Cover Image: Ready to Run

Ready to Run

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Member Reviews

4.5 stars — OK, I will admit I’m NOT much of a reality TV fan. Usually they showcase the worst of humanity in my opinion, and trade ratings for abominable behavior. BUT, I have watched the Bachelor and Bachelorette a time or two (before I got tired of the antics), so I was curious how this book was going to play out. And I was worried for a few moments about how I would end up liking Jordan, but she won me over pretty quickly, and in general surprised me in good ways.

Which is not to say she was a perfect heroine, not by any means. But she was solid. She had a good head on her shoulders, she had some things in her past that had shaped who she was now, and honestly? While I was already pretty sold on her, it really did help to get that deeper dive into her character. I appreciated that she was sassy, tenacious, bold…and extremely likable.

Luke was a bit of a different animal. Yet again, learning about his past definitely helped me get past some of his more boneheaded moments, but I was a bit disappointed with him in the climax. And yet, he mostly turned it around for me. He was human, and he had some great friends to smack him when he needed it. Mostly, he was damaged, and that damage had made him wary.

While the conflict made my heart ache more than once, I did actually like them together when they were letting themselves be with one another. They were fun, and sexy, and had great chemistry.

This book had an AMAZING secondary character cast, it was the perfect small town read. From members of the town, to friends, to exes, to the hilarious Simon, to even Winston and Luna — they made a great book even better.

I was surprised by all the emotions I felt in this one. I wasn’t expecting it, but it wasn’t out of place.

All in all, it delivered what I always love from Ms. Layne’s books, and I have no idea why it took me so long to get to it.

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I didn't love this book as much as I loved the Stiletto and The Wedding Belle series, but the concept for the plot was definitely interesting. And just like all LL books the characters were well fleshed out! I really liked Jordan and Luke together in this one! At some point I was really wondering how would they make it work, but it just clicked you know? If you're a LL fan, you're sure to love this one!

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**I received this book from Random House-Loveswept through NetGalley for an honest review.**

Being a huge fan or LL, I’m always excited when she comes out with a new story. She manages to suck you into a story so quick and her flow is so effortless.

Jordan is a producer who goes west to a small town in Montana to recruit a guy for an upcoming show, Jilted. Luke is said guy and he wants nothing to do with her and her show. After several failed attempts of contact
Jordan decides to bite the bullet and seeks out Luke for a bit of face to face.

Jordan is instantly very likeable. Her small town roots and city attitude was a good mix. I also liked Simon (her coworker) when he was around. There were a few times where I found Luke to be a bit harsh but I understood why.

The back and forth banter that these two had was great. She was rarely flappable so that was a for sure good look on her.
I look forward to the rest of this series.

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Ready to Run is a sweet, small town romance that exceeded my expectations. I thought this would be a light and easy read but wow; Lauren Layne packed in some emotional content that just brought the book up so much more. There were times that I teared up, times that I wanted to throw my Kindle, and times that I just wanted to snuggle closer to my family. This is an absolute gem.

Jordan is determined, feisty, and closed off. She’s determined to do her job and get out of Small Town USA aka Lucky Hollow. Luke is growly, grumpy, and guarded. He’s determined to send Jordan packing—without him. There was a ton of fabulous banter between these two. And the push-pull created some incredible sexual tension. Their chemistry was explosive. I was rooting for the two of them from the get go. They were well-developed and complex. I also loved how Layne made the small town come alive. The secondary characters were quirky, full of character, and fun to read about.

This book was an intoxicating blend of heart, humor, heat, and emotional journey. There was some conflict but it wasn’t overly dramatic or drawn out. If you are a fan of rom-coms with heart, then I would definitely pick this up.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book.

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Lauren Layne is always enjoyable, but this wasn't my favorite of hers. I think she's at her best in her more fleshed out, big city romances that have a little less of a lighthearted tone. The romance felt very quick and not as fully-developed as she usually writes, as did the character arcs. The timeline in general felt pretty rushed--Jordan had become pretty much a part of the town in just a couple weeks. But the set-up was kind of inherently tricky because she already was staying in town longer than she needed to. Also, Jordan's best friend, Simon, felt like a stereotype and I wish he had been a little more nuanced. I started this one, took a break of several months, and then picked it up again as a quick read. If you're just starting out with Layne, I recommend starting with a different title. But if you're a Layne fan, you probably still will enjoy this.

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I loved this book from beginning to end. It was funny and sweet, with the perfect secondary characters to make every page great.

