Member Reviews

I've loved everything Marietta, Montana for some time now. Daring The Pilot in the third in the series Men of Marietta and it can be read all on its own. But why would you want to? :) I've also been a fan of Jeannie Moon's work for quite some time. SO, when the opportunity came up to read this story, I jumped on it. I LOVED IT ALL!

Jonah and Keely had spark to their sparks. I loved their chemistry. And the build-up in the story for them was fantastic as well! They've known each other for quite some time, but do not have romantic history together. I liked that the most about this story. It made it a little fresh and different. Keely did, however, have what one would call a small crush many many years before, but that's all it was at the time. A crush on her brother's best friend. But now it's a decade later and they are both all grown up.

This was a true romantic tale. The story isn't sexually driven, even though they do have some steamy moments, it's more of a friendship growth that turns into so much more. There's a lot of *happy sigh* in this story. I very much enjoyed and would recommend it to anyone who loves sweet, small town romances!

Copy provided for blog tour review

Was this review helpful?

I adore Keely!! Don't get me wrong, I love sexy, take charge Jonah...the best friend of Keely's brother, and long time crush. But brainy, sweet, funny Keely is my kind of heroine. After being away from Marietta for the past 10 years, she's excited to be home, even if it's only temporary. But imagine her surprise when Jonas shows up to "rescue" her...and she discovers he's back living in town. That long ago, almost forgotten crush (please, like we ever forget our first crush!) throws her off her game. Jonah always like Keely when they were young, but as his friend's smart and cool little sis. Now he's seeing her differently, and he likes it.
I read this book in my one sitting...I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. As a romance reader, I've laughed, I've cried, I've ranted and raved. But I have never before honest-to-goodness swooned...until their first kiss. If not the best, at least in the top 5 kisses of all time! Jeannie Moon always brings her A game, making her a must-read for me. With Daring the Pilot, the streak is unbroken.

Was this review helpful?

Keely Andersen came home to work on her dissertation. When her truck breaks down outside Marietta, she's rescued by Jonah Clark. She's always had a crush on this sexy first responder. He was her brother's best friend who never noticed her. Or so she thought. Jonah was her champion. He fought school bullies and saved her life when she was lost in a blizzard. He cares for her. Keely feels the same. What happens next is so romantic. I feel in love with the ex-Army man and his Science Girl. This story is a delicious combination of romance and humor. Jeannie Moon's story kept me reading. The setting makes me happy. I always love coming to this caring town. The Men of Marietta series with its Calendar project is addictive. I can't wait for the next book.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read. My comments are my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Jeannie Moon's Daring the Pilot is the third in the Men of Marietta series. With this latest visit back to Marietta, we get a brother's best friend/best friend's little sister romance. I enjoyed the set up with Jonah coming to Keely's rescue.

Moon has a way with characters that will stay with you long after the book is finished. I loved the chemistry and couldn't wait to see what was going to develop with these two that had a shared past.

As I read each book in the Men of Marietta series, I can't help but want that next one.

Was this review helpful?

4.25 "You believe in magic, Captain?" Stars.

Jeannie Moon's contribution to the Men of Marietta series is my favourite so far. I'm a complete sucker for the older brother's best friend trope, and when you add in the fact that the heroine is an academic and the hero a pilot, then you'll get absolutely no grumbles from over here.

"He was perfect. And she’d been a little in love with him since she was ten years old."

I loved Jonah and Keely together. With a fantastic chemistry, the build-up between them was perfect with just the right amount of push/pull, and when they take their relationship to the next level they create some serious heat together. And I quickly found myself cheering them on because it's clear they were made for one another.

"...it felt like they were on the cusp of something incredible. Something that could change both their lives."

If it weren't for the injection of drama heading toward the finish line--a little left field considering how the story had played out and coming across as created purely to cause conflict before the HEA, this could have easily been a five star read. Nevertheless these little niggles didn't hamper my enjoyment, I love the Clark family and hope we'll see more from them in the future and Daring the Pilot is a fantastic addition to this series. I'm looking forward to seeing what Kaylie Newell brings to the table in Falling for the Ranger.

