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Runaway Groomsman
From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a heartfelt romantic comedy about new beginnings and finding the romanticized happily ever after in the most unlikely of places.
Hollywood screenwriter Sawyer Walsh knows a good love story when he sees it. But when it comes to real life romance, he’s a mess. That’s how he finds himself standing at the altar…as his ex-girlfriend ties the knot with his very famous best friend. The pressure, the resentment, the media coverage―it’s all too much―and before he knows exactly what he’s doing, he’s making a run for it, leaving a shocked congregation and flashing cameras in his wake.
Needing to lie low amid the media fallout, Sawyer lands in the charming town of Canoodle, California, where he crosses paths with Fallon Long, who runs the Canoodle Cove Cabins, a family-owned business and Sawyer’s new short-term residence. Overwhelmed with renovations and her long list of responsibilities, Fallon is struggling to make ends meet while attempting to bring the cabins back to their original glory. So when Sawyer arrives, she is grateful for the income, but immediately writes him off as just another vapid Hollywood hack, until he begins to prove her wrong at every turn.
As Fallon comes closer to saving the family business, an undeniable bond forms between her and the handsome screenwriter. But the pressures of her family obligations and Sawyer’s notoriety might prove to be too much for anyone to handle. Could Canoodle be the setting for a new romance―or is true love just a Hollywood cliché?
Hollywood screenwriter Sawyer Walsh knows a good love story when he sees it. But when it comes to real life romance, he’s a mess. That’s how he finds himself standing at the altar…as his ex-girlfriend ties the knot with his very famous best friend. The pressure, the resentment, the media coverage―it’s all too much―and before he knows exactly what he’s doing, he’s making a run for it, leaving a shocked congregation and flashing cameras in his wake.
Needing to lie low amid the media fallout, Sawyer lands in the charming town of Canoodle, California, where he crosses paths with Fallon Long, who runs the Canoodle Cove Cabins, a family-owned business and Sawyer’s new short-term residence. Overwhelmed with renovations and her long list of responsibilities, Fallon is struggling to make ends meet while attempting to bring the cabins back to their original glory. So when Sawyer arrives, she is grateful for the income, but immediately writes him off as just another vapid Hollywood hack, until he begins to prove her wrong at every turn.
As Fallon comes closer to saving the family business, an undeniable bond forms between her and the handsome screenwriter. But the pressures of her family obligations and Sawyer’s notoriety might prove to be too much for anyone to handle. Could Canoodle be the setting for a new romance―or is true love just a Hollywood cliché?
430 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2022
6730 people are currently reading
46535 people want to read
About the author
Meghan Quinn
127 books48.9k followersLike me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinna...
When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn't take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. It wasn't until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven't turned back since.
You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.
I currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.
When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn't take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. It wasn't until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven't turned back since.
You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.
I currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,577 reviews
October 16, 2022
So.. mixed feelings about this one which is why I rate it 3 stars. Good plot, weak execution with lot of potential.
Plot- 3.5/5
Spice- 1/5
Tropes- Second chance, small town romance, love triangle.
The plot revolves around Sawyer, who's runaway from his ex girlfriend's wedding (hence the title- Runaway Groomsman), after causing a scene which is caught on camera he decides to settle in temporarily in a small town where he meets Fallon, with whom he had a bad dating experience.
The writing is pretty good, but could be better. It's written in dual POV- Sawyer and Fallon's. Some of the parts had just too many dialogues between Jaz and Fallon and it got kind of boring.
Sawyer single handedly carried this book for me. Reading his POV and reading about him from Fallon's POV just made me admire him so much. He's such a likable character. From the moment I read the prologue till the epilogue Sawyer stayed charming. Honestly, Fallon came off as bland to me compared to him. The supporting characters - Peter and Sully are full of personality and equally likable. Jaz is a complex character, there are parts where I liked her and there are parts where she was simply annoying and needed to be smacked in the head (sorry not sorry).
What did not work for me?
The plot was clearly set for a slow burn, especially cause we see Sawyer putting in so much effort to get to know Fallon and yearn for her so much. Whereas Fallon did not put any effort to get to know him and she immediately switched to "I love you." All the chemistry and tension was carried out by Sawyer and Fallon was just there. She did not pine for him. She did not yearn for him. She didn't match his chemistry and when she said "I love you" it genuinely came out of nowhere and from slow burn it became insta love.
Another thing that put me off was the constant swearing. I can handle ample amount of cussing in books but once you start to take God's name in vain it is a massive turn off for me. I hope Meghan Quinn (if she ever reads this review) realises that she is a talented writer and using 'Jesus', 'Christ', 'Goddamn' repeatedly (annoyingly) doesn't make you hip, it's seriously not required.
Lastly, the drama that happened with Annalise towards the last 20% of the book. Was it required? Absolutely not.
The last 60% of the book was written in a very rushed manner which didn't sit well with me.
If this is something that interests you I would say go for it, you might end up enjoying it more than me. I would say it's worth giving it a shot only because of Sawyer. I really did admire him. I'll look forward to reading more of the author's works.
eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Plot- 3.5/5
Spice- 1/5
Tropes- Second chance, small town romance, love triangle.
The plot revolves around Sawyer, who's runaway from his ex girlfriend's wedding (hence the title- Runaway Groomsman), after causing a scene which is caught on camera he decides to settle in temporarily in a small town where he meets Fallon, with whom he had a bad dating experience.
The writing is pretty good, but could be better. It's written in dual POV- Sawyer and Fallon's. Some of the parts had just too many dialogues between Jaz and Fallon and it got kind of boring.
Sawyer single handedly carried this book for me. Reading his POV and reading about him from Fallon's POV just made me admire him so much. He's such a likable character. From the moment I read the prologue till the epilogue Sawyer stayed charming. Honestly, Fallon came off as bland to me compared to him. The supporting characters - Peter and Sully are full of personality and equally likable. Jaz is a complex character, there are parts where I liked her and there are parts where she was simply annoying and needed to be smacked in the head (sorry not sorry).
What did not work for me?
The plot was clearly set for a slow burn, especially cause we see Sawyer putting in so much effort to get to know Fallon and yearn for her so much. Whereas Fallon did not put any effort to get to know him and she immediately switched to "I love you." All the chemistry and tension was carried out by Sawyer and Fallon was just there. She did not pine for him. She did not yearn for him. She didn't match his chemistry and when she said "I love you" it genuinely came out of nowhere and from slow burn it became insta love.
Another thing that put me off was the constant swearing. I can handle ample amount of cussing in books but once you start to take God's name in vain it is a massive turn off for me. I hope Meghan Quinn (if she ever reads this review) realises that she is a talented writer and using 'Jesus', 'Christ', 'Goddamn' repeatedly (annoyingly) doesn't make you hip, it's seriously not required.
Lastly, the drama that happened with Annalise towards the last 20% of the book. Was it required? Absolutely not.
The last 60% of the book was written in a very rushed manner which didn't sit well with me.
If this is something that interests you I would say go for it, you might end up enjoying it more than me. I would say it's worth giving it a shot only because of Sawyer. I really did admire him. I'll look forward to reading more of the author's works.
eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
November 22, 2022
Maybe it’s my fault, because I’ve never liked the finding love during a renovation storyline. Or the second chance romance trope. Although I do love small town romance stories! But it’s mostly not my fault, for the following reasons:
it’s annoying and meta to have a main character who announces incoming characters he encounters by describing the tag and label he would use for them in a script, with things like “quirky side character”. Or some overwrought description that is obviously supposed to pull at heartstrings, even though the meta factor doesn’t even allow you to be present in the scene. (Mainly Sully, their friendship was trying way too hard) And referring to previous book plots as storylines in his cinematic universe. Like, okay I get it but that’s not really that clever and this character is annoying and really not believable as a contractor turned scriptwriter.
This was a massive slow burn without as much of the trademark humor you usually get from MQ, and veered too far into hallmark territory, with way too many pages devoted to stale sentiments about family stemming from Fallon’s grandpa having Alzheimer’s. There was no fresh spin, it was just endless cheesy sentimentality. If we are going to make this less funny AND less sexy, then at least have something sort of intelligent and moving to say about the tragedy of memory loss and aging and death. I felt like I was supposed to feel something, but the book wanted me to get emotional without putting forth actual effort to evoke those feelings. And our comic relief is mostly Jaz, who is a Rottweiler of a character that I wanted to push off a mountain. She was…a lot. Her rudeness toward sawyer specifically felt very over the top and unrealistic, regardless of her issues with her own relationships.
Lastly, Fallon was a nice enough, but incredibly boring protagonist. And it’s laughable how she had issues emotionally committing to Peter and then all of a sudden she’s in insta-love territory.
I had nowhere to turn to save this sinking ship.
