Jayden Holt is totally wrong for me. But then, when have I ever done anything right?
People call me Dizzy Izzy. Between my elopement, divorce, bankruptcy, and arrest, they may not be wrong. (For the record, the misdemeanor wasn’t my fault. I blame my ADD).
Jayden Holt, aka Your Honor, is more buttoned-up than a middle-aged accountant, but he’s the only one who’s ever seen me as more than a screw-up. He just happens to be my first love, my first heartbreak–and the judge at my first courtroom appearance. Imagine my surprise when sparks fly and the possibility of a new relationship has me spinning.
Until some surprising news has me reconsidering my ex-husband and the marriage we once shared.
Giving my ex a second chance may prove that I can finish at least one thing that I've started, but it also means giving up the guy who sees me as more than just dizzy.
Dizzy in Love is a laugh-out-loud, melt-your-knees, second-chance romance. Read this sweet, but sizzling, romantic comedy today!
Brittany Larsen is the author of fourteen full-length and three novella-length sweet romantic comedies, plus a couple more historical romance novellas set in the Old West. Brittany’s stories range across time and place, but they’re always about one thing: connection. They’re guaranteed to make you laugh and maybe even tear up a little.
Born and raised in Idaho, Brittany has spent the past twenty years (maybe more) living the California dream… If that dream includes wearing sweatpants all day and gorging herself on red Australian licorice–Australia’s second-best export (Chris Hemsworth being the obvious first). When not writing, she teaches hot yoga, walks her dog, and takes naps. Her sweater-sporting, mini Aussi-doodle, Bo, is her favorite writing companion. But her favorite people are her husband and three daughters.
After losing her job, getting a divorce, and now charged for vandalism, the life of Izzy Greene is in shambles. Appearing in front of a judge in the small town of Creekville for her crime, she discovers the familiar face of Jayden Holt, former childhood friend and crush.
Having zero filter, Izzy brought a lot of great laughs. I loved how her ADHD was woven into the story, as she balances her task of community service with newfound passions along the way. This is a really uplifting story showcasing mistakes as simply a learning experience. It was lovely!
Jayden, the youngest judge in Virginia, was incredibly sweet and supportive of Izzy. Rebuilding their friendship first, it was a gradual romance filled with grandmotherly advice and pygmy goats. It was so fun! And if you've watched the television show The Good Place, you're in for a special treat.
I loved so many things about this book! I loved the characters, Izzy in particular. The plot is fantastic. The comedy. And how can you not love baby goats?
Izzy is such a great character! The way she was made me happy. Izzy has ADHD, and that has led to her not finishing a lot of things. Which has led to her family making fun of her, even though they don’t mean to. One thing I really loved about Izzy was that I learned from her and her family. How to be a bit more accepting, a bit less mean, even when I don’t mean to be.
Jayden is great too! I loved the way he had to learn to not be Judge Holt. That it was okay to be Jayden, just to be himself sometimes. I think this is something we all need to remember, actually.
Gran! I loved that this book had plenty of Gran. She’s one of my all time favorite characters. If you don’t know about Gran, you definitely need to read Kiss Me Now.
And baby goats! I loved the baby goats in this one. And the way Izzy goes out of her way to design them a palace for a house. And goat yoga. What’s not to love?!
You guys! This was the first book that I’ve read by Brittany Larsen and now I feel like I need to dive into her other books right away. Dizzy in Love was so fun! First off, Jayden is adorable and Izzy is a whirlwind. They both had things they needed to overcome, some being emotional. Once they both let down their walls, Izzy and Jayden were stronger together.
Izzy is Ian’s brother from Kiss Me Now by Melanie Jacobson. I’ve read Kiss the Girl from this series, which was super cute, by the way. But…Dizzy in Love can be read as a stand-alone if you haven’t read any of the other books. If you have read the other books, then you’ll just be coming back to the world of Gran and the Greene family. 😊
Jayden was the solid and supportive man to encourage Izzy and her many projects. I appreciated how it took Izzy a bit to come clean to her family about her feelings and history because that can be a hard thing to overcome.