Was this review helpful?

Jeannie Moon's Daring the Pilot fills readers up with a hometown romance that will read like your favorite romantic comedy!

The men of Marietta are a line up of the town's most hunkiest first responders. From deputies to paramedics, Marietta has it all, but Keely is interested in just one bad boy pilot. Keely's childhood crush flares in full force when, on her first day back home, she's rescued by Jonah Clark. History repeats itself in this encounter, but this time it's not just Keely who feels the flames of desire. As the two reconnect they both realize that maybe it's time for a change in their lives, but neither is quite sure how to proceed.

Daring the Pilot is a classic friends to lovers plot tinged with a hint of hometown sweetness. While the plot was very broad and didn't expand the depth of their relationship, I saw the potential in the story. The dynamic between Keely's parents and brother hinted at a little dysfunction and could have been a major influence to the plot, but instead was used as more of a convenient filler throughout the story.

Jeannie Moon's addition to the Men of Marietta series is a quick romance read, but it will keep you entertained all the way through. Even the secondary characters are fun and endearing. The romance between Keely and Jonah is genuine and will pull you in until the heartening end!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

Was this review helpful?

Keely and Jonah are both back in their hometown of Marietta, Montana. Jonah for good as a helicopter pilot for the Search & Rescue, Keely for just a year as she finishes up her research into the complexities of the earth we all call home. They’ve known each other most of their lives as Keely is the younger sister of one of Jonah’s friends. Although Keely was always the brainy kid who might have been picked on throughout her school years – not when Jonah could prevent it, teaching the bullies a lesson they’d not soon forget. If Keely was aware of his early protection, she never let on – but she’s always had a huge crush on the boy now turned into a handsome man. Always her hero.

It’s hard to call Keely and Jonah’s romance a slow burn since they’ve know each other for years, and there’s always been an underlying affection. Now they’re coming together as adults, free to make up their own minds and live their own lives. But that involves risks that each are a bit slow to take. Their easy paced getting to know the person you are now romance hit all the right emotional buttons. Yes, there are mistakes and miscommunication. What relationship doesn’t have those on occasion? One dangerous encounter will open eyes up a bit more in order to see the truth of their affection for each other. One man who never saw himself as a hero loves the woman who will always see him as the best there is. Their romance is a growing from what they were to who they are now, and I was completely charmed by both Jonah and Keely. Her parents, however, were a bit over protective and interfering. Okay, she was sick as a child but she’s a grown woman now who is intelligent, street smart and has traveled the world by herself for over a decade so treat her like the capable woman she is. As a parent myself, I know it’s hard to let go, but you have to as it’s part of nurturing a child into living a full, happy life.

I enjoyed Daring The Pilot very much and would recommend this story and this series to any Romance reader. Now it’s time to wait for the next story in the Men of Marietta series. I can’t wait,

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Was this review helpful?

Bummer. I was so excited to read this after catching up on two previous story and Jonah seemed like such an enigma, but Daring the Pilot fell short from what I expected.

While the overall idea of the story was nice, the writing had me floundering as it choppy flow and hops all over the pages. Too bad really, I love the portrayal of the main characters. Brainiac geologist Keely Andersen and mentally scarred former army pilot turned search-and-rescue helo rider Jonah Clark sound like a great pair. Alas, even with alternate POVs I couldn't really get into their characters or found their attraction believable.

Not helping matters were the situation with Keely's family, more so when it's more telling (by Keely) than showing on the supposed reasons or any sorting-out of the matter afterwards.

Perhaps I'm just not familiar with the author's writing style being new to her works. But of the "Men of Marietta series" I've read so far, this novella is my least favorite. I hope the next entry would click better with me than this.


