Ready to Run (I Do, I Don’t #1)

I’m so glad that I was introduced to Lauren Layne work! Ready to Run is now the sixth book I’ve read by her, mostly because I read the Oxford Series and Walk of Shame. I’m learning that Layne is quickly becoming a go to author. She constantly provides sweet, feel good stories that always keeps me intrigued.

Ready to Run was really fun because of the way Jordan and Luke start out. He wants absolutely nothing to do with the reality show that she keeps trying to recruit him for. He comes off as a brooding hot fire fighter when in fact he’s probably one of the most loyal and lovable men out of them all. The banter between these two had me laughing. Jordan didn’t want to give up on recruiting Luke. She’s persistent and tenacious but she’s just as stubborn as he is. They had this delicious enemies to lovers progression with explosive sexual tension that sucked me in from start to finish.

I also really enjoyed the small town feel of Luke’s friends and family from where he lives. They are all involved in everyone else’s business but they all love and support each other. The way they accepted Jordan into their lives was sweet. I enjoyed the way they latched on to her and kept giving her small intel into Luke. Subtle pushing on their end.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. If you are looking for some good old small town charm with a sexy firefighter, feisty city girl, lots of sexual tension and some fun laughs, then this is the book for you. And if you haven’t read Lauren Layne before, you need to. She has become one of my escape artists that I go to when I want to cleanse my palate from my love of dark books and just read a happy and good feeling book.

Ready to Run is quintessential Lauren Layne goodness a sassy, feel-good and entertaining love story infused with laughter, sizzling chemistry and heartfelt romance. Associate television producer Jordan Carpenter travels from the bustle of New York City to the small town of Lucky Hollow, Montana, to recruit Luke Elliott to be the bachelor on a reality dating show featuring contestants who have been jilted. Shes never met Luke, but shes convinced he is perfect for the show, because he is devastatingly handsome and has left three brides at the altar. She believes she has him figured out and just needs to persuade him to agree to her plan, but the closed-mouth, broody firefighter wants nothing to do with Jordan or her television show.

Jordan and Luke immediately clash and begin a feisty and flirty battle of wits and wills, but their verbal sparring masks a searing attraction that heats up with every exchange. Luke finds himself reluctantly charmed by Jordan, and she slips under his defenses and into his heart. This endearing and seemingly mismatched couple finds common ground where they least expect it and give in to the unrelenting pull between them melting into each other with an exactness that is sigh-worthy. Ready to Run is sexy and engaging with endearing characters, and readers will be smitten with this emotionally satisfying romance.
Recommendation appeared on USA Today’s Happy Ever After.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and purchased it as soon as it was available!

I have to admit reality TV shows about love are just not my thing. Lauren Layne writing about them? Definitely my thing. Ready to Run is the first book in a new sexy, sweet and fun series from Lauren Layne and I absolutely loved it. It’s full of the heart and wittiness I’ve come to expect from this author.

I adored Jordan. She’s determined, focused and just plain fun. She had me laughing with how she handled Luke initially. I loved how she carried herself throughout the book. She’s on a journey that she wasn’t prepared for-not just for work, but emotionally as well, and the way the author weaves all of that together is fantastic. This is a character I want to hang out with, even if it means becoming running buddies…and I hate running.

Luke had me swooning. Hot, sexy, and a fireman to boot? He’s guarded which just made me want to peek inside him to see what made him tick. He positively stole my heart and is one of my favorites heroes from this author.

There’s an undeniable chemistry between these two characters. There’s a spark, like two pieces of flint rubbing together, and once the inevitable fire starts? It’s safe to say I thought my kindle would melt in some spots. The connection that is formed between these two is sweet and special.

I love the secondary characters in this book. Luke’s firefighting friends had me cracking up. I loved how these people added to how Luke’s story, I loved how they encouraged Jordan to push him. This is one small town where I’d love to go visit.

The pacing in this book was spot on. I never felt rushed nor did I feel the story lagged anywhere. It simply flowed from start to finish. The writing is sharp and fun. I thought this was a fresh look at a reality show based romance…because it’s about more than the show. You become invested in these characters and their lives. I didn’t want this story to end.

Lauren Layne has another hit on her hands with Ready to Run-and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. I recommend this book.

And Lauren Layne does it again!

Now I have to confess that I wasn’t 100% convinced by the blurb (can’t stand reality TV) but, hey, it’s Lauren Layne so I still clicked pre-order and when I saw an ARC on NetGalley I requested it immediately.

What can I say? Trust in LL to do it right.

So, this is a kind of re-imagining of the film Runaway Bride, but this time its the groom, Luke Elliott, who has left three women at the altar.

Jordan is a New York TV associate producer and has been tasked with finding male contestants for a new TV show Jilted; a cross between the Bachelor and Runaway Bride in which men who have left multiple brides at the altar are presented with 25 women to tempt them down the altar. Jordan is convinced that Luke would be an ideal candidate if only the hunky firefighter from Lucky Hollow, Montana would answer her calls/ emails/ letters. So Jordan and one of the lawyers, Simon, have travelled to small town Montana to persuade Luke in person.

First off, let me reassure you (or disappoint you), we don’t get to see any reality TV show. This is all about Jordan reconnecting with her small town roots and trying to persuade Luke (with the help of his friends and family) to do the show.

I loved this. I loved Luke, he was such a great guy, dog owner and cat rescuer, kind to small children, great brother etc. I mean, who wouldn’t love him? Jordan too was a great character, despite her New York veneer she has small town roots and it isn’t long before Lucky Hollow is reminding her of the joys of a small town where everyone knows your business.

Although there is still a New York connection this is a bit of a change for Lauren Layne and I loved it, Luke ‘feels’ a bit older than LL’s usual heroes but hubba hubba he’s a keeper.

Can’t wait for the next one …

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Now I loathe reality shows especially The Bachelor and its offshoots so I was hesitant about ordering this book. However Lauren Layne’s characters and dialogue always entertain so I went with it and loved it. Devoured this book in an afternoon and was sad when it was over. It had a great feel with its small town setting and a group of friends that were just fun to hang with. I also liked how the story came together in the end. Would recommend this one to anyone looking for an entertaining read that just makes you feel good.

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