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Cheap Thrills #8
Monkey Wrench
Carter
Years ago, Naomi was the girl who saved my life without knowing it. All it took was a handful of innocent words to change the decision I was about to make.
I’d heard about her brother dying from one of our teammates, and I’d wondered if I’d ever be able to make the difference for her that she’d made for me back then.
Ending up in the same town hundreds of miles away from our hometown was a fluke, but what if I was her monkey wrench? I knew what loss was, and I’d felt the pain and how easy it was to suffocate under it, but what if I was the wrench that fits all of the pieces of her life and holds them in place so she could put it back together again for her and her niece.
And what if she was mine?
Naomi
Raising my niece by myself wasn’t easy, but moving to Piersville from Fernandina Beach was the best decision I could have made for us.
I just didn't count on Carter Lane being here, too. He’s always been quiet, but around me, that changes. I don't know what anything the guy does means, though. Carter’s helpful, he's great with Shanti, makes me laugh, and it blew my mind when he gave me the Blow Pop I'd given him all those years ago in a frame.
But what does it all mean?
Changing life paths isn't easy, but it's a damn sight simpler than trying to figure out a man’s mind.
Especially his.
Years ago, Naomi was the girl who saved my life without knowing it. All it took was a handful of innocent words to change the decision I was about to make.
I’d heard about her brother dying from one of our teammates, and I’d wondered if I’d ever be able to make the difference for her that she’d made for me back then.
Ending up in the same town hundreds of miles away from our hometown was a fluke, but what if I was her monkey wrench? I knew what loss was, and I’d felt the pain and how easy it was to suffocate under it, but what if I was the wrench that fits all of the pieces of her life and holds them in place so she could put it back together again for her and her niece.
And what if she was mine?
Naomi
Raising my niece by myself wasn’t easy, but moving to Piersville from Fernandina Beach was the best decision I could have made for us.
I just didn't count on Carter Lane being here, too. He’s always been quiet, but around me, that changes. I don't know what anything the guy does means, though. Carter’s helpful, he's great with Shanti, makes me laugh, and it blew my mind when he gave me the Blow Pop I'd given him all those years ago in a frame.
But what does it all mean?
Changing life paths isn't easy, but it's a damn sight simpler than trying to figure out a man’s mind.
Especially his.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2021
211 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Mary B. Moore
50 books1,036 followersI’m a British author who grew up all over the world. My parents were diplomats, so we were posted to all of the corners of the earth and it was a blast. Some wouldn’t seem so awesome if you heard about them, but my parents always made it a fun experience and it molded my brother and I into who we are today.
I live in Wiltshire in the west country of the UK. At random times of the day, I’ll hear a moo from the fields around me, or get a whiff of that…uhhh…’country air’, and I love it! I might not have grown up in the UK, but I’m a British girl to the bone (regardless of the suspicious whiffs coming in from the fields).
I’m a single mother with a son who is nearing his teenage phase. Maybe he’s reached it early? Who knows. But he’s awesome and has a personality and sense of humor that I can only attribute to my family. We’re slightly bonkers, we have a wicked sense of humor and we find the positives in every situation. I’m so proud to be his mum and to watch him grow and mature.
Writing was something that I’d always done. I had a teacher in the third grade who always set us the task of writing a story and making it into a book every weekend. After I left school, I kept this up and wrote as often as I could or just plotted out books. This evolved into me taking the plunge and publishing my first book in 2016 and I’ve been typing ever since.
I’m proud to be an Indie Author, and I absolutely love writing out my crazy Providence characters and the more complex ones in my other series’. It doesn’t matter if it’s romantic comedy or something with more suspense – so long as it has a HEA I’ll do it!
I’ve got so many more planned, so the best is yet to come.
I live in Wiltshire in the west country of the UK. At random times of the day, I’ll hear a moo from the fields around me, or get a whiff of that…uhhh…’country air’, and I love it! I might not have grown up in the UK, but I’m a British girl to the bone (regardless of the suspicious whiffs coming in from the fields).
I’m a single mother with a son who is nearing his teenage phase. Maybe he’s reached it early? Who knows. But he’s awesome and has a personality and sense of humor that I can only attribute to my family. We’re slightly bonkers, we have a wicked sense of humor and we find the positives in every situation. I’m so proud to be his mum and to watch him grow and mature.
Writing was something that I’d always done. I had a teacher in the third grade who always set us the task of writing a story and making it into a book every weekend. After I left school, I kept this up and wrote as often as I could or just plotted out books. This evolved into me taking the plunge and publishing my first book in 2016 and I’ve been typing ever since.
I’m proud to be an Indie Author, and I absolutely love writing out my crazy Providence characters and the more complex ones in my other series’. It doesn’t matter if it’s romantic comedy or something with more suspense – so long as it has a HEA I’ll do it!
