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Love in 2020 #1
The C Word
When a one-night stand, a fake relationship, and a demonic cat aren’t enough of a challenge—just add a pandemic.
Sportswriter Katie McIntyre thinks star pitcher Jason Price will be the perfect fling to help her forget her cheating ex. Their hook-up is supposed to end with breakfast.
But the coronavirus has other plans.
When Katie unexpectedly becomes her grandmother’s full-time caretaker, the disoriented elderly woman thinks Jason is Katie’s devoted beau. Katie pitches a pretend relationship to the star athlete. Jason knocks the fake-boyfriend ball out of the park.
Before long, their increasingly real alliance is tested by disastrous cooking, adult-themed donuts, and a hairless, irascible cat. And COVID quarantine has a way of magnifying one small secret (Katie’s) and one tiny lie (Jason’s). The harder this pair falls, the greater the risk of those hidden truths.
If your heartstrings have been tugged by the feel-good rom-coms Beach Read, Well Met, or The Friend Zone, then pull up a chair, because The C Word is the perfect romantic comedy escape for you.
Sportswriter Katie McIntyre thinks star pitcher Jason Price will be the perfect fling to help her forget her cheating ex. Their hook-up is supposed to end with breakfast.
But the coronavirus has other plans.
When Katie unexpectedly becomes her grandmother’s full-time caretaker, the disoriented elderly woman thinks Jason is Katie’s devoted beau. Katie pitches a pretend relationship to the star athlete. Jason knocks the fake-boyfriend ball out of the park.
Before long, their increasingly real alliance is tested by disastrous cooking, adult-themed donuts, and a hairless, irascible cat. And COVID quarantine has a way of magnifying one small secret (Katie’s) and one tiny lie (Jason’s). The harder this pair falls, the greater the risk of those hidden truths.
If your heartstrings have been tugged by the feel-good rom-coms Beach Read, Well Met, or The Friend Zone, then pull up a chair, because The C Word is the perfect romantic comedy escape for you.
410 pages, ebook
First published February 9, 2021
18 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Klasky
111 books541 followersMindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 22, 2021
Is it too soon for books set during the pandemic? I wasn't sure, but this romantic comedy has plenty of humor and the covid crisis gives it a real-world feel. Because really - how do you have a romance in the age of covid?? Mindy certainly covers all the bases and the main character's life is completely upended when she has to move in and quarantine with her 86 year old grandmother and her demon cat. I loved and hated that cat! ;)
If you enjoyed Mindy's Magical Washington books and baseball romances, then this is definitely for you.
If you enjoyed Mindy's Magical Washington books and baseball romances, then this is definitely for you.
February 8, 2021
I don't know how one makes isolating from the plague into a delightful rom-con, but Mindy Klasky does it. The contortions these characters have to go through to see each other are roll on the floor hilarious--barbecuing on the patio so they can eat dinner together with a patio door in between? And they're not really in a relationship! You'll love Katie and Jason and their dedication to doing what's right, until it all goes wrong.
February 14, 2021
The C Word by Mindy Klasky is a lighthearted, extremely fluffy rom-com about the beginning of an unorthodox love story between two strangers during a global pandemic.
I had no idea what I was going into when I first received my email informing me that I had won.
I entered partly because I was curious to see if I would be lucky enough to be picked and partly out of sheer curiosity after having read the brief synopsis of the book. So, I am extremely honored and pleased to have been chosen to receive an ARC, courtesy of Peabridge Press, LibraryThing, and Mindy Klasky.
From the moment I started reading, I found myself invested in the story of sport journalist, Katie McIntyre and star pitcher, Jason Price. This is ironic given what the whole premise of the book is all about. This wasn't exactly a genre I usually gravitated towards. Moreover, this was the first time I had ever picked up a book written by this author. A disclosure I am more than glad to have remedied this year.
