This first entry to Lauren Layne's new "I Do, I Don't" series is a truly fun read. I had a good laugh reading it. The characters are such a hoot. Their back and forth enlivens the story, and I'm not only talking about the the main pairing, Luke and Jordan, but the good people of Lucky Hollow and her friend, Simon.

Set in a small Montana town, Lucky Hollow, the underline note the story here is: nothing is what it seems. Luke's famed runaway groom tale got Jordan hot in pursued to recruit him as the new tv star. The two unbending individuals collides. And soon, Luke's first impression that the rating-oriented city girl's a little more than vulture in high heels shifted. When layers of each painful past revealed, our characters are faced to make a decision that will change their life.

What pulled me to this book is the combination of strong characters, delightful and touching story, as well as the witty banter in it. And let's not forget the pets! Who can resist a hunky firefighter who has a cat and a dog? As perfect as he seems though, Luke made mistakes and bears some regrets. Jordan might look breezy and sophisticated. But her past is no less painful and it affects her conduct to people. The dual POVs admits the characters' insight and thoughts, which help in hinting and bridging the mutual attraction before it's culminating (though I'm happy with the not so many steamy scenes this book has).

As nosy as any small town story this may be, the book also display the community's loyalty, such as not blubbering one of their own's disgrace. There's also the interesting spiel to the queer supporting characters in the book, which is done in a not-too-dramatic sort of way - which I love.

Oh I had my grievances over Luke's hotheaded snap and the slightly too rushed closure. The grudge part of me wish for a bit more groveling presents. At the same time, I'm like a proud parent with Jordan's character, of how grown up she becomes. That and apparently I can't stay mad long at Luke. :p

I haven't read that many of the author's books, but clearly she has a way with words for I truly enjoy this book! All in all Ready to Run present a promising start to the series. All I'm asking (of the author) is if would she (please) allow Simon to have his own (spin-off) HEA story. His character is just way too amusing not to be explored more! :)


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed Ready to Run by Lauren Layne.

The writing was well done, the storyline held my attention and kept me turning the pages late into the night. I just didn't want to put it down.
I found Jordan and Luke likable, funny, endearing, passionate characters and loved watching their relationship develop.
They made me laugh, they made me swoon, they frustrated me a little and then they made me fall in love with them and their beautiful, heartwarming love story.

Overall, Ready to Run is a great start to the I Do, I Don't series. All the characters made this a fun and entertaining read and I highly recommend it.

*Purchase links*
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✦ B&N ⇢ http://bit.ly/2wppxId
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✦ GPLAY ⇢ http://bit.ly/2fXg9rT

*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

4 'City meets Country' Stars!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Since this baby is LIVE today, it's a great day to post my review! I was lucky enough to read this during last weekend and I have to say I am pretty exicted about this new series! You probably know my infinite love for all things Lauren Layne so, of course, I really enjoyed reading the journey to love between this couple.

Ready to Run is the first installment in Lauren's new series called I Do, I Don't. She describes it perfectly by saying: "The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride" because this series (or at least this book) is about runaway grooms! Ready to Run is a love story between two different people (a city girl who is used to get what she wants and a hot country firefighter) who actually are not that different when they start falling in love with each other.

“So why are you pushing so hard for a guy who clearly wants no part of this?”
“He gets under my skin.”

I loved the idea of this new series and Lauren just gave us a great start to it! I have to say I am not a fan of realities but I enjoyed the building of this one. Jordan and Luke's hate to love relationship was entertaining, emotional and sexy! I love Lauren's slow burn romances and she did not disappoint with this one at all. These two have awesome chemistry!

“That’s not what this is. Luke, you have to know by now that this isn’t just about the show, it’s not about my boss.”
“No? What’s it about then, Jordan?”
“You make me want things I haven’t let myself want in a long time.”

As I was saying, Jordan and Luke are great together, especially when they start acting on their feelings. However, I have to confess I found Jordan too focused on getting Luke on the show sometimes. It was clear that Luke did not want to participate and you will understand completely why towards the end (I felt so bad for him, poor thing!). But, as always, Lauren gave us an adorable ending and a freaking epilogue (YAY!!!!).

Her heart recognized him—her soul knew this man, because somehow he’d wiggled inside her and occupied every corner of her that mattered.

Therefore, my rating for Ready to Run is 4 STARS because, as I said, it was a great start to the I Do, I Don't series! I am definitely curious about the next two stories and to see how different they are from this one. I love Lauren's writing and her characters: obviously, Jordan and Luke were no different. So, if you enjoyed this woman's books in the past, check the start of this new series!

