Ready to Run is close to perfection. It has surprises, twists and turns enough to keep even the most discerning romance aficionado more than satisfied. The book begins with Jordan Carpenter and Simon, her co-worker and friend, traveling to Lucky Hollow, Montana. Jordan plans to sign Luke Elliott as the runaway groom on the TV show Jilted, a cross between The Bachelor and The Runaway Bride. The question that needs an answer is, how can Luke still be the darling of the small town of Lucky Hollow, when he has left three women at the altar?

Luke has ignored all of Jordan's attempts to contact him. When they finally meet, the air ignites between them. Even after his constant glares and unequivocal no's, Jordan won't give up. She realizes two days to get Luke, the hot firefighter, to sign on the dotted line won't be enough. So, Jordan rents a house for a month. Gradually she and Luke become friends. Then we get to know more about Luke, Jordan and their secrets.

I loved this book! Jordan and Luke are perfect, as individuals and as a couple. I liked the secondary characters too, especially Simon. Although Simon is stereotypical, and the other gay characters are shallowly drawn, I was still able to enjoy them. Ready to Run seems like a typical romance at the start, but when we know all the secrets, it's really not. It's perfectly delicious!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This modern day twist on the runaway bride follows the story of a man who left three brides at the altar. Jordan is the TV producer who is bound and determined to find out why he’s ditched three women just minutes from saying “I do” and to get him to star in the next big thing Jilted, where they will try to find him the love of his life.

All Luke wants is to be left alone. He’s not proud of his past, of the way out of towners look at him, he just wants to put it behind him. When Jordan comes to town, he’s quick to shut her down and give her a firm “no” to all of her suggestions.

It was a nice premise, but it seemed that the story got bogged down at times and it made for a reading lag, at least for me. The sparks between Jordan and Luke are there, but it took some time to warm up and start smoldering.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 Stars

I found this was a sweet and funny read but fairly predictable and I just wasn’t sucked in – it actually took me a few days to finish this one and that’s pretty unusual for me. I had trouble getting into the story at the beginning.

Jordan is working on the “next big” reality TV show, she’s just missing one thing, a man who’s left a few brides at the altar and needs to find his one true love. Jordan discovers Luke Elliot, a small town fire fighter who, if rumors are to be believed, has left three brides at the altar. Jordan is determined to convince Luke to be a part of her show but Luke wants nothing to do with it, Jordan isn’t willing to take no for an answer and moves into town to do whatever it takes to convince Luke to do the show. Luke can’t stand Jordan… or so he says; really he can’t fight the crazy attraction he feels for her and the more time the two spend together, the more mutual that attraction becomes.

I love the interactions between Luke and Jordan, it’s hilarious how Jordan handles Luke’s stubbornness and Jordan’s reclamation with small-town life is entertaining as well. Jordan getting to the town and meeting Luke was a bit drawn out and I found the first few chapters of this book boring. Once Luke and Jordan get to know one another though, things heat up and I love the way the story ends. I would definitely be interested to read more from this series by Lauren Layne.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride is how you would explain this story, except it is the groom who does the running not the bride. And that is why Jordan Carpenter has come to small town Montana, for a new TV show idea and they want the runaway groom.

Jordan can't believe that Luke Elliott has ditched three women at the altar. She has to find out why and get him to agree to do the show, Jilted. But when she meets the strong-willed, bull-headed, hell-bent on saying no man, she has her hands full. But there is something about Luke that she is missing and she is going to find out the truth and what really happened with all three women.

Luke Elliott can't believe the TV lady is in his hometown and wanting him to do a show about his love life. And the worst parts of it. He thought ignoring her calls, emails, and messages would tell her he wasn't interested in doing the show, but no, she shows up anyway. And she is gorgeous in all her New York flare and those damn stiletto heels. All he has to do is keep telling her no and maybe she will leave, yeah right.

Will Luke give in to the idea of being on reality TV? Will the town push him to do it? Will Jordan see that he isn't really the bad guy she thinks he is? What happens when the sparks fly between Jordan and Luke, who will get burned?