I enjoyed the witty, and oftentimes extremely heartwarming banter between the two main characters. I loved that this wasn't an insta-love kind of book because I feel it wouldn't have been very realistic. Instead, Klasky uses the romantic fake - real turn trope to tell her story. I love the idea of characters getting to know each other while fake dating - being friends before lover kind of thing. Besides, the notion seems more realistic and possibly the safest (health-wise) way to start a relationship in real life as well. This book is by no means perfect as there are some scenes and characters that I found that I did not care for. In a way, this book resonates with me. Last year, I was curious about how dating would have worked out during the coronavirus pandemic. Klasky provided an answer and delivered it much like how soft news is reported.
Overall, an interesting commentary on finding and navigating love while surviving job loss, lockdown, grandmother, and a vicious devil-cat. I surprisingly could not put this down. There was something about reading Katie & Jason's story...it gives you hope that even amidst a worldwide health crisis, love can survive.
I had no idea what I was going into when I first received my email informing me that I had won.
I entered partly because I was curious to see if I would be lucky enough to be picked and partly out of sheer curiosity after having read the brief synopsis of the book. So, I am extremely honored and pleased to have been chosen to receive an ARC, courtesy of Peabridge Press, LibraryThing, and Mindy Klasky.
From the moment I started reading, I found myself invested in the story of sport journalist, Katie McIntyre and star pitcher, Jason Price. This is ironic given what the whole premise of the book is all about. This wasn't exactly a genre I usually gravitated towards. Moreover, this was the first time I had ever picked up a book written by this author. A disclosure I am more than glad to have remedied this year.
I enjoyed the witty, and oftentimes extremely heartwarming banter between the two main characters. I loved that this wasn't an insta-love kind of book because I feel it wouldn't have been very realistic. Instead, Klasky uses the romantic fake - real turn trope to tell her story. I love the idea of characters getting to know each other while fake dating - being friends before lover kind of thing. Besides, the notion seems more realistic and possibly the safest (health-wise) way to start a relationship in real life as well. This book is by no means perfect as there are some scenes and characters that I found that I did not care for. In a way, this book resonates with me. Last year, I was curious about how dating would have worked out during the coronavirus pandemic. Klasky provided an answer and delivered it much like how soft news is reported.
Overall, an interesting commentary on finding and navigating love while surviving job loss, lockdown, grandmother, and a vicious devil-cat. I surprisingly could not put this down. There was something about reading Katie & Jason's story...it gives you hope that even amidst a worldwide health crisis, love can survive.
April 27, 2021
I am not usually a reader of romance novels, but when I heard of the concept of Mindy Klasy's novel "The C Word" I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did - it made a masked-because-of-COVID-airline flight go quickly and painlessly.
Katie McIntyre is a sportswriter, and Jason Price is a star baseball pitcher. They have a passionate hookup which was supposed to be a one-and-done thing. Alas, it's mid-March 2020 and COVID has other ideas. (Also, it's a romance novel, not a short story!) For a variety of plausible reasons, the two end up in a long-distance but fake relationship. They also tell each other a lie about themselves, which of course ends up biting both in the butt.
The hows and whys of their story are interesting reading, and a reminder of what everybody just went through. About 50 pages before the end, I thought I knew how the author was going to conclude the book. I was wrong - she did something different and really very good. Overall, I highly recommend the book.
Katie McIntyre is a sportswriter, and Jason Price is a star baseball pitcher. They have a passionate hookup which was supposed to be a one-and-done thing. Alas, it's mid-March 2020 and COVID has other ideas. (Also, it's a romance novel, not a short story!) For a variety of plausible reasons, the two end up in a long-distance but fake relationship. They also tell each other a lie about themselves, which of course ends up biting both in the butt.
The hows and whys of their story are interesting reading, and a reminder of what everybody just went through. About 50 pages before the end, I thought I knew how the author was going to conclude the book. I was wrong - she did something different and really very good. Overall, I highly recommend the book.
February 9, 2021
I loved this book.. I laughed, cried, and yes, enjoyed a few steamy scenes!
What if the world around you slowly shut down for a pandemic and love decided to bloom?
Do you need a feel good book for Valentine's day? This is the one!
What if the world around you slowly shut down for a pandemic and love decided to bloom?
Do you need a feel good book for Valentine's day? This is the one!
February 13, 2021
This was an enjoyable read. There were a few slow parts for those of us that aren’t baseball fans. The characters were likable (or not likable when necessary) and relatable. It was interesting to read a book that addressed our new normal, love amid the COVID pandemic.