You can always count on Lauren Layne to deliver a well-written and heartfelt romance between two very different people.

In this Runaway Bride meets The Bachelor love fest, Lauren Layne ventured into something she's never quite done before--a small town romance. And I dig it.

Jordan Carpenter is a producer of a new show called Jilted. Jilted is basically The Bachelor for runaway grooms. She's tasked to rope in Luke Elliot as the first runaway groom to be featured in the show. The problem is Luke isn't interested in being a reality star or letting the whole world into why he jilted those bride, not once but three times.

So Jordan decided to go to Lucky Hollow to convince Luke herself and she not only found the prospective groom reluctant, he also doesn't think highly of her and her "city" ways. She found herself attracted to Luke which complicates things. And Lauren Layne didn't shy away from writing complications. It's why I enjoyed this book so much.

At first I wasn't quite sure whether I actually like Jordan or not. And I was afraid that she was going to constantly harp on the city versus small town cliches too much. Thankfully, that wasn't the case because Jordan was a much more complex character than I initially pegged her to be. Her backstory is quite heartbreaking which totally surprised me.

The chemistry between two characters was fantastic. The romance took time to develop which was plus because the journey to get to that place was enjoyable. I loved Jordan's interaction with Luke's friends and the people of Lucky Hollow.

There were some things to nitpick. Most notably Simon AKA Jordan's very gay, very flamboyant best friend. And the ending was also very rushed. There was a sweet epilogue though so it wasn't a complete disappointment.

Overall, this is typical Lauren Layne. Meaning, it's lighthearted and fun but with enough emotional heft to make it thoroughly satisfying.

I can already tell I am going to love this new series by Lauren Layne. She writes stories that make me feel as if I am in a movie watching it unfold as I read. In fact, I think this would be a perfect Hallmark channel movie. Ready to Run is about a young woman who works and lives in NYC for a major television company and they have decided to do a series about grooms who have left their fiancées at the wedding. Jordan has found what she thinks is the perfect man to start this series with….a takeoff of the Bachelor. Luke is said groom from a small town in Montana and has NO desire to be on a television show. Jordan shows up in his hometown to “convince” him that he would be perfect for this show. I will admit when I first started this book, I was not sure I was going to like this story. I am not a fan of The Bachelor so the premise didn't promise me much. I am glad to say I was very wrong. This is a really good Rom-Com story with lots of heart. I read this in one day staying up late to finish because the story was that good. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book for any honest review.

As Lauren Layne is one of my go-to authors, It's always exciting to dive into the first book in a new series; I Do, I Don't.

Jordan Carpenter's thrilled when she finally finds an ideal candidate for Jilted, the reality television show she works on. However, after numerous failed attempts to get any responses from her numerous messages, she has no choice but to travel to Lucky Hollow, Montana to get her bachelor candidate to sign the contract. Only, the man she finally meets isn't what she expected and the small town he lives is a reminder of her background she's spent years trying to forget.

Luke Elliott just wants to live his life how he sees fit. He's definitely not interested in taking part in a reality television show, so feels no guilt for ignoring the barrage of messages the pushy reality producer has been leaving. Yet, when a mystery blonde wearing an inappropriate pair of killer heels turns up where he's working, it irks him that it's the woman responsible for hounding him. So he's shocked when a tiny spark of electricity shoots up his arm and generates a physical reaction when they shake hands. It's unexpected and acts as a catalyst to rethink his current attitude to life.

I was pretty much laughing out loud from the very beginning of this novel. Ms Layne is one of only a handful of authors who's romantic comedy books I find funny. Intelligent humour and witty dialogue are her forte and Ready To Run runs true to her writing style. Captivating from the very beginning, there's an amusing collection of secondary characters who collaborate to push the protagonists together. It's entertaining and kept me turning the pages as fast as I could read them.

The overall feel of the narrative was a pleasant surprise. I've loved all Ms. Layne's sexy heroes in suits, so Luke Elliott; fire-fighter is a gloriously desirable book boyfriend and a caring and compassionate gentleman to boot! His attractiveness is amplified when we discover the guy beneath his notorious reputation is nothing how outsiders perceive him.
Jordan is the epitome of an LL heroine; polished, sassy and very ambitious. When the two protagonists combine, the result is combustible chemistry.

Any fans of Lauren Layne will love this novel and it's perfect for new fans to discover the delights of LL's writing too. Ready To Run is fast paced, amusing and I can't wait to delve into future books in this series.

