I have to admit reality TV shows about love are just not my thing. Lauren Layne writing about them? Definitely my thing. Ready to Run is the first book in a new sexy, sweet and fun series from Lauren Layne and I absolutely loved it. It's full of the heart and wittiness I've come to expect from this author.

I adored Jordan. She's determined, focused and just plain fun. She had me laughing with how she handled Luke initially. I loved how she carried herself throughout the book. She's on a journey that she wasn't prepared for-not just for work, but emotionally as well, and the way the author weaves all of that together is fantastic. This is a character I want to hang out with, even if it means becoming running buddies...and I hate running.

Luke had me swooning. Hot, sexy, and a fireman to boot? He's guarded which just made me want to peek inside him to see what made him tick. He positively stole my heart and is one of my favorites heroes from this author.

There's an undeniable chemistry between these two characters. There's a spark, like two pieces of flint rubbing together, and once the inevitable fire starts? It's safe to say I thought my kindle would melt in some spots. The connection that is formed between these two is sweet and special.

I love the secondary characters in this book. Luke's firefighting friends had me cracking up. I loved how these people added to how Luke's story, I loved how they encouraged Jordan to push him. This is one small town where I'd love to go visit.

The pacing in this book was spot on. I never felt rushed nor did I feel the story lagged anywhere. It simply flowed from start to finish. The writing is sharp and fun. I thought this was a fresh look at a reality show based romance...because it's about more than the show. You become invested in these characters and their lives. I didn't want this story to end.

Lauren Layne has another hit on her hands with Ready to Run-and I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. I recommend this book.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I don't normally read much of anything once the cover hooks me. THAT is why I am such a strong advocate of cover perfection. I truly think they can make or break a book's potential. Anywho, I digress .. This cover hooked me. It said, fun and flirty and sexy so BAM .. one-click! I'm telling you this because at 2% into the book I was rolling my eyes. NOT that Lauren Layne has ever disappointed me before, but I still rolled them LOL. Honest to God my brain went straight to the movie Runaway Bride and my immediate thought was this is gonna be a cookie-cut version of this movie in reverse. I almost stopped reading because I really have a tight reading schedule. Almost.

HOLY SEXY.FLIRTY.FUNNY BALLS, was I wroooooooooong ... *huge happy sigh* You guys, this story is soooooooo funny and endearing and just plain FUN. The absolute best part was the slow build-up of not only the relationship between Luke and Jordan, but also the relationship between Jordan and her roots. I was ridiculously surprised at how well all of this played out and I give MAD props to Lauren Layne for one of the most endearing endings I've read in quite some time.

You guys are really going to enjoy this one! #TRUST

Copy provided for blog tour review

Lauren Layne is an author that has been recommended to me before, but I have to say this is the first book os hers that I have had the honor of reading. It was absolutey fantastic and I am in no way disappointed that I let this book be my first Lauren Layne book! Ready to Run is such a feel-good, flirty book! There’s a independent and sassy lady and don’t you forget the firefighter – with a big secret! I do have to say, I have a new one-click no questions asked author when she releases a book!

Another phenomenal romance from Lauren Layne, and it’s the first book in a brand new series!!!! Jordan has come to a small town in Montana hoping to snag sexy firefighter, Luke, for a new television reality show, Jilted. It’s like The Bachelor, but this show involves a man who has left women at the altar, and Luke is perfect, seeing as he has not left one but three women right before their wedding. Jordan thinks Luke will finally say yes to her when she shows up in his hometown. Ahhhh…she could not be more wrong, and life is about to throw her and Luke a curveball.

Jordan is a small-town girl herself but has been living in New York City for years. She thinks coming back to a town that reminds her of her own will be painful, bringing back painful memories. However, she finds herself “more connected with a part she’d kept dormant for a long time.” The townspeople are also very welcoming and sweet and agree that Luke should do the show. When she decides to stay in town longer hoping to wear Luke down, she has no clue that she will make such wonderful friends and find the love of her life. There wasn’t a thing I didn’t like about Jordan even her persistence with Luke.
Like Jordan, I thought Luke would be a class A jerk. I mean, who leaves three women at the alar. But, like Jordan, I discovered he wasn’t that man. There are reasons why he hasn’t found his HEA yet, and it didn’t take me long to fall hard for him.

One of my favorite things about Lauren Layne’s writing is her characters. She has a way of making her readers become emotionally attached to them. They are always mult-dimensional. I always discover that through the story, and this one was not any different. Luke and Jordan make assumptions about one another that aren’t true, and they appear to be completely different from one another. However, they have more in common than they think. Both of them are running from their pasts, and it’s affecting their ability to trust others. They have to learn to trust each other if they have an even remote chance of finding happiness.

