I Don't), Ready to Run (I Do

When I first started this book, I really sure how I felt about the hero. Luke had supposedly left 3 women at the altar, he was gruff and rude, but the town around him all considered him a good guy. So who was the real Luke?
Jordan (our female lead) was definitely easier to connect too and I enjoyed how she went about getting to know Luke and the people of Lucky Hollow.
The story surrounding Jordan and Luke was cute and a unique premise, but to be honest the stellar secondary cast is what made this book work.
I appreciated how we saw Luke pushed from the funk he'd grown comfortable in and Jordan was reminded that there were good times to in her own small town to remember, not just bad memories. They really were exactly what the other needed.
Fans of Ms Layne will not be disappointed with this latest effort!

A nice and entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of chemistry and sparks from the very start. The small-town, country setting is a nice change from the usual city setting of the other novels by this author. I'm a fan of small-town romance and I was immediately pulled into the community, as soon as Jordan reached Lucky Hollow.

I enjoyed this book and thought the plot was well thought-out. The characters were complex enough but at the same time they were relatable.
Although at times the heroine was a little stuck up, and I didn't like the way she looked down on everyone because they were small-town folks, as soon as she became part of the community she was way more likable.
Luke is the epitome of the drool-worthy book boyfriend you can’t help falling for. He's a real hero and even though the fact that he jilted three brides made me frown at first, it was clear that there were deeper reasons behind his actions. Which made me want to keep turning page after page to find out what the secret was.

The chemistry between the two is explosive - although the line between hate and attraction is thin and ends up blurring pretty soon.
I enjoyed getting to know the side characters and I would love for the next books to be set in the same town and community, but from what I understand, the next books in the series will be about the show so I'm afraid there won't be a chance to meet these characters again.

This is an ideal weekend read for fans of small-town romance featuring a serve-and-protect hero, and enemies-to-lovers trope with characters who can't stop butting heads even though they're unable to resist the attraction.

*** I received a NetGalley copy. I was not compensated for my review ***

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!

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*

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, given by Netgalley.
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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!

"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."

Cute, sweet small town romance with a city girl, a firefighter hero and lots of nosy neighbors. Given how much interference and meddling Luke's neighbors and exes add to Luke and Jordan's rocky relationship, this was a blend of Runaway Bride and Sweet Home Alabama, but with a touch more angst.

Jordan and Luke were a great match - how can you go wrong with a firefighter who has a golden retriever and a cat? I'm a big fan of Lauren Layne, but this one was not my favorite. I'm not a fan of romances set in the world of reality tv shows (poor Luke just really wanted to be left alone). Also, unlike the usual cosmopolitan flair of the author's NYC-based romances, I tired of the endless small town antics, not to mention the long drawn out mystery of Luke's three abandoned brides-to-be

Jordan Carpenter is a successful woman living in New York City, who is trying to get a new show about runaway grooms, up and running. She believes she found the perfect person for the new show, Jilted, and when he doesn't respond to any of her emails, she decides to hunt him down in person, so off to Montana she goes. She finds herself enjoying all the friendly people in Lucky Hollow, with the exception of Luke, the man she's after. He has no desire to come on the show, as he's all locked down tighter than the Pentagon about his past, so he's trying to get her to leave using rudeness. But as she sticks around, she starts to learn that there's more to the runaway groom than what she thought. Ready to Run was a super fun, fast paced story that I devoured in less than 2 hours. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of small towns, but seriously, I would love to live in Lucky Hollow, especially with that colorful cast of secondaries that kept me laughing hard. And that fire department, I mean who doesn't love yummy fireman? Jordan and Luke were great together, as all of their banter shot sparks flying everywhere. I'm a newer fan of Lauren Layne, and I have to say that her talented writing style, and original stories have me all kinds of addicted. Not to mention that she shocked me with that last twist that I never saw coming, which made for the f-bomb dropping parade to perform. I cannot wait to read more by her, so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Yet another wonderful Rom-Com by Lauren Layne. Jordan Carpenter is an up and coming T.V. producer and the one thing she needs to make or break her career is finding the new Bachelor. Well not "The Bachelor" but along the same lines except that the potential groom for the show need to be runaway grooms. Men who have left their fiancees at the altar and Jordan has found the perfect one. So far Luke Elliot has left three women at the altar, yet he still seems to be the town's darling boy, a well liked and still very sought after Fireman. To Jordan and her boss he is the perfect choice only one problem he doesn't want to do it. Jordan goes to his small town in Montana and says she won't leave until he agrees. Only now that she's there she realizes that he's not just perfect for the show but for her too, because Luke isn't what he seems he's better.