5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley***

3.5/5
In the age of reality TV there just had to be a series that incorporated the wildly popular phenomena of dating reality shows - with a twist ;) Can you imagine a relationship with someone that has already dramatically shunned commitment by skipping out on their own wedding!!! Would the lure of fame and fortune be enough to make a commitment-phobe embrace the promise of forever!!!

Not only has Luke been a runaway groom, but he has undertaken the role no less than 3 times. Where there should be red flags waving wildly there is a lot more to the background details than you would first assume. With his status as runaway groom firmly established, Luke is the ideal candidate for the first series of Jilted, his good looks, a career as a firefighter and small-town good guy persona all add to the perfect package. One which production assistant, Jordan, is determined to snag for the show.

All assumptions Jordan has made about Luke quickly alter when she meets him. It is obvious there is more to the failed wedding attempts than meets the eye. Details Jordan is determined to unearth, the compulsion she feels to know every detail of Luke's background has little to do with the show and more to do with the undeniable connection she feels to him.

Jordan has a lot of emotional baggage stemming from an incident in her teenage years leaving her adrift in the world. Having grown up in a small town very similar to Lucky Hollow, Jordan connects with the town and locals on an elemental level, Forcing her to confront the ghosts of her past while re-evaluating her future. The things Luke makes her feel add to the emotional turmoil within Jordan.

At first, I was a little concerned how easily Luke has proposed to three different women. For someone with commitment issues, you would think they wouldn't even consider that step let alone marriage. However, it is soon apparent Luke is looking for a fairytale of his own. I love it when the gender stereotypes get the old switch-aroo :) Unfortunately, the people and circumstances were against him in each case. Luke is a good/great guy whose innate kindness and need to protect have left with the runaway groom label. The revelations when unearthed only add to the wonder that is Luke.

I loved the Lucky Hollow and its inhabitants especially the way in which they good-naturedly meddled in the lives of the people they care about to ensure their happiness.

Although I have to say it did bother me that Luke had been engaged three times before, tending to jump into commitment even when there were clear signs of incompatibility. He is an utter romantic at heart, yearning for true love and a family to call his own - SWOON

Jordan and Luke fit together perfectly, healing the wounds of the past within each other and providing hope for the future; whether it is together or apart ;) They were able to find the pieces of themselves they had thought they had lost forever ♥

in ready to run, jordan carpenter is convinced she's left her small town days behind. but the perfect reluctant groom lives in lucky hollow, montana and she needs him to be the star of a runaway bride/the bachelor-type reality show. if only luke elliott were for sale. he's hot, he's a firefighter, and he just happens to have three ex-fiancées that he happened to leave at the altar.

the problem is that luke isn't a jerk. he has no interest in cashing in on his story. but jordan is persistent and incapable of backing away from the challenge that luke presents. even as she realizes that there is no way luke will ever agree to being her star, she can't stay away from him. and he can't stay away from her. he wants to hate her hard-nosed, citified standards, but the truth is, jordan is a small town girl at heart. and there is someting about lucky hollow that captivates her.

there is more to luke's three failed weddings than meets the eye, but some of the secrets behind those break-ups aren't luke's to tell. and the one that is, well, that relationship destroyed his ability to trust pretty strangers strolling into his town. so his distrust of jordan comes from a valid place, it's just not exactly fair to jordan. because regardless of everything else, when it comes down to it, the reason he and jordan are so in sync is that from the first moment they met something sparked between them. and luke is only able to trust in it when it is almost too late. this is a romance, so it's only almost. and the way their story concludes is sweet and romantic and gives us a hint of what to look forward to in the next installment of this series.

Why would a man leave three women at the altar (and still be alive). Inquiring minds want to know and the inquiring mind belongs to Jordan Carpenter who wants to build a show around Luke Elliott, the altar leaver. His answer is heck no and Jordan in determined to make him change his mind. As she gets more involved in the story of his life and why he left the three women, city mouse Jordan finds herself falling for country mouse Luke. However, there is the whole tv show, greedy unfeeling network thing waiting to crush the life out of their budding romance.
I loved the whole city vs small town conflict between the two lovers and how Jordan's own small town roots are both pushing and pulling her towards Luke. When the stories behind Luke's unsuccessful forays into matrimony are revealed, he looks better and better in Jordan's eyes. But she would never want to live in a small town and Luke isn't an NYC kind of guy.
This is the start of a new series from Lauren Layne. I have loved every one of her past few series and based on this book, the new one is going to be a winner too!

I really enjoyed Ready to Run! It was exactly the sweet, lighthearted book I needed right now.

