.
I had high hopes for this. I loved the premise. But the whole thing was entirely surface level for me. There were about six or seven really strong plot points that the author introduced in the story. Each one could have been used to raise stakes and build tension between the characters. Instead, problems were introduced and solved within ten pages of each other. I never cared about their problems because I was never given time TO CARE about them. And the solutions felt cheap as well- too easy and too quickly given.
Also- was this supposed to be funny? Not trying to be rude. I’m genuinely asking. Because there was a lot of “look- that’s funny!” But it wasn’t actually funny at all. It just made me cringe. A lot.
July 5, 2021
(3.5 stars) - lighthearted & a little zany
This has the same comedic tone as Carina Taylor's books - lighthearted with a bit of the oldtime screwball comedy flavor to it. Which means this is for sheer entertainment value not for realism.
And I want to give it credit right up front for being a fairly enjoyable read.
It does get off to a slightly awkward start with the beginning scene, though, when Brooke is acting as security in the library. It was a little too unbelievable & just felt like it was trying a little too hard to be cute. I wasn't put off enough to stop reading, however.
From there, the story picks up and things smooth out. It wasn't clear what caused them to move so quickly from attraction to love, but I was beginning to enjoy it. Of course, you know Mac's secret is going to come out somewhere down the way. When it finally does, I was frustrated with the reaction & response.
This is a character who has frequently seen the need to embellish or enhance the truth - or leave majorly important things unsaid. Her response wasn't just a trope stereotype; it was psychologically unsupported.
The resolution is really sweet, as was the neighbor moment that triggers it, but the author needed a less obvious, more believable contrivance to get the characters to the climactic scene.
Despite these issues that chafed my brain, the book was otherwise well written enough that I don't regret the time spent reading it, and I'm looking forward to Emi's story with Nash.
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
This has the same comedic tone as Carina Taylor's books - lighthearted with a bit of the oldtime screwball comedy flavor to it. Which means this is for sheer entertainment value not for realism.
And I want to give it credit right up front for being a fairly enjoyable read.
It does get off to a slightly awkward start with the beginning scene, though, when Brooke is acting as security in the library. It was a little too unbelievable & just felt like it was trying a little too hard to be cute. I wasn't put off enough to stop reading, however.
From there, the story picks up and things smooth out. It wasn't clear what caused them to move so quickly from attraction to love, but I was beginning to enjoy it. Of course, you know Mac's secret is going to come out somewhere down the way. When it finally does, I was frustrated with the reaction & response.
This is a character who has frequently seen the need to embellish or enhance the truth - or leave majorly important things unsaid. Her response wasn't just a trope stereotype; it was psychologically unsupported.
The resolution is really sweet, as was the neighbor moment that triggers it, but the author needed a less obvious, more believable contrivance to get the characters to the climactic scene.
Despite these issues that chafed my brain, the book was otherwise well written enough that I don't regret the time spent reading it, and I'm looking forward to Emi's story with Nash.
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
June 22, 2022
“𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐰.”
The plastic food fight is adorable but I’d be covered in bruises lol
Ahhhh their meet cute!!
Am I crazy for picturing him like Henry Cavil??
Some people might not feel the same way, but I like that Mac is the kind of guy to get things done
I’m really hoping Gwen doesn’t come back 🙄
Ooooooh, “more than fun between us”
I’d be fine with Mac doing something nice for me lol
The description of her looking like a flamingo 😂
Gahhhh, he’s so into her and it’s adorableeeee
My emotions are all over the place
Who knew iced tea could be so intimate??
I can’t even be mad about the interruption lollll
HE WANTS YOU TO STAY
It’s just tooooo much
The pizza sauce lol
Team Brooke 💗
Practicing 👀
Oh SNAP, Brooke!
Secrets are spilling left and right...
My hearttttttt
I was wondering about that connection. Sighsssss. 🤦♀️
IT’S HER FREAKING BIRTHDAY
That voicemail 😂
This confession is so wholesome 🥺😭
Content Warning: overbearing parents, toxic exes, loss of a parent, aftermath struggles of a past surgery that affect the MC (Brooke)
The plastic food fight is adorable but I’d be covered in bruises lol
Ahhhh their meet cute!!
Am I crazy for picturing him like Henry Cavil??
Some people might not feel the same way, but I like that Mac is the kind of guy to get things done
I’m really hoping Gwen doesn’t come back 🙄
Ooooooh, “more than fun between us”
I’d be fine with Mac doing something nice for me lol
The description of her looking like a flamingo 😂
Gahhhh, he’s so into her and it’s adorableeeee
My emotions are all over the place
Who knew iced tea could be so intimate??
I can’t even be mad about the interruption lollll
HE WANTS YOU TO STAY
It’s just tooooo much
The pizza sauce lol
Team Brooke 💗
Practicing 👀
Oh SNAP, Brooke!
Secrets are spilling left and right...
My hearttttttt
I was wondering about that connection. Sighsssss. 🤦♀️
IT’S HER FREAKING BIRTHDAY
That voicemail 😂
This confession is so wholesome 🥺😭
Content Warning: overbearing parents, toxic exes, loss of a parent, aftermath struggles of a past surgery that affect the MC (Brooke)
April 14, 2022
This cute chick flick melted my heart. Brooke moves to Apple Valley to get away from a roller coaster wreck her life took back in LA. Working as a security guard in the local library, she meets Daisy, a cute 5 year old who won’t talk and only throws play food at her when she tries to ask where her father is. When Mac comes into the picture, life takes a different turn she didn’t expect when he accidentally gets her fired…then rehired. And life with him, as she becomes his nanny, takes some crazy loops as well. I loved these characters and the cute romance that blooms between them. I love the side characters as well and loved how much resolution came about in the end. My heart was super happy. I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 2, 2022
This was really funny, I don’t remember the last time I laughed so much reading book.