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LL's (the fab Lauren Layne) new book features a sweet, feisty city girl who wants a brooding, rugged country guy to be on a show. Think a show like the Bachelor. Luke says heck no!!! But Jordan doesn't take NO for an answer... she stays put until she can wear him down. And she does... but not to the way she thought she would and she falls for him... which is career suicide... and while Jordan's in this beautiful small town, she finds out why the man's three engagements bit the dust. Will it be ammunition? Will Jordan be forced to choose between career and love?

City boys didn't kissed like this. Luke's kiss was hotter, and a hell of a lot more skilled.

"You need to kiss the girl, Luke. The entire town knows it."
He ground his teeth to keep from telling Vicky that he had kissed the girl. Thoroughly. Wanted to do it again. Badly.

She wasn't still in Lucky Hollow because she thought Luke was close to caving. She was still here because she wanted to be--because for the first time in a long time, she felt...Home. The thought was terrifying.

This thing with Luke was new. It was dangerous, and wonderful, and all-consuming.

I received an ARC copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This book, this story, put a big ole smile on my face. From the first page until the last, this sweet, romantic, happily ever after love story was addicting.

When the sexy, once small town, New York girl, turned reality show recruitment coordinator, Jordan Carpenter meets her objective, Luke Elliot, the sexy, fire fighter, 3 time runaway groom, there are sparks, annoyances, irritations that all mix together for a wonderful enemies to lovers story.

Luck Hollow, Montana oozes charm and a sense of home. The secondary cast of characters add sparkle and pizazz to the story that makes for a quaint sweet love story. And when the “City” girl comes a calling for the “Country” boy.....the undertone of sexual attraction mixed with the enemies component makes Jordan and Luke a couple that you root for throughout the entire read. And of course the small town meddling to get these two together is as sweet as apple pie.

There are just stories you read that are easy, sweet and simple. Ready to Run is just that. The angsty level is low but the story is just infused with charm and delightful characters that all blend together perfectly.

*arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

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A Good Book with excellent plot line and wonderful characters.

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So that was a lot more emotional than I was expecting it to be, although in all honesty I am at the stage where I cry at ads on TV and they don't even have to be the cute toilet paper kind. And to be fair it's also not like I don't know that Lauren Layne has the ability to write a story that runs me through the wringer its more the fact I made the assumption that this was going to be super light hearted and funny and maybe for people not 2 million weeks pregnant it was.

I loved the characters and immediately liked Jordan, even though her job was to try to capitalize from other people's lives she was so caring and considerate. Luke was a bit of an arse and unlike my normal self where that would work for me I never really warmed up to him. Luckily the secondary characters were awesome and with so many of them they all had an impact on my feels for this book. I am sincerely hoping Simon will be in the next book.

Overall I really enjoyed the story and despite it not being what I was expecting it was the perfect read for a lazy day on the couch. And now I am dying to get my hands on the next one.

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It's been a while since I've felt so effected when reading that my heart hurt for the characters. Where I felt myself start to tear up as I read the words describing their pain and heartache. This book made me feel so much and I loved every moment of it.

Luke, even in all his gruff and standoff-ish behavior was hard not to love. Right away, from the very first introduction to him, you know there has to be more to him then commitment-phobe runaway groom. As his story is revealed it confirms all that and so much more.

Jordan, I was completely unprepared for. She seemed nice enough at first and I didn't think I would have any trouble liking her and rooting for her. What I didn't expect was to be so pulled in my her and her background and how well written her emotions were. I honestly think she was my favorite part of this story.

Once everything was said and done, and the last word was read, I was sad for it to have ended. I was in awe of the brilliant story telling I'd just experienced. And I am already wishing the next book was out. Luckily for me I have a backlog of Lauren Layne books I can catch up on in the mean time.
~Shy

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As soon as I started Ready to Run I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down. I was sneaking in bits and pieces during work all day and more bits and pieces during Physical Therapy until I could get home and fully wrap myself up in Lucky Hollow.

I loved the big city meets small town aspect of the story. I loved that Jordan and Luke were both runners. I loved how the whole town just took in Jordan right away.

Jordan was such a great character and I was rooting for her from the beginning. She's cool, confident and determined but she's also friendly and warm towards the people in the town. She might be a city girl but she certainly hasn't left her small town roots too far behind. She's there with a purpose but isn't willing to bulldoze the people that have welcomed her in order to do that.

