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jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
There was something unappetizing to me at the heart of this Fenske novel about a reality tv producer who convinces her favorite psychologist/self-help writer, Dr. Viv, to star in a new show in which she will counsel real life couples experiencing relationship difficulties. Producer Kate Geary meets attractive bookstore owner Jonah on her vacation at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. They share some kisses, but nothing more, as each has their own lives to get back to. But it turns out that Jonah is Dr. Viv's ex-husband (the relationship guru is divorced? Shouldn't that give a tv producer pause?) Kate's boss back at the network wants Viv's ex, whom Viv referred to as "Average Joe" in her relationship books, to be on the show, and offers Jonah big money to participate. Since Jonah feels guilty over an accident that led to his sister losing a leg, and wants to use the money to help her get a more advanced, not-covered-by-insurance prosthetic, he reluctantly agrees.
But he and Kate still have sparks. So Kate has to try to manage her relationship with Jonah, while not revealing anything about her feelings for him to Viv. Lots of lying ensues.
Two things really got in the way of my liking this more. Well, three things:
First, it's not as funny as other books I've read by this author.
Second, I had a hard time with the characterization of Viv. On the one hand, she's this heroic figure for Kate, because she escaped an abusive relationship and found love with a new guy. But on the other, she's characterized as an unlikable control-freak, deserving of having her marriage with Jonah fall apart. I was glad that Fenske didn't make Viv a flatly evil character, but I had a hard time reconciling Kate's hero worship of her with her obvious feet of clay—not that such an ambiguous character couldn't exist, but rather, my liking for KATE was lessened because of her admiration for Viv.
Finally, I had a hard time with the lies and compromises Kate has to tell and make in order to produce this reality tv show. There's a big secret that she can't tell Jonah, which of course when he finds out about he's pretty pissed she kept from him. The story justifies her keeping this a secret, but then holds Kate up as a hero for later revealing a second secret. This last bit seemed too little too late to me; I'd already lost a lot of respect for Kate for her earlier non-reveal.
But he and Kate still have sparks. So Kate has to try to manage her relationship with Jonah, while not revealing anything about her feelings for him to Viv. Lots of lying ensues.
Two things really got in the way of my liking this more. Well, three things:
First, it's not as funny as other books I've read by this author.
Second, I had a hard time with the characterization of Viv. On the one hand, she's this heroic figure for Kate, because she escaped an abusive relationship and found love with a new guy. But on the other, she's characterized as an unlikable control-freak, deserving of having her marriage with Jonah fall apart. I was glad that Fenske didn't make Viv a flatly evil character, but I had a hard time reconciling Kate's hero worship of her with her obvious feet of clay—not that such an ambiguous character couldn't exist, but rather, my liking for KATE was lessened because of her admiration for Viv.
Finally, I had a hard time with the lies and compromises Kate has to tell and make in order to produce this reality tv show. There's a big secret that she can't tell Jonah, which of course when he finds out about he's pretty pissed she kept from him. The story justifies her keeping this a secret, but then holds Kate up as a hero for later revealing a second secret. This last bit seemed too little too late to me; I'd already lost a lot of respect for Kate for her earlier non-reveal.
ameserole's review
5.0
Sometimes Kindle Unlimited gives you a really good book recommendation--this is that time.
Now this is the first book I've read by Tawna Fenske and I'm in love.
Before I go into spoilers and such I just want to state that I loved the characters and I definitely loved their freaking story. LOVED!
Kate is sometimes annoying because she gets in her head a lot and you'd think she'd learn to avoid that. Whereas Jonah was the complete opposite. He was carefree, selfless, and (hot damn!) he is so freaking adorable. I loved this relationship with his sister!! Also, he's basically the best book boyfriend ever.
Can I get a Jonah please?
Now I don't know how I would feel crushing on a guy who is working with his ex-wife but then again this book isn't about me. I loved every second about At the Heart of It. I couldn't put it down at all! Their story takes you on a journey where you will run into romance and comedy. The characters and the book were both written to perfection.
Again, I really truly liked this book. It was amazing! I can't wait to read the next book I have of hers, This Time Around.
