Love 'Em or Leave 'Em

by Angie Stanton

Ashley Reynolds, who hates even having her picture taken, lands herself smack in the middle of a reality television dating show. She finds herself surrounded by glamour girls and pageant queens all vying for a date with the smokin hot bachelor. Ashley's plan, to fly under the radar and get sent home early, falters when she soon discovers a knack for drawing unwanted attention her way.

Bad boy quarterback Luke Townsend thought choosing between 25 stunning women would be a dream come true. How wrong he was! Luke's patience is tried by the wiles of the charmers and the persistence of the camera crews. It doesn't take long for him to realize, however, that the one girl trying the hardest to get off the show is the one who most intrigues him.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Young Adult, Sports, Ebooks

231 pages, Hardcover

First published February 24, 2010

About the author

Angie Stanton is a life-long daydreamer who grew up with her hands on a book and her head in the clouds. As an adult, she’s put her talent to good use writing award winning contemporary fiction about life, love, and the adventures that follow.

Angie has a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin and is the best selling author of Waking in Time, If Ever, Rock and a Hard Place, Snapshot, Royally Lost, Under the Spotlight, Snowed Over, and Love ‘em or Leave ‘em.

Angie is a proud winner of a Midwest Book Award for Waking in Time.
Waking in Time is also a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards as is her book If Ever and Love 'em or Leave 'em.

In her spare time, Angie sneaks off to New York City to enjoy the best entertainment experience on earth, Broadway. She is currently working on a series of Broadway-themed books, and is a contributing writer to BroadwayWorld.com.

Angie’s latest release is If Ever, a sexy, playful love story spanning from LA to New York and London.

For more information on Angie and her books, please visit:
www.angiestanton.com
Facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor
Twitter: @angie_stanton
Instagram angiestanton_author.

Reviews

[cEe beE · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable and unremarkable. Yawn....

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another new author for me to meet. Another feel good story for the year.

This story is one of those sweet, feel good stories that will leave you with a smile. It may be a touch predictable, but that doesn't take away from the characters. I mean, most romance is predictable to an extent, so that's not really a surprise.

Ashley is not a fan of cameras, but somehow finds herself smack dab in the middle of a reality tv show. Think The Bachelor, but with a different name.

Luke is a star quarterback who lost a bet so he is now the star of the new reality tv show, Love 'em or Leave 'em. He's supposed to find his true love while filming a show. Riiiiiight.

The show does not end the way you think. It's one of those unique twists that leave you asking yourself "well, WHAT NOW?" because you just know he's in love with one of these women *ahem* Ashley *ahem*.

Find out the fate of our stars, Ashley and Luke, in this cute story about an unlikely pairing and an unfortunately timed tantrum.

*I listened to the audio of this. It is the first time I've heard this narrator and I believe she did a fine job of voicing the different characters and bringing the story to life.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quick read but cute. I truly felt like was reading about a season of the Bachelor. Even the ending has happened on the show:) I do wish there could have been more development with Luke and Ashley's relationship. There really was a lot of filler with all the other contestants in the house. I think some of that could have been taken out and more of their scenes could have been explored. I would have also liked an Epilogue...maybe filling us in how things turned out for them...kind of like After the Final Rose. Anyway this was a cute and enjoyable read. This is a book I would definitely recommend to someone who is an avid Bachelor fan.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley really didn't know what she was getting herself into when she did her friend a huge favor by saying yes to fill in on a TV reality show. Little did she know that her whole life would be turned up side down. This is a fun, fast read that will have you glued to your seat until the end. This had twits in the end that will make you smile. Could not put this book down until I finished it. I love all the stories this author creates.

[Melyssa Canonico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot describe my love of this book. I read it once before but I forgot to put it on my goodreads. Then since it was a kindle unlimited book I had accidently returned it thinking that "oh, i'll be able to find it again". Suffice it to say I spend a good 6 months looking for this book. I finally fonud it and I cannot describe how happy I was. I love this book so much! I love the storyline and how everything progresses and the ending. Absolute perfection.

[Michael Burhans · Rating 5 out of 5]

i just loved this book. Angie Stanton is becoming a favorite author for me. she takes ordinary people and puts them in an extraordinary, but highly believable circumstances and explores what happens to them. How character matters when everything is stripped to the core. How no matter what journey you think you are on, life will throw you obstacles and opportunities, can you tell which is which?

They are all fun, thought provoking, a little quirky, and darn hard to put down. She is entering the list with Collen Hoover, Tamarra Webber, Nayre Dawn, Steph Campbell and Shirley Miranda where all I need to know is they have a new book out and I want a copy. I don;t even need to know a thing about the plot, I know it will be good.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story!

This is pretty much a story about a girl who unwillingly participated in The Bachelor. I used to love The Bachelor/Bachelorette when it first came on, but then there was all the drama! I can't handle all the drama anymore. Lol. I feel like if I were to ever go on such a show, I would be kinda like Ashley - not necessarily unwilling, but definitely just trying to be myself without playing games.

This wasn't the best story out there, but once in a while, you just need a cute, easy, girly, makes-you-giggle read that let's you relax for a while. And this is perfect for that.

4 stars.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT! i love reality tv (though generally not the bachelor/ette shows) so it was right up my alley. i loved the love/hate relationship of ashley when she first joins the show. luke was just yummy!! i could've fought over him with the other girls!! i can't wait for another book by stanton!! kudos!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a fun, light romp! My only regret is that it wasn't LONGER!