This is a great story, I didn't want to put it down. It is funny, heartfelt, and heartbreaking at times. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Hope you enjoy it too.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆
I have yet to read a book by Lauren Layne that I haven't enjoyed and Ready to Run was no exception. This was exactly the fun and light hearted read I've come to love from Layne. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and anything else Layne writes because I'm convinced she's got the perfect recipe for writing these romance novels.

Jordan Carpenter is a TV producer in NYC for a new show called Jilted, which is essentially The Bachelor, but with runaway grooms. Jordan is certain she has found the perfect candidate to star in the show if she could get him to bother to respond to any of her emails or phone calls. Luke Elliot has zero interest in doing the show, but Jordan is sure she can convince him if only he'd give her a chance, which is how she ends up on a plane to Lucky Hollow, Montana – to win him over.

I really liked Jordan’s character, she was a successful independent woman with a witty personality and just the right amount of sass! Plus, who wouldn't be won over and swoon for sexy firefighter Luke Elliot? Ready to Run was a quick enjoyable read for any rom-com fan. A solid four-star read for Ready to Run by Lauren Layne.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Ms. Layne has done it again – giving us a really fun, character full, and sexily romantic read! I am really looking forward to the future books in the series.

Jordan is a woman on a mission – sadly, her prey is genuinely not interested in being made famous, but he can't help but be attracted to her. As we witness Jordan getting to know the people of Lucky Hollow, and most especially the pursued Luke, we know that there is a yearning there that needs exploring. Their chemistry is not in doubt, but as it turns out both Luke and Jordan are hiding secrets that may affect their future even more than geography.

Engaging from the first page, I found it impossible to put it down until I had read to the end – thank goodness it was a Saturday!

Ready to Run is the newest book from one of my favorite writers, Lauren Layne. This woman has the sexy rom-com down to a science and Jordan and Luke are dynamic characters ready to pull off sexy fun-times!

Jordan has arrived in Lucky Hollow with one goal: woo Luke Elliott so that he will star in her tv show, Jilted. It’s kind of like the Bachelor only each “bachelor” has left someone at the altar. In this case, Luke has done it three times. He would be the perfect guy to star in Jilted! Unfortunately for Jordan, there is a reason Luke has not returned any of her emails or phone calls. He wants nothing whatsoever to do with Jilted. He is agog that she had the temerity to actually come down to his small home town to try to convince him. He is dead set on not participating and nothing Jordan says will convince him. Unfortunately for Luke though, he kind of, sort of finds Jordan attractive. Okay, he big time finds her attractive and that makes staying away even more difficult.

Jordan will do whatever it takes to convince Luke to participate, even rent a house in the super small town of Lucky Hollow and pester him every day. Whether it works or not, she can’t be sure, but she is having way more fun staying in Lucky Hollow than she ever thought possible.

Small town romances really aren’t my favorite thing but I knew that if Lauren Layne was going to tackle one, I had to give it a shot and I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed spending time in Lucky Hollow, watching Luke and Jordan grow on each other by small degrees. The attraction is there from the moment they meet but it is not an easy road for either of them. Luke has secrets he is not willing to share, especially when it comes to his romantic past. He has no intention of making his past fiancees fodder for tv. He is a gentleman with a streak of fun and mischief that Jordan gradually brings out.

Jordan thought she had left her small town roots behind when she moved away from Kansas but finding herself in Montana surrounded by a caring community, well it’s definitely bringing up the good things about her own childhood. Not to say Lucky Hollow is perfect but it’s definitely a sweet place to watch these two fall in love.

I enjoyed every single moment I spent reading Ready to Run (the first in Lauren Layne’s I Do, I Don’t) series. I am already looking forward to seeing how Jilted plays out! All in all, this book is a win on all fronts. Great characters, a simply sweet romance, and a story that will endear you to Luke and Jordan.

Ready to Run is a fun read about finding love in unexpected places.

Luke our hero and Jordan our heroine are introduced as adversaries, more or less, but I liked both characters from the start. Their journey from people who didn't get along to romantic partners was a pleasure to read. Also, the town itself is a great place and the townspeople are all really fun and add an extra layer of interest to the book.