February 12, 2021
At first, I was a little hesitant to read a romantic comedy set in the middle of a pandemic I am currently living through. I needn’t have worried. Ultimately it is a love story that begins in the early days of 2020, although its development is shaped by COVID, it’s not the main focus. The chemistry between Jason and Katie from their initial night together resonates throughout the novel. It is a pleasure to watch them grow together.
Those familiar with Klasky’s work will recognize the universe the characters inhabit. Protagonist Jason Price is a member of the Raleigh Rocket’s baseball team featured in her Diamond Brides series. In fact, I recall him being mentioned by his nickname “The Professor” in her other work. It is nice to revisit characters. Although you don’t have to have read the other books, they can be read by themselves.
The female love interest Katie McIntyre is fiery, yet relatable. She is not afraid to difficult choices during a trying time. It is admirable how she handles the world turning upside down with a fair amount of grace. It is one thing to have to be locked down in the comfort of your own home, Katie moves into her brother’s house to care for their elderly Grandmother. Lucy her grandmother’s cat, and Katie’s attempts at domesticity provide lots of comic relief.
It was interesting reading about the first days of the pandemic almost a year later and seeing how things have changed (or not). It really captured the feeling at the time and makes me feel better that although we are still plagued by the virus, things have gotten better in that the toilet paper shortages of the early days are behind us.
Ultimately, I got sucked into the story, possibly resulting in other responsibilities being put on hold. This is a fun read and provides escapism even though we are still in the age of COVID. Mindy’s familiar story telling style is like a warm soothing blanket.
Those familiar with Klasky’s work will recognize the universe the characters inhabit. Protagonist Jason Price is a member of the Raleigh Rocket’s baseball team featured in her Diamond Brides series. In fact, I recall him being mentioned by his nickname “The Professor” in her other work. It is nice to revisit characters. Although you don’t have to have read the other books, they can be read by themselves.
The female love interest Katie McIntyre is fiery, yet relatable. She is not afraid to difficult choices during a trying time. It is admirable how she handles the world turning upside down with a fair amount of grace. It is one thing to have to be locked down in the comfort of your own home, Katie moves into her brother’s house to care for their elderly Grandmother. Lucy her grandmother’s cat, and Katie’s attempts at domesticity provide lots of comic relief.
It was interesting reading about the first days of the pandemic almost a year later and seeing how things have changed (or not). It really captured the feeling at the time and makes me feel better that although we are still plagued by the virus, things have gotten better in that the toilet paper shortages of the early days are behind us.
Ultimately, I got sucked into the story, possibly resulting in other responsibilities being put on hold. This is a fun read and provides escapism even though we are still in the age of COVID. Mindy’s familiar story telling style is like a warm soothing blanket.
February 12, 2021
**I received a copy of this advanced ebook in exchange for my honest review**
Quarantine is still fresh on the minds of the majority of us around the world, so what a perfect time to read a book about it, right? Katie is a sports journalist who has just left her baseball fiancé at the alter and has nothing to lose when it comes to men. Or so she thinks. Before everything changes due to the novel Coronavirus, she attends a sports event where she meets famous pitcher Jason Price.
Then the world shuts down and Katie is relegated to quarantine with her opinionated grandmother, Angel. With not much else to do during the beginning days of quarantine, Katie and Jason start a friendly banter that eventually leads to him quarantining for two weeks so that he can join Katie and Angel. But like all relationships, eventually some of the things that Jason and Katie have been withholding from one another come to light. What happens, though, when you have a huge fight in quarantine?
This book definitely reminds the reader what those first few weeks of our new world looked like, even if the reader experienced it in a different way. The author clearly did a good bit of research on the progression of the global pandemic and how it affected different types of people- caretakers, doctors, those who are especially extroverted. The projects that the characters take on- learning a new language, trying to start a new hobby, creating a good news website, starting a food truck business- are all very reminiscent of some of our own experiences making the book very relatable. Overall, this is a fun, light-hearted book based in a new world we are still trying to figure out.