This was such a fun read, I'm not big on reality tv shows and I was worried how this one was going to play out but it's quite a read. Lauren Layne does so well with the small town romance it surprised me because I'm so use to her big city love. Jordan and Luke have this great chemistry that confuses them at first so they start out not friendly but the more Jordan digs into Luke's past the more she likes him and the more that Luke sees of Jordan and since everyone in town is pushing them together it's not hard for them to finally give in. The story is funny and enchanting and I can't wait for more.

This story seems to be about the next great reality show Jordan Carpenter’s job is to scope out candidates. Luke Elliott is a man who tells it like it is. They both show the charm of small time living. Simon is a funny character and I want to be his friend. Found myself looking forward to the scenes where he’s included.

We have a woman who brings new meaning to persistence. We have a man that just wants to be left alone. It’s interesting to watch Jordan trying to get Luke to come over to the dark side. We usually see these things in reverse but isn’t this how The Bachelor shows are like? I think that if you’re a fan of that show than you will like this story. I may be the only one on the planet but I just find that and The Bachelorette are stupid. Yes, they’ve had a couple of success stories but do you want to see what you hope to be your man kissing all those women in front of you?

I did like the sexual tension that you could almost feel. Also liked the banter back and forth between those two. You can’t help but like a woman who’s very persistent. And don’t forget about Luke and how almost from the beginning, he gives her a nickname. My problem became that I always kept going back to Simon. He kept things light and you couldn’t help yourself but laugh. I’m a sucker though – always love that happy ending.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Everything about this book was great - the author really managed to draw the reader's attention in from the very beginning of the book. There were so many good things about this book that I don't know if I could come up with some negatives to even mention.

I'll be honest, when we first met Jordan and Luke I wasn't sure they were going to be characters that I would like. I should've known that they both would be more than what meets the eye. Jordan first comes across as this cutthroat New Yorker who will do anything to get what she wants, and Luke seems at first glance to have some low qualities - I mean, how do you leave 3 brides at the altar? However, the deeper we get into this book, the more we realize that these two have depth to their character and you can't help but love them - as individuals and together.

The author made me laugh and she made me cry; this book has romance and action and funny comedic moments that round the book out perfectly. This book wasn't too long, and the story gets the reader engrossed that the entire thing flies by - suddenly you're at the end and wishing it wasn't the end of the book. This is the first book in a new series that the author is working on, and let me just say how excited I am for the next one.

***4.5 Stars - I received an Advance Reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

How does Lauren Layne do it? She consistently creates characters I love, witty banter, swoony heroes, steamy connections, and happily ever afters that keep me coming back again and again. Ready to Run is no exception.

Jordan has landed in Lucky Hollow, Montana to convince the local hot firefighter to star in a new reality dating show. Too bad for her, Luke Elliott wants no part of it and does his best to send her packing. Jordan's not one to take no for an answer and proceeds to make friends and charm everyone in the small town all while continuing to try and get past Luke's defenses. She thinks he's stubborn, he thinks she's pushy - but neither one can deny the sparks that fly every time they're together.

I was completely charmed by every character in Ready to Run. Not just Jordan and Luke but every side character as well. How often does that happen? From Jordan's best friend Simon (can he be my best friend, too?), to the ladies (including Luke's exes) that befriend Jordan, to Luke's firefighter buddies... I loved them all. I'm not typically a fan of small town settings but I found myself wanting to take up residence in Lucky Hollow and call these people my friends.

Admittedly, the plot may be a little formulaic, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment one bit. Cute, funny, sweet and sexy, and low on angst, Ready to Run totally hits the mark.

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.