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

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars
The third book on the “Men of Marietta” series (Tule Publishing) is another lovely story with two complex, strong and believable characters, set in the charming Montana town. The hero, Jonah, is this great guy, supportive, encouraging, kind and considerate, who is terribly afraid of waxing. The heroine, Keely, is a “science girl”, with some insecurities, and she’s a great person too. Still, I thought her attitude by the end was a bit far-fetched.
I loved the way Keely and Jonah transitioned from friends to lovers, how they know each other so well and how they turn the attraction and chemistry into something more.
I also enjoyed meeting characters from the previous stories, I’m really loving this series.

Was this review helpful?

Another great addition to Men of Marietta. Keely, brainy has returned home to Marietta when she runs into Jonah, whom she has known for years. Jonah is good friends with Keely's older brother. Jonah has also returned to Marietta after leaving the army as a helicopter pilot, he now works for the search and rescue team. They share an event from years ago. There is an immediate attraction between the two, but Keely has always been hands off to Jonah. Now that they are adults, they finally decide to act on their attraction.

Loved the connection and magic between Keely and Jonah. Jonah is so caring to Keely. Great chemistry and humor between the characters. I highly recommend this book along with the other books in this series.

Was this review helpful?

This is a fantastic addition to the Men of Marietta series! It's a nice relaxing read that is well written with very interesting characters. A bit of humor, a bit of angst, some great sexy times makes for a great quick read.

Jonah Clark is next up for the Men of Marietta calendar. So far he's been able to avoid everything calendar related but his time is running out. Now Keely Anderson is back in Marietta and applying her own kind of sweet pressure so what chance does he have. These two have known each other a long time but because of the connection with her brother they have avoided acting on any attraction. They aren't kids anymore though and now seems like the right time to see what could be there.

A recommended read.

Was this review helpful?

All I can say is that I loved Keely and Jonah!! She is a super smart scientist. And the baby sister of his best friend. He is the sexy as sin rescue helicopter pilot that she's secretly crushed on forever. And as fate would see it, her resident knight in shining armor.

Ten years ago Jonah rescued Keely from certain death in the mountains and now he's rescued her again when her truck breaks down. Stranding her on the road. But he wasn't prepared for what he saw. Keely has grown up. And she's no longer the cute and nerdy little sister of his best friend. He can't believe how sexy and beautiful she is. But he's always saw the beauty in her. But she's Gabe's baby sister so that means off limits. No matter how much he wants her.

Jonah has grown to be more breathtaking than he was years before. But Keely knows nothing will ever be between them. She has no expert with men and with a man like Jonah she knows it will ever be. But as a sexy calendar fundraiser for the town becomes important and Jonah's dragging his feet to pose, Keely may just have to try and change his mind.

These two have so much chemistry and history together. As much as they fight this attraction the more impossible it becomes. Facing family scrutiny and an unexpected blessing becomes known, betrayal and fear may just year the apart. Loved this story so much and can't wait for more!!

Was this review helpful?

​​​​​Daring The Pilot is another winner for both Jeannie Moon and Tule Publishing. Ms. Moon is one of my favorite authors and each book that she writes guarantees a totally entertaining journey.

Keely Andersen is a brainiac, and is currently working on her doctoral thesis. She returns to her hometown of Marietta Montana to complete her studies, after spending many years traveling the world for science and research. On route to her parent's ranch, her clunker of a pick-up truck breaks down. Keely is rescued by Jonah Clark, a former military pilot whom she has crushed on since childhood. Jonah is now employed by the county's Search and Rescue team as a helicopter pilot, and living near his family once again fills one of the many aches in his heart. Keely and Jonah have known each other for years, due to Jonah's friendship with Keely's older brother.

Keely and Jonah are more than attracted to each other and overtime they fall in love. They also love Marietta, and help the community raise funds for a worthy cause.