In addition to loving the characters, I loved the town. Layne described it so well that I thought I was there with them, and her cast of secondary characters added even more depth, especially Simon, Stacey, Isobel, Hailey, and Tawny! I LOVED them and their friendship. Layne always writes with the perfect combination of sex and romance AND she just writes a DARN GOOD STORY!!!!! As usual, I will be counting down the days until the next one!!!!

***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

I love small town romances and this one lands in my top three favorites!

Oh Lauren Layne...the bachelor/bachelorette shows can be a guilty pleasure for some but when you change it up a bit, things do get pretty interesting!

The layout of the story has great flow. It doesn't seem to rushed or lagged in any areas. There is great chemistry between all the characters....friendships and romances. You will fall in love with every character because in small towns...you'll know everyone's business.

Although the sexy scenes appear less than usual, I love that LL focuses on the build up of their relationship rather than having it be just a "fling". You need that build up to fall in love with the couple. Then it becomes more real.

After finishing the book....I'm more excited of what is to come in the second book, Runaway Groom! I need it now!!

It was cute,sweet and romantic small town romance.If you like slow burn then this book is perfect for you.The chemistry between the characters was perfect and I was swooning most of the time.

This is one of my favorite authors. She's always able to tell her story with ease and grace with well developed characters and a good story line. The characters believable, likeable, and you'll feel what the character is feeling. That's her gift and she never disappoints! Keep the books coming!

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!

Prejudices and not everything is what it seems to be. Ready to Run by Lauren Layne is about two people from two different worlds, but are they that different? The beginning of the book felt a bit ‘crowded’ to me, but I ended the book with a big smile, I’ve enjoyed it very much.

“Hey, Country Boy,” she called after him. He stopped and turned, his large frame illuminated by the twilight. She smiled, then grinned outright when she saw his eyes narrow. “This city girl’s not going anywhere,” she said with a wink.”

TV producer Jordan is looking for the perfect candidate for a new TV show, Jilted. The tv show where runaway grooms are introduced to a group of suitable women to find the One. On paper, Luke is perfect for the show with three canceled weddings, but he doesn’t want his story on national tv. In a last attempt to lure him in, Jordan travels to Lucky Hollow to convince the man in person, but she’s in no luck. Although they’re attracted to each other, it takes some time before Jordan and Luke warm up to each other. With the help of some meddling townspeople sparks start to fly, and it’s not surprising they end up together.

“He was supposed to be irresponsible and a little reckless—with his life, his choices . . . with other people’s emotions. But based on her first impressions of the man? She’d never been so wrong.”

Ready to Run is the first book in the new ‘I Do, I Don’t Series’ and is set in Lucky Hollow, a small town. Like many other small-town books, the story comes with a friendly town full of colorful characters and gatherings who all add to the story. The book is funny, but it also has its serious moments, I really like the mix.

To be honest, after the first chapters, I was not sure about this book. Many characters were introduced, making it a bit too busy for me. But as soon as everything collapsed and the storyline was picked up, I began to enjoy the story. Luke and Jordan are both not who they appear to be; a heartbreaker and a city girl. They are realistic people who both have lived lives and know what they want. I love them together, and I love how they work through their issues.

“Jordan wiggled closer, the chill from the rain making her shiver. Or maybe that was the anticipation. “What about in the future?” His smile was equal parts tender and mischievous. “Try me.”

Ready to Run is my first book by Lauren Layne, but it certainly won’t be my last. I give the story of Jordan and Luke 4 stars.

So this book was hard for me to review. as the first have I found to be very boring and didn't keep my attention at all and put it down a few times. then when we finally find out about left bride #2 if started to get good and how Luke took the blame for the first two brides it started to make sense but then the story started to get rushed and Luke and Jordan fell in love too quickly and got into a fight over really dumb stuff that could have been talked out if they had gotten to know each other.
I have to say this was not one of my favorite books my this author.

I read a lot of Lauren Layne books. Her books are quick reads and usually I can easily devour them in one sitting itself. Lauren Layne's writing has its own charm but with some of her recent reads I'm finding a few things repetitive. I guess that is bound to happen because I'm sure she has like 30+ books published till date and all if not most fall in the contemporary romance genre. Ready to Run starts off a new series by Lauren Layne called the I Do, I Don't series which is about runaway grooms.

The whole runaway groom idea intrigued me so I was happy to read Ready to Run when I got an opportunity. Let's start with Jordan. Jordan is our city girl and she thinks she's found the perfect candidate for their new reality show Jilted. But the candidate is not responding. So she decides to go to him to convince him. I liked Jordan. She was driven and focused on her career. She usually kept her distance from people but Lucky Hollow's small town charm and people get to her. Soon she's rediscovering herself all the while falling for the candidate himself.

