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Calico Cove #3
The Grump, The Bride & The Baby
I was the Runaway Bride of Calico Cove, which sure, wasn’t my finest moment, but now I desperately need someone to rescue me from my conniving family.
My unlikely hero? Roy Barnes, the grumpiest fisherman in town, who recently became the guardian of his orphaned baby niece.
We are a match made in marriage of convenience heaven: he protects me from my furious father and I help him with baby Nora. Perfect, right? Wrong.
Because our fake marriage isn’t about love. It can’t be about love. Those are the ground rules.
Except everyone knows rules are meant to be broken.
“My new favorite imaginary town!” – Leah Danielle Pyhala
Authors Note: In addition to the runaway bride and grumpy single-dad there is also a kleptomaniac baby, who refuses to eat her vegetables, a storm at sea and a damsel in distress who learns how to save herself.
My unlikely hero? Roy Barnes, the grumpiest fisherman in town, who recently became the guardian of his orphaned baby niece.
We are a match made in marriage of convenience heaven: he protects me from my furious father and I help him with baby Nora. Perfect, right? Wrong.
Because our fake marriage isn’t about love. It can’t be about love. Those are the ground rules.
Except everyone knows rules are meant to be broken.
“My new favorite imaginary town!” – Leah Danielle Pyhala
Authors Note: In addition to the runaway bride and grumpy single-dad there is also a kleptomaniac baby, who refuses to eat her vegetables, a storm at sea and a damsel in distress who learns how to save herself.
326 pages, ebook
Published November 17, 2022
1512 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Shore
16 books198 followersI love cold wine, hot coffee and writing swoony rom coms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
July 20, 2023
Roy Barnes may be a grumpy fisherman, but Brendan Taggart he is not (almost though).
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Vanessa Dumont (25) | Roy Barnes (30s?)
FEATURES
∘ second chance romance
∘ marriage of convenience
∘ grumpy / sunshine
∘ single father (custody of a relative)
REVIEW
I skipped book two of the series, and while I got a complete story, I felt like I was missing pieces of character backstories.
A lot of things went were left unsatisfyingly open. Vanessa’s parents, Nora’s birth father, the adoption—they are touched on briefly, but they just seemed like situations that would cause problems in the future.
Vanessa’s rich past and luxury items were oftentimes thought about negatively by Roy (and lowkey the author). I just wanted this woman to be herself, and if that included loving finer things (within her means), then so be it. Regardless, Vanessa seemed happy with her lack of material things, and it never felt like the sacrifices she made were being demanded of her.
For all my complaints, I did have a fun time reading this book. It was lighthearted with a lovable cast of characters. Nora was an absolute highlight, and her last word of the novel? Perfection.
OW/OM DRAMA OM — Vanessa ran out on her wedding day, and the ex fiancé makes an appearance (neither of them loved each other)
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes — reconciliation via a speech
ENDING HEA — epilogue set it near future
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 3 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Vanessa Dumont (25) | Roy Barnes (30s?)
FEATURES
∘ second chance romance
∘ marriage of convenience
∘ grumpy / sunshine
∘ single father (custody of a relative)
REVIEW
I skipped book two of the series, and while I got a complete story, I felt like I was missing pieces of character backstories.
A lot of things went were left unsatisfyingly open. Vanessa’s parents, Nora’s birth father, the adoption—they are touched on briefly, but they just seemed like situations that would cause problems in the future.
Vanessa’s rich past and luxury items were oftentimes thought about negatively by Roy (and lowkey the author). I just wanted this woman to be herself, and if that included loving finer things (within her means), then so be it. Regardless, Vanessa seemed happy with her lack of material things, and it never felt like the sacrifices she made were being demanded of her.
For all my complaints, I did have a fun time reading this book. It was lighthearted with a lovable cast of characters. Nora was an absolute highlight, and her last word of the novel? Perfection.
OW/OM DRAMA OM — Vanessa ran out on her wedding day, and the ex fiancé makes an appearance (neither of them loved each other)
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes — reconciliation via a speech
ENDING HEA — epilogue set it near future
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 3 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
December 31, 2022
I honestly wished Vanessa could've taken baby Nora and left his ass🚶🏻♀️
1.5⭐️ (only for Nora)
1.5⭐️ (only for Nora)
July 21, 2024
Thank goodness, this broke my long string of mediocre loser romances. Mostly my fault as they stem from FB recs.
Yes, we have a very grumpy hero, he's a cross between Roy Kent and Dean.