Anyway, this one left me cold.
it’s annoying and meta to have a main character who announces incoming characters he encounters by describing the tag and label he would use for them in a script, with things like “quirky side character”. Or some overwrought description that is obviously supposed to pull at heartstrings, even though the meta factor doesn’t even allow you to be present in the scene. (Mainly Sully, their friendship was trying way too hard) And referring to previous book plots as storylines in his cinematic universe. Like, okay I get it but that’s not really that clever and this character is annoying and really not believable as a contractor turned scriptwriter.
This was a massive slow burn without as much of the trademark humor you usually get from MQ, and veered too far into hallmark territory, with way too many pages devoted to stale sentiments about family stemming from Fallon’s grandpa having Alzheimer’s. There was no fresh spin, it was just endless cheesy sentimentality. If we are going to make this less funny AND less sexy, then at least have something sort of intelligent and moving to say about the tragedy of memory loss and aging and death. I felt like I was supposed to feel something, but the book wanted me to get emotional without putting forth actual effort to evoke those feelings. And our comic relief is mostly Jaz, who is a Rottweiler of a character that I wanted to push off a mountain. She was…a lot. Her rudeness toward sawyer specifically felt very over the top and unrealistic, regardless of her issues with her own relationships.
Lastly, Fallon was a nice enough, but incredibly boring protagonist. And it’s laughable how she had issues emotionally committing to Peter and then all of a sudden she’s in insta-love territory.
I had nowhere to turn to save this sinking ship.
Anyway, this one left me cold.
October 11, 2022
Fallon + Sawyer
Sawyer just kinda ruined the wedding of his ex girlfriend to his ex best friend. And yes, he was invited. He was supposed to be the best man! But he just couldn't stand there and listen to those idiots telling lies about everything - so he stormed out ... Hollywood style! LOL!
Now he's hiding in a cabin by a lake in the San Jacinto Mountains near Palm Springs.
Fallon's grandpa owns those cabins and they're falling apart. Fallon came back to Canoodle to help her Alzheimer-stricken grandpa with his life and to fix up the resort.
But it's not looking too good for the business. They need to sell it soon - but she still has a few weeks left to turn everything around.
Her childhood home away from home is falling apart.
Her long-distance boyfriend wants to make things more permanent. Ew?
Her only paying guest is a Hollywood type who doesn't even remember that he was once on a date with her.
Her bestie is ready to kill people ....
Let the fun times begin!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO FALLON + SAWYER?
WILL WE GET A HAPPY END?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
═════════════════
That was so adorable and hilarious!
I have to admit that this is my first Meghan Quinn book!
And I loved it! I loved the location - the whole small-town, everyone-knows-everyone vibe. I loved the supporting cast - Jaz is just hilarious - with her knife and just everything! Grandpa Sully is adorable - especially with Sawyer. LOL! The dads are perfect - the way they basically did all of Sawyer's script-writing at the end. Too cute!
And Fallon and Sawyer... we don't get insta sparks with them. It takes them a while to fall for each other - or rather it takes her a while! LOL. But the reader loves every second of that journey!
I loved the epilogue! Perfect! I hate it when authors go all literaturey and don't do epilogues! This Hollywood version was amazing!
This was such a super funny and adorable and sweet and slightly heartbreaking romance.
I soo need to see this on TV one day!
The people, the location. This just needs to be on a screen!
I don't know how Meghan's books usually are in the sexy-department. But this was a tiny bit too slow-burnish for my tastes. A huge part of that is that Fallon has a boyfriend for most of the book. 😕 And then the usual romance novel drama/misunderstanding/fight towards the end was a bit too over the top and unnecessary for my tastes.
But all the adorableness and funny moments made up for that. I really enjoyed reading this book!
RUNAWAY GROOMSMAN was such a funny + adorable love story - I just loved reading it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Sawyer aka Julia aka Phil - this one is mine!
💜
💜
November 26, 2022
The heroine had a boyfriend (who wasn't the hero) for more than half of the book. She had actually met the hero because they went on a blind date once. They felt nothing and nothing happened. Hero shows up, does nice things for her and her grandpa, and *bam* true love.
This majorly sucked.
Can't believe I spent my free trial Audible credit on this shit FML.. 🤦🏻♀️
This majorly sucked.
Can't believe I spent my free trial Audible credit on this shit FML.. 🤦🏻♀️
May 23, 2025
Runaway Groomsman
This. Was. Perfection.
This book has produced tears of happiness and joy to grace my eyes. I loved every single thing about this book. Happiness, joy, and sunshine personified that’s what this book gives you. My serotonin levels are extremely elevated.
The parallel love Stories…
If you took, Cinderella made them a guy. Collect Julia Roberts in her prime. (Runaway bride) and then sprinkle in a little of Nicholas Sparks’ the notebook because I definitely get the notebook vibes! It’s there, I’m telling you people!
The slow burning was burning and was drowning in angst.
This. Was. Perfection.
This book has produced tears of happiness and joy to grace my eyes. I loved every single thing about this book. Happiness, joy, and sunshine personified that’s what this book gives you. My serotonin levels are extremely elevated.
The parallel love Stories…
If you took, Cinderella made them a guy. Collect Julia Roberts in her prime. (Runaway bride) and then sprinkle in a little of Nicholas Sparks’ the notebook because I definitely get the notebook vibes! It’s there, I’m telling you people!
The slow burning was burning and was drowning in angst.
September 30, 2022
⋆˙⟡♡ runaway groomsman is a beautiful slow burn romance. you can always trust meghan quinn to deliver on romance AND comedy!!! i was laughing out loud in so many scenes??? yes i needed this.
this book follows sawyer, a famous screenwriter who usually writes scripts for romance movies. he's such a romantic and knows and love the romance genre. from the very beginning you know that his ex-gf cheated on him with his former best friend and the former best friend asks him to be his best man on THEIR WEDDING. because he has the producer on his back and the movie coming out soon, he says yes. so... you meet him standing beside the man who betrayed him and the woman who cheated on him omg. enough's enough tho so he gets out of there and where does he end up? in this small charming town where he'll meet the heroine.
he's a big city boy running away from the paparazzi and the public eye. he finds himself hiding in this town and renting out a cabin there. the heroine is the owner of the cabins and she's currently renovating the place! sawyer instantly likes her but OH BOYYY she has a boyfriend. my god, there is so much pining in this book.* ੈ✩‧₊˚ sawyer is hands down gone for her and he cannot do anything about it. he knows how it feels being cheated on so he's going to be there for her any way possible, even if it means not being there as her romantic partner. i'm not going to say more BUT ODMJFKFDNHF
there are so many small moments between them, touches that feel like everything. hand holding, hugs, kisses on the cheek. EVEN THEIR LATE-NIGHT CONVERSATIONS? chef kiss. you know that they're meant to be. the thing is that her bf is not really bad person or treats her wrong lmao so it's hard for us too lmaoo and for fallon!!! damn this book will make you go on a roller coaster ride with your emotions.
i really love the community aspect of this. sawyer hasn't felt like himself in such a long time and i love that he has found a place where he can be his own self. everyone is so nice and warm!!! yes please i wanna live there too.
overall this book was so fun! i do wanna say the beginning was a bit slow, but it picks up not long after tho. and the ending... idk. i wanted some grovel and angsty moments but tbh there is such a good communication between these two lmao they resolved the third act breakup so easily by just talking which is so healthy tho hahaha BUT I LOVE ANGST OKAY???
this book follows sawyer, a famous screenwriter who usually writes scripts for romance movies. he's such a romantic and knows and love the romance genre. from the very beginning you know that his ex-gf cheated on him with his former best friend and the former best friend asks him to be his best man on THEIR WEDDING. because he has the producer on his back and the movie coming out soon, he says yes. so... you meet him standing beside the man who betrayed him and the woman who cheated on him omg. enough's enough tho so he gets out of there and where does he end up? in this small charming town where he'll meet the heroine.
he's a big city boy running away from the paparazzi and the public eye. he finds himself hiding in this town and renting out a cabin there. the heroine is the owner of the cabins and she's currently renovating the place! sawyer instantly likes her but OH BOYYY she has a boyfriend. my god, there is so much pining in this book.* ੈ✩‧₊˚ sawyer is hands down gone for her and he cannot do anything about it. he knows how it feels being cheated on so he's going to be there for her any way possible, even if it means not being there as her romantic partner. i'm not going to say more BUT ODMJFKFDNHF
there are so many small moments between them, touches that feel like everything. hand holding, hugs, kisses on the cheek. EVEN THEIR LATE-NIGHT CONVERSATIONS? chef kiss. you know that they're meant to be. the thing is that her bf is not really bad person or treats her wrong lmao so it's hard for us too lmaoo and for fallon!!! damn this book will make you go on a roller coaster ride with your emotions.
i really love the community aspect of this. sawyer hasn't felt like himself in such a long time and i love that he has found a place where he can be his own self. everyone is so nice and warm!!! yes please i wanna live there too.
overall this book was so fun! i do wanna say the beginning was a bit slow, but it picks up not long after tho. and the ending... idk. i wanted some grovel and angsty moments but tbh there is such a good communication between these two lmao they resolved the third act breakup so easily by just talking which is so healthy tho hahaha BUT I LOVE ANGST OKAY???