This is a meaningful and nicely written book with some dramatic twists that kept me engaged from beginning to end. All the characters are amazingly real, and I liked getting to know each and every one of them. Keely and Jonah are a hot couple, and their sexy times are replete with desire, patience, and trust. This is the third book from the Men of Marietta series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 - "Just like old times..." Stars!

We return to Montana for the third book in the Men of Marietta series; Daring the Pilot. Best friends little sister is a trope I love to bits, so it wasn’t a struggle to settle in with Jonah Clark’s story.

IMAGE.

Jeannie Moon stuck to tried and tested tropes with this book, and the story was all the stronger for it. Jonah and Keely haven’t seen each other in ten years and upon her return to town and his first meeting with her after their time apart, it is clear to him that the geeky Science Girl he once knew is now all grown up, and whereas her teen crush on her brothers best friend wasn't reciprocated, the attraction is fully mutual now.

She’d been a little in love with him since she was ten years old…

I liked the fact that the drama was well paced and not overplayed in this one, the excuses for Jonah’s reluctance to appear in the calendar seemed a little weak to me, but to be honest it was the story playing out between him and Keely that I was more interested in anyway, so it wasn’t a major problem in the scheme of things.

"We’re in trouble aren’t we..?"

"…Big trouble."

Another easy-read that I pretty much devoured in one sitting, this series is turning into an absolute winner from Tule. Kaylie Newell’s offering Falling for the Ranger is up next and I cannot wait to read Todd Harris’ story when it releases in a couple of weeks.

IMAGE.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.

Was this review helpful?

4 star Review Daring The Pilot (Men of Marietta #3) by Jeannie Moon

Wow, I really loved this book. This was the first of the series that I have read and I believe each book is written by a different author.

When Keely Andersen returns home after travelling the world for over 10 years, the last person she expects to bump into his her high school crush and home town hero Jonah Clark.

Keely has always been known as a smart woman, but on occasion has found herself in need of rescuing and it is always Jonah Clark that rides in to rescue her. When her truck breaks down, Jonah is the one who stops to assist Keely who is shocked as she had no idea that he was back in town.

Whilst Keely and Jonah both realise that the attraction they had for each other is still there, both are cautious and neither wants to be the one to start something. I loved the interaction between Keely and Jonah, not to mention the secondary characters. Jonah is so caring, totally swoon worthy in my opinion and I certainly fell for him as much as Keely did.

Now a Search and Rescue pilot, Jonah is at home in the mountains surrounding Marietta; he is also an extremely reluctant participant in a posing for a calendar to raise funds in memory of another first responder. Of course Keely is determined that Jonah pose and will use whatever means she can to encourage him..

As their relationship gains momentum, their story is filled with a great deal of romance and humour. The characters were well written and I have to say I could have continued reading about these two for a lot longer and was sad to finish the book. I would love another story that re visits these two characters.

I received this book through the publisher and Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed.

Was this review helpful?

Daring the Pilot is the third book in the Men of Marietta series. There were a couple of inconsistencies between Flirting with Fire and this one so this will need to be watched in following book. In saying that I did love the story, the character dynamics and interaction had me reading in one sitting. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to reading more.

Was this review helpful?

Keely, the town scientist, and Jonah, the hot alpha helicopter pilot make a great couple. Her obsession with being a virgin and the brother's reactions lost a star for me, but otherwise I really liked this story. Another fun one set in the town of Marietta, Montana. If you have read any of these you know the drill, but that is part of the charm of the series. Highly recommend this story and author and series.

Was this review helpful?

Daring the Pilot aims for the heart. Ms. Moon proved that short and sweet can be powerful and unforgettable. Keely was the a brainy, awkward teen with a thirst for knowledge, but easy prey for bullies. Jonah was a loner by choice who spent most of his time looking out for his best friend's kid sister. Adulthood took them in different directions but when life lands them both back in their hometown of Marietta everything changes. A childhood crush becomes an adulthood inferno that is rapidly spreading out of control. Can these childhood friends, build a love connection? Daring the Pilot tickles the funny bone as it stimulates the heart. A dare worth taking.