I am looking forward to more books in this series and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

READY TO RUN - Lauren Layne

#1 in the I Do, I Don't! romance series

FUN ROMANCE IN A SMALL TOWN

Plot - 4 stars - Jordan works for a TV station who wants to premiere a new reality show based on people who have jilted their fiancees at the altar. When an excellent candidate--Luke--doesn't respond to her emails or calls, she and her cohort Simon head to small town America to confront him. But, of course, Luke is hunky and sexy and totally disinterested--in the show, but maybe not in Jordan (against his better judgment). Trying to discover Luke's history and his motivations consumes Jordan, along with the fact that she's totally attracted to him.

Writing - 4 stars - Layne writes a well-designed romance. She walks the fine line of keeping the reader involved and hoping for the characters’ success, while still keeping things interesting and not frustrating.

Characters - 5 stars - This is where the story shone for me especially. The entire cast of characters is fun and friendly and warm--not a bad one in the bunch. If this sounds too sweet to be true, it's really not. It just made me want to root for the romance to be successful and for the town to continue to be happy and contented. Jordan is from NYC, but she's really a small-town girl at heart. Having left her hometown for good, she's uncomfortable that she's feeling such a strong pull to Lucky Hollow, Montana. But she's there to do a job, so she's going to do it. However, her moral compass conflicts with her responsibilities, which causes her some difficult moments. Luke, right in the center of this small town as the local firefighter and hometown boy, is trying to do everything to discourage Jordan despite his strong attraction to her. Their chemistry is strong, but of course they are both fighting it. Simon, Jordan's coworker from the legal department, is adorably gay, overwhelmingly friendly, and just plain cute. Various townspeople, Luke's sister, and Luke's exes are all nice and rooting for Luke to find love. Just a wonderful place to live.

Title - 3 stars - Not quite sure of the meaning behind this title. Who's ready to run? Although Luke doesn't want to participate in the show, he's not really running anywhere. And Jordan is determined to stay and complete her job. I guess it refers to Luke's tendency to leave his potential brides at the altar, but I don't think it really represents the story very well.

Cover - 3.5 stars - Cute couple on the cover, but the colors are muted. Nothing to really draw the eye.

Overall - 4 stars - Totally fun. Layne has created another great scenario populated with enjoyable characters. Our main characters are attractive and charming, with secrets that we just can't wait to figure out. And learning about Luke's almost-marriages as well as Jordan's history added a lot of depth to the story. The town is just what a small town should be, with warm and friendly (if nosy) people--almost like a big family. Their protectiveness of Luke, as well as their warm welcome to Jordan and Simon, made it a definite feel-good setting. The reality show scenario was a stretch, but it was certainly believable in the crazy out-there world of reality TV. Altogether a great beginning to another of Layne's sure-to-be-successful romance series.

3.5 City stars!!

Layne couldn’t start her new series with a better way and with a louder bang. A guy who has “abandoned” three brides during the last decade, now he’s being chased to participate in a kind-of-like-The-Bachelor reality show and who ends up finding his true love on the face of the same woman who tries to recruit him? Yes, pleaaaaase! Sign me up, NOW!

She knew what she was after. Him.
Ready to Run as you may understand from above or from reading the blurb is a story about a woman – Jordan Carpenter – who travels across the mainland to try recruit a guy – Luke Elliot – who has reached the “Wedding” level of his relationships 3 times but he always backs off. Or so he wants us, and Jordan, to think. What he didn’t count on, though, was the stubborness that characterizes City aka Jordan AND the effect she would have on him since the beginning. And being a firefighter – YES, I KNOW! I bet you imagine him shirtless with a puppy in his arms, right? 😛 -, he has been trained to deal with very dangerous and challenging situations but when it comes to the heart, there is nowhere a training that would prepare you for the chaos a true love causes inside you.

“Oh, honey“, Simon muttered. “You are in so much trouble, and I mean that in the bst way possible.”
And speaking of Simon, OMG! That guy was the epitome of stealing the show. From where should I start with him, really. From the way he was dressing up? From the way he was being the peakcock but you only could love him more for that? Or the he knew Jrodan so well that he could read her mind and could rise the courage in her? I mean, where can I purchase a BBF like him for myself too? Simon is really the next best thing in this story. I can only love him more for his extravaggant ways!

