Mateo Romero is living the dream as a beach attendant on the turquoise waters of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, helping families get the most of their vacations by day and rescuing kids in need by night. The last thing he expects is to meet Darby Benson, an uptight tourist who has the audacity to call him a stalker. Everywhere he goes, she’s there—either in distress or starting trouble. He should steer clear, but something about her draws him in. Her snide remarks infuriate him, but when she smiles, he forgets why he ever found her irritating in the first place. And he can’t have that—it goes against his first “no getting involved with tourists.”
Darby Benson, destination wedding extraordinaire, never expected she would still be unmarried at thirty-four years old. She didn’t imagine her boyfriend of twelve years would ask her to plan a romantic getaway for two only to propose to her assistant. Yet, here she is, single, on vacation alone, trying to avoid her ex and his new fiancé. To make matters worse, she keeps running into Mateo Romero, a local who seems hell-bent on sticking his nose in her business. Everywhere she turns, Mateo is there, offering advice, stepping in where he isn’t needed, being far too sexy for anyone’s good.
Annoyance shifts to flirtation, and eventually, they can’t deny their attraction. Darby worries she’s being set up for her next heartbreak. Mateo is ready to give her his heart. If they can get on the same page, their romance could be one to last a lifetime.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Renee Dyer spent much of her youth hidden under a weeping willow, writing and whispering her stories to its wispy branches. She soon began sharing them with friends and family, and this crazy thing happened: they enjoyed them. Entertaining others filled her heart, in the same way, sharing her stories with the willow tree did. Having an audience unlocked her desire to be a writer. Today, she lives that dream and the joy it brings with her husband and sons.
Poor Darby, she didn't deserve what kicked this story off, but on the flip side, it showed her strength as she didn't let a man take her down. She decided to go on the vacation she planned by herself, and this is where things really get interesting. Mateo is our hero, who is happy with his life despite the relationship baggage that he has, but he never saw Darby coming that's for sure. These two didn't quite hit it off since she thinks he's a stalker while he thinks she's too uptight but they're still drawn to each other which kicks off an entertaining journey with a kicker of emotion. See, Darby doesn't quite trust him as she's worried that he'll break her heart while he's ready to take the leap. From the very first page, I was fully invested in this story, and couldn't put it down until every last page was devoured. I truly felt like I was in Cabo San Lucas because of this author's descriptive talent so yeah, I LOVED THIS STORY HARD, and I believe you'll feel the same way after you hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
As soon as I started reading Chapter 1, I was already invested. Mateo and Darby are two well-developed, believable, likeable characters that I was instantly in-tuned with.
Ready, Set, Romance! is a great read. Chapter One started with a bang; what Darby thought was going to happen was not what happened. I felt terrible for her. After what Aaryn did to her, I thought she would be broken and miserable, but Darby is a strong woman who picked up the pieces and forged forward. I loved Dravy's sassy, spunk, and drive. She's a great character. She decides to enjoy her vacation alone. She meets Mateo. These two don't get along very well at first. Mateo has had a bad relationship from which he's still feeling guilt, and he's looking for a relationship. There's tension between them, and either one wants to fall for the other. I loved reading this story and seeing the walls they had built slowly go down. This one is a must-read.
A beautiful story! I loved how this book showed how strong and successful women can be, how they don't need a man to make their dreams come true. Darby is an inspiration to other women and to young girls. Darby and Mateo's first meeting was priceless. He thought he was saving her, while she thought he was a bossy jerk that needed to mind his own business. As they kept running into each other, it didn't take long for the sparks to fly. Darby for sure never thought being cheated on would turn out to be one of the best things to happen to her. She just hoped her happiness bubble wouldn't pop if Mateo's decided to follow his dream without her. I definitely enjoyed reading this story from Renee, and can't wait to read more.
This was the first book I read by Renee Dyer and I loved the story. Darby Benson planned a romantic trip at the request of her boyfriend, only to find that he would be arriving with his new fiancée, Darby's assistant. Willing not to suffer, she decides to enjoy her days in Mexico and ends up crossing paths with Mateo Romero on the beach. Their first meeting isn’t very friendly, but they are willing to live together civilly for the good of all. But what started out as an irritation soon turns into feelings neither of them quite knows how to deal with. And as the days go by, the chemistry between them is undeniable. I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
I absolutely loved this story. It is the perfect summer read. I was all in from the beginning and the author didn’t disappoint. I love a good enemy to lover, this book had that vibe. Darby takes a vacation and runs into Mateo and let’s just say it was not an insta-love or love at first sight. The storyline was so easy to follow and characters written so well, the author takes you on the journey until you feel like you are vacationing in Cabo San Lucas!
A wonderful story of love, new beginnings, trials and tribulations. Darby thinks she has it all until she is betrayed. Meteo is living with an all consuming guilt, but still has a heart of gold. When the 2 meet, sparks begin to fly. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story of new beginnings.
I’m not a super emotional person, but this book had me bawling happy tears. I am so glad I read Darby and Mateo’s story, their story was funny and romantic and just real feeling. I love finding a story that just sucks you in, and theirs definitely did. Such a great book!!!
Ready Set Romance had me hooked on the first page, which is not something that happens often. Renee’s characters have depth and her writing pulls you in to feeling with them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ready Set Romance and can’t wait for her to write her next book.
What an absolutely beautiful story. I could not stop reading. From the start i was invested in these characters, I had my fingers crossed that Darby would find someone who deserved her and I wasn't let down at all, Mateo is definitely Darby's perfect match he's sweet, caring and hot hot hot. The fun they had, the dreams that became a reality and the love they built was so beautiful. I've not had my fill of them though so I hope they will be appearing in another book.