Was this review helpful?

The Men of Marietta series, like most of Tule's Marietta books, comprises standalone stories, which are, well, great. It's easy as a reader, to dip in and out of this charming fictional town, get sweetened up on a particular pairing as and when you wish. I've enjoyed most of the books Marietta no matter the author and 'Daring the Pilot' is another cute but sweet read of the brother's best friend that never happened until it did.

Having known each other for many years before a lengthy career separation of a decade, their visits back home had somehow always made them miss each other - Jonah in between his deployments and Keely in between her travel and research - until their paths converge once again this time around. And like Eliza Doolittle, Keely Anderson's smart-geek act has become brilliant geek-chic, outdoorsy, artless and near irresistible, and it's giving Jonah is having a hard time in keeping his hands off her.

Mostly, the story loped on as Jonah and Keely found themselves integrating into the small-town community, as characters (probably from previous books) wove in and out of their lives.It isn't sufficiently explained why Jonah suddenly saw Keely as a woman rather than just a best friend's sister, though I would have been happier with a concrete, believable explanation. I liked the chemistry between Keely/Jonah but was less thrilled about the virgin/experienced man trope though, even though neither denied their feelings as they hurtled headlong into this attraction that turned into much more. There's a little talk about double standards between men and women, though not enough to start a pro-feminist treatise...which really isn't what the story is about anyway.

I found myself enjoying this read up until the turn at the end where some out-of-character moments made it go awry, as though conflict was created for the sake of dislodging the notion of a smooth-sailing HEA and bring about the grovelling moment until the actual resolution arrived...in a rushed and abrupt way. It didn't exactly detail the whole experience for me, but I'd certainly hoped for a different ending and a more realistic conclusion that didn't quite involve a hurried wedding because of an unplanned pregnancy.

That said, 'Daring the Pilot' (the title seems like a complete misnomer) is nonetheless a quick but entertaining read, good for a few hours of distraction, as Marietta is always wont to do.

Was this review helpful?

This is a brilliant addition to the Marietta stories, I really enjoyed reading it :) It is the third story in the 'Men of Marietta' series which follows on from the 'Bachelor Bake-Off' series, however I don't think you need to have read any of the earlier books to really appreciate this one. The key elements for this new series are the hunky first responders – cowboys, firefighters, medics, lawmen, pilots, etc – who are to pose for a calendar to raise money to help fund the development of Harry’s house, a community driven project to honour Harry who was tragically killed whilst trying to help an elderly couple. The project is to develop a safe place for children to go before and after school, a place where they can have support, activities and so much more whenever they need it.

The first responder in this story is Jonah Clark, a pilot for the Search and Rescue Team, who grew up in the area before leaving to join the military where he was an army helicopter pilot which involved several traumatic tours of duty in Afghanistan. As a child and teen he was often at the home of the Andersen's where his best friend lived and sister lived. The sister was Keely, a very bright but younger than the two boys but she was sometimes picked on for her intelligence - but the bullies always learnt to leave her alone as Jonah always kept an eye on her to protect her. She's also been away from Marietta to study so Jonah is amazed to discover she's the person he finds stranded by the roadside. It is a decade since they saw each other and she's now all grown up and, to Jonah, irresistible! She's had a crush on Jonah since her teens and it is stronger than ever now they're both adults, their attraction is mutual, their chemistry volatile. Should they give their love a chance or strive to resist?

Jonah is a very reluctant member of the men to be photographed for the calendar and is torn by his desire to help raise the funds needed and his preference for avoiding publicity. As Keely and Jonah reconnect, their memories, experiences and prior knowledge of each other all shine through building their connections. There are still plenty of twists and turns to make this a highly entertaining read, packed with humour, turmoil and romance together with a mysterious person up on the mountainside. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this and the other books in the series!

I requested and received a copy of this book via NetGalley. I chose to read it and this is my honest review after doing so.

Was this review helpful?