Luke is the runaway groom. With three brides left at the altar he has a bit of a reputation but Lucky Hollow's people are always there for him. He has friends and family here and he will not let Jordan ruin it. Luke came off as a bit of an asshole in the beginning. But it was easy to see why because Jordan was hounding him for something he didn't want to do. Luke does have commitment issues but there is a very good reason behind it, one he is not willing to share.

Jordan ad Luke definitely had chemistry. Whenever they were in the same room together sparks seemed to be flying everywhere. Both Jordan and Luke were stubborn in their own way but when they finally got together their chemistry was off the charts. Luke does mess up in the end but he does make up for it. I would have liked a little more groveling though.

All in all Lauren Layne's writing is smooth and fast paced. I actually would have liked the book to be a bit longer so that we got a more resolved ending with an epilogue thrown in. But I like the premise of the series and I can't wait to see which direction it goes in next. This was a quick and cute read.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Cute, fun and sexy small-town romance, just as I expected! Luke may have left 3 brides at the altar, but you know there are secrets behind each one that he refuses to talk about. His reasons for doing so are slowly revealed and Jordan discovers who the jilted brides are. While they may be on opposites ends when it comes to the show, their undeniable attraction keeps bringing them together. (Or maybe it was his nosy friends?) This had a different feel from her fan favorite Oxford / Stiletto series which take place in a big city, but if you like small town romances, I encourage you to read it. Looking forward to the next groom!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.

I keep thinking it is going to happen, that one of these days Lauren Layne is going to write a book that I don't love. Maybe a character I don't connect with, or a setting that I don't connect with. A pet I find irritating. Something.

Well, this was most certainly NOT that book. And, really, I don't actually think this is going to happen. if you have read Lauren Layne before, you know exactly what I am talking about. If you haven't, what are you waiting for?

I loved this title. The premise, so new and it felt different. The idea of a fireman who had jilted numerous brides (or had he???) and the television producer who thinks that it is impossible to believe that someone wouldn't want the opportunity to be a part, the central figure, of a reality tv series.

Jordan and Luke have intense, and instant chemistry, but their lives are so different it is difficult for them to see why they would ever be able to work out. Even if Jordan were to give up on the idea of Luke being a part of the show, she is a New Yorker, and one who left small town life, intentionally. For reasons that, I think, would result in a lot of us doing the exact same thing.

Luke is small town, but in a good way. In the way that there are people who lie in small towns because they like knowing everyone, and being a part of the closeness that only exists in a small town. Working as a fireman in this town is a way of life for him, it is protecting the town, and the people in the town, and it is what makes him who he is. Luke protects the people that he loves, whether it is leaving the am of a wedding, pulling them (and the occasional cat) out of a burning building, or keeping their secrets, even at a cost to himself.

Layne almost makes living in a small town sound good. And, as someone who understands where Jordan is coming from (I grew up in a smaller town and there is no way, none, that I can see myself going back for longer than a visit) this was quite a trick.

You like Jordan. She isn't selfish, and she isn't really looking to exploit Luke, she is just convinced there is a story there, in the idea of someone who has left not one, not 2, but 3 brides...on the day of their wedding. And, she is right, there is a story. It just isn't what she was expecting. I am not going to say what it is here, but I am going to say that it works. It feels real, and that it would compel the people involved to act in the ways they do...and really, that is what matters in a book, that you can believe that the people in the story are acting the way real people would. As long as this is an element, you can make just about any story work.

Neither was falling in love with Luke. But, that happened too. And, the way it is resolved, and the inclusion of the stories of the people in the town as the "what happened" around those weddings starts to become clear, well, you fall in love with Luke right along with Jordan.

Go read this one. You will be glad you did.

I recommend this title and I can't wait to read the next one.

