I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

Jordan works for a reality TV production company, whose latest idea is for a show featuring a likeable, decent guy who has repeatedly left women at the altar, but who is now ready to marry one of the carefully chosen candidates (yes, really). Jordan and Simon (the company lawyer, a character for whom the author apparently decided being gay was enough of a personality – I did not believe for one moment that he was a lawyer, for example) travel to a small town in Montana so Jordan can persuade Luke to star in the show. Luke has apparently jilted three brides at the altar, but has no interest at all in appearing on television. Jordan decides to rent a house in the town so she can devote more time to persuading him.

There was so much about this set up that staggered me:

1. We are supposed to accept as our heroine some one prepared to exploit people in this way (I am not a fan of reality TV!)? Luke is “stubborn as hell” because he won’t participate? Or is he rather normal? Or sane?
2. This is really a viable idea? Why would a likeable, decent man repeatedly jilt women on their wedding days?
3. A production company would really pour as much money and effort as this into persuading one particular candidate to participate?

Then there were things along the way that grated on me:

1. The overuse of the word “adorable”.
2. The idea that small town and big city people are two distinct tribes with different cultures and morals; small town people being the ones who eat meat, dress badly, never wear stilettoes and know nothing about skincare or hair products. Small towns also seem to consist of a cohesive friendship unit with one mind on things like “what is best for Luke”.
3. The way we always have to know what Jordan is wearing (and on one occasion, details of the make up she has applied).
4. Jordan basically stalks Luke, won’t take no for an answer, inserts herself into his friendship group – is this acceptable?

But… things did pick up towards the end and I thought the final few chapters wrapped things up nicely. Jordan’s backstory was not the one I was expecting and made the HEA more believable. The true stories behind each of Luke’s failed engagements were revealed gradually and I found them convincing.

I struggled though the first half, but was enjoying it by the end.

I always lose a night’s sleep whenever a new Lauren Layne books hits my kindle shelves and READY TO RUN was no exception to my insomnia! I stayed up all night to finish it because I simply could not put it down.

Billed as the next level to the reality tv show the Bachelor, JILTED will depict that old romance trope the runaway bride with a twist – it’s going to be the groom who leaves the girls at the alter and show producer Jordan Carpenter is determined to find the perfect runaway bridegroom. She thinks she has in Montana firefighter Luke Elliot.

After reading a tiny article on his doomed love life, Jordan heads to Montana to get her made-for-reality-tv guy. Only problem? Luke wants absolutely nothing to do with reality tv, the money Jordan’s throwing at him, or even Jordan herself. But our little network girl is determined. So determined she rents a house for a month just so she can – hopefully – wear Luke down.

Who wears who down is the basis for the story. Seems Luke has some secrets about his doomed past love life – secrets the whole town knows. Jordan is determined to find the truth behind those secrets but while she does, she’ll have to keep her heart protected because Luke may not be the perfect groom ( in her mind) but he’s certainly the perfect man- for her.

No spoilers here – and there are a few! Just know that a Lauren Layne book is like your favorite cookie – you can never have just one and you’ll want to finish the whole batch in one sitting!

5 well deserved stars for a night of missed sleep and a fabulous book!