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Ignore Scott
One chance at her big break. One charming cameraman standing in her way.
Jackie Strauss is drowning in nautical-themed Christmas decorations. When her holiday-obsessed neighborhood is selected for a documentary, the DIY expert realizes she's in over her head as the cameras start rolling and she starts fumbling. But the variable most likely to result in her total failure falls solely on the broad, muscular shoulders of the charismatic cameraman who’s documenting her every move. The man she once had a fiery hot one-night stand with.
Scott Davis uses work to avoid anything beyond a fling. Unfortunately, his strategy of quickly moving from one filming location to another leads him straight back to the one woman he never got Jackie Strauss. But he's only in town temporarily and getting involved with anyone in the documentary is strictly forbidden, so he keeps his camera up as a barrier and somehow resists the achingly strong desire to ravage Jackie under one of her perfectly placed mistletoes.
With Scott’s next flight out already booked, can Jackie convince him their love is worth the risk of losing everything?
*This spicy holiday rom-com has it an ornery cat, quirky neighbors who are like family, small-town holiday festivities, a ride-or-die bestie, multiple Richard Simmons mentions (because why not), and an HEA that's sure to melt hearts. It's a second in series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Jackie Strauss is drowning in nautical-themed Christmas decorations. When her holiday-obsessed neighborhood is selected for a documentary, the DIY expert realizes she's in over her head as the cameras start rolling and she starts fumbling. But the variable most likely to result in her total failure falls solely on the broad, muscular shoulders of the charismatic cameraman who’s documenting her every move. The man she once had a fiery hot one-night stand with.
Scott Davis uses work to avoid anything beyond a fling. Unfortunately, his strategy of quickly moving from one filming location to another leads him straight back to the one woman he never got Jackie Strauss. But he's only in town temporarily and getting involved with anyone in the documentary is strictly forbidden, so he keeps his camera up as a barrier and somehow resists the achingly strong desire to ravage Jackie under one of her perfectly placed mistletoes.
With Scott’s next flight out already booked, can Jackie convince him their love is worth the risk of losing everything?
*This spicy holiday rom-com has it an ornery cat, quirky neighbors who are like family, small-town holiday festivities, a ride-or-die bestie, multiple Richard Simmons mentions (because why not), and an HEA that's sure to melt hearts. It's a second in series but can be read as a stand-alone.
298 pages, Paperback
Published December 6, 2021
19 people are currently reading
5586 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Donnelly
7 books70 followersLeigh's a 🔥 steamy 🔥 romance enthusiast: reading them, writing them, discussing them. She loves it all, especially spicy rom-coms. Leigh's stories include women who occasionally swear, are voracious readers, and like their men sweet on the street and down and dirty in the bedroom. Yes, holiday dinners are slightly uncomfortable with most relatives having read her sometimes explicit and graphic books (likely hearing Leigh's snarky voice in their head as they did) but it's a small price to pay for the low-level fame she's currently enjoying as an author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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November 21, 2023DNF @ 35%
January 21, 2022
What a fun read! I adore rekindled romance and this was so fun to read. Extra bonus points for extending the Christmas feelings.
I hope there is a next book about Sam, I can’t believe that was not wrapped up!
I hope there is a next book about Sam, I can’t believe that was not wrapped up!
April 27, 2023
Scott and Jackie had a fiery one-night-stand in high school, after having crushed on each other for years, but went off to find their future in different places and ways. Now they're back in their hometown of Milton for the filming of a documentary of the town's Christmas celebration. With that as a backdrop, Scott and Jackie find their way back to each other, but it's not a real love story for me. At the beginning, everything is fresh, new and it's not long before deep feelings develop. But Scott never got over the angst of his divorce and he kept projecting it onto Jackie. Just as he'd open himself up, again, he'd shut down just as quickly. They had to hide from the crew filming the documentary because they were forbidden to fraternize with the townspeople. When they're "caught" by the producer, they are informed that their personal story is going to be filmed for everyone to see and Scott panics because his career is the most important thing of all. He pushes Jackie away and never quite mends anything before he leaves for Australia and his next big job. For me, that was it. He was a total jerk and I lost all respect for him. To make matters even worse, this story involved a forever couple (Jackie's best friend) growing tired of one another and breaking up. There are moments of levity and inside jokes, so it wasn't all depressing, but I never felt their connection, even with his grand gesture. Even after a few days after finishing the audiobook, I still feel a general sadness.
Cassandra Medcalf's narration was very well-done. Her dynamic voice and emotional inflection brought each character to life.
Cassandra Medcalf's narration was very well-done. Her dynamic voice and emotional inflection brought each character to life.