Jordan and Luke were both really likable main characters. I enjoyed getting to know each of them and how their relationship progressed throughout the book. It was a little bit of hate-to-love, which I always think is fun. They had several funny and sweet moments between them and I shipped it. I also really liked Jordan’s co-worker/BFF, Simon, and all the townspeople of Lucky Hollow. I’m originally from a small town myself, so I always enjoy reading about them.

I loved the concept of the Bachelor-esque reality show. I’m not really a fan of that type of show myself, but I do like other kinds of reality tv and I love behind-the-scenes type stories. I was slightly disappointed that this book didn’t really have much in terms of behind-the-scenes, though. It was more early pre-production. It didn’t take me long to get over the disappointment, though, once I got into the book and invested in Jordan and Luke.

Maybe it’s because I’ve recently read a couple of mammoth-sized books, but I kind of felt like this one was too short. I thought that there was more that could have been explored – more quirky townsfolk, more funny/cute moments between Jordan and Luke before the romance progressed, more information about the show, more information on Luke’s jilted brides,  more time spent on the heavier emotional topics (but not too much! I appreciated the lighthearted feel). I just enjoyed the story so much I wanted to spend more time with it. The only other thing I didn’t really like were the sex scenes. There’s only so much graphic detail I can take and still be able to take a book seriously and Layne’s writing usually comes close to that line. I thought it was funny that in the “About the Author” section it says that “she writes romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush.” Just think of me as your more conservative mother.

Overall, I really enjoyed Ready to Run. I loved the concept and the characters and never wanted the story to end. I’m very anxiously looking forward to the next book in the series.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars

This book was not at all what I expected in the best possible way. I should have known that Lauren Layne never disappoints when it comes to stories. This was such a fun, sweet, sexy book that I want to start it over again. I loved Luke and Jordan and all of Lucky Hollow. You will not be disappointed with this one.

Fantastic! Another winner by Lauren Layne! Loved this sizzling romance between Luke Elliott and Jordan Carpenter. This was so full of lol moments and sizzling chemistry I could not put this down. The animosity between these two brings the sizzling heat and soon it will have your reader melting.
As Jordan lands in Lucky Hollow from New York City, to talk Luke into being the next nationwide star, by being the newest bachelor on a new reality show, Jilted, she starts to get home sick for the small town she left behind twelve years ago. That just means she just needs to get her bachelor to sign on the dotted line and head back to the city. As fast as she can. But when no one can get Luke to talk with her or even give her any of the details that led up to Luke walking away, Jordan ends up renting a house.
But with the extraordinary, sizzling attraction that they felt when they first met these two soon have everyone trying to hook them up. But will these two give their attraction a chance or will Jordan leave and return to the city before her heart is captured by the handsome Luke? You will have to read to find out. Highly Recommended! Loved every minute!
Received an arc through Tasty Book Tours via NetGalley and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and the writing style. I loved the banter between the characters it gave the story more of a humorous side. I did have a problem connecting with the characters and I think that was why I struggled with this book. I so wanted to love this story but parts just fell flat for me and didn't hold my interest. I did finish the story and overall it was a good book just not for me. I would be interested to read more from this author, one of her other books may just turn out to be one of my favorites. That is what I love about reading just because one person may not love a book doesn't mean someone else won't treasure it as their favorite.

When Lauren Layne announced this book, I could hardly contain my excitement - I desperately wanted Ready to Run as soon as I read the blurb. So when it hit my Kindle - I think I might have let out a little squeal. I was overwhelmed with glee and pure happiness to have my hands on Jordan and Luke's romance.

But how I felt at the beginning is nothing compared to how I felt at this end of this love story. I was absolutely blown away. I thought this book was clever and filled with fun hijinks as well as a swoon worthy romance - I was completely smitten with this couple and their book exceeded all of my expectations.

Here's the deal. Jordan has begrudgingly gone to the middle of nowhere to sign a new contestant for her bachelor type reality show. She's chosen the perfect man to charm and steal the hearts of her tv viewers. She just needs to convince him of it.

Except for Luke wants nothing to do with the show. In fact, he thinks the whole thing is quite ridiculous - he doesn't need or want to enter a contest to find another bride. Beyond that, he hates the idea of having his potential relationship broadcast to the whole world. Having the residents of his town in his love life has been bad enough.

However, the biggest roadblock is that the only person's attention he actually wants to gain is Jordan's.

And as a reader, you get it. The chemistry and passion shared between these two characters is fantastic. I was completely consumed by their budding relationship as well as empathic to the hurdles they needed to overcome to find happiness together. I couldn't put their story down.