The heroine is a slightly scatty princess that breaks her mold and after running away from her wedding ends up in a MOC to the H so he can keep custody of his niece. H is bitter because he thought she used him to slum it a few years back only to get back with a slimy fiancee.
Bad parenting as in really bad parenting from her family, and I would have loved one last confrontation with her absolutely horrible dad.
It's grumpy hero vs Scatty Mary Sunshine, but it really worked for me! And the plot moppet was very cute and very well done. Instead of having a 16 month old reciting the Gettysburg Address, the author realistically presented a one word toddler tyrant.
P.S. I've also read Not My Prince Charming which did not give the same feelings.
April 22, 2024
I LOVED this!!!
This is my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it!! I read it in one day because I could not put it down. Obviously I haven’t read the previous books in this series (I will now though 🤗) but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
I adored Vanessa with all my heart. At first, I thought she was a spoiled debutant who was only concerned with appearances—but that was so wrong. She was giving and selfless and her relationship with baby Nora was utterly precious. Her trials and tribulations learning how to take care of a baby were hilarious. Even though Vanessa was this gorgeous rich girl, she had this vulnerability and quirkiness about her that I loved.
Roy—well, for most of the book I kinda hated him. But I loved the way Vanessa wormed his way into his heart—even though it was the last thing he would ever admit. The chemistry and tension between him and Vanessa was perfectly done IMO. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen between them— I was addicted!
This book was so well written. The dialogue was very natural. There was no cheesiness or overdone cliches. I was riveted by everything that was happening. I laughed, I cried, it was very emotional. I loved everything about this book and now I want to read everything this author writes!!
This is my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it!! I read it in one day because I could not put it down. Obviously I haven’t read the previous books in this series (I will now though 🤗) but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
I adored Vanessa with all my heart. At first, I thought she was a spoiled debutant who was only concerned with appearances—but that was so wrong. She was giving and selfless and her relationship with baby Nora was utterly precious. Her trials and tribulations learning how to take care of a baby were hilarious. Even though Vanessa was this gorgeous rich girl, she had this vulnerability and quirkiness about her that I loved.
Roy—well, for most of the book I kinda hated him. But I loved the way Vanessa wormed his way into his heart—even though it was the last thing he would ever admit. The chemistry and tension between him and Vanessa was perfectly done IMO. I NEEDED to know what was going to happen between them— I was addicted!
This book was so well written. The dialogue was very natural. There was no cheesiness or overdone cliches. I was riveted by everything that was happening. I laughed, I cried, it was very emotional. I loved everything about this book and now I want to read everything this author writes!!
August 13, 2023
Calico Cove series
Happily Ever After…Maybe? — 3.75 stars
Not My Prince Charming — 3.25-.5 stars
>>The Grump, the Bride & the Baby — 3.25-.5 stars
Her Fake Date For Christmas — TBR
Can’t Take the Heat? — TBR
Flirting with Disaster — TBR
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Fake Relationship
✔️ Marriage of Convenience
✔️ Single Dad (guardian, technically)
Happily Ever After…Maybe? — 3.75 stars
Not My Prince Charming — 3.25-.5 stars
>>The Grump, the Bride & the Baby — 3.25-.5 stars
Her Fake Date For Christmas — TBR
Can’t Take the Heat? — TBR
Flirting with Disaster — TBR
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Fake Relationship
✔️ Marriage of Convenience
✔️ Single Dad (guardian, technically)
January 18, 2023
nora, the klepto baby, was adorable but not enough to save this book.
November 28, 2022
Nora stole the show
I love romances with kids! Little Nora was one of the cutest little girls ever. I loved her 'bah' talk. It was so sweet. And I loved Vanessa, even though she messed up once before, and I had a love/hate relationship with Roy. Yes she hurt him badly two years before when she went back to her scumbag fiance but she did it because she thought her Dad needed her. It was wrong and her Father was truly a vile person. She always loved Roy though but she was programmed to be Vanessa Dumont, the socialite all her life. Her parents were terrible. All she wanted to be was loved. Their journey together was heartbreaking but it was so amazing to read about. I loved this book. The ending made my heart glad. This was a great read. I have to look up more of her books.