I’ve got so many more planned, so the best is yet to come.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 9, 2022
I loved this one!
It was amazing and I just loved reading this one.
The humor and the love story were absolutely amazing. I can't wait to see what was next in this universe. I love it so much!
It was amazing and I just loved reading this one.
The humor and the love story were absolutely amazing. I can't wait to see what was next in this universe. I love it so much!
January 4, 2022
Loved Naomi and Carter!! Love all of Mary's books. You get some angsty stuff, laugh out loud moments (LOTS), and just a good story. Love how all the characters support each other the friendships that we read about.
Huge fan of Mary and if she's writing it, I'm getting the book. I would love to be in the Townsend family. The antics of the family is just hilarious. So another 5 STAR read for this reader. Thanks for keeping me entertained.
thanks jamie nibarger ellis
Huge fan of Mary and if she's writing it, I'm getting the book. I would love to be in the Townsend family. The antics of the family is just hilarious. So another 5 STAR read for this reader. Thanks for keeping me entertained.
thanks jamie nibarger ellis
January 8, 2022
Monkey Wrench is the 8th book in the Cheap Thrills book but focuses on Carter and Naomi (and Shanti) and can be read as a standalone. This is the first book I've read in the series. The book weaves in many different characters from the series. I feel some gaps in the timeline, history, and backstories may have made more sense if I had read the other books in the series first. I was still able to enjoy and connect with the characters.
Carter and Naomi's story begins with a scene from the previous book and quickly gained my interest. Carter and Naomi have known each other from childhood and have ended up in the same town. It is later shared that this was not a coincidence. Both characters have faced childhood trauma and grief. With support from each other and a tight-knit community of friends, they have found a way to come out on the other side. This isn't a sad and dark book about two people. The angst is low, and at times felt glossed over or resolved quickly. The main focus of the book is lasting, unconditional love. The book was sweet, romantic, and hilarious. I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book. Shanti, Naomi's niece stole the show.
I enjoyed the book. This may be the first book by this author I've read, but it won't be the last.
Carter and Naomi's story begins with a scene from the previous book and quickly gained my interest. Carter and Naomi have known each other from childhood and have ended up in the same town. It is later shared that this was not a coincidence. Both characters have faced childhood trauma and grief. With support from each other and a tight-knit community of friends, they have found a way to come out on the other side. This isn't a sad and dark book about two people. The angst is low, and at times felt glossed over or resolved quickly. The main focus of the book is lasting, unconditional love. The book was sweet, romantic, and hilarious. I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book. Shanti, Naomi's niece stole the show.
I enjoyed the book. This may be the first book by this author I've read, but it won't be the last.
January 7, 2022
When Mary B Moore publishes a book I one-click the heck out of it.
Naomi is raising her niece after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. Carter lived near Naomi’s family when they were growing up, and there was a poignant moment in his life with Naomi that changed everything.
Both of these characters moved to Piersville, although we find out that Carter has ulterior motives for his move and have lived as friends for the past couple of years. These two have been circling this zone because of Naomi’s situation and Carter is trying to take steps to break out of this cycle.
As with all of Moore’s books, we get some suspense elements but a full speed all in romance in the foreground. My only issues with this book and the reason for my 4 star rating is because there were some fluctuations in the timeline of how long Naomi and Carter have been in town. And also, some things that seemed out of character for the reasons behind Carter’s move. While it bugged me, I was able to overlook the issue because it doesn’t really affect the storyline and Moore’s writing is strong. I adore ths author and everything that she puts onto a page.
Naomi is raising her niece after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. Carter lived near Naomi’s family when they were growing up, and there was a poignant moment in his life with Naomi that changed everything.
Both of these characters moved to Piersville, although we find out that Carter has ulterior motives for his move and have lived as friends for the past couple of years. These two have been circling this zone because of Naomi’s situation and Carter is trying to take steps to break out of this cycle.
As with all of Moore’s books, we get some suspense elements but a full speed all in romance in the foreground. My only issues with this book and the reason for my 4 star rating is because there were some fluctuations in the timeline of how long Naomi and Carter have been in town. And also, some things that seemed out of character for the reasons behind Carter’s move. While it bugged me, I was able to overlook the issue because it doesn’t really affect the storyline and Moore’s writing is strong. I adore ths author and everything that she puts onto a page.
August 14, 2023
Carter & Naomi: TRIGGERS: child abuse, bigamy, suicide. Not gonna lie, I got this book because I saw that Officer Kevin Eudy from TikTok was on the cover.. 🤣. Don't judge me, judge ya mammy! However, this was an amazing surprise because I freaking loved it. I've never laughed so much while reading a book in a long time. Now there are some very serious triggers in this book, but the author treats them with care and is very sensitive to the topics so don't get me wrong. However it's not one of those dark books that will have you crying, it's more about coming out the other side of darkness. I really enjoyed this book and I'm excited to read the rest of the series. Very funny, extremely hot. Great read!
January 10, 2022
Naomi Kelly & Carter Lane grew uo exoeriencing different traumas in their young lives. Nome has drug addicted patents. Carter's mom & dad died in a car crash. As neighbors, that led to their friendship & then a slow moving romance. Both worked for the Piersville Police Department.
I think these characters showed growth in their personal & professional lives. A good read that was enjoyed.
1/10/2022.
I think these characters showed growth in their personal & professional lives. A good read that was enjoyed.
1/10/2022.
December 30, 2021
A great read!
I love coming back to Piersville! It's like coming home and catching up with family and friends.
Carter and Naomi's story really got me in the FEELS and then add Shanti in there and my heart was all over the place.
What a beautiful story that had me laughing out loud as much as I was swooning.
Love this author, love this series!
I love coming back to Piersville! It's like coming home and catching up with family and friends.
Carter and Naomi's story really got me in the FEELS and then add Shanti in there and my heart was all over the place.
What a beautiful story that had me laughing out loud as much as I was swooning.
Love this author, love this series!
August 30, 2024
Just Wow!
Such a sad beginning, and yet I felt everything, like I was going through it with them. I love a book a that makes me come alive, like I’m a part of the book. Like a movie reel going in my head. I can also relate to this book on so many levels. I laughed I cried! The little girl cracked me up. All in all just read this book!
Thank you so much!
Such a sad beginning, and yet I felt everything, like I was going through it with them. I love a book a that makes me come alive, like I’m a part of the book. Like a movie reel going in my head. I can also relate to this book on so many levels. I laughed I cried! The little girl cracked me up. All in all just read this book!
Thank you so much!
January 2, 2022
fantastic
I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I laughed so hard. This is classic Mary B Moore. I absolutely loved Carter, Naomi and Shanti. It was great seeing them come together as a family. Now who’s next…Canon or Mark?
I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I laughed so hard. This is classic Mary B Moore. I absolutely loved Carter, Naomi and Shanti. It was great seeing them come together as a family. Now who’s next…Canon or Mark?
January 2, 2022
Fantastic
This book was amazing. It was both hilarious and heart breaking. Shanti cracked me up. Naomi and Carter were a beautiful couple and I was so happy when they found more family.
This book was amazing. It was both hilarious and heart breaking. Shanti cracked me up. Naomi and Carter were a beautiful couple and I was so happy when they found more family.
January 4, 2022
Sweet Romance
You will fall in love with this story and the characters. This was a wonderfully sweet romance. Lots of giggles and laugh out loud moments. You will read this with a permanent smile on your face ! Great read
You will fall in love with this story and the characters. This was a wonderfully sweet romance. Lots of giggles and laugh out loud moments. You will read this with a permanent smile on your face ! Great read
April 8, 2022
Nice enough... but it just didn't flow for me.
I didn't get the point of the sub-story. I was far more interested in Jeremy & Jeremiah.
There was too much 'trying to be cute' for me.
But, I did like the epilogue (s).
I didn't get the point of the sub-story. I was far more interested in Jeremy & Jeremiah.
There was too much 'trying to be cute' for me.
But, I did like the epilogue (s).
August 31, 2022
I loved this, it was the most emotional book of the series, I cried several times through out the book. Naomi was so brave and just freaking fantastic. Carter was a fantastic human being, I swear. These two were so good together and perfect, loved them
October 7, 2023
Great read
When I first started this book I thought it was going to be a strictly emotional read. You know damaged FMC and the MMC saves her , nothing bad about that but this was much much lighter than that very funny but it still had parts that made me cry. Awesome book.
When I first started this book I thought it was going to be a strictly emotional read. You know damaged FMC and the MMC saves her , nothing bad about that but this was much much lighter than that very funny but it still had parts that made me cry. Awesome book.
December 31, 2021
I have to say I loved the story line. Can not wait to see what happens in the next book.
January 3, 2022
It started out good then just got flat. Same ott, annoying moments.... Did like the epilogue
July 18, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed it. I liked the characters but I didn’t enjoy as other books in the series. But it was alright and quick to get through
I enjoyed it. I liked the characters but I didn’t enjoy as other books in the series. But it was alright and quick to get through
December 3, 2025
Wonderfully heartbreaking
What a gut wrenching, heartbreaking back story. The first chapter too. But the love, and sweetness in this book is everything!
What a gut wrenching, heartbreaking back story. The first chapter too. But the love, and sweetness in this book is everything!
December 27, 2025
I really should have DNFd this book.
this book was way to INSTA love for me.. if that's your vibe this is the book for you.
this book was way to INSTA love for me.. if that's your vibe this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews