Dealing with Kate

Parker Sisters #1

by Jamie Arras

She’s looking for Mr. Right. He’s looking for Ms. Right Now. Will either get what they want?

Real estate agent Kate Parker loves order and routine. Her perfect life is missing just one thing—a man. After being repeatedly burned, she’s put her husband-hunt on hold and temporarily sworn off men. However, her resolution for a man-free summer is quickly put to the test when she signs a hunky new client.

Adam King is a wealthy real estate investor and self-proclaimed bachelor. He knows what he likes and rarely thinks things through before going after it. Getting his new agent to loosen up becomes his latest venture, but soon he wants more. Her strict no-dating-clients rule may be tough, but… Challenge accepted.

Just when Kate thinks Adam might be changing, he lets her down in a major and public way. Can Kate get past the betrayal? And can these two opposites meet somewhere in the middle to find happiness?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Chick Lit

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2022

About the author

Jamie recently relocated to the beautiful state of Tennessee, where she lives with her husband of 25+ years and their dog, Bella. Their wonderful, brilliant children are all grown up and out of the nest. Jamie now spends her days traveling, gardening, writing, and taking long walks in the park. She loves chocolate, dogs, and sitting on the back porch with a good book.

Reviews

[Kate McMurry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far more focused focused on real estate than romance

Kate is a real estate agent and Adam is a real estate investor. They meet when he hires her to be his real estate agent for some big-bucks acquisitions.

I've run into multiple romances lately that focus more than 50% of the scenes in the book on the jobs of the two romantic protagonists, and this is definitely the case with this book. Business is what brings Kate and Adam together, so it is not surprising that the author has filled up a great deal of page space with real estate transactions. Unfortunately for me, personally, I'm not interested in the real estate business, and I skimmed over those scenes.

This book also has a lot of scenes with Kate's boisterous extended family, who are presented as being universally quirky in their temperaments and, without exception, loving and supportive of Kate and each other--there are no bad apples in this barrel! For fans of this trope, these scenes will be appealing. Unfortunately, I've read quite a few books lately that offer this type of magically delicious, Hallmark-movie-style, extended family. I tend to get bored easily with that trope as well, so I found myself skimming over about 75% of this novel.

[Lyn Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is an upcoming realtor whose just created her own agency. She is one of many sisters who also have their own business and their dad is the mayor of the town they all live in. Its time for Kate to settle down and find Mr Right as time is ticking away.

Into town comes Adam King, an investor with houses ready to flip and a change in business strategy. He's not looking for commitment when it comes to relationships so it suits him perfectly to be all business with Kate who he chooses as his realtor.

Then of course things get a little complicated when there is undeniable chemistry between the two so they embark on a no strings attached relationship.

This is a well written, light hearted holiday ready which I really enjoyed.

[Ellen Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing With Kate

The Parker sisters are great. Sassy and so supportive of each other. Kate is delightfully anal while Adam is personality plus. I also liked all the heat that did not need pages and pages of graphic sex.

[Chris Benetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing with Kate is a charming contemporary romance that delivers plenty of chemistry, heartfelt moments, and character growth.
Kate Parker is determined to take a break from romance after being hurt too many times, making her both relatable and easy to root for. Her commitment to maintaining control over her personal and professional life is immediately challenged when Adam King enters the picture.
Adam is the perfect counterpart to Kate. Confident, spontaneous, and used to getting what he wants, he initially seems like the last person Kate should trust. Yet beneath the surface, the story reveals greater depth in both characters as they learn to navigate attraction, expectations, and emotional vulnerability.
The opposites-attract dynamic is handled particularly well. Their interactions are filled with humor, tension, and genuine emotional progression. Rather than relying solely on romantic chemistry, the story allows both characters to grow individually and together.
The professional relationship between realtor and client adds an enjoyable layer of conflict, while the emotional setbacks create realistic obstacles that make the romance feel earn

[Mary Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Persnickety, Sassy Gal meets Anti-Commitment Guy

Holly is a good girl, doesn't risk her reputation & is trying to build her business as a real estate broker. Adam is moving to town & needs a broker to assist him in selling properties from his old life. He is ready to start new in Bern. After a very interesting interview, Holly is sure she will not have Adam as a client. Despite his reservations, Adam is impressed with Holly's ideas & chooses to hire her firm. Join Holly & her family & Adam & The Three Amigos in their bets, side bets & more side bets. Holly is determined to not become involved with her client & Adam just wants to get Holly to loosen up, have fun without any commitment.

[JLTobias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predictable, But Nicely Done

Kate, the eldest of the five Parker sisters, has snagged a great real estate client for her new-ish brokerage business. Will it stay strictly business between them?