Brittany’s writing style was amazing and I felt like I was there throughout the book. Also..baby goats. 😍 I now want to try baby goat yoga and am super jealous that Brittany has. Especially after seeing her posts about it. 😆 Go check out her page if you want to see what I’m talking about.
This had a bit of everything. Family drama, a traumatic break up, a smart grandma, an old flame, new adventures and growing confidence. Oh, and goats. It was gentle, easy reading. Content: kissing
This is my first - will not be my last - book by Brittany Larsen. She immediately captured my interest with a relatable and messy heroine and a gran with pickle jokes. Poor Izzy has earned her nickname Dizzy. With a lack of focus and her mind going a million places simultaneously, she tends to leave projects and her to-do list undone. She has the best of intentions but thinking before she acts isn't one of them. Immediately following her divorce, Izzy returns home from California with her life in tatters. Luckily her grandmother offers her temporary sanctuary to get her act together. Not so luckily, Izzy has a looming community service deadline and the judge who sentenced her is the one who got away. Dizzy in Love features a fun cast that I would enjoy seeing more of in the future. I think Brynn would make a great MC, just saying. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I loved this book. I loved Izzy and all the growth she had. I love that she had ADHD and how it made her such a real person. I could relate to some of her struggles. Jayden was great. He was kind and thoughtful and new what izzy needed. I liked the second chance romance, friends to lovers. Such a cute story.
I wasn't sure what to make of Dizzy, I mean Izzy, at first. She wasn't at her finest when appearing before Judge Wendell Holt aka Jayden, and was definitely living up to the hated nickname Dizzy. I can understand being thrown for a loop when the judge turns out to be your first love and your first heartbreak, but I think she'd missed her ADD meds because she was having a hard time focusing on why she was appearing before the judge. Isabelle Greene aka Izzy was having a bad couple of years--an elopement, a divorce, bankruptcy, and now an arrest for vandalism. Thank goodness her grandma was there to help while she gets her life back on track.
Because Jayden gave Izzy community service in the form of painting a mural at the community center it reawakened the artist in her and I liked seeing that side of her. One of my favorite tropes is second-chance-at-love so I really enjoyed seeing Izzy and Jayden reconnect and become closer. I loved that she was able to confide in him something that she'd never been able to tell her family. Oh about her family...I wanted to punch her brothers who didn't seem to realize their little sister had grown up and even though she'd made some mistakes they needed to show her love and support. Thank goodness Brooke (her sister-in-law) was there to point out the obvious.
When Izzy's ex (or maybe not so much an ex) unexpectedly shows up, I thought for sure she'd tell him where to get off, not seriously consider getting back together to give their marriage another try, although I did understand she didn't want it to be something else she couldn't follow through on. I loved how her family all came together to finish the goat shelter as a surprise while she furiously worked to complete the mural on schedule, and that they permanently ditched calling her Dizzy.
I loved seeing Miss Lily (Izzy's Gran) again. She's a wonderful character. This book definitely has some moments that made me laugh out loud, but it also has some that tugged at my heartstrings. It was great to see Izzy and Jayden get their happily ever after.
I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
“Only one person I know could have every intention of going out for coffee and end up spending the night in jail.”
Izzy has gotten herself into a bit of trouble and the judge who sentences her to community service is none other than her childhood boyfriend. The two have grown up, but Izzy's family hasn't stopped treating her like she's the joke of the family, just because she's had a harder time finding her way. As Izzy spends more time in Creekville with Judge Holt, she starts to see a different path for herself, especially after the flame is rekindled between her and her first love.
Izzy's character was a hot mess and I enjoyed her tremendously. At just 26, she's lost a job, gone bankrupt and gotten divorced all in the last year. I instantly fell in love with her quirky character and found myself laughing at some of her antics, including goat yoga. She shows tremendous personal growth throughout and the ADHD rep was well done.
Jayden's character was swoony. He's a super admirable judge, wanting to do what's best for the people he sentences, rather than throw the book at them. After his mom died of ALS, he's emotionally closed off, but with the emergence of Izzy, he immediately lets that guard down. Ever protective of her, I loved how he was always in her corner, subtly pushing her to reach her potential. He was her perfect match.
Dizzy in Love is a sweet and funny closed door friends to lovers, small town romance, complete with baby goats, fun banter, and pop culture references. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy of the book! Dizzy in Love in available now.
Izzy Greene has always struggled to keep it together thanks to her ADHD, but the past two years have been the hardest on her. She lost her job, got a divorce, and now is being charged with vandalism. On top of that, the judge sentencing her was her first crush and family friend, Jayden Holt. As Izzy works to fulfill the requirements of her punishment, she and Jayden rekindle their romance and help each other find what they want for the future- both personally and professionally.
This was a sweet second chance romance that is based on author Melanie Jacobson's Creekville Kisses series. You don't have to read those books to understand the plot, but I highly recommend them! Izzy and Jayden had some really sweet moments and had good chemistry throughout this story, although I felt like their relationship was a bit rushed at the beginning. I thought Jayden was so supportive of Izzy's ideas, and I loved how he stood up for her when her family was overly critical. I didn't like how Izzy's family acted towards her for the first half of the book. I felt like her brothers were kind of jerks, even though it was meant to just be playful teasing. The plot of the book kind of felt all over the place for me since Izzy had so many ideas and plans going on. I know this was done to portray her ADHD, but I was a little disappointed when the goat pen she wanted to build kind of took a backseat to other things happening in the story. The scenes with Izzy and Jayden working together were definitely my favorite parts, and I really loved the epilogue since it was a little different from most other books.
I was hooked from the start. Those first chapters were gold! Izzy is such a whirlwind 🌪️ I loved her energetic self and how funny she is.
Miss Lilly is the best. I was so happy to see her again. I loved both Gran and Jayden support in Izzy's skills and her figuring out process.
The chemistry between these two was 🔥. The wall painting scene🖌️🎨 wow! I just love Jayden. He's the sweetest. I loved that he was talking about his feelings and opinions. Each kiss kept getting better and better. Them taking things slow, the dinners, dancing, how open Jayden was🥺 it was all so cute.
Jayden & Izzy have been through a lot. I am not gonna lie, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was frustrated, mad, sad, so happy and excited throughout the story. They made mistakes but I liked how they had each other's back.
Each small gesture was incredible. 💞 There were some bits of miscommunication. And although it frustrated me, it definitely was part of their growth. They both had to work on themselves, their issues, their families, & expectations.
The epilogue😍 and the bonus chapter🥺 I just couldn't with it! They totally deserved it💛. So ready for Landin' in Trouble.
Oh, Dizzy Izzy! What a sweetheart! Now, if only she wasn’t always living up to her nickname! Poor Izzy can’t seem to follow through with anything (hence her unfavorable nickname, Dizzy)! When she lands herself in the courtroom with a handsome judge, who just happens to be her childhood friend, after a run-in with the law, the fun begins! After seeing Izzy again, and having to sentence her for her crimes, Jayden can’t seem to keep Izzy out of his head!
This is such a cute story and I loved watching Izzy and Jayden become reacquainted and to see their friendship blossom! It was fun to see Jayden find out who he was and what kind of judge he wanted to be. It was even more fun to watch Izzy learn, grow, and really come into her own!!
You’re going to love this book!!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars. This was such a sweet contemporary romance. My favorite aspect of the novel was Izzy’s character. She was complex and unique, but so relatable. The author portrayed individuals with ADHD in such a tasteful and kind way; even with more books including representation for individuals with these types of characteristics, I think Larsen really shined in her depiction of Izzy. I felt such a connection to her character and how raw and real her inner thoughts were due to her inability to stick with something, not because she was a failure, but because she ran away in her thoughts and focus. The romance was also really sweet. Jayden was a gentleman through and through and I liked the contrasts between how he saw and treated Izzy vs the way others did, specifically Vance. I definitely enjoyed the side characters and setting and hope for more books in this universe. The epilogue was adorable and it made me grin big time- so perfect for Izzy and Jayden! This is a clean romance. I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a wonderful book! Izzy is known as Dizzy to her family for her lack of follow through. After her divorce, Izzy goes to stay with her grandmother. Her first love, Jayden, still lives there. Circumstances bring them together. They both still have feelings for each other. There is a trigger in this book, but it is necessary to the story. Izzy keeps secrets from her family but is able to confide in Jayden. He does everything he can to support her. Izzy’s grandmother is also a source of support for Izzy and encourages her family to support her as well. Izzy’s ex comes back with every intention of getting back together with her but Izzy is conflicted. Jayden is hurt by Izzy’s state of conflict. When Izzy comes to her senses and breaks it off with her ex, she reaches out to Jayden. Still hurting, he pushes Izzy away. After some back and forth, Jayden and Izzy get their HEA! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I truly enjoyed it!