I love romances with kids! Little Nora was one of the cutest little girls ever. I loved her 'bah' talk. It was so sweet. And I loved Vanessa, even though she messed up once before, and I had a love/hate relationship with Roy. Yes she hurt him badly two years before when she went back to her scumbag fiance but she did it because she thought her Dad needed her. It was wrong and her Father was truly a vile person. She always loved Roy though but she was programmed to be Vanessa Dumont, the socialite all her life. Her parents were terrible. All she wanted to be was loved. Their journey together was heartbreaking but it was so amazing to read about. I loved this book. The ending made my heart glad. This was a great read. I have to look up more of her books.
September 17, 2023
Roy is the Walmart version of Brendan Taggart
February 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
April 17, 2025
Would’ve been 5 stars with more grovel and Ness being more empowered than settling to be a sugarmama broodmare. Loved the tropes and angsty setup of this one though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
'El amor se sentía como una palabra vacía cuando yo estaba lleno de emociones. Emociones tan grandes que no podría funcionar sin ella. Yo era un barco sin motor. No funcionaba.
¿Era eso amor?'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The grump, the bride & the baby de Hailey Shore seríe Calico Cove libro 1
Argumento:
"¿Sabes cocinar?"
"No."
"¿Qué pasa con las reparaciones menores en la casa?"
"Uh... puedo cambiar un rollo de papel higiénico".
"¿Sabes algo sobre niños?"
“A Nora le gustan las escondidas y su cabello huele bien”.
Fui la novia fugitiva de Calico Cove, lo cual, por supuesto, no fue mi mejor momento, pero ahora necesito desesperadamente que alguien me rescate de mi intrigante familia.
¿Mi héroe improbable? Roy Barnes, el pescador más gruñón de la ciudad, que recientemente se convirtió en el tutor de su sobrina huérfana.
Somos una pareja hecha en el cielo del matrimonio de conveniencia: él me protege de mi furioso padre y yo lo ayudo con la bebé Nora. Perfecto, ¿verdad? Error.
Porque nuestro matrimonio falso no se trata de amor. No puede ser sobre el amor. Esas son las reglas básicas.
Excepto que todos saben que las reglas están destinadas a romperse.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance con segunda oportunidad en el amor/matrimonio por conveniencia/diferencia social en un pueblo costero.
Roy es pescador de langostas, hombre malhumorado de pocas palabras que se ha convertido en guardián de su pequeña sobrina.
Vanessa proviene de la alta sociedad y ha escapado de su boda, su prometido infiel y unos padres abusivos.
Dos años atrás esta pareja improbable se contuvo en su peor momento y se enamoró profundamente. Dos años atrás ella escogió volver con su prometido por culpa de su manipulador padre y rompió el corazón de Roy.
Dos años después Vanessa decide tomar las riendas de su vida y escapa de su vida privilegiada. No piensa volver. No tiene a dónde ir. Un folleto del amor de su vida buscando esposa la lleva de vuelta a los muelles. Roy no quiere saber nada con ella. Lo traicionó y nunca la perdonará. Pero Nora, la bebé a su cargo parece gustarle Vanessa, con su vestido de novia parece una princesa de Disney. Entonces hacen un trato que les conviene a ambos.
Matrimonio por conveniencia. Ella puede instalarse en su humilde casa y cuidar de Nora hasta que pueda salir adelante y así él podrá salir a trabajar para ahorrar dinero que necesita para la niña. Roy deja en claro que es una transacción que les conviene a ambos. Él no quiere nada más de ella.
Disfruté esta historia, es dulce, intensa, ardiente, divertida, emotiva, emocionante. No podía dejar de pasar páginas!
Los personajes eran buenos, salvo los terribles padres de Vanessa.
Nora... Sonreía y reía cada vez que leía las escenas de la bebé. Una niña cleptómana! No podía ser más adorable! Adoré mucho los momentos familiares con Nessa, Roy y Nora.
Roy... Rescato las partes picantes. Él le devolvió la confianza a Vanessa y eso me hizo odiarlo menos. Por qué? Al principio Roy era realmente malo e hiriente intencionalmente con ella. Entiendo que se sintiera herido y traicionado pero para mí fue demasiado duro con ella. Vanessa se equivocó, le explicó sus razones y estaba verdaderamente arrepentida. Con todo lo que hacía por él no se merecía ese trato. Me hubiera gustado que ella al final no lo hubiera perdonado tan fácil. Tenía que sufrir un poco más!