Now this is the first book I've read by Tawna Fenske and I'm in love.
Before I go into spoilers and such I just want to state that I loved the characters and I definitely loved their freaking story. LOVED!
Spoiler
At the Heart of It is about Kate and Jonah. I really liked how these two characters met too. Kate and Jonah meet while in Oregon, where they are on a weekend getaway. Everything happening there is completely perfect. Until the day she goes to Seattle to settle her job with Dr. Vivienne Brandt and meets her ex-husband, Jonah.Kate is sometimes annoying because she gets in her head a lot and you'd think she'd learn to avoid that. Whereas Jonah was the complete opposite. He was carefree, selfless, and (hot damn!) he is so freaking adorable. I loved this relationship with his sister!! Also, he's basically the best book boyfriend ever.
Can I get a Jonah please?
Now I don't know how I would feel crushing on a guy who is working with his ex-wife but then again this book isn't about me. I loved every second about At the Heart of It. I couldn't put it down at all! Their story takes you on a journey where you will run into romance and comedy. The characters and the book were both written to perfection.
Again, I really truly liked this book. It was amazing! I can't wait to read the next book I have of hers, This Time Around.
rosie_p_burke's review against another edition
5.0
Have you ever what happens after your favorite author finishes their book? After you finish reading their pearls of wisdom and self-help.
Kate is leaving her past in the past. Her last relationship was a dud, but through it she found her mentor and idol: Dr. Viv Brandt: Self-help guru and therapist extraordinaire. While on vacation and living out the ideals from her 3 favorite Brandt books, Kate finds herself pretend married to Jonah.
Back to reality, Kate and Dr. Brandt are putting together a reality TV show based on her books. The higher-ups want to bring Dr. Brandt's husband Joe on as the less polished side. During the meeting of Kate and Dr. Viv in walks Joe--also known as Jonah!! Turns out the marriage of the books is also kaput! Can the show really go on?
I've read the relationship books of the likes of Elizabeth Gilbert and I remember feeling inspired and full of the "get up and go" needed to find the right one. And then the ice bath of shock when I heard her relationship was over.
Was I wrong to follow her words? Would I get the same result? Are ALL relationships doomed??? Those were my honest-to-goodness thoughts when I heard about EG's ending. So to read a story where the leading lady shared my "story line" was even more impactful than I would have thought.
Tawna Fenske is known for fun and quirky characters. Characters who share smoking hot experiences and find what they're made of while also finding out what's out there for them. At The Heart Of It takes these ideas and makes the risks more extreme. But that's what every good relationship should be: taking what's available to you and making the risks worth even more.
Kate is a producer, a "sideline" character in the reality TV business. Jonah is the lovable side bar in his ex-wife's books. They're not the leads in their own lives. But together they inspire you to realize that stepping to the side, watching others take risks, aiding someone else to make something of themselves... none of it will make you a better person. None of it will be the stuff of your dreams.
It's another win from Tawna from me! I loved her use of dual personalities of the story, showing both sides. The language is authentic and the plot is fun. All of it together makes for a truly enjoyable read!
Kate is leaving her past in the past. Her last relationship was a dud, but through it she found her mentor and idol: Dr. Viv Brandt: Self-help guru and therapist extraordinaire. While on vacation and living out the ideals from her 3 favorite Brandt books, Kate finds herself pretend married to Jonah.
Back to reality, Kate and Dr. Brandt are putting together a reality TV show based on her books. The higher-ups want to bring Dr. Brandt's husband Joe on as the less polished side. During the meeting of Kate and Dr. Viv in walks Joe--also known as Jonah!! Turns out the marriage of the books is also kaput! Can the show really go on?
I've read the relationship books of the likes of Elizabeth Gilbert and I remember feeling inspired and full of the "get up and go" needed to find the right one. And then the ice bath of shock when I heard her relationship was over.
Was I wrong to follow her words? Would I get the same result? Are ALL relationships doomed??? Those were my honest-to-goodness thoughts when I heard about EG's ending. So to read a story where the leading lady shared my "story line" was even more impactful than I would have thought.