October 23, 2022
honestly, not sure what’s going on with this author
This is not a slow burn, this is a no burn.
Sawyer and Sully were the best part of this entire book.
Fallon and Jaz were the most annoying of this book. Jaz wasn’t even funny. As a best friend, she sucked.
I literally skimmed the last 60% of this book. So much unnecessary writing.
Simply because this author has always been one of my favorites, I try to give each new book, an honest effort. But as I have mentioned in a previous review, her books just seem to be getting worse. Quantity over quality.
This is not a slow burn, this is a no burn.
Sawyer and Sully were the best part of this entire book.
Fallon and Jaz were the most annoying of this book. Jaz wasn’t even funny. As a best friend, she sucked.
I literally skimmed the last 60% of this book. So much unnecessary writing.
Simply because this author has always been one of my favorites, I try to give each new book, an honest effort. But as I have mentioned in a previous review, her books just seem to be getting worse. Quantity over quality.
October 27, 2022
Summary: While being forced to watch his ex-girlfriend marry his best friend, screenwriter Sawyer Castle decides he can’t handle it and leaves the alter in the middle of the ceremony. To escape the ensuing media circus, he hides out in small town Canoodle, California where he meets Fallon Long. As Fallon struggles to keep her family business afloat, while also taking care of her grandfather who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, Fallon finds herself relying heavily on Sawyer, who is determined to show her he isn’t who she think he is.
Thoughts: This is a cute rom-com with a lot of heart. I fell in love with the town of Canoodle Cove, and especially Fallon’s grandfather Sully, a crotchety man with a heart of gold. I loved getting to know each of the quirky characters and can envision this picturesque hamlet in my mind when I close my eyes.
As for the plot, it is a very, very slow burn story, and while I usually don’t mind slow burn romance, because of the more one-sided nature of the story, it felt a bit drawn out. I am also not a fan of love triangles and this story has not only a love triangle, but towards the end, it has a love square. Again, this led to the story feeling more drawn out.
I am always up for a Meghan Quinn romance, and while this was not my favorite of hers (Highland Fling still holds that title), it is definitely a cute, light hearted and easy read that many of her fans have loved.
Read if you like:
•second chance romance
•small town setting
•slow burn
•love triangle
•he falls first
3.5★
Thank you {partner} Amazon Publishing for the gifted copy. Available now!
Thoughts: This is a cute rom-com with a lot of heart. I fell in love with the town of Canoodle Cove, and especially Fallon’s grandfather Sully, a crotchety man with a heart of gold. I loved getting to know each of the quirky characters and can envision this picturesque hamlet in my mind when I close my eyes.
As for the plot, it is a very, very slow burn story, and while I usually don’t mind slow burn romance, because of the more one-sided nature of the story, it felt a bit drawn out. I am also not a fan of love triangles and this story has not only a love triangle, but towards the end, it has a love square. Again, this led to the story feeling more drawn out.
I am always up for a Meghan Quinn romance, and while this was not my favorite of hers (Highland Fling still holds that title), it is definitely a cute, light hearted and easy read that many of her fans have loved.
Read if you like:
•second chance romance
•small town setting
•slow burn
•love triangle
•he falls first
3.5★
Thank you {partner} Amazon Publishing for the gifted copy. Available now!
November 15, 2022
4 stars
Runaway Groomsman was such a sweet and heartwarming rom-com from Meghan Quinn. It was more of a slow burn than her books normally are, but gave me all the happy feels.
Sawyer and Fallon didn't meet under the best of circumstances, but become unlikely friends. Sawyer needs a place to get away to for a while, and Fallon is fixing up her families cabins and trying to take care of her grandfather who has memory issues. I loved watching Sawyer win her over and I especially loved watching Sawyer and Grandpa Sully together. It was the best part of the book for me.
Runaway Groomsman was such a sweet and heartwarming rom-com from Meghan Quinn. It was more of a slow burn than her books normally are, but gave me all the happy feels.
Sawyer and Fallon didn't meet under the best of circumstances, but become unlikely friends. Sawyer needs a place to get away to for a while, and Fallon is fixing up her families cabins and trying to take care of her grandfather who has memory issues. I loved watching Sawyer win her over and I especially loved watching Sawyer and Grandpa Sully together. It was the best part of the book for me.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Samantha Brentmoor & Alastair Haynesbridge
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 14h 22m
July 18, 2023
3.5 cute and sweet stars
Move over Julia Roberts, because Sawyer’s (35) here to take your spot… and he does it with two fingers in the air and an iconic lost shoe (giving Cinderella a run for her money as well).
Sawyer’s the best man for his best friend’s wedding… and who’s he getting married to? Well, Sawyer’s ex girlfriend… the same one he caught his best friend smeeexing 😬😅. Why were they together? Because Sawyer had them act together for a screenplay he wrote 😬. Apparently, they took their roles too seriously, and bam… he got cheated on 😬.
He runs away in the middle of the ceremony and seeks refuge in Canoodle, CA. He comes across Fallon who’s in charge of the Canoodle Cove Cabins and who also helps carry him to a cabin to sleep off his hangover (he’s pretty drunk). Too bad he doesn’t remember that he previously dated Fallon in the past 😅.
Fallon’s dealing with a lot. Her grandpa’s suffering from Alzheimer’s and deteriorating more and more each day. Previously a nurse, she came to help manage/take over the Cabins since it’s her family’s legacy. Although she’s been in a relationship with a man, Peter, for a while now, her sole focus is renovating these cabins and taking care of one of the most important person in her life during this time of need, which means that her relationship has been suffering 😬.
Little does she know that the man who doesn’t remember going on a date with her because he couldn’t keep his eyes off his phone is actually a pretty good handyman/construction connoisseur 👀. As time progresses, he proves he’s more than a pretty face by showing off his skills and bonding not only with Sully, her grandfather, but with her as well ❤️.
What I liked: possible spoilers
—the connections and love. Oh gosh. This broke my heart. My grandfather suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia and it was terrible. I felt Fallon’s pain and heart ache. You definitely live for those moments of lucidity and you wish for the memories and mundane, ordinary tasks. Fallon also has the love of her two dads and her best friend, all whom which support her unconditionally. Plus, the whole town is behind everything Fallon is trying to do and making Sully’s life easier
—the slow burn? Eh. I’ll comment on this below as well, but the slow burn made sense. Fallon was in a relationship for most of the book (break up happens at 62%). In the meantime, she’s been bonding with Sawyer before and after. Their first kiss happens at 76% and their ONLY (😐😑) 🔥 scene at 85%. I liked that Sawyer was the one wanting to wait; he didn’t wanna be a “rebound” annnnd he wanted to be respectful of Fallon and what she went through (🙄lol. Meanwhile, I’m wanting him to go for it 👀🤣)
—he fell first 💅. Good 😑. He didn’t remember Fallon from their blind date, the least he could do is fall first 💁🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
—the side characters. Obviously Sully, but we also had he two dads (one’s in a wheelchair ❤️), her best /feisty friend Jaz and Sawyer’s brother, Roarick. I loved that Jaz and Roarick end up being together 😉
—the small town vibes. I love when small towns look out for each other ❤️
—the sweetness. So many sweet moments. From the rocks, to Sully’s memories that included his late wife, to the moments where it makes you appreciate life more ❤️
What I needed more of/didn’t like:
—🔥. What else can I say 🤷🏻♀️. We got one… yes.. ONE scene 😑. For a MQ book, I’m very surprised. She tends to write slow burns, but this was slooooow and not much burn 😐. Plus, where did his dirty mouth go? The last books released have all had dirty mouths. 😑. I. Was. Robbed 😐. Lol. The one scene we got was okay… maybe if it had been a loooong one, I’d be happier 🤣😅
—the boyfriend wasn’t a bad guy 😬. This guy kept telling Fallon he loved her and… well… she never said it back 😅. But he wasn’t a bad guy 🤷🏻♀️. It makes me feel 🫣 when a hero swoops in and takes the heroine from a nice guy. His only “bad” quality was not being too supportive with her wanting to stay for an indeterminate amount of time in Canoodle because of her grandfather 😬. I understood his frustrations though 🤷🏻♀️
—the I love yous came fast. I think I needed to see more in their relationship for me to genuinely feel this. From Sawyer’s part, I felt it since he was jealous and fell first, but I needed more from Fallon 🤷🏻♀️
Overall, I liked it.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating*/sharing
-OM- h has a boyfriend who’s actually a nice guy. Later in the book, the H thinks the h is seeking solace with OM and flips out 😬. He’s JP
-grandparent with Alzheimer’s
-H recounts being cheated on (his ex and his best friend)
-OW- H’s ex appears late in the book asking for forgiveness. The H puts her in her place and lets her know he’s in love but offers her forgiveness. Of course the h’s best friend sees this and thinks the worst 😬
-no virgins/H is not a manwhore (been with about 10 women. It’s been a while for him)
-condom (for the ONE scene 😑)*whispering* we were robbed 🤣
-HEA/epilogue
Move over Julia Roberts, because Sawyer’s (35) here to take your spot… and he does it with two fingers in the air and an iconic lost shoe (giving Cinderella a run for her money as well).