Ready to Run is a top recommendation from me. The characters are well developed and likable. Their love story is sexy and enticing. It's just a fabulous book overall. So I cannot suggest meeting Luke and Jordan enough - I promise, you'll love them as much as I do!

Much like Lauren's other books, Ready to Run it's packed full of love, simple drama, passion, and an amazing story with will have feeling everything from laughter to a little tugging on the heart strings. Ready to Run is book one in the I do, I don't series, and I can't wait to read the rest! If they are even half as good, then the series will be phenomenal.

Ready to Run tells the story of Jordan , a woman on a mission to get what she wants, even if that means putting up a fight. Elle wants Luke, but to bad for herself because that doesn't mean she is going to get him. Luke has tried his hand at marriage three times and he's not looking to make his next relationship a part of national TV.

Ready to Run is simply amazing, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series now.

Sweet and fun. Although I could guess the ending from a mile away, I loved the getting there. Jordan and Luke were great to read.

4.5 Stars

When Jordan Carpenter arrives in small town Montana to recruit one hard to get ahold of contestant for her upcoming reality show, she isn't ready for just how right small town living feels. But, with larger things on her plate, namely Luke Elliott and his refusal to work with her, she decides it's time to dig in her heels and stay for awhile...  

Luke Elliott may be labeled a runaway groom, but the local firefighter leads a quiet existence and wants nothing to do with a reality show that is guaranteed to dredge up his tangled past. He wants even less to do with the big city woman who is way too comfortable in his hometown and with all of his friends... except for this pesky little attraction he may have for her... 

This book was a fantastic start to a brand new series! Jordan is doing her job to recruit a star for the new reality show she is involved in... but I love that she isn't just portrayed as some cutthroat business woman. She really connects to the people of Lucky Hollow, and isn't about walking all over them for the sake of her career. Luke has definitely left three women at the alter, but there is so much more to him than meets the eye, I just totally fell for him when we finally got more of the depth of his story.

I loved the plot, and the amazing cast of supporting characters. This storyline moved quickly, it was fun, different and showed us that Jordan and Luke were so much more than meets the eye. I seriously don't think this author has EVER disappointed me with one of her books, and Ready To Run is a must read, and I can not wait to see what the rest of the I Do, I Don't series has in store for us!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

It pains me,to write this review, because I have loved both the Oxford and Stiletto series by this author. But I didn't enjoy this one at all, in fact I disliked it. I liked Luke, and I guess the premise sounds cute, but I hated Jordan, and didn't feel much different about the rest of his "friends". I think both bride 1 and 2 were incredibly selfish to let the town believe what they did. And that all of his so called friends would push Jordan at him was rediculous. A woman shows up, stalks him, digs into his past and everyone thinks it's ok? Honestly, if a guy did this to a woman we'd all be up in arms, regardless of whether it was his job or not. And Jordan, where do I start? He says no. Repeatedly. But she doesn't see how cozying up to his friends to get the story is incredibly intrusive and unwanted? Maybe it makes her good at her job, but it doesn't make her a good person, which she and everyone else seem to believe. Argh! I'm getting aggravated just writing this! So sadly this was not a winner for me.

Layne writes another witty, fun, fast-paced romance, but this time we're taken out of NYC and into the wilds of Montana. Her ability to write city and rural romances equally well is, for me, what puts her in the top tier of contemporary romance.

Despite that, Jordan is my least favorite of all LL heroines. I felt she was pushy when she didn't need to be, and almost rude at times. I get that her boss wanted Luke to sign the papers, thus agreeing to be on their reality show, but I didn't feel the pressure, as though everything Jordan had ever worked for led her to this moment and by God she couldn't fail. (I wanted to feel that.) What I did love is the open and welcome feeling that Luke's exes gave when they came into the story. No backstabbing, snooty, terrible portrayals of cliquish women here!

Luke was great. He's a walking fantasy: a humble, bit quiet, strong firefighter. He takes care of all the things he can and lets go of the rest. He does make some stupid remarks about some things, such as:

"Want to talk about it?"
"Yeah, absolutely. But first, do you think you could put on some Celine Dion? Someone that can best express what I'm feeling in a nice ballad?"

I suppose that was his flaw. He was belittling at points, and sometimes outright mean to Jordan when she got too in-his-face. But I felt that was in keeping with reality; when pushed, if a guy was polite all the time, I'd think he was too perfect and be unimpressed. A guy's got to have some backbone, know what I mean?

I liked the small town feel, I enjoyed the secondary characters a lot, and can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes.

reviewed by Nancy