Vanessa... Creo que es el personaje más destacado para mí. Todos piensan que su vida es perfecta pero en realidad no es feliz, tiene padres y un novio abusivos. Estaba lejos de ser una niña mimada. Su personaje tuvo un crecimiento que disfruté leer. Se adaptó a la vida con Roy y Nora. A ser esposa y madre. Era perfecta en eso. Fue divertido verla equivocarse, aprender y superarse. Ella era una mujer que tenía amor para dar y se notó. No solo eso, descubrió que quería diseñar y estuvo genial que persiguiera lo que le gustaba hacer.
El romance... Cuando Roy y Nessa deciden hacer real el matrimonio? Ufff calor, calor! Me gustaban juntos, eran apasionados. Pero siempre sentí que Nessa daba más que Roy.
Espere algo más del final pero no dejó de ser un lindo final y el epilogo? fue muy gracioso con la nueva palabra que aprendió Nora.
July 6, 2023
It was a lighthearted, fun and an entertaining read. The pacing was nice. It didn’t feel like insta-love or rushed. MMC was really grumpy and didn’t want to love neither his niece nor his wife; only to already be in love with both of them and not knowing about it all this time lmao
However, my only complaint is that even with an extended epilogue the author didn’t let us know if by the end, they had a boy or a girl? 😭
However, my only complaint is that even with an extended epilogue the author didn’t let us know if by the end, they had a boy or a girl? 😭
March 28, 2023
3.5 Stars
I was so excited about Roy’s story after the first book and while I enjoyed it, I don’t think it was great as the potential for it was.
It was still fun though, and I loved being back in the world of the Calico Cove characters.
I was so excited about Roy’s story after the first book and while I enjoyed it, I don’t think it was great as the potential for it was.
It was still fun though, and I loved being back in the world of the Calico Cove characters.
November 21, 2022
5 stars
I found this through a facebook ad and have to say I'm pleasantly surprised...Old facebook didn't steer me wrong this time.
Roy was a grumpy a$shole who held a mean grudge but once he actually listened to Vanessa's side of the story he started to change. I absolutely adored his devotion to his niece Nora and how he was desperately trying to make a better life for her.
It took a little bit for Vanessa to find her footing and her spine...but she really had a heart of gold. My heart broke for her. Her family and ex fiancée completely tore apart her self esteem and self worth. Even with her lack of confidence she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty and try things she never imagined she would do. She adored Nora like she was her own and I really enjoyed their interactions.
I appreciated that it took them awhile to get to the romantic part of their relationship. That they didn't just jump straight into bed before talking about the past. Once they got together, they were quite perfect together. Their banter was my favorite part of the book. Of course Roy messes up but he makes amends and I LOVED the epilouge.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a easy, entertaining read.
I found this through a facebook ad and have to say I'm pleasantly surprised...Old facebook didn't steer me wrong this time.
Roy was a grumpy a$shole who held a mean grudge but once he actually listened to Vanessa's side of the story he started to change. I absolutely adored his devotion to his niece Nora and how he was desperately trying to make a better life for her.
It took a little bit for Vanessa to find her footing and her spine...but she really had a heart of gold. My heart broke for her. Her family and ex fiancée completely tore apart her self esteem and self worth. Even with her lack of confidence she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty and try things she never imagined she would do. She adored Nora like she was her own and I really enjoyed their interactions.
I appreciated that it took them awhile to get to the romantic part of their relationship. That they didn't just jump straight into bed before talking about the past. Once they got together, they were quite perfect together. Their banter was my favorite part of the book. Of course Roy messes up but he makes amends and I LOVED the epilouge.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a easy, entertaining read.
July 13, 2023
This was a freebie on kindle day. The title just sounded funny and because I like to read about a grump..
But this grump became a bit more of a grump because of the history he has with Vanessa and I totally get that.
So that took a bit away from the charm.
Still for a new to me author it was refreshing to read something good.
It had a side dish of drama, but she could've made it more drama. That she didn't, on one side it was a plus on the other side I kept expecting something more to happen with Vanessa's parents.
But this grump became a bit more of a grump because of the history he has with Vanessa and I totally get that.
So that took a bit away from the charm.
Still for a new to me author it was refreshing to read something good.
It had a side dish of drama, but she could've made it more drama. That she didn't, on one side it was a plus on the other side I kept expecting something more to happen with Vanessa's parents.
May 30, 2023
A cute story about "A damsel in distress and a grouch with a hero complex"
Roy using the book "A Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Right" for every aspect of his life was su funny (and cute!). He was surprisingly funny in a grouchy way.
And Vanessa was a great FMC showing how strong she could be and later realising that she wasn't the damsel in distress but the one with the power to rescue her husband.
