Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
Summary
When a hot-mic snafu slams the brakes on Brynn Cornell’s morning show co-host career, she begrudgingly embarks on an apology tour with only one stop-- the small Colorado town she grew up in. The same one she unknowingly lambasted on air, causing her hometown acquaintances and small towns everywhere to take offense and turn a cold shoulder on Brynn’s apology attempts.
Sebastian Sudworth is an ex-journalist with big time reporting credits attached to his name. A name he’d like to keep quiet since he left the fast-paced life of international journalism. He’s found a home in Adelaide Springs, Colorado and he’ll do anything to protect it and the people he’s come to love.
Brynn & Seb's opposing personalities collide when he’s tasked with guiding her and her camera operator around town. They both have to confront their pasts, their futures, and what it means to live authentically.
Sebastian Sudworth is an ex-journalist with big time reporting credits attached to his name. A name he’d like to keep quiet since he left the fast-paced life of international journalism. He’s found a home in Adelaide Springs, Colorado and he’ll do anything to protect it and the people he’s come to love.
Brynn & Seb's opposing personalities collide when he’s tasked with guiding her and her camera operator around town. They both have to confront their pasts, their futures, and what it means to live authentically.
What We Like
• The FMC - Brynn Cornell - Brynn is a wonderful representation of what it’s like to work in the corporate world as a femme-presenting person. The expectations of sunny personalities and unassuming ambitions juxtaposed with the grit of dogged determination and hard work required to propel a career in a competitive industry are highlighted in Brynn’s experiences with the production studio and her male co-host. She’s relatable, funny, and dynamic. It’s refreshing to see the underbelly of what could be considered a two-faced personality explored through Brynn & Seb’s conversations (and arguments!).
• The MMC - Sebastion (Seb) Sudworth - Seb’s character follows the classic grumpy/secretive past trope, but it’s a classic for a reason! It’s done well, and his empathy and compassion for those around him makes him all the more endearing as those layers get pulled back. It’s easy to root for him and hope they can bring out the best in each other!
• The Banter - The ping ponging of quips, sarcasm, and flirting between Seb & Brynn is goofy-grin-while-you-read good. The writing is smart and there aren’t any moments of frustration where the reader has to question why the characters are so oblivious understanding each others’ communication. You get why they are guarded and why they second guess themselves, so when they finally start opening up it feels like a well-deserved win!
• The Side Characters - They are quirky and fun, you believe the history they have with Brynn, and they have satisfying B character story arcs.
• The Ending - Turner’s ending to the story was a thoughtful wrap-up that was satisfying in that she allowed both characters to grow and retain their identities. It deviates from the typical picket-fence direction so common to the genre. And we love to see it!
• The MMC - Sebastion (Seb) Sudworth - Seb’s character follows the classic grumpy/secretive past trope, but it’s a classic for a reason! It’s done well, and his empathy and compassion for those around him makes him all the more endearing as those layers get pulled back. It’s easy to root for him and hope they can bring out the best in each other!
• The Banter - The ping ponging of quips, sarcasm, and flirting between Seb & Brynn is goofy-grin-while-you-read good. The writing is smart and there aren’t any moments of frustration where the reader has to question why the characters are so oblivious understanding each others’ communication. You get why they are guarded and why they second guess themselves, so when they finally start opening up it feels like a well-deserved win!
• The Side Characters - They are quirky and fun, you believe the history they have with Brynn, and they have satisfying B character story arcs.
• The Ending - Turner’s ending to the story was a thoughtful wrap-up that was satisfying in that she allowed both characters to grow and retain their identities. It deviates from the typical picket-fence direction so common to the genre. And we love to see it!
Real Talk
- Romance Tropes Included -
• Enemies to lovers
• Lovers in denial
• Emotional scars
• Parental rejection
• Sunny/grumpy
• Want different things (career)
• Different worlds (big city/small town)
• Fish out of water
- The Spice - This is a great slow burn story with a sweet, happy ending, but the spice is paprika-low. There’s kissing and that’s it. We still think it’s worth the read and a really well-done romance, but if you’re looking for the bow-chicka-wow-wow, we’ve got other recs for you because you won’t find it here.
• Enemies to lovers
• Lovers in denial
• Emotional scars
• Parental rejection
• Sunny/grumpy
• Want different things (career)
• Different worlds (big city/small town)
• Fish out of water
- The Spice - This is a great slow burn story with a sweet, happy ending, but the spice is paprika-low. There’s kissing and that’s it. We still think it’s worth the read and a really well-done romance, but if you’re looking for the bow-chicka-wow-wow, we’ve got other recs for you because you won’t find it here.
Book Dragon Rating
Turner gives a sweet and compelling story that is easy to get lost in. The spice is low at 1/5, but the enjoyment is high so it rates a 5/5 on the Book Dragon Scale.
Find Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other Here
Find Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other Here
Two tv news broadcaster one trying to renew her connection with her hometown the other escaping to the same town.
I had a very hard time getting through this book. While I only got to 57% and then DNF'd, I have little faith that the storyline would suddenly become great.
First of all, there were way too many pop culture references plugged as an attempt to create atmosphere. Unfortunately, there is a very niche market that would hit all these references and actually gain clarity of the plot from it. If I have no idea who a certain band is or reference to historical figure, the entire thought is mute. On that note, there are a significant amount of background information or references that seem like filler. They add nothing to the plot or character development.
Second, it was frustrating to switch POVs from first to third person. There was really no need for it and could have been written in either all first or all third.
Third, I disliked both the main characters. A lot. At more than halfway through the book, as a reader, I need to connect and relate to someone. These characters fell flat and there was not a chance in my mind that it made sense to turn this story into one where they fall in love.
Finally, there were way too many characters that were mentioned in the first few chapters that didn't appear again in the story. It was name overload.
Two stars because it was grammatically correct and had a clear plot structure.
First of all, there were way too many pop culture references plugged as an attempt to create atmosphere. Unfortunately, there is a very niche market that would hit all these references and actually gain clarity of the plot from it. If I have no idea who a certain band is or reference to historical figure, the entire thought is mute. On that note, there are a significant amount of background information or references that seem like filler. They add nothing to the plot or character development.
Second, it was frustrating to switch POVs from first to third person. There was really no need for it and could have been written in either all first or all third.
Third, I disliked both the main characters. A lot. At more than halfway through the book, as a reader, I need to connect and relate to someone. These characters fell flat and there was not a chance in my mind that it made sense to turn this story into one where they fall in love.
Finally, there were way too many characters that were mentioned in the first few chapters that didn't appear again in the story. It was name overload.
Two stars because it was grammatically correct and had a clear plot structure.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of the audiobook for review.
From the start, it was hard to have empathy for Brynn. As the book starts with her being rude on national television, it is a hard climb to redeem her character in the rest of the book. A big issue throughout the narrative is that Brynn can't seem to decide which character she is. Big city girl that doesn't care about her hometown? Small-town girl who has been repressed to chase bigger dreams? And Sebastian... It's hard to understand him as well. The change in narrative perspective in his POV chapters is hard to connect with and makes him seem less likable. Finally, the thing that broke it for me was that their feelings for each other seemed to develop overnight. One moment, they are insulting each other on the plane, and the next, they are cuddling on his couch with him opening his soul to her. It wasn't very convincing, and it didn't give me enough time to get used to them being antagonistic to each other. Also, I think Brynn becomes too much of a pick-me girl when she's trying to get Sebastian to notice her. Overall, I just wish this book chose one thing: Brynn's development and connection to her long-lost hometown or her romance with this new "antagonist" Sebastian. It seemed that there was too much being done at once.
From the start, it was hard to have empathy for Brynn. As the book starts with her being rude on national television, it is a hard climb to redeem her character in the rest of the book. A big issue throughout the narrative is that Brynn can't seem to decide which character she is. Big city girl that doesn't care about her hometown? Small-town girl who has been repressed to chase bigger dreams? And Sebastian... It's hard to understand him as well. The change in narrative perspective in his POV chapters is hard to connect with and makes him seem less likable. Finally, the thing that broke it for me was that their feelings for each other seemed to develop overnight. One moment, they are insulting each other on the plane, and the next, they are cuddling on his couch with him opening his soul to her. It wasn't very convincing, and it didn't give me enough time to get used to them being antagonistic to each other. Also, I think Brynn becomes too much of a pick-me girl when she's trying to get Sebastian to notice her. Overall, I just wish this book chose one thing: Brynn's development and connection to her long-lost hometown or her romance with this new "antagonist" Sebastian. It seemed that there was too much being done at once.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5⭐️s
**Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Audio for access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I received it after the pub date.**
Brynn is a popular tv morning show host, who experiences a fall from grace when her off-hand/rude comments are accidentally caught on air. The only way to “fix” her mistake is to return to her hometown and make nice with her old friends & neighbours. She quickly meets Sebastian, an unfamiliar local, who “hates” her for disrespecting the town and the people who welcomed him into their community.
-definite Hallmark-y vibes; the big-city woman has to go back to her hometown and learn how to be a good person again
-I thought it had a great opening, setting up her hosting job & the promised “fall”. I was looking forward to seeing how Brynn would redeem herself/have character growth, since she starts off pretty annoying/cringe with her stubbornness/lack of self-awareness.
-I’ve seen other reviewers call it grumpy x sunshine, which I’m not sure is that accurate. Brynn is fake sunshine (playing into stereotypes for ratings and her career) and Sebastian has fake grumpy moments (not so much grumpy, as rightly annoyed at a perceived slight)
-clean romance version of forced proximity (Sebastian is babysitting/chauffeuring Brynn around town, so they have to keep talking to each other) and enemies to lovers
Overall, it was a cute story with several fun pop culture references. The narrator did a good job, switching between Brynn & Sebastian’s voices.
**Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Audio for access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I received it after the pub date.**
Brynn is a popular tv morning show host, who experiences a fall from grace when her off-hand/rude comments are accidentally caught on air. The only way to “fix” her mistake is to return to her hometown and make nice with her old friends & neighbours. She quickly meets Sebastian, an unfamiliar local, who “hates” her for disrespecting the town and the people who welcomed him into their community.
-definite Hallmark-y vibes; the big-city woman has to go back to her hometown and learn how to be a good person again
-I thought it had a great opening, setting up her hosting job & the promised “fall”. I was looking forward to seeing how Brynn would redeem herself/have character growth, since she starts off pretty annoying/cringe with her stubbornness/lack of self-awareness.
-I’ve seen other reviewers call it grumpy x sunshine, which I’m not sure is that accurate. Brynn is fake sunshine (playing into stereotypes for ratings and her career) and Sebastian has fake grumpy moments (not so much grumpy, as rightly annoyed at a perceived slight)
-clean romance version of forced proximity (Sebastian is babysitting/chauffeuring Brynn around town, so they have to keep talking to each other) and enemies to lovers
Overall, it was a cute story with several fun pop culture references. The narrator did a good job, switching between Brynn & Sebastian’s voices.
This was a cute winter romance . It didn't have much spice
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
4-4.25? I enjoyed this wish it would have been a little bit longer for a little more of them and story
DNF.
Maybe I'll try this one again at some point? But with the winter blues, I need something a little happier.
The first few chapters are just about an awful thing happening to the main character and she's groveling basically... it's very hard to read without cringing.
Maybe I'll try this one again at some point? But with the winter blues, I need something a little happier.
The first few chapters are just about an awful thing happening to the main character and she's groveling basically... it's very hard to read without cringing.