Also, can we just talk about how perfect Luke is? Firefighter, has a cute dog and a sassy cat, also has that broody quiet man thing? I loved him!!!! He was such a mystery and every little bit we got about him just made me love him more and more.

This book 100% delivered on all fronts. The storyline was original and fun. I wasn't sure I could love a guy that had left three women at the altar, but Lauren takes care of that perfectly while building this story. There's so many funny bits that I completely fell for. The snark and sarcasm between Jordan and Luke was perfect. The story was also hot, very very hot and I loved that too. But what else could you expect after all that tension that was just building and building between Luke and Jordan.

I couldn't put this down until I knew Luke and Jordan got their happy ending and I was definitely not disappointed!!!

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This book was just not my cup of tea and I was not able to finish it. Thank you for this opportunity, though!

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Jordan Carpenter thinks she found the one guy for the new show she is working on about a runaway groom. By him not responding to her calls or emails she leaves her safe place in New York, and travels to Lucky Hollow, Montana. Once there and meeting Luke Elliot she still believes that he is a playboy firefighter leaving women at the altar. She decides to stay in town for a month and rents a place. This is where the story takes its first turn. The realtor happens to be one of the brides left at the altar, and surprisingly she has nothing but kind words to say about Luke. Jordan decides to do more investigation and finds another bride and finds the same response. Could she be wrong about this man for her show? The longer she stays in town the more the people and even his friends begin to like her. The problem is he is finding himself attracted to her as well. She has been attracted to him the first time she saw him and no matter what she has done the attraction has grown. The banter between them is easy and lite. It changes though when he realizes that she has left Lucky Hollow and returned to New York. Now what does he do? Will they find a way to get together? Read this fun book about love and life.

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cute, fun, fast read. basically a nice, little romance that didn't bother with a lot of stupid filler plot. like you know how most romances have two problems to overcome - their feelings and some external villain? this just had the one! which was their feelings about the villain AKA the reality show. ha ha.

I liked it. the main characters were decent and all the fun secondary small town peiple plus Simon were great. I would totally read the sequel even though I don't think any of these characters will be in it. well, maybe Simon. He's worth it.

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Ready to Run is the first book in the I Do, I Don't series by Lauren Layne. While I would never have the nerve to keep badgering someone like Jordan does to Luke, it was pretty fun to watch their interactions. I loved the bantering. Jordan's best friend, Simon, was a hoot too. I thought this story would take place during the reality show somewhat, but it didn't, and I didn't mind. Getting to know these characters in a small town setting was nice. It was more fitting. I always enjoy Lauren Layne's books. They allow me some much needed escape time where I can just shut my brain off and jump into her stories.

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Adorable and sweet romance by one of my favorite authors! This was the perfect light and fun read!

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Fabulous book! I absolutely adored this story! It was so addicting! I could not put it down!! The writing was exceptional and I absolutely loved the characters!! A definite must read! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

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Find this review and more at <b><a href="http://kimberlyfayereads.com">kimberlyfaye reads.</a></b>

Y'all know I love me some Lauren Layne. When I found out she had a new series on the way, I was all over it. When I saw the ridiculously cute, sweet cover for I Do, I Don't, I really couldn't wait to read it. I don't read nearly enough romance books set in small towns and I'm not sure why that is. It might have something to do with their tendency to be more ... wholesome ... and less ... dirty ... in the sexy times department. (I do not like fade to black. Sorry, not sorry.) Lauren's writing and characters, combined with the small town setting and fish out of water trope totally worked for me. This was one enjoyable read! 

Jordan and Luke's story was fun and sexy. It started off with a bit of animosity, with her trying to convince him to be on her dating show, which gave it a bit of a hate-to-love vibe. I eat that up. I enjoyed their chemistry and the way things progressed with them. One of the things I like best about small-town romance is how the entire town seems invested in what's happening between two characters — particularly when one of them is an out of towner. It's a fun (and realistic) addition to a story. 

I'm excited about this new series. I'm looking forward to more swoons and sexy times in the coming books. 

<em>I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</em>

<strong>FAVORITE QUOTES</strong>

<em>The more they touched, the more they wanted, the longer they kissed, the harder it was to stop.

"You need to kiss the girl, Luke. The entire town knows it."

This was what sex was all about. The tremor of impatient hands, the thrust of needy bodies... The strange fear and ecstasy that came from the quiet whisper in the back of your mind: this one.</em>

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