December 11, 2023
After learning that she has inherited her aunt's house, Jackie Strauss recognizes that she has the opportunity of a lifetime. This year's nationally recognized Christmas display of lights and ornaments on her aunt's street is going to be televised in a documentary. Jackie believes that she might get noticed for her design creativity and practical construction abilities, earning her a DIY television series just like Chip and Joanna Gaines. Standing in her way is her attraction to Scott Davis, with whom she had a one night stand after high school graduation. He is now working as cameraman on the documentary. Jackie knows that personal involvement is against the rules, but she's not sure she can resist as they work closely together, day in and day out.
Ignore Scott has a wonderfully unique premise for a Christmas holiday romance, and some parts of the plot work very well, but issues with pacing and character development take away from the enjoyment of reading this story. It is difficult to feel the chemistry between the characters when so many subplots intrude on the main narrative and the love scenes seem to be cut short. Also, the addition of more humor would have made the novel far more fun to read. The biggest problem with the story, however, is the illogical ending that seems to be pulled out of nowhere. Overall, Ignore Scott is a story with great potential that just didn't deliver.
Ignore Scott has a wonderfully unique premise for a Christmas holiday romance, and some parts of the plot work very well, but issues with pacing and character development take away from the enjoyment of reading this story. It is difficult to feel the chemistry between the characters when so many subplots intrude on the main narrative and the love scenes seem to be cut short. Also, the addition of more humor would have made the novel far more fun to read. The biggest problem with the story, however, is the illogical ending that seems to be pulled out of nowhere. Overall, Ignore Scott is a story with great potential that just didn't deliver.
February 9, 2023
I got this audiobook via a promo code at my request and this is my voluntary review.
This is a lovely sweet holiday standalone romance. Jackie and Scott had a hot one-night stand just after high school, he wanted more but they were heading off to college etc. They meet again years later when he was filming a documentary in her hometown covering the Christmas Holiday festivities- focusing mostly on the Decorations which are taken very seriously by the towns folk in Milton. Jackie had inherited the house from her aunt and was determined to make her own mark this year. Trying to flirt with Scott from behind the camera was harder than it seemed but eventually, the lights go off and they get down to some real action.
Scotts trying to be pragmatic about their present situation, he will be leaving town soon, they both have mapped out their lives and they are in different directions so they decide just to enjoy one another while they can, but as much as Jackie tries to ignore Scott... it becomes apparent that even the director cannot help but notice the chemistry between them both.
Overall a charming lil Holiday romance.
Narration by Cassandra Medcalf was good.
This is a lovely sweet holiday standalone romance. Jackie and Scott had a hot one-night stand just after high school, he wanted more but they were heading off to college etc. They meet again years later when he was filming a documentary in her hometown covering the Christmas Holiday festivities- focusing mostly on the Decorations which are taken very seriously by the towns folk in Milton. Jackie had inherited the house from her aunt and was determined to make her own mark this year. Trying to flirt with Scott from behind the camera was harder than it seemed but eventually, the lights go off and they get down to some real action.
Scotts trying to be pragmatic about their present situation, he will be leaving town soon, they both have mapped out their lives and they are in different directions so they decide just to enjoy one another while they can, but as much as Jackie tries to ignore Scott... it becomes apparent that even the director cannot help but notice the chemistry between them both.
Overall a charming lil Holiday romance.
Narration by Cassandra Medcalf was good.
September 26, 2024
This was my first experience reading something by this author. I had the opportunity to listen to this as an audiobook and found it to be very entertaining. The narrator did a nice job with the different voices, bringing each character to life.
Jackie unexpectedly inherits her aunt's home back in her hometown and participates in a documentary about the neighborhood's Christmas lights display. She sees this as an opportunity to showcase her talents and possibly land her own DIY series. She determines to remain focused, but that becomes difficult to do when she encounters her old crush from high school, Scott. They had one hot night after graduation and then went their separate ways. Coincidentally, Scott is the cameraman for the documentary. The two are extremely attracted to each other, but they each have their goals to focus on. When they do start to grow closer, miscommunication and self-doubts make their road to a rekindled love a bumpy one.
A very sweet, holiday-themed story that will warm your heart. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Jackie unexpectedly inherits her aunt's home back in her hometown and participates in a documentary about the neighborhood's Christmas lights display. She sees this as an opportunity to showcase her talents and possibly land her own DIY series. She determines to remain focused, but that becomes difficult to do when she encounters her old crush from high school, Scott. They had one hot night after graduation and then went their separate ways. Coincidentally, Scott is the cameraman for the documentary. The two are extremely attracted to each other, but they each have their goals to focus on. When they do start to grow closer, miscommunication and self-doubts make their road to a rekindled love a bumpy one.