Quarantine is still fresh on the minds of the majority of us around the world, so what a perfect time to read a book about it, right? Katie is a sports journalist who has just left her baseball fiancé at the alter and has nothing to lose when it comes to men. Or so she thinks. Before everything changes due to the novel Coronavirus, she attends a sports event where she meets famous pitcher Jason Price.
Then the world shuts down and Katie is relegated to quarantine with her opinionated grandmother, Angel. With not much else to do during the beginning days of quarantine, Katie and Jason start a friendly banter that eventually leads to him quarantining for two weeks so that he can join Katie and Angel. But like all relationships, eventually some of the things that Jason and Katie have been withholding from one another come to light. What happens, though, when you have a huge fight in quarantine?
This book definitely reminds the reader what those first few weeks of our new world looked like, even if the reader experienced it in a different way. The author clearly did a good bit of research on the progression of the global pandemic and how it affected different types of people- caretakers, doctors, those who are especially extroverted. The projects that the characters take on- learning a new language, trying to start a new hobby, creating a good news website, starting a food truck business- are all very reminiscent of some of our own experiences making the book very relatable. Overall, this is a fun, light-hearted book based in a new world we are still trying to figure out.
April 27, 2021
I wasn't completely sure what I'd be getting myself into when starting this novel. Contemporary romance isn't my typical go-to genre, but I've previously enjoyed several of Mindy Klasky's novels. I was also very intrigued by the idea of a novel set in the time of coronavirus - a time that is all too real to us even now. In her author's note, Klasky acknowledges the debate as to whether this topic is "too soon" or not enough of an escape from reality, and I love that she took the challenge to set a story during this time.
It was almost eerie having the story begin at the time just before COVID hit the fan as I drew back my own memories of worried speculation - What is this virus? Should we be scared? How long will this last? I really appreciated how Klasky rode the emotional wave and captured so many of the key points we hit during the pandemic while still managing to maintain a lighter tone. I enjoyed following the different characters' story lines, and I appreciated that the story lines weren't all pandemic dependent.
Admittedly, I did giggle out loud when reading the first true "romance" scene in the book. Hey, it's not what I'm used to reading, but Klasky interweaves her romance moments well so that they don't hit too heavy or too often (in my opinion). I appreciated the light, fun read and am looking forward to the sister story coming out later this year in time for a summer beach read.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
It was almost eerie having the story begin at the time just before COVID hit the fan as I drew back my own memories of worried speculation - What is this virus? Should we be scared? How long will this last? I really appreciated how Klasky rode the emotional wave and captured so many of the key points we hit during the pandemic while still managing to maintain a lighter tone. I enjoyed following the different characters' story lines, and I appreciated that the story lines weren't all pandemic dependent.
Admittedly, I did giggle out loud when reading the first true "romance" scene in the book. Hey, it's not what I'm used to reading, but Klasky interweaves her romance moments well so that they don't hit too heavy or too often (in my opinion). I appreciated the light, fun read and am looking forward to the sister story coming out later this year in time for a summer beach read.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2023
I'm maybe being a little harsh with the 3 stars. It was a good book. But I don't think I was ready to re-live the beginning of COVID. I can appreciate what the author was doing in writing how romance would work but lets face it Not everyone had that kind of time or ability to isolate and still be able to live like these two did. At least for me I had more challenges than just staying at home bored out of my mind and going stir crazy. I identified more with her friend Brittany. I would have liked more of her. Jason was sweet and generous but I think he needed more growth than what we got. It was just a starting point with his family and IMO he has more to do than just speak once to his dad. HIs sister was interesting too. In the same time Katie and Angel's relationship needed work as well. I enjoyed seeing Katie finally get angry, it had to be hard to hold all of that in due to fear of someone walking away from you. I know Angel is getting older maybe that's why Katie felt she could never really tell her how Angel made her feel compared to the perfect brother. Still a lot of work to be done with both families.
It wasn't a perfect romance, I wasn't fully swooning but there were some nice moments and mild steam so still enjoyable.
It wasn't a perfect romance, I wasn't fully swooning but there were some nice moments and mild steam so still enjoyable.