Tawna Fenske is known for fun and quirky characters. Characters who share smoking hot experiences and find what they're made of while also finding out what's out there for them. At The Heart Of It takes these ideas and makes the risks more extreme. But that's what every good relationship should be: taking what's available to you and making the risks worth even more.
Kate is a producer, a "sideline" character in the reality TV business. Jonah is the lovable side bar in his ex-wife's books. They're not the leads in their own lives. But together they inspire you to realize that stepping to the side, watching others take risks, aiding someone else to make something of themselves... none of it will make you a better person. None of it will be the stuff of your dreams.
It's another win from Tawna from me! I loved her use of dual personalities of the story, showing both sides. The language is authentic and the plot is fun. All of it together makes for a truly enjoyable read!
erinremen's review against another edition
5.0
I adored this light, easy read I finished in one sitting. An adorable couple who struggle not to act on their feelings, thinking under the circumstances it works be wrong. Not that I feel that way! They meet by chance, thoroughly enjoying each other and the closeness they find, yet reality awaits. They live in two different states. Enter another chance encounter and that chemistry just won't let go, even when they know they shouldn't. Adorable pets, hilarious writing, bookstores and craft beer lend a helping hand to create a story I loved and a først encounter with a new author whom I am adding to my must read list! Well done Tawna ❤
rashmi's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lzw's review against another edition
5.0
Laughing out loud literally does not even cover it…..this book….THIS writer….I can’t even! Tawna, omg, Tawna….how do you manage to write such low-key hilarity? Another amazing romantic comedy, that is just SAVAGE in witty banter, comical asides, and life chats with felines;) This book engages you from the start, like a lock on a target! The relationships, dynamics, banter are never forced….it feels so real like you are spying on the apartment across the street, lol! Kate is such an amazing heroine, can I be her bestie? Because she would make an excellent BFF;) Jonah also rolls with the witty banter, and represents as the gorgeous book nerd that we all secretly pine after.
*Kate staring at Jonah’s ass as he walks away*
The cat gave a low growl and Kate looked down to see the animal regarding her with a knowing eyebrow lift. “Sorry,” Kate whispered, “I didn’t mean to look.”
“Owl.”
“Oh, come on. Like you haven’t admired the view?”
“Are you talking to the cat?” Jonah called from the kitchen.
You definitely need to read this if you’re looking for a good time, and a succulent read!
*Kate staring at Jonah’s ass as he walks away*
The cat gave a low growl and Kate looked down to see the animal regarding her with a knowing eyebrow lift. “Sorry,” Kate whispered, “I didn’t mean to look.”
“Owl.”
“Oh, come on. Like you haven’t admired the view?”
“Are you talking to the cat?” Jonah called from the kitchen.
You definitely need to read this if you’re looking for a good time, and a succulent read!
bookishromance's review
3.0
Even though the book had an abrupt start, I kinda liked the meet cute. The first few chapters were so exciting. I loved all of kates and Jonah’s interactions. They were so cute and heartwarming. Though the story kinda started faltering midway - way too much of the story centered around Jonah ex viv. To the point where it kinda got irritating.
Overall the story worked though. Both the characters were well put together and the writing was really amazing. I’ll definitely read more from this author.
Overall the story worked though. Both the characters were well put together and the writing was really amazing. I’ll definitely read more from this author.
jenn703's review against another edition
4.5 stars...
This book is a complete standalone, written in third person. I loved the characters and the storyline. Kate and Jonah are so quirky and absolutely lovable right from their awkward introduction to one another. There was also a nice little twist that makes it that much more intriguing. The story was heart-warming but still had plenty to make you laugh..
* Early copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a complete standalone, written in third person. I loved the characters and the storyline. Kate and Jonah are so quirky and absolutely lovable right from their awkward introduction to one another. There was also a nice little twist that makes it that much more intriguing. The story was heart-warming but still had plenty to make you laugh..
* Early copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
mcipher's review against another edition
4.0
Super cute - I loved the cat! The reality TV part was really fun and I liked the easy, sweet romance. It was short, too, which is lovely in a romance novel - sometimes they drag and this one just flew by.