I always look forward to anything written by Lauren Layne. And who doesn't love a story starring a sexy firefighter? READY TO RUN is a complex story that has a lot of fun moments, but also some emotional moments that may push some buttons.
The story starts off with Jordan Carpenter coming to Montana to get the sexy firefighter Luke Elliott to appear on a reality show called Jilted where a runaway groom meets The Bachelor. Now when I first started reading the story, I had a hard time getting into it. Jordan was working for a producer from NYC and she came off as pushy to me. Reality television can be entertaining, but too many shows bring out the worst in people and some are just mean spirited. Jordan wouldn't take no for an answer after calling and e-mailing Luke. When she came to town, he didn't want anything to do with her, but his friends kept egging him on. Neither character really called to me at first. She was pushy and he was grumpy and mean.
At first.
Then the layers were added and the story started to grab me. There was a lot of fun with Jordan's friend Simon. Then the town and Luke's friends welcomed Jordan as they got to know her. Jordan and Luke started to sizzle. He couldn't avoid her anywhere in town because of his friends. Then the two started talking to each other. Secrets became uncovered slowly as they began to know each other. Luke had been holding back from life the last three years after his last broken engagement, but Jordan started breaking thru the walls he built around himself. Walls even his friends couldn't reach.
The road to their HEA was a roller coaster. When they clicked, it was fun and so was their banter. But life is full of mistakes and misunderstandings which makes Jordan and Luke so human. Luke may have been a grumpy old bear, but he was loyal to his friends and kept their confidences, even when it was hardest on him. I enjoyed seeing the changes in both characters as they figured things out about what's really important in life. The cover for the READY TO RUN may look lighthearted and fluffy, but there is also a lot of depth of character between the first chapter until the last page. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the I DO, I DON'T series.

What a fantastic romance. I loved the build up between Jordan and Luke. It wasn't rushed nor drawn out. Their chemistry was off the charts. All the secondary characters made this book so perfect. The story was charming and fun. Luke's secrets kept me reading and reading. What a bomb! I love Ms. Layne's books. They are truly swoony romances.

Ready to Run is close to perfection. It has surprises, twists and turns enough to keep even the most discerning romance aficionado more than satisfied. The book begins with Jordan Carpenter and Simon, her co-worker and friend, traveling to Lucky Hollow, Montana. Jordan plans to sign Luke Elliott as the runaway groom on the TV show Jilted, a cross between The Bachelor and The Runaway Bride. The question that needs an answer is, how can Luke still be the darling of the small town of Lucky Hollow, when he has left three women at the altar?

Luke has ignored all of Jordan's attempts to contact him. When they finally meet, the air ignites between them. Even after his constant glares and unequivocal no's, Jordan won't give up. She realizes two days to get Luke, the hot firefighter, to sign on the dotted line won't be enough. So, Jordan rents a house for a month. Gradually she and Luke become friends. Then we get to know more about Luke, Jordan and their secrets.

I loved this book! Jordan and Luke are perfect, as individuals and as a couple. I liked the secondary characters too, especially Simon. Although Simon is stereotypical, and the other gay characters are shallowly drawn, I was still able to enjoy them. Ready to Run seems like a typical romance at the start, but when we know all the secrets, it's really not. It's perfectly delicious!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This modern day twist on the runaway bride follows the story of a man who left three brides at the altar. Jordan is the TV producer who is bound and determined to find out why he’s ditched three women just minutes from saying “I do” and to get him to star in the next big thing Jilted, where they will try to find him the love of his life.

All Luke wants is to be left alone. He’s not proud of his past, of the way out of towners look at him, he just wants to put it behind him. When Jordan comes to town, he’s quick to shut her down and give her a firm “no” to all of her suggestions.

It was a nice premise, but it seemed that the story got bogged down at times and it made for a reading lag, at least for me. The sparks between Jordan and Luke are there, but it took some time to warm up and start smoldering.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 Stars

I found this was a sweet and funny read but fairly predictable and I just wasn’t sucked in – it actually took me a few days to finish this one and that’s pretty unusual for me. I had trouble getting into the story at the beginning.

Jordan is working on the “next big” reality TV show, she’s just missing one thing, a man who’s left a few brides at the altar and needs to find his one true love. Jordan discovers Luke Elliot, a small town fire fighter who, if rumors are to be believed, has left three brides at the altar. Jordan is determined to convince Luke to be a part of her show but Luke wants nothing to do with it, Jordan isn’t willing to take no for an answer and moves into town to do whatever it takes to convince Luke to do the show. Luke can’t stand Jordan… or so he says; really he can’t fight the crazy attraction he feels for her and the more time the two spend together, the more mutual that attraction becomes.

I love the interactions between Luke and Jordan, it’s hilarious how Jordan handles Luke’s stubbornness and Jordan’s reclamation with small-town life is entertaining as well. Jordan getting to the town and meeting Luke was a bit drawn out and I found the first few chapters of this book boring. Once Luke and Jordan get to know one another though, things heat up and I love the way the story ends. I would definitely be interested to read more from this series by Lauren Layne.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride is how you would explain this story, except it is the groom who does the running not the bride. And that is why Jordan Carpenter has come to small town Montana, for a new TV show idea and they want the runaway groom.