Read
February 10, 2021This was a funny story about 2 people that begin a relationship during the beginnings of the COVID Pandemic. There is so much truth and realism as to what they go through because it is what we have all felt. It was kind of weird to be reading about it since it is still going on. The fear, the boringness, the loss of jobs and the "new" way to date was all outlined in here.
Katie and Jason had the same feelings as we all did in the beginning. They found a way to get to know each other through internet dating. The relationship moved quickly because once Jason was able to come to DC for Katie and after self-quarantining for 14 days, while still dating and doing stuff with each other, Jason moved in. They got to grown and learn about each other by being stuck together 24/7.
There were times that I just busted out laughing while reading and there were A LOT of times that I said, I remember that. This is the first book I have read that was set during the Pandemic but I hope that more authors take the opportunity to give us the funny things to laugh at now that we are not in the beginning any more.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Katie and Jason had the same feelings as we all did in the beginning. They found a way to get to know each other through internet dating. The relationship moved quickly because once Jason was able to come to DC for Katie and after self-quarantining for 14 days, while still dating and doing stuff with each other, Jason moved in. They got to grown and learn about each other by being stuck together 24/7.
There were times that I just busted out laughing while reading and there were A LOT of times that I said, I remember that. This is the first book I have read that was set during the Pandemic but I hope that more authors take the opportunity to give us the funny things to laugh at now that we are not in the beginning any more.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2022
I really enjoyed Katie and Jason’s story. I initially was not sure about the choice of setting the tale at the start of the COVID pandemic. However, the author did a fantastic job weaving the reality of what that time period looked like and how it affected the MCs lives and relationships. The inclusion of that story element really added a wonderful dimension to the story. Katie is a sports writer whose 87 yo grandmother’s fall at the start of the pandemic has her living and caretaking 24/7 in lockdown. Jason is a professional baseball player who has a one night stand with Katie right before the beginning of the lockdown. Circumstances have Katie and Jason getting to know one another through virtual methods which is how their relationship deepens. The book is fairly low angst and has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, a bit of steam, realism, laughs, strong friendships, complicated families, painful pasts, and lots of swoony love. The book was well written and included three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging story line. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last.
February 3, 2022
Wow loved this book. Mindy Klasky is a new author to me and I hope to read some more of her work.
I wasn't sure if reading about Covid was going to be a smart move since we are in our second year of it but the story was well thought out and I truly enjoyed it
The characters are amazing and I can relate to Katie taking all precautions to keep her grandmother safe. I left my job to keep my husband safe and this story resonated with me on that aspect. Katie pretty much gave up everything to take care of her grandmother and she had to try to work from home, and by home, I mean her brother's home.
I loved the romance between Katie and Jason...it felt so real. I felt like I was there watching the romance blossom all the while dealing with the beginning stages of the pandemic. The author's writing kept me reading and I didn't want to put my tablet down.
A great romantic comedy which I highly recommend. Grab it because you won't be sorry that you did.
I wasn't sure if reading about Covid was going to be a smart move since we are in our second year of it but the story was well thought out and I truly enjoyed it
The characters are amazing and I can relate to Katie taking all precautions to keep her grandmother safe. I left my job to keep my husband safe and this story resonated with me on that aspect. Katie pretty much gave up everything to take care of her grandmother and she had to try to work from home, and by home, I mean her brother's home.
I loved the romance between Katie and Jason...it felt so real. I felt like I was there watching the romance blossom all the while dealing with the beginning stages of the pandemic. The author's writing kept me reading and I didn't want to put my tablet down.
A great romantic comedy which I highly recommend. Grab it because you won't be sorry that you did.
February 13, 2022
Katie and Jason plan to have a hot one night stand. They both are affected by their connection, but Covid gets in the way. Their relationship gets started just before Covid took off so they have to be creative with their relationship. Besides good sense, what else is standing in their way? An invalid grandmother, a protective emergency room doctor-brother, a nasty cat, and distance.
But they come up with a plan. They also figure out what to do with their idle time, since baseball isn't being played and she's lost her sports-writing job.
This book brings back memories of how scared many of us were. All the things that we tried to do to keep ourselves safe... But this author has a fine sense of humor - and the ability to make me cry.