Roy using the book "A Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Right" for every aspect of his life was su funny (and cute!). He was surprisingly funny in a grouchy way.
And Vanessa was a great FMC showing how strong she could be and later realising that she wasn't the damsel in distress but the one with the power to rescue her husband.
March 31, 2023
This is the third book in this delightful series. I've loved them all including this book. We've met the hero, Roy, lobsterman and heroine, Vanessa, poor little rich girl and sister to hero of second book, in the previous two books. Roy was a bit of comic relief. He was the very definition of grumpy. He became the guardian of a little girl and though there were few scenes in the previous previous books, the ones that were there were so cute with this total ground of a guy carrying around this sweet baby girl in a baby carrier. So I was glad to see he had his own story. We didn't see that much of Vanessa or Nessa, but we did see enough of her to feel a great deal of sympathy for her. She was almost being forced into marrying this total jerk until at the very moment they were to say their vows, same refuses, bolts and becomes a runaway bride.
This book opens soon after she runs away. She knows her real asshole of a father will be quick on her tail so she needs to hide. She happens to see an add for a wife that Roy has posted and seeks him out to apply. But these two have history and it ended very badly a few years previously. She's the rich girl and he's the boy from the other side of the tracks so to speak. But they found something special in each other and became sweethearts. But when they were found out and Needs was told she had to give him up, that she had to marry the jerk her father wanted her to marry, she agreed and Roy was devastated.
So when Nessa "applies for the job" he flat out refuses. He's still very hurt and still furious. Nessa has never really gotten over Roy, but she understands his feelings. But then Roy witnesses something that changes his mind and he agrees to marry her but they will never be anything but married in name only and at times says cruel things to her. But the reader understands where he's coming from. He doesn't know the whole story. He doesn't know the cold and cruel way she was raised and how stunted she is in many ways. When he begins to realize, his attitude changes.
This is a surprisingly emotional read. My heart hurt so much for Nessa. She has zero self confidence and it's heartwarming to see the changes with Roy when he begins to try and boost her self confidence. I was rooting so hard for the two of them to see what was in front of them. I read the first two books back to back but decided to read a few books in between before this one and I'm glad I did. I SAS going back on forth between a 4.5 and a 5 but in writing this review decided this is a five. This whole series so far is wonderful. And. It's free on KU.
This book opens soon after she runs away. She knows her real asshole of a father will be quick on her tail so she needs to hide. She happens to see an add for a wife that Roy has posted and seeks him out to apply. But these two have history and it ended very badly a few years previously. She's the rich girl and he's the boy from the other side of the tracks so to speak. But they found something special in each other and became sweethearts. But when they were found out and Needs was told she had to give him up, that she had to marry the jerk her father wanted her to marry, she agreed and Roy was devastated.
So when Nessa "applies for the job" he flat out refuses. He's still very hurt and still furious. Nessa has never really gotten over Roy, but she understands his feelings. But then Roy witnesses something that changes his mind and he agrees to marry her but they will never be anything but married in name only and at times says cruel things to her. But the reader understands where he's coming from. He doesn't know the whole story. He doesn't know the cold and cruel way she was raised and how stunted she is in many ways. When he begins to realize, his attitude changes.
This is a surprisingly emotional read. My heart hurt so much for Nessa. She has zero self confidence and it's heartwarming to see the changes with Roy when he begins to try and boost her self confidence. I was rooting so hard for the two of them to see what was in front of them. I read the first two books back to back but decided to read a few books in between before this one and I'm glad I did. I SAS going back on forth between a 4.5 and a 5 but in writing this review decided this is a five. This whole series so far is wonderful. And. It's free on KU.
May 9, 2024
Everything’s better with Nessy!
I loved this grumpy single dad with a sunshiny, runaway bride, fake relationship, second chance, love story. Obviously it has every trope, but they play so well together!
Vanessa (Nessy) and Roy are sweet together and become a family with the daughter he is given when a family member dies. Sweet!
I loved this grumpy single dad with a sunshiny, runaway bride, fake relationship, second chance, love story. Obviously it has every trope, but they play so well together!
Vanessa (Nessy) and Roy are sweet together and become a family with the daughter he is given when a family member dies. Sweet!
January 23, 2023
This was so great. Small town romance with all your typical tropes. Just what the doctor ordered.
April 9, 2023
I enjoyed this but Roy was a bit too much of a jerk at times, but Nora and ness saved the story, but Jackson and Lola were still my favourite story
July 15, 2023
brilliant story
Awww so beautifully written.