Jordan can't believe that Luke Elliott has ditched three women at the altar. She has to find out why and get him to agree to do the show, Jilted. But when she meets the strong-willed, bull-headed, hell-bent on saying no man, she has her hands full. But there is something about Luke that she is missing and she is going to find out the truth and what really happened with all three women.

Luke Elliott can't believe the TV lady is in his hometown and wanting him to do a show about his love life. And the worst parts of it. He thought ignoring her calls, emails, and messages would tell her he wasn't interested in doing the show, but no, she shows up anyway. And she is gorgeous in all her New York flare and those damn stiletto heels. All he has to do is keep telling her no and maybe she will leave, yeah right.

Will Luke give in to the idea of being on reality TV? Will the town push him to do it? Will Jordan see that he isn't really the bad guy she thinks he is? What happens when the sparks fly between Jordan and Luke, who will get burned?

This is a great story, I didn't want to put it down. It is funny, heartfelt, and heartbreaking at times. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Hope you enjoy it too.


Jordan – ☆☆☆☆
I have yet to read a book by Lauren Layne that I haven't enjoyed and Ready to Run was no exception. This was exactly the fun and light hearted read I've come to love from Layne. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and anything else Layne writes because I'm convinced she's got the perfect recipe for writing these romance novels.

Jordan Carpenter is a TV producer in NYC for a new show called Jilted, which is essentially The Bachelor, but with runaway grooms. Jordan is certain she has found the perfect candidate to star in the show if she could get him to bother to respond to any of her emails or phone calls. Luke Elliot has zero interest in doing the show, but Jordan is sure she can convince him if only he'd give her a chance, which is how she ends up on a plane to Lucky Hollow, Montana – to win him over.

I really liked Jordan’s character, she was a successful independent woman with a witty personality and just the right amount of sass! Plus, who wouldn't be won over and swoon for sexy firefighter Luke Elliot? Ready to Run was a quick enjoyable read for any rom-com fan. A solid four-star read for Ready to Run by Lauren Layne.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Ms. Layne has done it again – giving us a really fun, character full, and sexily romantic read! I am really looking forward to the future books in the series.

Jordan is a woman on a mission – sadly, her prey is genuinely not interested in being made famous, but he can't help but be attracted to her. As we witness Jordan getting to know the people of Lucky Hollow, and most especially the pursued Luke, we know that there is a yearning there that needs exploring. Their chemistry is not in doubt, but as it turns out both Luke and Jordan are hiding secrets that may affect their future even more than geography.

Engaging from the first page, I found it impossible to put it down until I had read to the end – thank goodness it was a Saturday!

Ready to Run is the newest book from one of my favorite writers, Lauren Layne. This woman has the sexy rom-com down to a science and Jordan and Luke are dynamic characters ready to pull off sexy fun-times!

Jordan has arrived in Lucky Hollow with one goal: woo Luke Elliott so that he will star in her tv show, Jilted. It’s kind of like the Bachelor only each “bachelor” has left someone at the altar. In this case, Luke has done it three times. He would be the perfect guy to star in Jilted! Unfortunately for Jordan, there is a reason Luke has not returned any of her emails or phone calls. He wants nothing whatsoever to do with Jilted. He is agog that she had the temerity to actually come down to his small home town to try to convince him. He is dead set on not participating and nothing Jordan says will convince him. Unfortunately for Luke though, he kind of, sort of finds Jordan attractive. Okay, he big time finds her attractive and that makes staying away even more difficult.

Jordan will do whatever it takes to convince Luke to participate, even rent a house in the super small town of Lucky Hollow and pester him every day. Whether it works or not, she can’t be sure, but she is having way more fun staying in Lucky Hollow than she ever thought possible.

Small town romances really aren’t my favorite thing but I knew that if Lauren Layne was going to tackle one, I had to give it a shot and I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed spending time in Lucky Hollow, watching Luke and Jordan grow on each other by small degrees. The attraction is there from the moment they meet but it is not an easy road for either of them. Luke has secrets he is not willing to share, especially when it comes to his romantic past. He has no intention of making his past fiancees fodder for tv. He is a gentleman with a streak of fun and mischief that Jordan gradually brings out.

Jordan thought she had left her small town roots behind when she moved away from Kansas but finding herself in Montana surrounded by a caring community, well it’s definitely bringing up the good things about her own childhood. Not to say Lucky Hollow is perfect but it’s definitely a sweet place to watch these two fall in love.

I enjoyed every single moment I spent reading Ready to Run (the first in Lauren Layne’s I Do, I Don’t) series. I am already looking forward to seeing how Jilted plays out! All in all, this book is a win on all fronts. Great characters, a simply sweet romance, and a story that will endear you to Luke and Jordan.