Sawyer’s the best man for his best friend’s wedding… and who’s he getting married to? Well, Sawyer’s ex girlfriend… the same one he caught his best friend smeeexing 😬😅. Why were they together? Because Sawyer had them act together for a screenplay he wrote 😬. Apparently, they took their roles too seriously, and bam… he got cheated on 😬.
He runs away in the middle of the ceremony and seeks refuge in Canoodle, CA. He comes across Fallon who’s in charge of the Canoodle Cove Cabins and who also helps carry him to a cabin to sleep off his hangover (he’s pretty drunk). Too bad he doesn’t remember that he previously dated Fallon in the past 😅.
Fallon’s dealing with a lot. Her grandpa’s suffering from Alzheimer’s and deteriorating more and more each day. Previously a nurse, she came to help manage/take over the Cabins since it’s her family’s legacy. Although she’s been in a relationship with a man, Peter, for a while now, her sole focus is renovating these cabins and taking care of one of the most important person in her life during this time of need, which means that her relationship has been suffering 😬.
Little does she know that the man who doesn’t remember going on a date with her because he couldn’t keep his eyes off his phone is actually a pretty good handyman/construction connoisseur 👀. As time progresses, he proves he’s more than a pretty face by showing off his skills and bonding not only with Sully, her grandfather, but with her as well ❤️.
What I liked: possible spoilers
—the connections and love. Oh gosh. This broke my heart. My grandfather suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia and it was terrible. I felt Fallon’s pain and heart ache. You definitely live for those moments of lucidity and you wish for the memories and mundane, ordinary tasks. Fallon also has the love of her two dads and her best friend, all whom which support her unconditionally. Plus, the whole town is behind everything Fallon is trying to do and making Sully’s life easier
—the slow burn? Eh. I’ll comment on this below as well, but the slow burn made sense. Fallon was in a relationship for most of the book (break up happens at 62%). In the meantime, she’s been bonding with Sawyer before and after. Their first kiss happens at 76% and their ONLY (😐😑) 🔥 scene at 85%. I liked that Sawyer was the one wanting to wait; he didn’t wanna be a “rebound” annnnd he wanted to be respectful of Fallon and what she went through (🙄lol. Meanwhile, I’m wanting him to go for it 👀🤣)
—he fell first 💅. Good 😑. He didn’t remember Fallon from their blind date, the least he could do is fall first 💁🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
—the side characters. Obviously Sully, but we also had he two dads (one’s in a wheelchair ❤️), her best /feisty friend Jaz and Sawyer’s brother, Roarick. I loved that Jaz and Roarick end up being together 😉
—the small town vibes. I love when small towns look out for each other ❤️
—the sweetness. So many sweet moments. From the rocks, to Sully’s memories that included his late wife, to the moments where it makes you appreciate life more ❤️
What I needed more of/didn’t like:
—🔥. What else can I say 🤷🏻♀️. We got one… yes.. ONE scene 😑. For a MQ book, I’m very surprised. She tends to write slow burns, but this was slooooow and not much burn 😐. Plus, where did his dirty mouth go? The last books released have all had dirty mouths. 😑. I. Was. Robbed 😐. Lol. The one scene we got was okay… maybe if it had been a loooong one, I’d be happier 🤣😅
—the boyfriend wasn’t a bad guy 😬. This guy kept telling Fallon he loved her and… well… she never said it back 😅. But he wasn’t a bad guy 🤷🏻♀️. It makes me feel 🫣 when a hero swoops in and takes the heroine from a nice guy. His only “bad” quality was not being too supportive with her wanting to stay for an indeterminate amount of time in Canoodle because of her grandfather 😬. I understood his frustrations though 🤷🏻♀️
—the I love yous came fast. I think I needed to see more in their relationship for me to genuinely feel this. From Sawyer’s part, I felt it since he was jealous and fell first, but I needed more from Fallon 🤷🏻♀️
Overall, I liked it.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating*/sharing
-OM- h has a boyfriend who’s actually a nice guy. Later in the book, the H thinks the h is seeking solace with OM and flips out 😬. He’s JP
-grandparent with Alzheimer’s
-H recounts being cheated on (his ex and his best friend)
-OW- H’s ex appears late in the book asking for forgiveness. The H puts her in her place and lets her know he’s in love but offers her forgiveness. Of course the h’s best friend sees this and thinks the worst 😬
-no virgins/H is not a manwhore (been with about 10 women. It’s been a while for him)
-condom (for the ONE scene 😑)*whispering* we were robbed 🤣
-HEA/epilogue
September 6, 2023
Two words sum up this book: TOO LONG.
This had a really great premise & I don’t know why the author thought she needed a bunch of boring filler to accomplish the story. It could have been so good if it was a 250-300 page book. I often feel like authors are trying to meet some sort of page requirement & ruining good stories that way.
I liked the first 100 pages & really thought I was going to enjoy this, but I skimmed over a lot of the middle. It was a super slow burn between the main characters too & once they finally got together I was bored & over it.
This had a really great premise & I don’t know why the author thought she needed a bunch of boring filler to accomplish the story. It could have been so good if it was a 250-300 page book. I often feel like authors are trying to meet some sort of page requirement & ruining good stories that way.
I liked the first 100 pages & really thought I was going to enjoy this, but I skimmed over a lot of the middle. It was a super slow burn between the main characters too & once they finally got together I was bored & over it.
January 25, 2023
Meghan Quinn has been one of my favorite authors since I first started reading her novels back in 2015 and each book since then has been a winner for me. Why? Because her novels make me genuinely laugh. They are “feel good” romances with incredible banter (something that’s very important to me as a reader) and when I’m reading them it feels like a good cuddle. There’s just something soothing about her books and whenever I escape into her characters lives, I feel HAPPY.
In Runaway Groomsman readers will meet Fallon and Sawyer. Fallon is trying to keep her grandparent’s legacy intact by fixing up Canoodle Cove Cabins so that they can prosper again like they did when her grandparents ran it. But taking care of an aging grandfather with Alzheimer’s makes it more difficult. Enter Sawyer, Los Angeles screenwriter and man of the tabloids after her makes a scene at his exes wedding. Trying to lie low for a while he ends up in the quirky town of Canoodle where the mayor is a cat and the owner of his rental is someone from his past. What would possibly go wrong? Or even, right?
This one is another winner for me and I was smiling ear to ear while reading it. I love the setting (it reminds me of my childhood), the themes of friendship and family loyalty, and the budding slow burn romance between Sawyer and Fallon. All around its just a feel good romantic comedy that had me laughing out loud and grinning from start to finish. I very much recommend this one to any reader!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• A charming small-town setting
• Laugh out loud romantic comedies
• Secondary characters that you love just as much as the main characters
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧: 🔥 🔥
In Runaway Groomsman readers will meet Fallon and Sawyer. Fallon is trying to keep her grandparent’s legacy intact by fixing up Canoodle Cove Cabins so that they can prosper again like they did when her grandparents ran it. But taking care of an aging grandfather with Alzheimer’s makes it more difficult. Enter Sawyer, Los Angeles screenwriter and man of the tabloids after her makes a scene at his exes wedding. Trying to lie low for a while he ends up in the quirky town of Canoodle where the mayor is a cat and the owner of his rental is someone from his past. What would possibly go wrong? Or even, right?
This one is another winner for me and I was smiling ear to ear while reading it. I love the setting (it reminds me of my childhood), the themes of friendship and family loyalty, and the budding slow burn romance between Sawyer and Fallon. All around its just a feel good romantic comedy that had me laughing out loud and grinning from start to finish. I very much recommend this one to any reader!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• A charming small-town setting
• Laugh out loud romantic comedies
• Secondary characters that you love just as much as the main characters
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧: 🔥 🔥
December 20, 2025
This was a long book and thus, I can imagine writing and rewriting scenes and chapters by the author and the publication team but well, I just couldn't connect with the dramatic way the things were written.
July 6, 2024
Runaway Groomsman unfolds as a delightful rom-com brimming with charm and humour, though its execution occasionally misses the mark. This book was enjoyable, but ultimately too long.
The Plot:
Set in the small lake town of Canoodle, California, the story follows a runaway groomsman through a series of unexpected events that promise both heartwarming and hilarious moments.
It has:
✅ Slow-burn ✅ Second chance romance ✅ Rom-com ✅ Love-triangle
The Characters:
Sully was my favourite character in the book—a portrayal enriched by his battle with Alzheimer's, which adds significant depth to the narrative. His tender romance with Joan in the backdrop of the small town resonates deeply, providing a touching contrast to the book's lighter moments.