Roy and Nessa’s story has all the feels.
I couldn’t stop reading, great series.
Recommend to all
Awww so beautifully written.
Roy and Nessa’s story has all the feels.
I couldn’t stop reading, great series.
Recommend to all
July 28, 2023
well named
A New author.
A very good story with a lot of lol moments.
I’ll be reading more of Hailey Shore.
A New author.
A very good story with a lot of lol moments.
I’ll be reading more of Hailey Shore.
November 4, 2023
It’s good but Roy pissed me off with how he keeps bringing us the past 🤬
October 26, 2023
Leave him, Vanessa. Take Nora with you. 😒
December 7, 2022
The Grump, The Bride & The Baby
(Calico Cove)
By Hailey Shore
The title drew me to this book, I mean with a title like that you know this book is going to be one of those…what can I expect and how much will I laugh.
I laughed a lot, I think I want Nora for a granddaughter and I loved how Roy liked to be grumpy while getting exactly what he always wanted, Vanessa!
A runaway bride, a grumpy fisherman and a toddler who is probably rule the world when she grows up, come together in this enjoyable easy going read.
Vanessa and Roy have a history and if they want to have a future they need to sort a few things out. Nora (the toddler) is the comic relief and she does it well.
There are characters that one will see in the authors Calico Cove series and for me it did what I needed, made me laugh, smile and I enjoyed this book immensely!
(Calico Cove)
By Hailey Shore
The title drew me to this book, I mean with a title like that you know this book is going to be one of those…what can I expect and how much will I laugh.
I laughed a lot, I think I want Nora for a granddaughter and I loved how Roy liked to be grumpy while getting exactly what he always wanted, Vanessa!
A runaway bride, a grumpy fisherman and a toddler who is probably rule the world when she grows up, come together in this enjoyable easy going read.
Vanessa and Roy have a history and if they want to have a future they need to sort a few things out. Nora (the toddler) is the comic relief and she does it well.
There are characters that one will see in the authors Calico Cove series and for me it did what I needed, made me laugh, smile and I enjoyed this book immensely!
May 30, 2024
Apparently I have to read some losers to get to a winner… new author, never will read again. Disliked the heroine from page 1 and the next 5 didn’t help at all.
September 16, 2023
I saw this book on "stuff your Kindle day" in June. The author's note that mentioned a kleptomaniac baby ultimately intrigued me, but I wasn't sure about the adult characters, so I borrowed it through KU. I put off reading it for a bit, and then I started it and fell into it headfirst. I finished it and had a severe book hangover and then bought it.
This is one where my 4 star rating is primarily based on my feelings.
I enjoyed the characters and their growth. I liked watching the relationship develop and seeing them fall in love. I liked that the conflicts were rooted in things like finances, family, self-discovery, self-worth, and boring daily tasks and were treated with the same importance of some high stakes drama.
This is one where my 4 star rating is primarily based on my feelings.
I enjoyed the characters and their growth. I liked watching the relationship develop and seeing them fall in love. I liked that the conflicts were rooted in things like finances, family, self-discovery, self-worth, and boring daily tasks and were treated with the same importance of some high stakes drama.
July 1, 2023
Cutest baby award, the adorable little babbling klepto! I love the adoption/caretaker trope, and it was done so well here. I didn't even mind the miscommunication trope like I usually do because it was used appropriately I feel.
The character growth of the FMC was wonderful. We watch her grow into her confidence bit by bit and her journey to teach herself skills like cooking, child care, etc., is both funny and inspiring. She cuts the weight of her parents' upbringing bit by bit until she finally learns to stand up for herself even to the person she loves.
The MMC angered me to many times, but also showed moments of growth, though they were always tempered by his need to get a thrill here and there by verbally putting the FMC in her place for the past, which he seemed determined to never to get over, even after they discussed some misunderstandings.
And honestly this would have been 4, maybe even 5 star for me if his groveling had been on par with the way he treated her for months while she was becoming the perfect mother, housewife, starting a business, and learning to believe in herself for the first time. Sadly it wasn't. Just a couple paragraphs of why he felt justified in treating her that way and then he asked her to have his children, like that would prove somehow that his behavior would change. Like..........that's it? Smh he didn't tell her he loved her. We only got that once in the epilogue a month later. Anyway, she deserved better from him, and I wish the book had shown us that.
