Ready to Run is a fun read about finding love in unexpected places.

Luke our hero and Jordan our heroine are introduced as adversaries, more or less, but I liked both characters from the start. Their journey from people who didn't get along to romantic partners was a pleasure to read. Also, the town itself is a great place and the townspeople are all really fun and add an extra layer of interest to the book.

I am looking forward to more books in this series and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

READY TO RUN - Lauren Layne

#1 in the I Do, I Don't! romance series

FUN ROMANCE IN A SMALL TOWN

Plot - 4 stars - Jordan works for a TV station who wants to premiere a new reality show based on people who have jilted their fiancees at the altar. When an excellent candidate--Luke--doesn't respond to her emails or calls, she and her cohort Simon head to small town America to confront him. But, of course, Luke is hunky and sexy and totally disinterested--in the show, but maybe not in Jordan (against his better judgment). Trying to discover Luke's history and his motivations consumes Jordan, along with the fact that she's totally attracted to him.

Writing - 4 stars - Layne writes a well-designed romance. She walks the fine line of keeping the reader involved and hoping for the characters’ success, while still keeping things interesting and not frustrating.

Characters - 5 stars - This is where the story shone for me especially. The entire cast of characters is fun and friendly and warm--not a bad one in the bunch. If this sounds too sweet to be true, it's really not. It just made me want to root for the romance to be successful and for the town to continue to be happy and contented. Jordan is from NYC, but she's really a small-town girl at heart. Having left her hometown for good, she's uncomfortable that she's feeling such a strong pull to Lucky Hollow, Montana. But she's there to do a job, so she's going to do it. However, her moral compass conflicts with her responsibilities, which causes her some difficult moments. Luke, right in the center of this small town as the local firefighter and hometown boy, is trying to do everything to discourage Jordan despite his strong attraction to her. Their chemistry is strong, but of course they are both fighting it. Simon, Jordan's coworker from the legal department, is adorably gay, overwhelmingly friendly, and just plain cute. Various townspeople, Luke's sister, and Luke's exes are all nice and rooting for Luke to find love. Just a wonderful place to live.

Title - 3 stars - Not quite sure of the meaning behind this title. Who's ready to run? Although Luke doesn't want to participate in the show, he's not really running anywhere. And Jordan is determined to stay and complete her job. I guess it refers to Luke's tendency to leave his potential brides at the altar, but I don't think it really represents the story very well.

Cover - 3.5 stars - Cute couple on the cover, but the colors are muted. Nothing to really draw the eye.

Overall - 4 stars - Totally fun. Layne has created another great scenario populated with enjoyable characters. Our main characters are attractive and charming, with secrets that we just can't wait to figure out. And learning about Luke's almost-marriages as well as Jordan's history added a lot of depth to the story. The town is just what a small town should be, with warm and friendly (if nosy) people--almost like a big family. Their protectiveness of Luke, as well as their warm welcome to Jordan and Simon, made it a definite feel-good setting. The reality show scenario was a stretch, but it was certainly believable in the crazy out-there world of reality TV. Altogether a great beginning to another of Layne's sure-to-be-successful romance series.

3.5 City stars!!

Layne couldn’t start her new series with a better way and with a louder bang. A guy who has “abandoned” three brides during the last decade, now he’s being chased to participate in a kind-of-like-The-Bachelor reality show and who ends up finding his true love on the face of the same woman who tries to recruit him? Yes, pleaaaaase! Sign me up, NOW!

She knew what she was after. Him.
Ready to Run as you may understand from above or from reading the blurb is a story about a woman – Jordan Carpenter – who travels across the mainland to try recruit a guy – Luke Elliot – who has reached the “Wedding” level of his relationships 3 times but he always backs off. Or so he wants us, and Jordan, to think. What he didn’t count on, though, was the stubborness that characterizes City aka Jordan AND the effect she would have on him since the beginning. And being a firefighter – YES, I KNOW! I bet you imagine him shirtless with a puppy in his arms, right? 😛 -, he has been trained to deal with very dangerous and challenging situations but when it comes to the heart, there is nowhere a training that would prepare you for the chaos a true love causes inside you.

“Oh, honey“, Simon muttered. “You are in so much trouble, and I mean that in the bst way possible.”
And speaking of Simon, OMG! That guy was the epitome of stealing the show. From where should I start with him, really. From the way he was dressing up? From the way he was being the peakcock but you only could love him more for that? Or the he knew Jrodan so well that he could read her mind and could rise the courage in her? I mean, where can I purchase a BBF like him for myself too? Simon is really the next best thing in this story. I can only love him more for his extravaggant ways!

Luke Elliot. A firefighter with a backstory that lights up everything on fire. But, a guy who knows damn well to break down his own walls without anyone realising it; not even him. Watching his intense body reactions, which he had not control over, every time he was in Jordan’s presence was a sight to behold. What was quite interesting, also, was while the pace of their relationship escalated pretty fast making them forget everything else, there was always the powerful pull the case of the reality show in the background not letting them settle for a second.

When a tv producer from the big city, who happens to have small town roots, meets a hot firefighter who’s known for leaving women at the alter, you know you’re in for a story that’s both fun and hot. And this one definitely was. With great characters and fantastic writing, you always know that Lauren Layne will deliver a story that that’ll capture your heart. Luke and Jordan’s story was charming and sweet while at the same time swoony and sexy. Another perfect summer read from Ms. Layne.