In terms of the main characters, Sawyer emerges as the story's shining star—his charisma and genuine personality make him instantly likable. His journey is peppered with laugh-out-loud antics and touching encounters that draw readers into the heart of the narrative. Fallon, on the other hand, was a bit vexing at times. Her decisions and actions were sometimes frustrating, particularly given that she was in another relationship for the majority of the book.
Another character, Jaz, initially added intrigue to the plot but became a source of irritation by the end, especially with her impulsive act of slashing Sawyer's tires following a misunderstanding. It added unnecessary drama and detracted from the book.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I’d give Runaway Groomsman 3 out of 5 stars. The book is filled with memorable moments and endearing characters, striking a good balance between humour and heart. While it could benefit from some trimming to tighten the narrative, it’s a charming and worthwhile read that fans of Meghan Quinn will undoubtedly enjoy. From the quirky town to the emotional depth of Sully’s story, there's plenty to love in this heartfelt rom-com.
The Plot:
Set in the small lake town of Canoodle, California, the story follows a runaway groomsman through a series of unexpected events that promise both heartwarming and hilarious moments.
It has:
✅ Slow-burn ✅ Second chance romance ✅ Rom-com ✅ Love-triangle
The Characters:
Sully was my favourite character in the book—a portrayal enriched by his battle with Alzheimer's, which adds significant depth to the narrative. His tender romance with Joan in the backdrop of the small town resonates deeply, providing a touching contrast to the book's lighter moments.
In terms of the main characters, Sawyer emerges as the story's shining star—his charisma and genuine personality make him instantly likable. His journey is peppered with laugh-out-loud antics and touching encounters that draw readers into the heart of the narrative. Fallon, on the other hand, was a bit vexing at times. Her decisions and actions were sometimes frustrating, particularly given that she was in another relationship for the majority of the book.
Another character, Jaz, initially added intrigue to the plot but became a source of irritation by the end, especially with her impulsive act of slashing Sawyer's tires following a misunderstanding. It added unnecessary drama and detracted from the book.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I’d give Runaway Groomsman 3 out of 5 stars. The book is filled with memorable moments and endearing characters, striking a good balance between humour and heart. While it could benefit from some trimming to tighten the narrative, it’s a charming and worthwhile read that fans of Meghan Quinn will undoubtedly enjoy. From the quirky town to the emotional depth of Sully’s story, there's plenty to love in this heartfelt rom-com.
January 18, 2024
Runaway Groomsman is not typical of Miss Quinn's book. I was surprise that this book is written by her. Her signature comedy became subdue. The entire plot is minimum of drama.
Sawyer is a likeable hero. He is decent hard working man. I like him but he lacks of that alpha male aura. I think he is more beta type of hero. Fallon is cute. She is loving and sweet.
Miss Quinn focusing more on the small town vibe.
Overall a very relaxing read.
4 stars
Sawyer is a likeable hero. He is decent hard working man. I like him but he lacks of that alpha male aura. I think he is more beta type of hero. Fallon is cute. She is loving and sweet.
Miss Quinn focusing more on the small town vibe.
Overall a very relaxing read.
4 stars
October 3, 2022
Runaway Groomsman is a standalone rom-com by Meghan Quinn. It's told from POV with a HEA
Tropes:
✔️ slow burn
✔️ small town
✔️ jilted groomsman
✔️ love triangle
Totally charmed! The Runaway Groomsman has it all: cuteness, flintiness, angst, heart, incredible supporting characters, a screenwriter’s unique POV, small town charm with a cat for mayor and a sweet full-circle epilogue. Need I say more? JK, of course I’ll elaborate!
Screenwriter Sawyer Castle was at his wit’s end when he decides to flee his cheating ex-girlfriend’s wedding to his backstabbing best friend in a show stopping way without thinking about the consequences to his career.
Craving some time and space to re-group he finds himself at the Canoodle Cove Cabins run by Fallon Long who had all but closed down the place to care for her ailing grandfather while renovating the cabins by herself.
Sawyer’s appearance is a welcome source of income and welcome help, but nothing can come of their budding friendship given their past and present circumstances, or can the delightful small town of Canoodle, California be the perfect setting for true love?
There are so many things to love about this book, starting with the characters. Fallon is all heart and her BFF Jaz is nuts but totally loveable in her own way.
Sawyer is such a great hero! He’s thoughtful and kind, and doesn’t hesitate to show his vulnerable side nor express his feelings. The two of them were absolutely perfect for each other.
Fallon’s dads are adorbs (as is the rest of the town) and her grandfather’s sub-plot was absolutely heartrending.
I loved all the detail and vivid imagery that was included in the story, I could absolutely see it unfold in my mind’s eye as a wonderful rom-com movie that put a smile on my face from start to finish.
By the numbers quick review:
★ Hero: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Heroine: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 4.6
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
Tropes:
✔️ slow burn
✔️ small town
✔️ jilted groomsman
✔️ love triangle
Totally charmed! The Runaway Groomsman has it all: cuteness, flintiness, angst, heart, incredible supporting characters, a screenwriter’s unique POV, small town charm with a cat for mayor and a sweet full-circle epilogue. Need I say more? JK, of course I’ll elaborate!
Screenwriter Sawyer Castle was at his wit’s end when he decides to flee his cheating ex-girlfriend’s wedding to his backstabbing best friend in a show stopping way without thinking about the consequences to his career.
Craving some time and space to re-group he finds himself at the Canoodle Cove Cabins run by Fallon Long who had all but closed down the place to care for her ailing grandfather while renovating the cabins by herself.
Sawyer’s appearance is a welcome source of income and welcome help, but nothing can come of their budding friendship given their past and present circumstances, or can the delightful small town of Canoodle, California be the perfect setting for true love?
There are so many things to love about this book, starting with the characters. Fallon is all heart and her BFF Jaz is nuts but totally loveable in her own way.
Sawyer is such a great hero! He’s thoughtful and kind, and doesn’t hesitate to show his vulnerable side nor express his feelings. The two of them were absolutely perfect for each other.
Fallon’s dads are adorbs (as is the rest of the town) and her grandfather’s sub-plot was absolutely heartrending.
I loved all the detail and vivid imagery that was included in the story, I could absolutely see it unfold in my mind’s eye as a wonderful rom-com movie that put a smile on my face from start to finish.
By the numbers quick review:
★ Hero: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Heroine: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 4.6
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★See all my book edits on Instagram
September 21, 2022
This book was absolute perfection!! It is very different than Quinn’s previous release, Royally Not Ready, which was also a five star read for me. While both are filled with the classic Quinn laugh-out-loud humor and amazing banter, in Runaway Groomsman there is little steam and it’s a Mariana Zapata kind of slow-burn. I could not put the book down and there was so much to love!
Synopsis: After ruining the wedding of his ex and former best friend, Sawyer, a Hollywood romance screenwriter, escapes to a small town called Canoodle Runaway Bride style. There, he meets Fallon, who moved back to care for her sick grandfather and renovate his cabins. The two get to know each other
Thoughts: This book had EVERYTHING I look for in a romance. It was fun, witty, heart warming and filled with lovable main and supporting characters. Canoodle was the perfect fictional setting and with Quinn’s vivid descriptions and unique town traditions, I imagined myself right alongside Sawyer and Fallon. While I loved both Sawyer and Fallon’s individual stories, my favorite parts were when we got to hear Sawyer talk about the screenwriting process. All the references to the tropes we see in movies, grand gestures, camera angles, conflicts etc., made the story relatable to any romance lover. Plus, as Quinn mentioned in the story, there was one epic full circle epilogue.
Read if you like:
-Small town setting
-Slow burn romance
-Forced proximity
-Books with sassy best friends, lovable grandfather figures and a tight-knit community
-Home renovation/ DIY tasks
-Cameos from Quinn’s previous books
Thank you SO much Amazon Publishing. Pub Date: 10/11
Synopsis: After ruining the wedding of his ex and former best friend, Sawyer, a Hollywood romance screenwriter, escapes to a small town called Canoodle Runaway Bride style. There, he meets Fallon, who moved back to care for her sick grandfather and renovate his cabins. The two get to know each other
Thoughts: This book had EVERYTHING I look for in a romance. It was fun, witty, heart warming and filled with lovable main and supporting characters. Canoodle was the perfect fictional setting and with Quinn’s vivid descriptions and unique town traditions, I imagined myself right alongside Sawyer and Fallon. While I loved both Sawyer and Fallon’s individual stories, my favorite parts were when we got to hear Sawyer talk about the screenwriting process. All the references to the tropes we see in movies, grand gestures, camera angles, conflicts etc., made the story relatable to any romance lover. Plus, as Quinn mentioned in the story, there was one epic full circle epilogue.
Read if you like:
-Small town setting
-Slow burn romance
-Forced proximity
-Books with sassy best friends, lovable grandfather figures and a tight-knit community
-Home renovation/ DIY tasks
-Cameos from Quinn’s previous books
Thank you SO much Amazon Publishing. Pub Date: 10/11
July 17, 2023
1/5 ⭐️ I really wanted to love this because the premise was so interesting but I just didn’t. It was so damn boring and not as funny as other MQ books I’ve read.