The character growth of the FMC was wonderful. We watch her grow into her confidence bit by bit and her journey to teach herself skills like cooking, child care, etc., is both funny and inspiring. She cuts the weight of her parents' upbringing bit by bit until she finally learns to stand up for herself even to the person she loves.
The MMC angered me to many times, but also showed moments of growth, though they were always tempered by his need to get a thrill here and there by verbally putting the FMC in her place for the past, which he seemed determined to never to get over, even after they discussed some misunderstandings.
And honestly this would have been 4, maybe even 5 star for me if his groveling had been on par with the way he treated her for months while she was becoming the perfect mother, housewife, starting a business, and learning to believe in herself for the first time. Sadly it wasn't. Just a couple paragraphs of why he felt justified in treating her that way and then he asked her to have his children, like that would prove somehow that his behavior would change. Like..........that's it? Smh he didn't tell her he loved her. We only got that once in the epilogue a month later. Anyway, she deserved better from him, and I wish the book had shown us that.
December 15, 2022
I've often wondered how so many badly written, boring books get such high ratings and this seems to be proof that authors and amazon pay for fake reviews from people/companies who don't even read the books they're leaving their fake reviews on.
Because this has entire pages missing from the end of chapters/scenes, with a blank page, followed by the entire beginning of the next chapter/scene missing. Chunks of the story missing and yet not one single reviewer has mentioned it, and I doubt my kindle ebook is the only faulty one. Apparently it's because the document uploaded to the kindle app by the author wasn't formatted properly.
But this is a new author by the looks of it, only publishing for the first time this year, so while it's a big problem that there's chunks of this story missing due to poor formatting and no proof reading of the previewed book prior to final publishing by the author, I'm not going to take stars away, but it needed mentioning.
I'm guessing it's a learning curve and a lot of work involved with to self publish, I'm also guessing this book has been self published, but like doing anything first time, there'll be hiccups, but gaving said that, the fact there are like 800 reviews left on this, and book 1, combined, which also had the same issue, although not as bad, it seems strange that not one reviewer mentioned it.
If the reviewers were genuine readers who actually read the book, surely someone would have mentioned that chunks of the story is missing, and the fact none have seems evidence that authors/amazon are paying for reviews, or that amazon is not posting low rated reviews, which I've had happen to me.
Many of my lower ratings on books aren't posted by Amazon, which is really unfair, not only to other readers but to me, because I've ended up purchasing books twice that I didn't even like because Amazon didn't post my review on it. Meaning I had no record that I'd read it and didn't like it. As an avid reader, and with so many covers on books being practicaly identical, it's hard to keep track of what I've read, wgat ive liked and not liked.
My reviews are supposed to be my record of what I've read and liked and haven't liked. So amazon not posting my low rated reviews is a big problem and really not cool of amazon to fail to show and store my reviews on books I've bought and paid for from them.
Speaking of covers, the guy on thisccover has a smooth chest, no hair, when the author has the heroine thinking about how the hero had a hairy chest. While I can imagine it might be difficult to find images of models that look like your character(s) and that's probably why so many authors just use only torso shots, and don't show the person's face etc, on their covers, I've been on a couple of the stock sites authors use for my own work and have seen plenty of images the author could have used that would have suited/refleced her character better than the one she did use.
While again this is a new author, and figuring out image use rights and where/how to find images for covers is another thing new authors need to learn, along with formatting their book, I've had to go on stock sites myself for uni work, and I've seen many iimages yhat would have been much better than the one the author used, because it doesn't look like her character.
There were other issues, including with the editing, like "she wiped her hers", should have been 'tears', and the author wrote the word 'swap' for the sound during the spanking scene? I don't know if she meant to type 'swat', but it's written several times in a row as swap, swap swap swap.... and doesn't sound like a swat or a spank or slap, all of which are much better. But again, I know getting an editor is expensive and many established authors don't bother, and the editing issues here are few, and don't detract from the book, but the author really needs to get the formatting sorted because huge chunks of scenes missing is not okay.
The biggest problem for me was the lack of depth and detail to the writing, the author barely writes any detail even for the most important thing, what the characters look like. It gives a basic description of her, but it only says he's tall and broad, until almost the end of the book when the author finally tells you he has dark hair and brown eyes. But even when there are descriptions they're that basic just to state two things.
As for the story, I wasn't sure what rating to give, 2 or 3 star, I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. The story and characters are alright, that's the best I can say about it. But if you like cute hometown settings, and nice enough characters then you might love it. But I was bored after reading two of the other books in this series, Her Fake Boyfriend, book 4, which I read first, then book 1. But I didn't particularly like book 1 ans the books had very similar character issue themes, and as a result all had similar, juvenile angst.