But it all happened so fast that it was a bit unbelievable.
But it all happened so fast that it was a bit unbelievable.
January 28, 2022
DNF at page 69
--> something's off
--> something's off
April 20, 2021
The Mostly Real McCoy by Julie Christianson is so fun and cute! It is a clean rom-com, and the first in her Apple Valley Love Stories series. Brooke is settling for independence and security. Not everyone is meant for happily ever after, less attachment means less getting hurt. When Mac, a single dad in need of a nanny, and his daughter Daisy come into her life, she is initially hesitant. But she does need a second job while she waits for her promotion, and it is only a month. Surely, she won’t get attached in only a month. Although Brooke is falling for his green eyes and her crooked pigtails, she knows that she can’t give them what they need. Mac wants to fix things and Brooke wants to be responsible for herself. She has already gone through the worst, what else could hurt her now?
This was super cute! First of all, Daisy was adorable! I loved her and seeing her blossom again with Brooke was the cutest thing! I have seen little girls like her, full of light and life and it was so fun to read about her. Watching the little family interact was one of my favorite parts of the book, I am such a sucker for kids in a story. It was so obvious how good Brooke was with her, and she had such a connection with her. Although Brooke tried to hold herself apart, she was falling for them. Brooke was trying to protect herself and pull her life back together. She was trying desperately to be strong, but she was such a softy. She was also quite quirky. Her and Mac’s interactions made for some funny moments! They were so awkward and so cute. Mac was doing his best to take care of his daughter. Daisy was his top priority. But with all of his responsibilities and the new development of Brooke, he isn’t sure what is best for them. He was totally falling for Brooke too. It was really cute, especially when his sister came and teased him about it.
The story was full of surprises, while still being an entertaining romcom that is perfect for springtime. It was really engaging, I finished it in one sitting! The characters were so funny! I really liked all of them and I can’t wait to read more in the series. I would give it 4.5 stars. It was a great start to the series. I would recommend it to anyone who likes romcoms!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
This was super cute! First of all, Daisy was adorable! I loved her and seeing her blossom again with Brooke was the cutest thing! I have seen little girls like her, full of light and life and it was so fun to read about her. Watching the little family interact was one of my favorite parts of the book, I am such a sucker for kids in a story. It was so obvious how good Brooke was with her, and she had such a connection with her. Although Brooke tried to hold herself apart, she was falling for them. Brooke was trying to protect herself and pull her life back together. She was trying desperately to be strong, but she was such a softy. She was also quite quirky. Her and Mac’s interactions made for some funny moments! They were so awkward and so cute. Mac was doing his best to take care of his daughter. Daisy was his top priority. But with all of his responsibilities and the new development of Brooke, he isn’t sure what is best for them. He was totally falling for Brooke too. It was really cute, especially when his sister came and teased him about it.
The story was full of surprises, while still being an entertaining romcom that is perfect for springtime. It was really engaging, I finished it in one sitting! The characters were so funny! I really liked all of them and I can’t wait to read more in the series. I would give it 4.5 stars. It was a great start to the series. I would recommend it to anyone who likes romcoms!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
March 27, 2023
Coming on the heels of two somewhat dark romances that left me felling sad and wrung out, this delightful rom-com was like a breath of fresh air. This is my first romance from this talented storyteller, and her winsome characters and small-town setting left me wanting more of Apple Valley, OR.
Brook Wallace moved from LA and followed her best friend, Emi, to Emi's home town of Apple Valley. Brook was desperate for change, needed time to clear her mind, and wanted to finally live life on her own terms. Even if that means a constant diet of Raman noodles and a car that runs on prayers until the promotion she's hoping for comes through. Instead, she finds herself cajoled into being the nanny for a four-year-old girl. But it's temporary, due to her upcoming promotion and the whole living life on her terms thing.
Mac McCoy's life was upended a year ago, and his daughter has suffered for it. His daughter Daisy is the most important person in his life and his sole focus. When Brook, a security guard at the library, manages to connect with his daughter, and even get her to laugh, he knows he needs to find a way to keep Brook in their lives in some way, and it just so happens he needs a nanny for Daisy until she starts kindergarten in a month.
This is such a fun read! I love all of these characters and the sweet romance, but Brook and Daisy together are extra special. There are lots of sweet, tender, and funny moments, and just the right amount of tugs to the heartstrings. Light-hearted, humorous, and heartwarming, this romance is the perfect feel-good reading escape!
Brook Wallace moved from LA and followed her best friend, Emi, to Emi's home town of Apple Valley. Brook was desperate for change, needed time to clear her mind, and wanted to finally live life on her own terms. Even if that means a constant diet of Raman noodles and a car that runs on prayers until the promotion she's hoping for comes through. Instead, she finds herself cajoled into being the nanny for a four-year-old girl. But it's temporary, due to her upcoming promotion and the whole living life on her terms thing.
Mac McCoy's life was upended a year ago, and his daughter has suffered for it. His daughter Daisy is the most important person in his life and his sole focus. When Brook, a security guard at the library, manages to connect with his daughter, and even get her to laugh, he knows he needs to find a way to keep Brook in their lives in some way, and it just so happens he needs a nanny for Daisy until she starts kindergarten in a month.
This is such a fun read! I love all of these characters and the sweet romance, but Brook and Daisy together are extra special. There are lots of sweet, tender, and funny moments, and just the right amount of tugs to the heartstrings. Light-hearted, humorous, and heartwarming, this romance is the perfect feel-good reading escape!
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