This book has some mature subject matter so I recommend it for mature readers. Very well written. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Mindy Klasky. I received this book as part of an online book club. This is my honest review.
But they come up with a plan. They also figure out what to do with their idle time, since baseball isn't being played and she's lost her sports-writing job.
This book brings back memories of how scared many of us were. All the things that we tried to do to keep ourselves safe... But this author has a fine sense of humor - and the ability to make me cry.
This book has some mature subject matter so I recommend it for mature readers. Very well written. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Mindy Klasky. I received this book as part of an online book club. This is my honest review.
February 20, 2022
Kiss of the Month book pick for February
4.5 stars
Brave to write a full romance novel that entirely takes in the experience of living daily life through the pandemic, while almost all others decided to keep writing as if it didn’t exist. We’ll need some reminders in a few years of exactly what we suffered through, so I think this was a great decision!
The storyline revolving around Katie’s sad break up and meet-cute with Jason, and the following separation over the first 4 months of the pandemic was brilliant!
I know Mindy has 3 more books in her “Love in 2020” series, but now that we’re 23 months into this thing (ugh! At least there seems to be an end in sight… we think?), it would be interesting to have another that shows a longer-term one, with the 2 year results on these couples! Book 3 is still to come out this year, so hopefully that will be what it’s like! Opening, lockdown, rinse and repeat…
4.5 stars
Brave to write a full romance novel that entirely takes in the experience of living daily life through the pandemic, while almost all others decided to keep writing as if it didn’t exist. We’ll need some reminders in a few years of exactly what we suffered through, so I think this was a great decision!
The storyline revolving around Katie’s sad break up and meet-cute with Jason, and the following separation over the first 4 months of the pandemic was brilliant!
I know Mindy has 3 more books in her “Love in 2020” series, but now that we’re 23 months into this thing (ugh! At least there seems to be an end in sight… we think?), it would be interesting to have another that shows a longer-term one, with the 2 year results on these couples! Book 3 is still to come out this year, so hopefully that will be what it’s like! Opening, lockdown, rinse and repeat…
February 13, 2021
Amazing!
First of all, Mindy Klasky is one of my favorite authors. I’m more of a fantasy/sci fi reader, and she is one of the few writers I will follow into the mundane world.
This is a fantastic story. I loved Katie and Jason for their strengths, their weaknesses, their creativity, and their growth. The side characters were very important, as well, in defining past and present relationships.
(I do Not want that cat!)
I think her stories are wonderful. But it’s her touches of humor, and the unexpected plot twists that I really enjoy. And I loved the interaction between Katie and her best friend.
(And the notebook. Wait till you get to the part with the notebook).
Full disclosure: this is my first COVID book. I will definitely read the next in this series. And I hope other authors write books set in this time period, too. We must never forget.
First of all, Mindy Klasky is one of my favorite authors. I’m more of a fantasy/sci fi reader, and she is one of the few writers I will follow into the mundane world.
This is a fantastic story. I loved Katie and Jason for their strengths, their weaknesses, their creativity, and their growth. The side characters were very important, as well, in defining past and present relationships.
(I do Not want that cat!)
I think her stories are wonderful. But it’s her touches of humor, and the unexpected plot twists that I really enjoy. And I loved the interaction between Katie and her best friend.
(And the notebook. Wait till you get to the part with the notebook).
Full disclosure: this is my first COVID book. I will definitely read the next in this series. And I hope other authors write books set in this time period, too. We must never forget.
February 21, 2022
Loved it! At first I was a bit nervous about reading a book set in the beginning of the COVID Pandemic, but am now so glad the author chose that timeframe for this particular book.
I actually started reading romcoms this year as a way to lighten up my normal habit of choosing books to read. Usually I read nonfiction books, but so far am enjoying the fun these romantic comedy stories add to my life. So happy I have discovered Mindy Klasky and other romcom authors this year.
This story is a love story set during the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I enjoyed reading about the struggles of having a new relationship during that timeframe, the good and the bad. The story also helped me to remember what it was like for everyone during those first few months of 2020 which I had neatly tucked away in my brain’s “don’t go there again” file box.