Luke Elliot. A firefighter with a backstory that lights up everything on fire. But, a guy who knows damn well to break down his own walls without anyone realising it; not even him. Watching his intense body reactions, which he had not control over, every time he was in Jordan’s presence was a sight to behold. What was quite interesting, also, was while the pace of their relationship escalated pretty fast making them forget everything else, there was always the powerful pull the case of the reality show in the background not letting them settle for a second.

When a tv producer from the big city, who happens to have small town roots, meets a hot firefighter who’s known for leaving women at the alter, you know you’re in for a story that’s both fun and hot. And this one definitely was. With great characters and fantastic writing, you always know that Lauren Layne will deliver a story that that’ll capture your heart. Luke and Jordan’s story was charming and sweet while at the same time swoony and sexy. Another perfect summer read from Ms. Layne.

I loved the fact that this story really revolved around discovery. Like peeling back an onion, we slowly discover Luke’s past and begin to understand why he’s been to the alter three times yet never been married. He’s very closed off and secretive about his past when we first meet him but thanks to his meddling friends and family, and his attraction to Jordan, he begins to open up and we discover the sweet, tender man underneath the crusty exterior. This was definitely a slow burn relationship and I enjoyed watching these two do the dance – the wonderful banter, the misunderstandings, and the undeniable attraction that brought sizzle to the pages.

I enjoyed the small town aspect of this story as well. The secondary characters were great and they definitely helped move the story along. Their true friendships shone through and made the whole town feel like one big family. As I’ve said many times, to me, great secondary characters can make a story that much better and this was very true here. This is the first book in a new series and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book. There’s nothing better than a fun, slow-burning romance and this book definitely delivered!

This book was perfection!

From the begging I knew I would love Luke, he was just real. I couldn't believe he was this guy the TV network was looking for because there was no way he could have abandoned three women in the altar.

Jordan is sure he is the guy for her show, but as she gets to know him she realises that things might not be they way she thought and her attraction for him gets stronger by the minute.

The cat and mouse game they start playing is fun for both of them, because Luke doesn't really want her gone and she is definitely not staying because she wants him to be auctioned to the best woman.

They are the perfect fit and little by little they start to fall for one another. Unfortunately they still have so many secrets between them that any little problem could ruin them; and in the end it would be up to them to fight for what their hearts are telling them.

Can you really fall in love that fast?, or is it just the sexual chemistry. Jordan has her career in the line and she is not sure how she will be able to handle letting him go. Luke is just scared, his past marriage failures have taken a toll on him and he is not ready to let go of his guarded heart just yet.

Their biggest challenge will be to trust each other, leave all the drama behind and overcome their fears. Maybe then they'll find the happiness they have been looking for.

A beautiful love story!

Gotta love a new Lauren Layne story! Enter Jordan, the big-city girl (or is she???) and Luke, a hot firefighter who has left not one, not two, but three brides at the alter. Most of LL's stories tend to take place in big cities, so the change of venue to a small town in Montana was surprising and refreshing. The coziness and familiarity of small towns is hard to beat in a romance. But why oh why would a flashy, city girl fall for a man who obviously has commitment issues??? That's where it gets good, because things are not always as they seem. This was a cute story with plenty of sparks and fire. It's the set-up for another two books that sound like they will follow the Jilted tv show storyline. Luke and Jordan will totally steal you heart as you root for the two of them to find their way to each other. This was a very quick and easy read that will just leave you with the feel-goods!!

I received a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review

I loved reading Ready to Run by Lauren Layne, book one in her new I Do, I Don’t series. As the sales line says, it is definitely the Bachelorette meets the Runaway Groom. New York City assistant, Jordan Carpenter is trying to secure Luke Elliot, a three-time runaway groom, as the star for an up and coming television show, Jilted. Luke, a firefighter in the small town of Lucky Hollow, Montana, does not want the details of why he was a no-show groom to get out to the public. Coming to Lucky Hollow is like going home for former small town girl, as many of the residents befriend her. The more she gets to know to Luke the more she respects, understands and falls in love with him.