But I've definitely read worse, much worse. In fact the book I started after this, called Beards and Love Letters, was so badly written it made me up my rating on this to 3 stars, and 3 stars for book 4 in this series, with Mari and the Sheriff Bobby. I guess they are easy, small hometown HEA romances,,with some enjoyable mioments but mostly this was just an alright read for me.
Because this has entire pages missing from the end of chapters/scenes, with a blank page, followed by the entire beginning of the next chapter/scene missing. Chunks of the story missing and yet not one single reviewer has mentioned it, and I doubt my kindle ebook is the only faulty one. Apparently it's because the document uploaded to the kindle app by the author wasn't formatted properly.
But this is a new author by the looks of it, only publishing for the first time this year, so while it's a big problem that there's chunks of this story missing due to poor formatting and no proof reading of the previewed book prior to final publishing by the author, I'm not going to take stars away, but it needed mentioning.
I'm guessing it's a learning curve and a lot of work involved with to self publish, I'm also guessing this book has been self published, but like doing anything first time, there'll be hiccups, but gaving said that, the fact there are like 800 reviews left on this, and book 1, combined, which also had the same issue, although not as bad, it seems strange that not one reviewer mentioned it.
If the reviewers were genuine readers who actually read the book, surely someone would have mentioned that chunks of the story is missing, and the fact none have seems evidence that authors/amazon are paying for reviews, or that amazon is not posting low rated reviews, which I've had happen to me.
Many of my lower ratings on books aren't posted by Amazon, which is really unfair, not only to other readers but to me, because I've ended up purchasing books twice that I didn't even like because Amazon didn't post my review on it. Meaning I had no record that I'd read it and didn't like it. As an avid reader, and with so many covers on books being practicaly identical, it's hard to keep track of what I've read, wgat ive liked and not liked.
My reviews are supposed to be my record of what I've read and liked and haven't liked. So amazon not posting my low rated reviews is a big problem and really not cool of amazon to fail to show and store my reviews on books I've bought and paid for from them.
Speaking of covers, the guy on thisccover has a smooth chest, no hair, when the author has the heroine thinking about how the hero had a hairy chest. While I can imagine it might be difficult to find images of models that look like your character(s) and that's probably why so many authors just use only torso shots, and don't show the person's face etc, on their covers, I've been on a couple of the stock sites authors use for my own work and have seen plenty of images the author could have used that would have suited/refleced her character better than the one she did use.
While again this is a new author, and figuring out image use rights and where/how to find images for covers is another thing new authors need to learn, along with formatting their book, I've had to go on stock sites myself for uni work, and I've seen many iimages yhat would have been much better than the one the author used, because it doesn't look like her character.
There were other issues, including with the editing, like "she wiped her hers", should have been 'tears', and the author wrote the word 'swap' for the sound during the spanking scene? I don't know if she meant to type 'swat', but it's written several times in a row as swap, swap swap swap.... and doesn't sound like a swat or a spank or slap, all of which are much better. But again, I know getting an editor is expensive and many established authors don't bother, and the editing issues here are few, and don't detract from the book, but the author really needs to get the formatting sorted because huge chunks of scenes missing is not okay.
The biggest problem for me was the lack of depth and detail to the writing, the author barely writes any detail even for the most important thing, what the characters look like. It gives a basic description of her, but it only says he's tall and broad, until almost the end of the book when the author finally tells you he has dark hair and brown eyes. But even when there are descriptions they're that basic just to state two things.
As for the story, I wasn't sure what rating to give, 2 or 3 star, I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. The story and characters are alright, that's the best I can say about it. But if you like cute hometown settings, and nice enough characters then you might love it. But I was bored after reading two of the other books in this series, Her Fake Boyfriend, book 4, which I read first, then book 1. But I didn't particularly like book 1 ans the books had very similar character issue themes, and as a result all had similar, juvenile angst.
But I've definitely read worse, much worse. In fact the book I started after this, called Beards and Love Letters, was so badly written it made me up my rating on this to 3 stars, and 3 stars for book 4 in this series, with Mari and the Sheriff Bobby. I guess they are easy, small hometown HEA romances,,with some enjoyable mioments but mostly this was just an alright read for me.
January 19, 2023
It started off good and then it went down hill. Roy was the worst. There's a difference between being grumpy and being an asshole.
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