I actually started reading romcoms this year as a way to lighten up my normal habit of choosing books to read. Usually I read nonfiction books, but so far am enjoying the fun these romantic comedy stories add to my life. So happy I have discovered Mindy Klasky and other romcom authors this year.
This story is a love story set during the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I enjoyed reading about the struggles of having a new relationship during that timeframe, the good and the bad. The story also helped me to remember what it was like for everyone during those first few months of 2020 which I had neatly tucked away in my brain’s “don’t go there again” file box.
February 13, 2022
I have to start by saying this book is insanely accurate!
It follows a couple who meet just before the pandemic hits and in normal circumstances it would have likely been a one night stand or a brief fling but because the pandemic grounded us all, the pair discover that being with each other might just make the awful circumstances bearable.
We have the toilet roll shortage, the quarantines, the relevant news segments that really do make you feel submerged in the story for its realism.
I commend the author on providing us a romance where the couple was probably only in the same room for around 20% of the Book but still had me rooting for them and eager to turn the page.
Lovable characters and a chaotic kitchen life makes this book a truly wonderful read!
It follows a couple who meet just before the pandemic hits and in normal circumstances it would have likely been a one night stand or a brief fling but because the pandemic grounded us all, the pair discover that being with each other might just make the awful circumstances bearable.
We have the toilet roll shortage, the quarantines, the relevant news segments that really do make you feel submerged in the story for its realism.
I commend the author on providing us a romance where the couple was probably only in the same room for around 20% of the Book but still had me rooting for them and eager to turn the page.
Lovable characters and a chaotic kitchen life makes this book a truly wonderful read!
February 25, 2022
Funny times in Covid.
This is my first Mindy Klasky book, but it won't be my last. I adored Jason and Katie and this author really captures the spirit and realness of the pandemic, but was able to also make me laugh.
Katie meets Jason and they really hit it off, but it was only to last for one night, right?!? Now Katie is caring for her elderly grandmother who has suffered an injury and must isolate with her following her doctor brother's strict rules in the time of Covid. Well - fate has a way of bringing them back together when Katie's grandmother thinks Jason is her real beau.
Hilarity ensues as they have to fake a relationship long distance during a pandemic. Crazy times! Katie's misadventures with cooking, a demon cat, her crazy BFF and her doughnut making plans plus isolation.
There is true reality of Covid (hello where's the tp?) along with some laughs, then some mistruths or omissions come back to haunt both Jason and Katie and things get very real.
I thought this book had so much heart and it's good to be able to look back at the beginning and see how far we've come...??!??
Entertaining read with great writing. Looking forward to reading more!
This is my first Mindy Klasky book, but it won't be my last. I adored Jason and Katie and this author really captures the spirit and realness of the pandemic, but was able to also make me laugh.
Katie meets Jason and they really hit it off, but it was only to last for one night, right?!? Now Katie is caring for her elderly grandmother who has suffered an injury and must isolate with her following her doctor brother's strict rules in the time of Covid. Well - fate has a way of bringing them back together when Katie's grandmother thinks Jason is her real beau.
Hilarity ensues as they have to fake a relationship long distance during a pandemic. Crazy times! Katie's misadventures with cooking, a demon cat, her crazy BFF and her doughnut making plans plus isolation.
There is true reality of Covid (hello where's the tp?) along with some laughs, then some mistruths or omissions come back to haunt both Jason and Katie and things get very real.
I thought this book had so much heart and it's good to be able to look back at the beginning and see how far we've come...??!??
Entertaining read with great writing. Looking forward to reading more!
July 20, 2021
I thought this book was a formulaic sports romance. Then I found out partway through that it was about covid, something I've been avoiding in my media because I wanted escape. But neither of those things define this book. Yes it's got the sports romance and yes it does take place during a pandemic. But it also is funny, steamy, has a great plot, and brought me to tears many times. I read it in one go for hours straight. It really captures how the pandemic, social unrest after the tragic murder of George Floyd, unfolded through the lens of the closure of sports and the kindling of a romance 6 ft apart.
April 11, 2021
An interesting account of life during Covid in America.
This is set at the start of Covid and starts off showing what we all experienced at the start and the changes in information given out at that time.