I really loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Layne wove a wonderful story, drawing me in and not letting go until I read the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This romance was just charming! I am not usually too eager to read wedding themed books but I like Lauren Layne's writing enough that I knew I had to read this one. This was a really fun premise with most of the wedding talk being about a groom who had a history of leaving his brides at the alter. Throw in a reality show wanting to capitalize on that and and you have a great set up. This was just a lot of fun to read and I enjoyed every page of it.

Jordan comes to Lucky Hollow with one thing on her mind. She is determined to secure Luke Elliott, the hunky local firefighter, for a new TV show. Luke has left 3 brides standing at the alter and seems to be the perfect choice for the new reality TV show. There is only one problem. Luke isn't interested. At all. Jordan refuses to give up too quickly so she settles in for an extended stay in the small town of Lucky Hollow.

Luke is an all around good guy. He works for the local fire department and has a great group of friends. He is not at all interested in the attention he is getting in regards to possibly staring in a new reality show. He has had 3 relationships end poorly but he has moved on with his life. The entire town seems to want him to sign on for the show and they have all become friends with Jordan.

I really enjoyed Jordan and Luke as a couple. They started out as adversaries because of the TV show before giving into their attraction to each other. Even when they were arguing with each other, they had some great chemistry. They seemed to be really good together anytime they shared a scene. They both had some painful events in their past that were heartbreaking.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This was a really fun story filled with wonderful characters. It was one of those story that leaves you with a big grin on your face by the time you get to the last page. I can't wait to read more of this new series soon!

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.

"There was nothing more appealing than the idea of taming the man who couldn't be tamed."

"Was there any part of his life this woman wasn't going to infiltrate?"

OH MY GEE!!!!

I'm so in love with this series already!!
Holy cow! It's so good!

I Immediately fell in love with both Jordan and Luke.
They were both strong characters with such chemistry for each other.
I mean, Holy Tension, Batman!

"He had kissed the girl.
Thoroughly.
Wanted to do it again.
Badly."

As the story unfolded, you saw these two not only fall for each other, but also discover that they needed one another to start truly living again.

Between Luke's past love life and Jordan's untold story, you fight for these two just as much as they yearn for each other.

I loved the banter, the pull, the arguements, and the absolute surrender.
I couldn't get enough!!

"You make me want things I haven't let myself want in a long time."

Lauren Layne is one of my favorites when it comes to romcoms!
She knows how to weave a story with funny lines and heartfelt words.

I adored every single character within these pages!
Simon needs his own story!!!! Just saying;)

I can't wait for more in this series because I'm hooked so hard!!

"I didn't realize...I didn't realize just how isolated I felt until a certain City Girl waltzed into town and tried to turn my life into a circus...I've never been so grateful."

This was an okay read. My favorite character was Simon. He just had that extra something that brought the story to life, and at times I wondered if they'd all tricked Jordan in that she was starring in her own reality TV show.

Miss Layne’s books regularly make me smile and Ready to Run is no different. The first book to a promising new series, Ready to Run is a fast-paced, sweet romance sprinkled with humor and heartfelt moments. As I’ve come to expect from this author, the story stars a fantastic set of main and secondary characters who I wouldn’t hesitate to revisit. The premise is fun and flirty, with a New York based television talent executive searching out a star for her network’s new pseudo-Bachelor TV show. Her search takes her to the hero’s small hometown in Montana, where he’s a local firefighter.

I liked both Jordan and Luke. They each have good amount of depth which makes them fun and interesting as individuals and as a couple. I especially enjoyed Jordan’s interactions with many of the secondary characters, particularly her best friend and co-worker from New York, Simon. There is a lot of witty banter throughout the Ready to Run and it makes for a quick read while keeping a bright tone. The romance between Luke and Jordan is a bit of a slower burn, with the build-up creating a good amount of sexual tension that magnifies the couple’s chemistry. Though the bulk of the plot seems to follow a fairly predictable pattern, there are some enjoyable surprises regarding the conflicts and resolutions that make the book stand out beyond the standard contemporary romance.

I think fans of the author will undoubtedly enjoy this title. I also think readers looking for a quick, upbeat standalone that’s bound to bring a smile to their face should definitely give Ready to Run a try.