I absolutely adored this book! It’s my second book by Lauren Layne and she is now on my must read list. Walk of Shame had me laughing out loud and Ready to Run made me both laugh and cry. Any author who can bring out that range of emotions in me is a real winner to me.I adored Luke and initially it is hard to believe he would jilt 3 women and once we learn the reasons I really felt bad for him. He is a total hottie and a sweetheart on top of it. Jordan is a spitfire and I loved seeing her push Luke. The story line is great and like I mention will tug out of you all sorts of emotions. Watching the sparks fly between Luke and Jordan was mesmerizing and the cast of supporting characters was excellent. I loved Jordan’s best friend, Simon, and adored every scene that he was in.
I cannot wait until the next book comes out and highly recommend this book if you love a good romance that can both make you laugh and cry as well as fall in love with the entire cast of characters.

Jordan arrives in Montana hoping to talk to Luke into doing a Runaway groom reality show. Jordan’s welcomed by the entire town except Luke. Jordan tries talking to his former brides but they want Luke to explain when he’s ready. After Luke refuses to be part of the shw Jordan just cannot force herself to leave the small town because it brings back special memories for her. While Luke and Jordan get closer in some ways Jordan’s job comes between them. You’ll need to read this book to find out what happens to Luke and Jordan. Lauren Layne has another hit series on her hands. I can’t wait to read book two about the Runaway groom reality show.

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

Another fantastic Lauren Layne book filled with her typical humor and snarky banter that will have you laughing out loud. This kicks off a new series and what a way to begin. Reality TV producers have come up with a new show concept and Luke Elliott would make the perfect contestant. It's Jordan Carpenter's job to go to small town Montana and convince the rugged firefighter to do the show. Ha, good luck with that!

I loved the small town romance feel of this one with all the great townspeople and the way the pulled Jordan in. I can't wait to read the next one in this series. I highly recommend this one.

READY TO RUN is classic Lauren Layne. If you’re a fan of Runaway Bride, you’ll definitely love this read.

Jordan heads to small town Montana to convince firefighter Luke to star in her new reality tv show: Jilted (“a new dating show about runaway grooms”). Luke has absolutely no interest in participating or sharing his personal laundry with the cameras. The minute these two meet, sparks of their own fly and a flirty and fun romance ensues.

I’m personally not a big fan of reality television shows like “The Bachelor” (particularly after working behind the scenes on one)—so I appreciated Layne’s pointed writing about the falseness of the entire industry.

Well written, great characters, and tons of fun!

Note: I received a FREE ARC (advanced reader copy) from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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*

Jordan Carpenter, a TV producer, for the brand-new show, Jilted is looking for the perfect hot jerk to be featured on her show. Luke Elliott, is a hot, small town firefighter, who has left three women at the alter. When Luke shows no interest in being on Jilted or even speaking to Jordan....so Jordan ends up on a flight to Montana to convince Luke otherwise. Sparks fly in this enemies to lovers story where Jordan quickly learns that everything might not be as it appears, and that Luke might be more than meets the eye.

READY TO RUN is one of Lauren Layne's best books! I read this in one sitting and then quickly read it again... Jordan and Luke's story is something wonderful, heartwarming, funny, and hot to read all in one sitting....I'm completely obsessed. I can't wait for the rest of the I Do, I Don't series.

This book was a fun read! Jordan is interested in hiring Luke for a reality TV show. He has left three brides at the alter and she thinks he's the perfect fit a Bachelor type show. This was my first Lauren Layne book but it wont be my last! A must read!

Great story of a hot firefighter/runaway groom and a television associate producer determined to get him to agree to a reality show. They meet in small town Montana and sparks fly. Will he agree to the show or will her career take a hit?

What a cute story. Loved the cast of characters and the all around fun story. Lauren Layne does GREAT cast. More emotional on the backstory than I’d expected which I liked quite a bit. Really great stuff.

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.

Ms. Layne is getting lazy. The heroine is unappealing, and there is no justification for the instant attraction. The plot devices were cliche and obvious. I liked her earlier works, but the last two have scared me off her future works.

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. She’s never met Luke, but she’s 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.

What a cute story. Loved the cast of characters and the all around fun story. Lauren Layne does GREAT cast. More emotional on the backstory than I’d expected which I liked quite a bit. Really great stuff.

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.

Ms. Layne is getting lazy. The heroine is unappealing, and there is no justification for the instant attraction. The plot devices were cliche and obvious. I liked her earlier works, but the last two have scared me off her future works.