I love the building of the relationship between Jason and Katie.
There was a lot of soul searching from several of the characters in the book. Heartache, hope, love.
Like many others I did wonder if this was too soon to write a book set in Covid times, but I am glad I read this book.
This is set at the start of Covid and starts off showing what we all experienced at the start and the changes in information given out at that time.
I love the building of the relationship between Jason and Katie.
There was a lot of soul searching from several of the characters in the book. Heartache, hope, love.
Like many others I did wonder if this was too soon to write a book set in Covid times, but I am glad I read this book.
February 9, 2021
The C Word is a romantic comedy that is successful in realistically portraying life in 2020 while providing fun romance with the perfect amount of steam. Katie and Jason are well developed characters who work through real life issues during the pandemic and still manage to build a relationship. The secondary characters add depth to the book and left me hopeful that there will be future books with these characters.
February 9, 2021
Who knew that you could get a wonderfully delightful romantic comedy that was set in a pandemic? Apparently the author knew and gave us this fantastic piece of work. The characters are very well written and developed. Katie and Jason are just so relatable and are characters that tackle real life issues. I deem this a must read and will be recommending it to several friends. It might even become a re-read.
February 12, 2021
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of The C Word in exchange for an honest review. And to be honest, I completely loved this book. I am admittedly a sucker for a romantic comedy, but the characters are what sucked me in. The two main characters are so strong and wonderful unapologetic of who they are. The book displays all sorts of different ways people have been dealing with this pandemic, but it still feels like escapism. I highly recommend it!
November 1, 2021
I didn't read this when it first came out, because I honestly didn't think a romance set during the pandemic would work for me. But after enjoying the second book in the series, I decided to give this one a shot. And I'm so glad I did!
I loved the two main characters so much. And the author used the pandemic in such a clever way, both to build tension and to set up natural obstacles for our main couple.
I'm fully in on this series, and I can't wait for the next one!
I loved the two main characters so much. And the author used the pandemic in such a clever way, both to build tension and to set up natural obstacles for our main couple.
I'm fully in on this series, and I can't wait for the next one!
March 27, 2022
Initially I was unsure if this story was skirting around the edge of predictability with a fake girlfriend/boyfriend trope but the author managed to avoid being trite by including very topical events. Covid, an aging relative with early symptoms of Alzheimers, Black Lives Matter, all woven in to keep the story alive and real. Received as a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review.
June 20, 2022
Truly a 4.5 star read to me for originality and likeable characters. I love Jason and Katie’s meet-cute as he thinks she’s pretty bad ass for telling off her ex’s friend in Spanish curse words. The pandemic setting was very realistic; I had friends with older parents who did quarantine that completely. My only quibble is calling Jason’s anxiety? ADHD? some sort of mental health issue? his mind-fuck but never addressing it with Katie or after he realizes his father has the same issue.
August 3, 2022
I kept asking myself if it was too soon to read this story but while reading it hit me that I can relate to most points in the book, even from this end of the globe. That struggles and virus are real and the pandemic has changed many aspect of our lives.
This is my first time reading a book by this author. Katie and Jason's journey was a wonderful read. It made me think of it as a non fiction in a fiction world.
This is my first time reading a book by this author. Katie and Jason's journey was a wonderful read. It made me think of it as a non fiction in a fiction world.
February 9, 2022
Absolutely delightful!!
It was hard for me to imagine how a romantic comedy during the recent covid crisis would play out, but the author has brilliantly written a lighthearted and funny tale that still captured the reality and feelings that came with the pandemic. Very well written and I adored the characters!!
Looking forward to more from the author!
It was hard for me to imagine how a romantic comedy during the recent covid crisis would play out, but the author has brilliantly written a lighthearted and funny tale that still captured the reality and feelings that came with the pandemic. Very well written and I adored the characters!!
Looking forward to more from the author!
March 18, 2022
Parts of the book were romantically charming and I enjoyed this read. There were accurate depictions of challenges of everyday life during COVID lockdowns, although Hero had major $$ that magically solved a lot of the practical issues but created wonderful zoom fantasy dates. Great look at complications of new romantic relationship during lockdowns. Final Rating: 4.5 Stars
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