🐐 Mentions covid!!! I actually liked that because it felt super real.
🐐 Tie in to Melanie Jacobson’s Creekville books - mind BLOWN.
🐐 Gran FTW. Sweetest little old lady ever. I love her. And I want her for real in my life.
🐐 Over-involved family that reminded me of the family on While You Were Sleeping
Summary:
Jayden and Izzy were childhood friends and each other’s first loves. After life events separated them- they haven’t spoken in 12 years. Now- Jayden is a judge and Izzy is charged with a misdemeanor in her old hometown and finds herself in Jayden’s courtroom. Having recently lost her job, gotten divorced, and now being charged for vandalism BY JAYDEN, Izzy is at a low point. As she starts reconnecting with Jayden and finding herself, it all comes to full chaos when a surprise from her past finds her and shakes everything up once again.
My thoughts.
Such a sweet read. This is a closed door romance that has humor and funny moments that had me laughing. I smiled so much while reading Izzy and Jayden interact. They are so sweet together. I loved this romance because it had all the cute, happy moments but it also had a lot of depth and handles serious topics (see TW at end, if needed). Also. There is a bonus epilogue on the author’s website- www.brittanyLarsenbooks.com IT’S A MUST READ after you finish the book. I’ll just be here crying.
Also. Baby goat yoga. 😻 Also also. ADHD representation.
“for obvious reasons beyond hair perfect for the part—always played Hermione. Which is why I was always happy to play Ron.”
“we can’t escape the hard things in life unless we avoid all the best things.”
TW (WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS)!!!!!!!
- miscarriage. Having gone through a loss not that long ago- this was close to my heart and I definitely cried when I read the thanksgiving scene. But it was in a wow- I feel really understood way and in solidarity, if that makes sense. - Loss of parent/disease mentioned
This book is just meant to make one happy, dizzy in love even, it was such a joy to read. Between Brittany Larsen and Melanie Jacobson, I'm pretty convinced that I want to live in Creekville. Like 98 percent sure, especially if Gran is there.
Dizzy In Love has all the aspects one wants in a well written love story. From the fantastic characters, the family drama-and love, small town friendships, art, real life issues all around and an important one-discovering who you are and your own self-worth. This book has it all. Plus, baby goats, let's not forget them.
Izzy makes mistakes, as all humans do, she sometimes just takes it a step further as people like to often remind her. Until Jayden comes into the picture and not only sees her full potential, through the crazy, but helps others around her see her worth as well. Sometimes we all just need that one someone to believe in us and give us the push we need in the right direction. Watching Jayden become that for Izzy will definitely leave you dizzy in love and excited to see what happens with the next resident of Creekville. Seriously, I really love Izzy's character and all she comes to realize and learn from through this book.
You do not need to read any other books from Brittany Larsen to read this story, it is a stand-alone, but if you want a little more Creekville check out more from Larsen and Melanie Jacobson. You won't regret it!
*I received a complimentary copy from publishers, publicists, and/or author(s). A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Dizzy in Love by Brittany Larsen is part of the Creekville Kisses series, and a stand alone novel. Our story features Isabel who is called Dizzy by her family as they perceive her as someone who is scattered, and Jayden who has taken over for his father as a judge in Creekville. Izzy has not seen Jayden since high school when she appears in his courtroom for a misdemeanor. She gets his attention, though maybe not as she had planned.