*Received e-book via Netgalley. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*

Jordan is a producer on a TV reality series. She is searching for the perfect man to attract the women. Also, he needs to have left them at the altar. Why would she be attracted to that?

Luke is the man in question. Talking to him, and the folks around him, only brings more questions. If he is a runaway groom - why are the ladies loving him?

This is a seriously sweet and hot story. I love the characters and cannot wait for more in the I Do, I Don't series. So much fun, and yet plenty of heat to still call it romance.

***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review, by Netgalley and its publishers.

What an interesting premise...combine the Runaway Bride with The Bachelor. Except, Jordan and the network she's working for is looking for a runaway groom. And she found one, but Luke wants nothing to do with the show.

I really liked this! Jordan expects Luke to be a playboy cause he's left three women at the altar. But when she finally tracks him down, she realizes he really is a good guy, even if he glares at her and is broody since the last time he left a woman at the altar. The more Jordan got to know Luke, the harder she fell for him. I have to say though, Luke was a bit of a jerk to Jordan. I get that he was frustrated and angry, but he said some VERY hurtful things to her. Not sure I'd been so easy to forgive. Thankfully, it all worked out in the end :)

*thanks to Tasty Book Tours for sharing a copy of this with me*

Ready to Run
I Do, I Don't #1
Lauren Layne
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Runaway groom meets The Bachelor. Another great ready by Lauren Layne. Her books are always easy to read and grab you right from the beginning. Can't wait to read more of hers soon.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

**4.5 Stars**

Kicking off what’s expected to be another hit of a series, Ready to Run showcased a tension-filled romance between two unlikely characters that started off on opposing sides, drawn into battle from the get-go. Set in a small town with a whole host of welcoming characters, what started as a simple task for Jordan turned into anything but when she crossed paths with the closed-off Luke.

Ambitious and headstrong, Jordan held the balance of tenacity and a whole lot of heart with ease. Tasked with reeling in the talent for a reality show, her drive to succeed along with her career-minded, big-city life created this persona of a very successful woman, but it’s her history and her path to it that made her heart underneath all of that her true character. The battles between them, banter-filled and witty, were lobbed back and forth with fervor, the crowd adding a bit of fuel for her side until the ball became too much for him to handle. Layne excels at the female underdog, the kind of woman to come to the top seemingly out of nowhere, and Jordan epitomized every part of it. I adored her grace, heart, drive, and sensitivity. And Luke, for all his gruff, don’t-bother-me persona, had a wealth of personality just ripe for the finding.

Filled with wonderful character growth, the warmth of a small town, and a beautiful romance that built from lust-y anger, Ready to Run was a fantastically fun romance. Layne can pull unexpected laughter from me in one moment and have me swooning in the next, two things that always feel organic and natural, both present in this story in spades. I’m sad to leave this town and the people in it, but I have to say that I’m also equally excited to see what the next in the series will bring. If you’re looking for an equally sexy, but fun novel, you can never go wrong with LL.

Ready to Run is the beginning of a series I am already in love with. Lauren Layne writes humor for adults. Her stories are fun and sexy and full of romance. I really enjoy her writing because she writes characters that are easy to relate to and even easier to fall in love with. The sassiness and no holding back of our heroine is addictive. Jordan Carpenter is determined to make Luke Elliott America’s next star. He’s got a story for not being able to say, “I Do” three different times and she wants to know it. But she also wants to help him get to the altar and stay there, so what if it happens to be on primetime television?

Ready to Run is modern and classic. Hot firefighter meets sexy New York city girl. Luke has his reasons for “jilting” three brides and he refuses to be forced I especially love the supporting characters we are introduced to that bring our couple full circle. They are the friends that we have or want in our own lives.

Ready to Run is the best one to date and that’s saying a lot as Mrs. Layne has written some fabulous stuff. Grab a glass of wine and some popcorn for this charmer sure to entertain.

Lauren Layne never fails to impress, and her latest title is no exception. Join Jordan as she tries to recruit heartbreaker Luke to be in a TV show about people being left at the altar...but she may find that there's more to Luke than there originally seems.