The Parker family is witty and exuberant. Kate’s intellect and organization lift her above the general run of rom com heroines. Most of all, a tip of the hat to author Jamie Arras for the authentic real estate industry backdrop, down to the use of a 1031 exchange (the avoidance of capital gains taxes by reinvesting property sales proceeds) as a plot point.

[Jessa Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 23% Adam seemed like a creep. He’s only met Kate twice in a professional setting and the second time starts making inappropriate innuendo’s. If I had a client making the comments he did, he would be dropped but because he’s handsome that somehow makes being a total creep okay? Didn’t sit right with me so I couldn’t get into the book. Also all the comments about the different foods that contributed to her skirt ripping felt very early 2000’s diet shaming culture and just unpleasant to read

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introduction to the Parker family and centers on Kate in the first installment. It was fast-paced and fun-to-read! Lots of laughs and a complicated and messy mystery and romance that involves the whole family. I really enjoyed getting to know the Parkers, along with townspeople who offer their brand of laughter. The romance between Kate and the rich and handsome "new guy in town" is cute, sweet and for the most part a closed door romance but worked well for me.

Easy, peasy read and I plan on continuing this series.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is too uptight. At her age she should have been more flexible. You have the lead male too insecure for a relationship. Two people who have responded to their upbringing in very different ways. Grandma is a treasure and the way her family reacts to her is brilliant. The plot and mystery are easy to understand.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read any books by Jamie Arras and this was my first. It was in a set with stories about Kate and her four sisters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - loved Kate and Adam.
I would say PG13 but all the better for it as I have been getting fed up of reading books which seem to contain more steamy scenes than stories.
Will definitely be reading the rest of the series and checking out any other books by this author.

[Amy Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and quirky read! I loved the fun energy of the characters and the lighthearted tone that made it easy to get lost in. While the storyline was a bit predictable, it didn’t take away from the charm; I still found myself smiling through most of it. A sweet, feel-good escape that was exactly what I needed. Solid 4 stars, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!

[Anne Turnley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uptight

Kate is very successful, extremely organized and ambitious. She plans every move in great detail and makes lists to cover any contingency. Adam is attracted to her good looks but, somewhat leery of her personality.

[Dev G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot. I loved the Parker family dynamics. It was a cute story. The only issue I have is the cover I see here and from where I read the story. Kate is a blonde with a long bob haircut according to the story and the woman on the cover has long brown hair.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 17%, I get the comedy of a girl splitting a skirt but the way they mentioned too many brownies and later cookies being the cause was a bit too fat-shaming for me. This was followed immediately by dense conversation about buying and selling homes.

[Gail Seilheimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

pg 142: You just have to trust yourself and your feelings. Love will never be perfect. Everyone has flaws, and everyone makes mistakes, but love says you accept the flaws and forgive the mistakes. You have to be okay with her quirks, and she has to be willing to put up with yours. Once you find that person, and once you commit to her and vice versa, you can get through the rest.

[Tenille Claridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

super cute, fun and clean

If you’re looking got clean comedy and swoon without the steam this is your book and my new author to read more from! Really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from Jamie!

[Rita B · Rating 5 out of 5]

quirky

Kate and Adam appear to be total opposite that when they met started out on the wrong foot. The Parker family is a close family. Adam is an only child. But get them all together and have fun.

[Gail smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho so very good.

He was scared off love due to his Mother's jest to fined so one to look after her. Then he meet his opposite she is so far from his Mrs. right he thinks he safe with as fling but when he falls he falls.

[Suzette Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing with Kate

A really cute and funny book. It really is the typical story, boy meets girl, girl has a quirky family. I really liked this book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it from start to finish!

[Judy Stockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Feel good, fun and enjoyable read. Love to see how the family rallies when needed! Can't wait to read about the other sisters!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

This had one going and trying to
figure out who did it. A nice turn at the end makes very enjoyable!

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read.

[Mona Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

Good romantic comedy with likable characters. Also enjoyed the little side of mystery added. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Dolly Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with just enough twists and turns to keep you reading. Loving family sticks together.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found it kinda cringey at times. And no spice

[Annette C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is going to be harsh. It's sappy, cheesy, and predictable. Just wasn't in the mood for a Hallmark type book. Nothing bad to say about this author, just don't care for this story.

[Dina Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story!

I enjoyed this story. I’m not a fan of profanity in my books, but other than that, it was a good read!

[Flo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't read this silly Rom-Com. No sex, no banter, nothing. The writer has to do better.

[Tamala Tabor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. Can't do it. While it may be good, I can't stand all the baby talk to the dog or carrying it everywhere she goes! Ugh

Chapter 7 is all the further I could get. DNF!!!