I didn’t care for the main characters at all. They were so bland.
And there was a side character that annoyed me so much. Jaz, Fallon’s friend, was just too OTT. She was so rude to Sawyer for no damn reason. It just annoyed me.
I also didn’t like the fact that for half of this book, Fallon had a boyfriend. And Sawyer and Fallon barely had any interactions in the beginning of the book so I wasn’t really invested in the romance. He spent more time with her grandfather than with her.
I didn’t care for the main characters at all. They were so bland.
And there was a side character that annoyed me so much. Jaz, Fallon’s friend, was just too OTT. She was so rude to Sawyer for no damn reason. It just annoyed me.
I also didn’t like the fact that for half of this book, Fallon had a boyfriend. And Sawyer and Fallon barely had any interactions in the beginning of the book so I wasn’t really invested in the romance. He spent more time with her grandfather than with her.
February 6, 2023
Predecible, at best.
October 17, 2022
5/5 ⭐️
This entire book felt like a warm hug. Like watching the cutest romance movie and feeling whole at the end. I fell in love with its little town. One that’s so welcoming and homey. A place for an escape. A place for peace of mind. A place to call home.
This book follows along the town of Canoodle, a small lake town in California. We meet each character in this town and learn a little about each of them, which made this book so special. The most special part of this book was following along Sully’s story. Sully is Fallon’s grandfather who suffers from Alzheimer’s. She takes care of him while also renovating the Cove Cabins, the legacy and business of her beloved grandfather. After Sully got sick, the cabins went with him. Fallon left her life at home to come help her grandfather and make it her mission to bring these cabins back.
With the new Hollywood screenwriter Sawyer Castle coming into town with a story of his own, Fallon finds herself reliving the romance story of her grandparents. Sully and Joan fell in love in this small town. They built Cove Cabins together. They made memories here. The made a life here. And their love remains here. With Joan’s passing, and Fallon taking care of the renovations and Sully, she simply has too much on her plate. She tries to be as strong as she can and do it all, but it’s not enough.
That is until Sawyer stumbles in and flips Fallon’s world upside down. He understands her. More than anyone ever has. He makes her feel true love, something she’s never felt before, but has been blessed to witness her entire life. But now she has it. And her and Sawyer’s story is quite identical to Sully and Joan’s. Falling in love in this small town, the same vicinity of her grandparents. Building on a foundation of friendship, trust, and sincerity. Coming together to bring the life back to Cove Cabins. The same cabins that brought Sully and Joan together. Talk about a full circle.
This entire book felt like a warm hug. Like watching the cutest romance movie and feeling whole at the end. I fell in love with its little town. One that’s so welcoming and homey. A place for an escape. A place for peace of mind. A place to call home.
This book follows along the town of Canoodle, a small lake town in California. We meet each character in this town and learn a little about each of them, which made this book so special. The most special part of this book was following along Sully’s story. Sully is Fallon’s grandfather who suffers from Alzheimer’s. She takes care of him while also renovating the Cove Cabins, the legacy and business of her beloved grandfather. After Sully got sick, the cabins went with him. Fallon left her life at home to come help her grandfather and make it her mission to bring these cabins back.
With the new Hollywood screenwriter Sawyer Castle coming into town with a story of his own, Fallon finds herself reliving the romance story of her grandparents. Sully and Joan fell in love in this small town. They built Cove Cabins together. They made memories here. The made a life here. And their love remains here. With Joan’s passing, and Fallon taking care of the renovations and Sully, she simply has too much on her plate. She tries to be as strong as she can and do it all, but it’s not enough.
That is until Sawyer stumbles in and flips Fallon’s world upside down. He understands her. More than anyone ever has. He makes her feel true love, something she’s never felt before, but has been blessed to witness her entire life. But now she has it. And her and Sawyer’s story is quite identical to Sully and Joan’s. Falling in love in this small town, the same vicinity of her grandparents. Building on a foundation of friendship, trust, and sincerity. Coming together to bring the life back to Cove Cabins. The same cabins that brought Sully and Joan together. Talk about a full circle.
June 11, 2023
2⭐️
Audiobook edition
I have to admit that the prologue was really interesting and fun. Then, it went downhill. Fast.
First of all, I do NOT condone sexualizing men. The way Jaz talked to Sawyer was just a no no for me.
What the hell is wrong with her? They didn't even know each other more than a few days. He wasn't her friend and she repeatedly told him she hated him. Then, had the audacity to say that in front of him. If a man did that to a woman, I’m 100% sure that the reader would be outraged.
Second of all, this book did not serve at all. I thought this is going to be something like a hallmark movie about small town romance — which I don’t mind at all. Spoiler alert: it’s not. And even if it is, then it’s gonna be the sucks one.
Third of all, I couldn't fully blame Sawyer for feeling insecure when he saw Fallon and Peter at hospital. I mean, come on. She dated Sawyer a week after she broke up from a year relationship. I'll be insecure too if I was him.
Sawyer and Sully were the only characters that I truly enjoyed. Their dynamic was natural and heartwarming.
Meanwhile, Fallon — our FMC — is sucks. She had a freaking boyfriend for a year. Then, she proceeded to gaslight him, saying there was nothing going on between her and Sawyer while both of them clearly stated that they were attracted to each other. After that, she broke up with him just like that. No longer than A WEEK later, she started going out with Sawyer.
And I’m supposed to like her?
Fallon is one the most infuriating MC that I’ve ever read. She was a grown up adult, not some teenager. And the way she acted doesn’t reflect that at all.
Then, we also have Jaz — who was way more childish than I've ever been in my teenage years and more infuriating than Fallon. I don't know how people could keep defending her actions while she kept being rude to everyone. She was straight up a bully
Not only that, she practically pushed Fallon to have relationship with Sawyer while she still with Peter. To make things worse, Jaz had an experience with a cheating ex. So, what the actual fuck?!
Yeah. This book is clearly not for me.
Audiobook edition
I have to admit that the prologue was really interesting and fun. Then, it went downhill. Fast.
First of all, I do NOT condone sexualizing men. The way Jaz talked to Sawyer was just a no no for me.
"What? I can't stand here and appreciate a male specimen when I see him? You know, you can look at him it won't burn your eyes. Look at his nipples, they're a great size."
What the hell is wrong with her? They didn't even know each other more than a few days. He wasn't her friend and she repeatedly told him she hated him. Then, had the audacity to say that in front of him. If a man did that to a woman, I’m 100% sure that the reader would be outraged.
Second of all, this book did not serve at all. I thought this is going to be something like a hallmark movie about small town romance — which I don’t mind at all. Spoiler alert: it’s not. And even if it is, then it’s gonna be the sucks one.
Third of all, I couldn't fully blame Sawyer for feeling insecure when he saw Fallon and Peter at hospital. I mean, come on. She dated Sawyer a week after she broke up from a year relationship. I'll be insecure too if I was him.
Sawyer and Sully were the only characters that I truly enjoyed. Their dynamic was natural and heartwarming.
Meanwhile, Fallon — our FMC — is sucks. She had a freaking boyfriend for a year. Then, she proceeded to gaslight him, saying there was nothing going on between her and Sawyer while both of them clearly stated that they were attracted to each other. After that, she broke up with him just like that. No longer than A WEEK later, she started going out with Sawyer.
And I’m supposed to like her?
Fallon is one the most infuriating MC that I’ve ever read. She was a grown up adult, not some teenager. And the way she acted doesn’t reflect that at all.
Then, we also have Jaz — who was way more childish than I've ever been in my teenage years and more infuriating than Fallon. I don't know how people could keep defending her actions while she kept being rude to everyone. She was straight up a bully
Not only that, she practically pushed Fallon to have relationship with Sawyer while she still with Peter. To make things worse, Jaz had an experience with a cheating ex. So, what the actual fuck?!
Yeah. This book is clearly not for me.
July 6, 2022
⭐️2
🌶Rated R
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Small Town
✔ Second Chance Romance
✔ SLOW burn
✔ New Adult
I am a HUGE Meghan Quinn fan, so it honestly hurts me to write this review...
I was really feeling this one at first. There were some good moments and funny banter, but by the end, it just wasn't for me.
I explain why below👇 (potential spoilers included)
Sawyer and Fallon were both super lovable characters, but I didn't like them together.. (I was honestly more intrigued by Jaz and Roarick's relationship off of the page.) However, I did enjoy Sully's character and the companionship between Sully and Sawyer.
In my opinion, the ending felt rushed and almost thrown together... It left me feeling lost and wanting more than the few pages within the epilogue. I was looking forward to this book, so maybe I will give it another chance in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌶Rated R
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Small Town
✔ Second Chance Romance
✔ SLOW burn
✔ New Adult
I am a HUGE Meghan Quinn fan, so it honestly hurts me to write this review...
I was really feeling this one at first. There were some good moments and funny banter, but by the end, it just wasn't for me.
I explain why below👇 (potential spoilers included)
Sawyer and Fallon were both super lovable characters, but I didn't like them together.. (I was honestly more intrigued by Jaz and Roarick's relationship off of the page.) However, I did enjoy Sully's character and the companionship between Sully and Sawyer.
In my opinion, the ending felt rushed and almost thrown together... It left me feeling lost and wanting more than the few pages within the epilogue. I was looking forward to this book, so maybe I will give it another chance in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2023
DNF at 89% what an ENDLESS fucking slog. There are slow burns and then there is this, a glacier moving across the world over thousands of years, scooping up the frozen bodies of woolly mammoths. Do you like forehead kisses, and delaying intimacy for absolutely no reason? Well you’ll like this book. Stopped reading when the misunderstanding with an ex put on a different misunderstanding with an ex AS A HAT. And after the first misunderstanding, you have to read his recounting of the entire thing to his brother!
July 7, 2023
• BOOKSTAGRAM •
Sawyer has just made a huge spectacle of a scene at his ex best friend and ex girlfriends wedding. He flees LA and winds up in Canoodle, CA (how cute) where he gets drunk and winds up passing out in a cabin at Fallons ailing grandfathers cabins: Canoodle Cozy Cabins — where he has to think of his next big romantic screenplay or he can kiss his career as a screenwriter goodbye.
Probably one of the few prologues I’ve read and I knew it was setting me up for lots of laughter. I can’t believe with everything that happened Sawyer was there—better man than me.
What I really loved was the supporting characters (Sawyers brother Roarick and Fallons best friend Jazlyn—when she’s not being extremely pushy and rude) and how everyone just got along or seemed to mesh well with witty banter.
Then there’s Peter, who is Fallons long distance boyfriend from Palm Springs, who is around for a better half of the book and you start to wonder how all of this plays out, he only visits for the weekends when he’s not working. Fallon and Peter started dating in Palm Springs where Fallon was an ER nurse until her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and she moved to Canoodle to take care of him and run/renovate the family cabins.
This story is all parts happiness, even the break ups aren’t sad. The only maybe qualm I had was it was looong—over 400 pages but it really didn’t seem dragged out, there was a lot of attention to detail that wasn’t necessarily necessary but it was nice for this slow slow burn of a romance.
If you liked this—read this:
🟣 Would you rather by Allison Ashley
🟣 The chemistry of love by Sariah Wilson
🟣 Season of love by Helena Greer
🟣 The wrong bridesmaid by Lauren Landish
Read if you like:
🔸LOL moments throughout the whole book
🔸big city guy, small town girl romance
🔸enemies to lovers
🔸strong supporting characters
🔸love triange
🔸alzheimer’s awareness
Content warning:
🔺cheating
Sawyer has just made a huge spectacle of a scene at his ex best friend and ex girlfriends wedding. He flees LA and winds up in Canoodle, CA (how cute) where he gets drunk and winds up passing out in a cabin at Fallons ailing grandfathers cabins: Canoodle Cozy Cabins — where he has to think of his next big romantic screenplay or he can kiss his career as a screenwriter goodbye.
Probably one of the few prologues I’ve read and I knew it was setting me up for lots of laughter. I can’t believe with everything that happened Sawyer was there—better man than me.
What I really loved was the supporting characters (Sawyers brother Roarick and Fallons best friend Jazlyn—when she’s not being extremely pushy and rude) and how everyone just got along or seemed to mesh well with witty banter.
Then there’s Peter, who is Fallons long distance boyfriend from Palm Springs, who is around for a better half of the book and you start to wonder how all of this plays out, he only visits for the weekends when he’s not working. Fallon and Peter started dating in Palm Springs where Fallon was an ER nurse until her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and she moved to Canoodle to take care of him and run/renovate the family cabins.
This story is all parts happiness, even the break ups aren’t sad. The only maybe qualm I had was it was looong—over 400 pages but it really didn’t seem dragged out, there was a lot of attention to detail that wasn’t necessarily necessary but it was nice for this slow slow burn of a romance.
If you liked this—read this:
🟣 Would you rather by Allison Ashley
🟣 The chemistry of love by Sariah Wilson
🟣 Season of love by Helena Greer
🟣 The wrong bridesmaid by Lauren Landish
Read if you like:
🔸LOL moments throughout the whole book
🔸big city guy, small town girl romance
🔸enemies to lovers
🔸strong supporting characters
🔸love triange
🔸alzheimer’s awareness
Content warning:
🔺cheating
Read
November 17, 2022DNF Details: How far did I get? 200 pages, which is less than halfway through this beefy 450-page book (and that’s part of the problem).
Why did I stop? It’s S-L-O-W going, and the heroine still has a nice-guy boyfriend (who isn’t the hero) at the time I stopped reading. This couple went on one blind date awhile back, and it was so terrible that the heroine cringed the moment she saw the hero again… and he didn’t even recognize her! The heroine wrote off the hero romantically because (A) he was awful on their date, and (B) she’s already got a boyfriend who is nice, a doctor, and in love with her. So romantic thoughts have literally only crossed her mind a time or two in the 200 pages I’ve read, and she’s still kissing/willing to sleep with the boyfriend. I’m a slow burn lover who can survive on tiny romantic breadcrumbs, but even I was struggling with this scenario. It’s definitely got women’s fiction vibes as much as romance ones – with only infrequent interactions between the characters – and I’m just bored.
Was I enjoying it initially? Yes, definitely. I’m a big fan of Meghan Quinn, but I tend to prefer her indie books over her traditionally published ones, and this has the least romance out of any of them yet. I was also loving that our hero was forced to come to the realization that he let a great girl get away, AND he has to watch her happy with someone else. I really expected the boyfriend to be out of the picture by now though, and it’s become an issue.
Would I finish this? I fully intended to, but then I kept starting new books and never coming back to this one. I’m exhausted just thinking about another 250 pages with this vibe. But I HAVE enjoyed a significant portion of it.
Who would I recommend this to? Women’s fiction lovers, small town romance fans – anyone willing to be very, very patient while our couple slowly gets their act together. And you’d have to be okay with the boyfriend scenario, though I wouldn’t call this a love triangle really.
Audio Note: I really enjoyed the audio! It’s dual narration, with two narrators whose voices were relaxing and easygoing. Perfect for the vibe of the book. The runtime is intimidatingly long, so it’s likely that it’ll take you two or three days to get through the whole thing. But it makes a great workday listen, as there’s been zero steam in the portion I’ve read – and I don’t think that’s changing anytime soon. This would make a good listen for an office environment. I do recommend the audio overall.
Why did I stop? It’s S-L-O-W going, and the heroine still has a nice-guy boyfriend (who isn’t the hero) at the time I stopped reading. This couple went on one blind date awhile back, and it was so terrible that the heroine cringed the moment she saw the hero again… and he didn’t even recognize her! The heroine wrote off the hero romantically because (A) he was awful on their date, and (B) she’s already got a boyfriend who is nice, a doctor, and in love with her. So romantic thoughts have literally only crossed her mind a time or two in the 200 pages I’ve read, and she’s still kissing/willing to sleep with the boyfriend. I’m a slow burn lover who can survive on tiny romantic breadcrumbs, but even I was struggling with this scenario. It’s definitely got women’s fiction vibes as much as romance ones – with only infrequent interactions between the characters – and I’m just bored.
Was I enjoying it initially? Yes, definitely. I’m a big fan of Meghan Quinn, but I tend to prefer her indie books over her traditionally published ones, and this has the least romance out of any of them yet. I was also loving that our hero was forced to come to the realization that he let a great girl get away, AND he has to watch her happy with someone else. I really expected the boyfriend to be out of the picture by now though, and it’s become an issue.
Would I finish this? I fully intended to, but then I kept starting new books and never coming back to this one. I’m exhausted just thinking about another 250 pages with this vibe. But I HAVE enjoyed a significant portion of it.
Who would I recommend this to? Women’s fiction lovers, small town romance fans – anyone willing to be very, very patient while our couple slowly gets their act together. And you’d have to be okay with the boyfriend scenario, though I wouldn’t call this a love triangle really.
Audio Note: I really enjoyed the audio! It’s dual narration, with two narrators whose voices were relaxing and easygoing. Perfect for the vibe of the book. The runtime is intimidatingly long, so it’s likely that it’ll take you two or three days to get through the whole thing. But it makes a great workday listen, as there’s been zero steam in the portion I’ve read – and I don’t think that’s changing anytime soon. This would make a good listen for an office environment. I do recommend the audio overall.
May 2, 2023
This book was so swoony! I loved it! The characters were absolutely amazing. Sawyer is so charming, romantic, and funny that some of the stuff he said and did may have raised the standards for romantic gestures. Also Jaz and Sully were probably the best thing about this book. His grumpy demeanor with everyone was funny and endearing. I absolutely adored him. And jaz? She is the best friend that everyone needs. She protective, witty, and loyal and I truly wish I had a friend as aggressive as her.