The alternating POV with Jayden made for an outstanding read The author does a fantastic job making her characters relatable as they work through life issues. As a teacher I enjoyed reading about the strategies that the author had Izzy use with her ADD. It was so well written. Izzy’s family and friends, cute goats, and her grandmother were a wonderful supporting cast and had me wondering if it is possible to move to Creekville.
Dizzy in Love made my weekend! It was funny, sweet and thoughtful! The themes of second chances, rebuilding your life, and learning to really listen to others gave the story depth. Brittany Larsen is now one of my new go-to authors, and I look forward to reading more of her stories! I highly recommend Dizzy in Love!
I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.
I really enjoyed this book! No spice whatsoever but it wouldn’t have felt right with how wholesome I felt this book was.
Izzy is our main character and you know what I loved about this book? How it depicted ADHD. When you’re reading Izzy’s point of view, you can almost feel what she goes through on the daily and I have just never really read a book like that. Love how she finally learned to stand up for herself and navigate her divorce.
Plus goats.
I did feel like Jayden was a very secondary character and honestly, could have done this book without him.
Dizzy in Love is such a sweet and funny romance! I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud! I also had so much empathy for Izzy. Several members of my family have ADHD and I grew frustrated with Izzy's family continuously through her life calling her Dizzy and teasing her instead of supporting her. It was so well written. Of course the judge at poor Izzy's courtroom appearance following a vandalism arrest is her first love Jayden (oops I mean Wendell, or rather Judge Holt). There is still chemistry between them and it is so fun to see them reconnect and their friendship grow. I loved how Jayden has Izzy's back, everyone needs someone like that in their life. I loved seeing Izzy's growth throughout the book, it was full of hope while still staying romantic and fun.
Absolutely adorable in every way! I started and finished in one afternoon because I simply could not put this down!
Izzy is not your typical heroine - she was even better because she was so relatable! Down on her luck and unsure what to do with her life, an impulsive decision lands Izzy in a courtroom in front of the man who was both her first crush and her first kiss. Jayden is not the buttoned-up judge he pretends to be and as he and Izzy reconnect, he rediscovers all the things that attracted him to Izzy years before.
Loved Jayden and Izzy both as characters and as a couple! The chemistry and romance between these two was worthy of a movie (who has the number to Hallmark? Anyone?) and there were so, so many fun laughs! I also loved that Izzy had ADD. My daughter has that diagnosis and the author is obviously writing from the point of view of someone who understands it.
If you enjoy sweet and fun romcoms that will leave you smiling and laughing and swooning, then this book is for you! This was my first book by Brittany Larsen but it most definitely will not be my last!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
I needed this story in my life. I probably have some ADHD that is undiagnosed, and to read about a female character with ADD was a treat to devour.
🎨Synopsis🎨 Jayden Holt is totally wrong for me. But then, when have I ever done anything right? People call me Dizzy Izzy. Between my elopement, divorce, bankruptcy, and arrest, they may not be wrong. (For the record, the misdemeanor wasn’t my fault. I blame my ADD). Jayden Holt, aka Your Honor, is more buttoned-up than a middle-aged accountant, but he’s the only one who’s ever seen me as more than a screw-up. He just happens to be my first love, my first heartbreak–and the judge at my first courtroom appearance. Imagine my surprise when sparks fly and the possibility of a new relationship has me spinning. Until some surprising news has me reconsidering my ex-husband and the marriage we once shared. Giving my ex a second chance may prove that I can finish at least one thing that I've started, but it also means giving up the guy who sees me as more than just dizzy.
Dizzy in Love is one of those books that has the ability to make one look inside themselves for their flaws, and see them as strengths. I loved reading about a character that was able to move past the things that always seemed to hinder her, and want to make her and others better because of them. Also, her grandma is the best. I would have loved to have one like her growing up.
Oh goodness, it started out so .... different, but oh hiw I really grew to love Izzy! Mad props to the author for her excellent and honest portrayal of ADHD on Izzy's character. The anxiety, the challenge of executive function, the beneficial supports and the agonizing feelings of always letting people down mingled with the rushing excitement of a new project, the near constant second guessing of your own brain and the amazing passion and talent. It is the BEST representation of real ADHD I've ever read in fiction. I felt seen and understood on a whole new level. That alone makes me love this book.