A very sweet, holiday-themed story that will warm your heart. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 17, 2023
A sweet with some heat, small town, second chance romance read / listen. Well written and narrated, this romance is holiday themed and an absolute delight to listen to. Our main characters are Scott and Jackie who had a one-night stand in High School and then went their separate ways but with fondness and maybe some what if's questions when looking back. Now they are reunited due to a documentary they are both involved in and the chemistry is there just like on their one night together. Some communication issues as well as self-doubts may keep these two from finding their HEA. I think my favorite parts are the dynamics with secondary characters - Jackie's bff as well as her mom and cat Tom made for some great humor throughout the listen. Overall a great, multi point of view listen that will warm your heart!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
December 8, 2021
Jackie and Scott . . .
Before they went off to college, Jackie and Scott finally gave in to the attraction they both had for each other. They promised just that one night was all they would have. But it burned itself into their memories.
Jackie Strauss is the newest homeowner on Christmas Lights Lane, an opportunity of a lifetime for her. This year, the event was being filmed for a documentary that could position Jackie for a big television debut as the next famous do-it-yourself television personality. But she has to stay focused or her dream will not become her new reality. She can do this… at least before she discovers handsome and charming Scott Davis turns will be her cameraman. Does that mean she will only be able to focus on him? Scott intends to stay in town only long enough to do the filming. But seeing Jackie again, can he really walk away?
Before they went off to college, Jackie and Scott finally gave in to the attraction they both had for each other. They promised just that one night was all they would have. But it burned itself into their memories.
Jackie Strauss is the newest homeowner on Christmas Lights Lane, an opportunity of a lifetime for her. This year, the event was being filmed for a documentary that could position Jackie for a big television debut as the next famous do-it-yourself television personality. But she has to stay focused or her dream will not become her new reality. She can do this… at least before she discovers handsome and charming Scott Davis turns will be her cameraman. Does that mean she will only be able to focus on him? Scott intends to stay in town only long enough to do the filming. But seeing Jackie again, can he really walk away?
January 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! Second chance romances are definitely at the top of my favorite list. Jackie and Scott had a fiery one night stand and meet again years later as a participant in a documentary film about a neighborhood that loves Christmas and a cameraman. The sparks are still there and she can't "Ignore Scott". Loved the small town setting and the story. I listened to the audio version. The narrator was new to me, but did a great job. I was happy to see that Jackie's best friend has her own book in this series. I'll be picking up that one soon!
The author gifted me a copy of this audiobook, but that didn't influence my review :)
The author gifted me a copy of this audiobook, but that didn't influence my review :)
January 31, 2023
You can't ignore Scott! He's far too cute.
But that's the directive Jackie Strauss gets when she's part of a neighborhood-wide documentary about the annual Christmas Lights Lane decorating extravaganza. After inheriting her aunt's home on this quirky (crazy?!) street, Jackie hopes her involvement in the months-long documentary project will boost her DIY career.
Other than the bizarre Richard Simmons (I had to look this up -- who is Richard Simmons?!) references, this is a fun and sweet romp. And I adore Scott. A book boyfriend I loved hanging out with.
If you like coastal kitsch and Christmas rom-coms, you'll very much enjoy "Ignore Scott".
But that's the directive Jackie Strauss gets when she's part of a neighborhood-wide documentary about the annual Christmas Lights Lane decorating extravaganza. After inheriting her aunt's home on this quirky (crazy?!) street, Jackie hopes her involvement in the months-long documentary project will boost her DIY career.
Other than the bizarre Richard Simmons (I had to look this up -- who is Richard Simmons?!) references, this is a fun and sweet romp. And I adore Scott. A book boyfriend I loved hanging out with.
If you like coastal kitsch and Christmas rom-coms, you'll very much enjoy "Ignore Scott".
August 20, 2023
Another enjoyable entry to Leigh's bibliography. This book was a little steamier than the last two for sure, which I must say I thoroughly enjoyed. It was also has a higher level of schmaltz than earlier entries, which I also enjoyed.
Once again Leigh has mastered the art of crafting characters you want to root for and building a good tension before reaching a satisfying release (pun intended).
The plot and background for this story is also delightfully original, and gives the story a good amount of stakes and a fun folksy charm.
I would absolutely recommend this book with only one piece of advice to add: Please don't ignore Scott.
Once again Leigh has mastered the art of crafting characters you want to root for and building a good tension before reaching a satisfying release (pun intended).
The plot and background for this story is also delightfully original, and gives the story a good amount of stakes and a fun folksy charm.
I would absolutely recommend this book with only one piece of advice to add: Please don't ignore Scott.
November 18, 2024
So let me start off by saying I love the idea of this book and there were moments when I really enjoyed reading it BUT there were also times I had to force myself to keep going.
I felt like I was being yanked around by all the different things going on and information. The beginning of the book kinda felt like an info dump and it took me a while to get past it.
I also had a hard time connecting with the characters and, though there were parts that redeemed it, I didn't feel the connection between the two main characters.
Overall it was a cute read but I wasn't as engrossed in it as I wanted to be.