All in all this book was a masterpiece. I give it 4.5 because I just expected just a little bit more. More drama or something to happen at the end and then I would’ve given it the 5 stars is probably deserves.
All in all this book was a masterpiece. I give it 4.5 because I just expected just a little bit more. More drama or something to happen at the end and then I would’ve given it the 5 stars is probably deserves.
October 19, 2025
Boring. Way TOO long and there is no Com in this Rom-Com.
I don’t think this is an author for me.
So I've come back to my original placeholder review to write something more fleshed out, only to realize that I have no idea what this book was about. My brain has already purged it. And it's only been two weeks-ish!! That should be sufficient enough a review for you. LOL! However, I will now go back and re-read the synopsis and massage my brain for answers...
Alright. Here's what my brain conjured. Sawyer flees LA mid-wedding ceremony of his former BFF and ex-GF. Understandably awkward since, again, this is LA and in the normal world no way would a sane person attend such an event. Not being judgy but... yeah. From there he runs away to Canoodle, Ca. A real town? Who knows, but it certainly belongs in a Hallmark movie. There he meets Fallon. Again. See, they once went on a blind date during which he ignored her the entire time so of course he doesn't remember her. She, however, couldn't forget that night if she were repeatedly struck in the head. Who could? It was abysmal. So obviously Sawyer gets a glacial welcome.
However, of course, Fallon's grandpa owns the only lodging in Canoodle and Sawyer needs a room. *Sigh*
You see where this is going, right?
Fallon is taking care of her grandpa, who has Alzheimer's, while simultaneously trying to renovate the tiny cabins with her less than stellar construction experience and one eager, though scary, BFF.
It's a cute premise, as Sawyer, who does have construction experience, secretly completes projects around the property while befriending Fallon's grandpa and getting to know the townsfolk. But that's all it is. Cute. There wasn't any real depth to these pretty deep issues. Or at least not that I experienced. And that's probably why I don't really remember the specifics of certain scenes.
I guess it was okay but it was LONG. Like, super long. Especially when you factor in the above. The only excuse this book could have for being that long is if it had really delved into the numerous issues these characters faced but that didn’t happen.
This could have used a strong edit and the removal of about 75-100 pages. Seriously.
Given what I read and what I took away from this, I can't say I'd revisit this author.
I don’t think this is an author for me.
So I've come back to my original placeholder review to write something more fleshed out, only to realize that I have no idea what this book was about. My brain has already purged it. And it's only been two weeks-ish!! That should be sufficient enough a review for you. LOL! However, I will now go back and re-read the synopsis and massage my brain for answers...
Alright. Here's what my brain conjured. Sawyer flees LA mid-wedding ceremony of his former BFF and ex-GF. Understandably awkward since, again, this is LA and in the normal world no way would a sane person attend such an event. Not being judgy but... yeah. From there he runs away to Canoodle, Ca. A real town? Who knows, but it certainly belongs in a Hallmark movie. There he meets Fallon. Again. See, they once went on a blind date during which he ignored her the entire time so of course he doesn't remember her. She, however, couldn't forget that night if she were repeatedly struck in the head. Who could? It was abysmal. So obviously Sawyer gets a glacial welcome.
However, of course, Fallon's grandpa owns the only lodging in Canoodle and Sawyer needs a room. *Sigh*
You see where this is going, right?
Fallon is taking care of her grandpa, who has Alzheimer's, while simultaneously trying to renovate the tiny cabins with her less than stellar construction experience and one eager, though scary, BFF.
It's a cute premise, as Sawyer, who does have construction experience, secretly completes projects around the property while befriending Fallon's grandpa and getting to know the townsfolk. But that's all it is. Cute. There wasn't any real depth to these pretty deep issues. Or at least not that I experienced. And that's probably why I don't really remember the specifics of certain scenes.
I guess it was okay but it was LONG. Like, super long. Especially when you factor in the above. The only excuse this book could have for being that long is if it had really delved into the numerous issues these characters faced but that didn’t happen.
This could have used a strong edit and the removal of about 75-100 pages. Seriously.
Given what I read and what I took away from this, I can't say I'd revisit this author.
December 14, 2022
*3.5 RUNAWAY STARS*
“Sometimes, when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, what you’ve really hit is the foundation for the next chapter in your life.”
This started off pretty perfect, with the perfect, yet unique, small-town setting and the secondary characters were all top notch as well.
Everything was going really well and this was all very cute (and slow-burn, which I like)... right up until that ending.
While I appreciated throughout the entire novel how mature Sawyer and Fallon handled things and how open they were with their feelings and the way they understood each other, that misunderstanding at the end just didn't sit well with me. I mean, come on!
It also didn't sit well with me that Fallon had a boyfriend the whole time, then when they break up, she goes for Sawyer barely an hour later.
Overall, a cute read, but some things just weren't for me.
“Sometimes, when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, what you’ve really hit is the foundation for the next chapter in your life.”
This started off pretty perfect, with the perfect, yet unique, small-town setting and the secondary characters were all top notch as well.
Everything was going really well and this was all very cute (and slow-burn, which I like)... right up until that ending.
While I appreciated throughout the entire novel how mature Sawyer and Fallon handled things and how open they were with their feelings and the way they understood each other, that misunderstanding at the end just didn't sit well with me. I mean, come on!
It also didn't sit well with me that Fallon had a boyfriend the whole time, then when they break up, she goes for Sawyer barely an hour later.
Overall, a cute read, but some things just weren't for me.
October 11, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: love triangle, slow burn
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Enjoyable read with the most awesome side characters I’ve read in a while. I laughed, I cried, but in the end, I felt like it took a *really* long time to get where we were going with Fallon and Sawyer and she spent too much time in the story in a relationship with another man. Super slow burn and the burning felt it was coming more from Sawyer than Fallon 🙈. Still a diehard Meghan Quinn fan, but this one just wasn't a fave.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
Trope: love triangle, slow burn
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
Enjoyable read with the most awesome side characters I’ve read in a while. I laughed, I cried, but in the end, I felt like it took a *really* long time to get where we were going with Fallon and Sawyer and she spent too much time in the story in a relationship with another man. Super slow burn and the burning felt it was coming more from Sawyer than Fallon 🙈. Still a diehard Meghan Quinn fan, but this one just wasn't a fave.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
October 24, 2022
Sawyer’s girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend and are now getting married. Since they are both actors in the movies that Sawyers writes, he is being told my Movieflix that he has to be civil with them. He ends up being stuck as the best man in the wedding. In the middle of the wedding he realizes that the movie is over and he can do what he wants, so he flips them off and runs out on the wedding. He gets in his car and drives to the small town of Canoodle to hide out in.
On his first night in town at the bar, Fallon and Jaz are see him. Jaz is the bartender and is best friends with Fallon. Turns out Fallon has been on a blind date with Sawyer, but the date weren’t terribly and he doesn’t remember her now. He gets drunk and the girls have to drag him to a cabin. Fallon’s grandfather, Sully, owns the Canoodle Cove Cabins. Fallon moved back to town to take care of Sully once he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and she has taken over the management of the cabins. The cabins need a lot of renovations, which she is trying to do quickly and on a budget so that they can start making money again.
Sawyer develops such a good relationship with Sully while helping to restore the property. During this time, Sully tells him all about his late wife Joan and how he had to be patient in order to win her over. He keeps reminding Sawyer that sometimes things are worth waiting for. Sawyer and Fallon are very interested in each other, but Fallon has a boyfriend. Sawyer takes his time and just gets to know her and develops a friendship with her. Once she broke up with Peter, things started to speed up but it was so good! I loved the slow burn tension in this book! They start sharing looks and small little touches. I was swooning way before they even had their first kiss. I loved this story so much!
5 stars
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
On his first night in town at the bar, Fallon and Jaz are see him. Jaz is the bartender and is best friends with Fallon. Turns out Fallon has been on a blind date with Sawyer, but the date weren’t terribly and he doesn’t remember her now. He gets drunk and the girls have to drag him to a cabin. Fallon’s grandfather, Sully, owns the Canoodle Cove Cabins. Fallon moved back to town to take care of Sully once he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and she has taken over the management of the cabins. The cabins need a lot of renovations, which she is trying to do quickly and on a budget so that they can start making money again.
Sawyer develops such a good relationship with Sully while helping to restore the property. During this time, Sully tells him all about his late wife Joan and how he had to be patient in order to win her over. He keeps reminding Sawyer that sometimes things are worth waiting for. Sawyer and Fallon are very interested in each other, but Fallon has a boyfriend. Sawyer takes his time and just gets to know her and develops a friendship with her. Once she broke up with Peter, things started to speed up but it was so good! I loved the slow burn tension in this book! They start sharing looks and small little touches. I was swooning way before they even had their first kiss. I loved this story so much!
5 stars
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
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