If it were summer, I'd say it is a great beach read ...

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely adorable!! I loved the characters and story line. I could not put this book down. I have loved every book from Angie Stanton and Love 'em or Leave 'em was not a disappointment!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute fast story finished it in one sitting :) very funny had me laughing every few minutes :D It was kinda addicting cause when I tried to stop reading it i found myself reading it a few mins later

[Stephanie Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story that was a quick read. Wasn't sure what to expect this one, but found that I liked the bachelor and bachelorette in this story!

[Marla Josephs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, which is surprising since I think watching paint dry is more entertaining than reality tv, and especially shows like the bachelor. I was a little skeptical going into this book and almost passed it up. But, something about it made me give it a chance. And, I really enjoyed it. Ashley and Luke were really good characters. The array of characters sounded about right. and, Kelly was no friend. Though Ashley could shoulder her own blame for letting her friend push her far beyond her breaking point, Kelly was so fixated on her own selfishness, she was willing to destroy her friend and expected her to do way too much self destruction all in the name of being a loyal friend. Which means she expected Ashley to be loyal while she ran a train over her. Kelly would have gotten the boot after the first time I said no and she tried to use the friendship loyalty on me. Friendship works both ways. Anyway, you could totally imagine the behind the scenes and in front of the camera nonsense. The ending got a little choppy for me, but didn't really detract from the story. Just seemed that things started moving too fast or weren't totally complete. But, it was a one sit listen. So, definitely worth the credit and time. Overall was a really entertaining listen.

I have to say I wasn't sure I was going to like Gillian Rose's narration from the sample. But, she does a stellar job. Her performance is great, her characters well performed and distinguishable. Go for it. This one is highly entertaining and not all fluff.

[Nikoleta L. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally hate reality shows and I haven’t seen one in a decade. I honestly don’t know what made me think I’d enjoy a book about one. Horrible. Stupid. 2nd grade stuff if I was in a generous mood. Only thing good about this book it she number of “what-the-fuck-did-i-just-read” moments. For example, detailed information about the fact one pair of shoes is more comfy the other. Repetitive info which was useless to begin with (“Over the water, pelicans soared across the water”). I don’t really hate this book the way I normally hate books as bad as this. It’s just kinda sad and makes me feel a bit embarrassed for the author about how lame it is. It’s actually a lot like experiencing a reality show for me. Makes me feel like it’s not nice to watch people make fools out of themselves.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this book I was thinking it would be a fun piece of fluff, but it was more than that.

The story has good character development and considering the 'Bachelor' like setting there was a fair bit of relationship building between Ashley and Luke. The story got me emotionally engaged and I laughed and cried during different scenes.

Overall it was a very enjoyable listen. The narrator did a great job with the character voices and I thought she conveyed emotion really well.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[Linda Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us have watched "Reality" shows on TV, but I wonder if we have really thought about the contestants decision as to why they went on the show. I am sure their reasons are as varied as there are contestants. Perhaps those reasons are not as extreme as shown in this great book. It is a book of fiction, yet the reader is drawn into the story as though they were actually a part of the show. I really enjoyed this easy, clean book and give thanks to the author, Angie Stanton, for engaging me and my thoughts for the last couple of days. Read it yourself, I am sure you will be as enthralled as I was.

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable!!!

I’m fairly sure I’ve read this before but never reviewed it. I love this little story and it’s so much fun, mostly. What I found most fascinating were the descriptions of the various contestants. Many of them were very judgmental and there were only a couple of girls who weren’t gold diggers. It was eye opening considering I’ve never been exposed to people like them.

Just as an aside, I’m sure that I’ve seen a few more stories like this and they all ended similarly. Still, I enjoyed it immensely. Just not a 5 star read but still a lot of fun.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and Sweet Story

The premise is a bit different but the way the storyline was laid out was very engaging. Although I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, more backstory and motivation for their actions was needed. Also, the book ended abruptly and I had hoped for more.

[Ki Nonohist · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐
Une romance convenue mais sympathique.
Faire se rencontrer des personnages à priori très différents dans un jeu télé, j'ai beaucoup aimé.
Les personnages sont sympathiques mais je n'ai pas vraiment réussi à m'y attacher.
On passe néanmoins un bon moment, sans que cela ne soit mémorable

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Cute

[Marie LeRoux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le bachelor revisité.

[Rachel Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyed this book , for when someone starts by not wanting something until they’ve gone , keeps you wanting to know the out come .

[Kimmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

I HATE the show the Bachelor. But I absolutely LOVE books that are like it? How weird is that?

[Leigh Goldian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww!

Okay, so I hate reality tv shows like The Bachelor, even though I’ve never watched one. But this book was sweet and funny and romantic, and I’m so glad I read it!!

[Mary Fedorenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

This was a great feel good book that made me happy, I would recommend this to anyone who likes romance and adventure

[Wanda Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the bachelor you will like this book

Cute story line. Kind of like the other side of the camera look at reality dating shows. Characters were fun to follow.

[Savannah Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chick flick book

Girly, funny, makes you smile! Enjoyed a bit of light reading & it made me laugh when I needed it.

[CwtchUpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming cute read, perfect for fans of The Bachelor and all the other cheesy and escapist dating TV shows. Loved it.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super entertaining but not standout, a bit of lack of deep character building and a straight lead up to the finale in my point of view

[Anne Peugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

I've never watched a reality show so this was interesting. Not enough to watch one on television though! This was worth the time.