I felt like I was being yanked around by all the different things going on and information. The beginning of the book kinda felt like an info dump and it took me a while to get past it.
I also had a hard time connecting with the characters and, though there were parts that redeemed it, I didn't feel the connection between the two main characters.
Overall it was a cute read but I wasn't as engrossed in it as I wanted to be.
December 21, 2022
Ignore Scott by Leigh Donnelly was a cute holiday romance. I loved the struggle of trying to communicate with Scott, but not being able to since he was filming for the documentary. The way Jackie and others describe her house’s decorations for Christmas made me wish I could see it in real life. I enjoyed hearing about Jackie and Scott’s past together. My biggest struggle with this book was that the pacing was too slow for me. I felt like scenes would drag on. Overall, though, I found Ignore Scott to be an adorable second chance, friends-to-lovers tale!
December 28, 2022
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Leigh Donnelly's work, and it was entertaining. Jackie and Scott had a brief fling and then their lives took divergent paths. When circumstances brought them together, they found that the old attraction was still there. The story was cute. The characters were fun. There were some steamy moments. Cassandra Medcalf's narration was entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
January 3, 2023
This was a fun story about Jackie and Scott who had a very memorable night together at the end of high school. When they meet again during the filming of a Christmas documentary in the town of Milton, the spark is still there. They try not to fall into bed together, but the draw is too strong. The problem is that they both have plans for the future and neither wants to give their plans up for the other.
February 21, 2023
This is a cute friends to lovers holiday romance. These two meet up again many years after high school. The sparks fly even tho it is taboo. A rom-com to enjoy. Richard Simmons costumes. A cat that "takes the spirit" of a deceased husband. Tongue in cheek humor.
The story is narrated with many voices to distinguish the characters. Well done.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Story Origin.
The story is narrated with many voices to distinguish the characters. Well done.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Story Origin.
December 9, 2021
loved it !!! love Jackie and Scott... this is their story... a fast paced drama... back in the day ,they had a one night stand... they never forgot... now, he's her cameraman... she needs to stay focused... she might get her dream to host a DYI show of her own... and Scott is leaving any way... right ?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2022
For a relatively new indie author, this was a pretty cute book. The setting was great, the town was adorable and overall, it was a quaint little tale. My only complaint would be the mechanics of the book needed cleaned up a bit, grammatically there were some minor issues, but overall, I wanted to move to Milton... or at least visit to see their Christmas lights.
January 30, 2023
This was a lovely sweet romance. Characters who knew each other as they left school, and went out into the world. Then re-meet ten years on. They know the risks of getting into a relationship with new year meaning moving onto another job but unfortunately they still do. The ending fits those movies the storyline says about. Classic.
December 7, 2021
The book is a good, and enjoyable holiday romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2022
Cute story that manages to embrace many Christmas romance tropes in a fun and clever way, but this was a digital ARC and the poor editing dragged me out of the story again and again. It starts in the prologue when Jackie gets her "heal" caught in the sidewalk. Ugh.
July 9, 2022
I really liked this story. There was a lot of activity and angst which made you want to read this book. I had a hard time putting it down. Jackie and Scott were a hoot and things were dicey there for a bit. A great story.
January 25, 2023
Jackie and Scott had a hot one night stand and meet again years later . The sparks are still there
The characters were fun. There were some steamy moments.
I loved the narration Cassandra Medcalf.
The characters were fun. There were some steamy moments.
I loved the narration Cassandra Medcalf.
January 28, 2023
Ignore Scott by Leigh Donnelly is a fun read. I loved Jackie's internal dialogues. The story is fun and the characers are sweet. Love Jackie's BFF Sam. I look forward to Sam's story.
The narration is excellent
The narration is excellent
February 11, 2023
This book is such a fun (and funny) read. I really liked the characters and the story. Especially the cat - would have loved to see more of him in the book.
The narrator did a good job with the book.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The narrator did a good job with the book.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2023
It was a cute book. I didn’t really get Jackie’s idea for her decorations but it sounds like an awesome Christmas display of the entire neighborhood. Sad that Sam and Jeremy decided to divorce since they had been together for so long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2021
Ok
An ok read. The conversations were often unrealistic. The couple was cute however individually they were sometimes annoying. Won't be recommending.
An ok read. The conversations were often unrealistic. The couple was cute however individually they were sometimes annoying. Won't be recommending.
March 4, 2022
Won ARC through Goodreads. What a fun romantic novel with Christmas as an addedbonus.
December 27, 2022
Audiobook Version
Really great book, love the characters. Drama, humor and very active. The narration was very well preformed. I would recommend this book.
Really great book, love the characters. Drama, humor and very active. The narration was very well preformed. I would recommend this book.
November 20, 2024
This was so bad I couldn’t even get through the first 10 pages 😀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews