The Plot (from Goodreads)
Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it’s up to the viewers–not her–to decide which bachelors stay or go.
Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke’s an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she’s up to, it means revenge.
But when their pranks go south, will they screw up any chance they have at a future together, or will they be able to forgive and forget and prove that love really does conquer all?
My Thoughts
This book reminded me of an early-2000s rom-com, and I mean that in the best possible way. It was fun and light, and yes, occasionally far-fetched, but that was okay.
Assuming that you accept the premise of the book — that Shelter’s Bachelorette would have been cast and promoted without ever getting permission from the bachelorette herself, and that Taycee would then have no choice but to play along — it was a good time. I liked Taycee, and she kept me entertained even when she was neck-deep in a hairbrained scheme that made me want to yet, “Not a good idea!”
The romance in this story was sweet and innocent, squeaky-clean without feeling false, and I stayed fully invested in Taycee and Luke’s stories all the way through. I did think Taycee was a much better developed character than Luke, since I never really understood his motivations for several things, or why he changed his mind on certain topics, but he was still a likable character whom I wanted to root for. I also wasn’t completely sold on Luke needing a few chapters in his POV, as I thought Taycee’s POV was probably sufficient, but it didn’t keep me from enjoying it. I really liked the development of some of the bachelors; even though they weren’t the most fully fleshed-out characters ever, they brought an assortment of personalities and quirks to the story that added a lot of entertainment value. I wish we got to find out what befell several of the unsuccessful bachelors after the conclusion of the show, but much like on actual reality shows, the spotlight is reserved for the winner.
Overall, The Reluctant Bachelorette was a clean, lighthearted, funny, and entertaining read that I highly enjoyed.
Content Guide: No offensive content.
Guest Post by author Rachael Renee Anderson – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
In a perfect world, only the good would exist. But this world isn’t perfect, so unfortunately, along with the good comes the bad and the ugly. It’s just the way it is. Well, I’m a believer of the good. A firm believer. Like all movies and books that depict how good ultimately conquers evil, I’m one that believes good will one day overpower evil. And I look forward to that day.
I also think small acts of kindness can have a far-reaching rippling effect in this world–like that of a rock thrown into a pond. A girl I knew in high school will always be a great example, even proof, of that fact. She was beautiful and popular, and it wasn’t until I spent time with her that I realized it wasn’t her beauty that made her popular. It was her kindness.
She went out of her way to say hi to people, and coupled with that hi was always a compliment. “Hey, cute shirt!” “I love your hair today!” “Great job on the _____ test!” Whatever it was, she always had something nice to say. Something genuine.
And THAT is why people loved her. She made them feel better about themselves, happier–a happiness that would then transfer onto others. Hence the rippling effect.
Likewise, bad and ugly things can ripple, too. Negativity and cruelty drags people down. It has the power to hurt, maim, disintegrate. It does NO good–not in any environment, be it work, home, school, or writing. I’d like to say that I’ve never said or done anything mean to anyone, but unfortunately, that’s not true. Over the years, though, I have come to realize that finding and pointing out the good in others is what makes me the happiest.
So I have a challenge for you: For one week, only say positive things to your family, coworkers, friends, children, etc. I guarantee that it will not only make them happier and better people, but it will make you a better and happier person. And by so doing, you will conquer a little bit of the bad and ugly in this world.
Visit the other stops on the Blog Tour!
Tour Giveaway (shared rafflecopter for entry) – October 1st to 31st:
-Grand Prize
Print copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette (Ebook for International winner)
$15 Amazon Gift Card
Copy of the DVD Sneakers (US only)
-Print copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette
-3 Kindle Ebook Copy of The Reluctant Bachelorette
Great challenge to try at home. My kids will think something is terribly wrong.
Thanks so much for the review and for participating in the tour!