But the romance was a great story, too.
Clean-level: passionate kisses. Nothing explicit or closed door. Implied sex between a married couple, off page (Never described, but you know it happened). I think there was 1 soft-swear word? Light, social drinking mentioned in passing- not a focal point.
I know this is a fictional book that is suppose to entertain, and it totally does, but it almost entirely described one of my children and gave me all kind of insight and a wish to go back in the mom time warp to be better. Not that I was like Izzy's mom, but just the ability to use the knowledge gained to go back and fix my inadequacies. So enough of the heavy, but this is part of the reason I rounded up to 5 star amazing. This book was a coming of age story. It's about finding yourself and loving who that person is. There are also goats. I do a little yoga, but the idea of goats and yoga is pretty much laughable. I was dying! Jayden is just adorable and the whole book was a fresh read. I've read a few by this author, my fav being her take on PnP, but this was a sweet read about really and truly loving a person, even when that person is yourself.
It was fine. Didn't like how the timeline jumped around, they were close, then not, then her "ex" showed up, and then her apologizing was just pushed aside in 2 sentences...Idk kinda all over the place. But really cute ending and bonus epilogue on her website.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
You know when there are books on your Kindle, but for whatever reason you don’t get around to reading them, so you pick one at random to read and you end up loving the quirkiness of it – that’s this book! I also noticed a familiar location as the setting from something else I recently read, so I feel like I was being drawn to this book!
Izzy Greene has had a rough year and she’s fed up! Her frustration rears its head when she decides to deface public property in her gran’s town of Creekville and has to await sentencing by the local judge! As fate would have it, the judge is a blast from her past. When he sentences her to complete a mural for the local community center – she acts as if she’s been given a life sentence without parole! She hasn’t seen him in over 10 years and a lot of life has happened over that time!
As the book continues to play out, we realize how isolated and alone Izzy feels, your heart can’t help but go out to her! Something else is obvious, that she was destined to be back in Creekville – her gran is perhaps her biggest cheerleader and that the judge isn’t as horrible as Izzy thinks (in fact, he still might have some of the boyish qualities Izzy loved forever ago)! While this book does have a male love interest, it is a romcom after all, I feel like its important to focus on our heroine! She has so much depth and it isn’t just superficial, the girl has layers and I here for them all!
Was this book an unexpected gem- yes?! Was this book the first of hopefully more reads of Brittany Larsen – yes?! Can we agree that sometimes the books that not every protagonist has to have a picture-perfect life to make us love them- yes!? I will appreciate that about this book as not everything is as it seems and sometimes life, people and circumstances can help mold and shapes us into who we need be to be our best selves! Thanks for the reminder!
Dizzy in Love is such a charming read! Lizzy is one of the most relatable characters, especially for those of us who also suffer with ADHD. I found myself drinking it all in, all the while feeling like I had found a kindred spirit. From projects that are started with spirit, but are a struggle to finish, to having the want but your brain being such a jumbled mess that you can’t keep up with everything, Lizzy is the heroine for all of us hot messes out there.
I love reading clean romances but I get so tired of all the leads being so perfect. That’s what makes Dizzy in Love such a breath of fresh air. These are real and flawed people that are fighting for what we are all fighting for: balance, love, and living with the consequences of our choices.
The connection between Jayden and Izzy is apparent from the beginning but as their story progresses the pages spark with electricity, their chemistry palpable. These are two people that belong together, like Eleanor and Chidi from The Good Place (had to throw that little tidbit in, which is a shout out to one of my favorite details in the novel). Seeing their interactions made me think of my husband and myself: the ADHDer and the guy whose love language is food. They are so goofy for each other it’s borderline sickening in the best way possible, and their take it slow approach makes their romance a slow burn, building the anticipation, and driving themselves, and the reader, crazy!
Reading Dizzy in Love was the perfect escape and a quick and refreshing read that I cannot recommend enough.