I loved the fact that this story really revolved around discovery. Like peeling back an onion, we slowly discover Luke’s past and begin to understand why he’s been to the alter three times yet never been married. He’s very closed off and secretive about his past when we first meet him but thanks to his meddling friends and family, and his attraction to Jordan, he begins to open up and we discover the sweet, tender man underneath the crusty exterior. This was definitely a slow burn relationship and I enjoyed watching these two do the dance – the wonderful banter, the misunderstandings, and the undeniable attraction that brought sizzle to the pages.

I enjoyed the small town aspect of this story as well. The secondary characters were great and they definitely helped move the story along. Their true friendships shone through and made the whole town feel like one big family. As I’ve said many times, to me, great secondary characters can make a story that much better and this was very true here. This is the first book in a new series and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book. There’s nothing better than a fun, slow-burning romance and this book definitely delivered!

This book was perfection!

From the begging I knew I would love Luke, he was just real. I couldn't believe he was this guy the TV network was looking for because there was no way he could have abandoned three women in the altar.

Jordan is sure he is the guy for her show, but as she gets to know him she realises that things might not be they way she thought and her attraction for him gets stronger by the minute.

The cat and mouse game they start playing is fun for both of them, because Luke doesn't really want her gone and she is definitely not staying because she wants him to be auctioned to the best woman.

They are the perfect fit and little by little they start to fall for one another. Unfortunately they still have so many secrets between them that any little problem could ruin them; and in the end it would be up to them to fight for what their hearts are telling them.

Can you really fall in love that fast?, or is it just the sexual chemistry. Jordan has her career in the line and she is not sure how she will be able to handle letting him go. Luke is just scared, his past marriage failures have taken a toll on him and he is not ready to let go of his guarded heart just yet.

Their biggest challenge will be to trust each other, leave all the drama behind and overcome their fears. Maybe then they'll find the happiness they have been looking for.

A beautiful love story!

Gotta love a new Lauren Layne story! Enter Jordan, the big-city girl (or is she???) and Luke, a hot firefighter who has left not one, not two, but three brides at the alter. Most of LL's stories tend to take place in big cities, so the change of venue to a small town in Montana was surprising and refreshing. The coziness and familiarity of small towns is hard to beat in a romance. But why oh why would a flashy, city girl fall for a man who obviously has commitment issues??? That's where it gets good, because things are not always as they seem. This was a cute story with plenty of sparks and fire. It's the set-up for another two books that sound like they will follow the Jilted tv show storyline. Luke and Jordan will totally steal you heart as you root for the two of them to find their way to each other. This was a very quick and easy read that will just leave you with the feel-goods!!

I received a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review

I loved reading Ready to Run by Lauren Layne, book one in her new I Do, I Don’t series. As the sales line says, it is definitely the Bachelorette meets the Runaway Groom. New York City assistant, Jordan Carpenter is trying to secure Luke Elliot, a three-time runaway groom, as the star for an up and coming television show, Jilted. Luke, a firefighter in the small town of Lucky Hollow, Montana, does not want the details of why he was a no-show groom to get out to the public. Coming to Lucky Hollow is like going home for former small town girl, as many of the residents befriend her. The more she gets to know to Luke the more she respects, understands and falls in love with him.

I really loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Layne wove a wonderful story, drawing me in and not letting go until I read the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This romance was just charming! I am not usually too eager to read wedding themed books but I like Lauren Layne's writing enough that I knew I had to read this one. This was a really fun premise with most of the wedding talk being about a groom who had a history of leaving his brides at the alter. Throw in a reality show wanting to capitalize on that and and you have a great set up. This was just a lot of fun to read and I enjoyed every page of it.

Jordan comes to Lucky Hollow with one thing on her mind. She is determined to secure Luke Elliott, the hunky local firefighter, for a new TV show. Luke has left 3 brides standing at the alter and seems to be the perfect choice for the new reality TV show. There is only one problem. Luke isn't interested. At all. Jordan refuses to give up too quickly so she settles in for an extended stay in the small town of Lucky Hollow.

Luke is an all around good guy. He works for the local fire department and has a great group of friends. He is not at all interested in the attention he is getting in regards to possibly staring in a new reality show. He has had 3 relationships end poorly but he has moved on with his life. The entire town seems to want him to sign on for the show and they have all become friends with Jordan.

I really enjoyed Jordan and Luke as a couple. They started out as adversaries because of the TV show before giving into their attraction to each other. Even when they were arguing with each other, they had some great chemistry. They seemed to be really good together anytime they shared a scene. They both had some painful events in their past that were heartbreaking.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This was a really fun story filled with wonderful characters. It was one of those story that leaves you with a big grin on your face by the time you get to the last page. I can't wait to read more of this new series soon!

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.

"There was nothing more appealing than the idea of taming the man who couldn't be tamed."

"Was there any part of his life this woman wasn't going to infiltrate?"

OH MY GEE!!!!

I'm so in love with this series already!!
Holy cow! It's so good!

I Immediately fell in love with both Jordan and Luke.
They were both strong characters with such chemistry for each other.
I mean, Holy Tension, Batman!

"He had kissed the girl.
Thoroughly.
Wanted to do it again.
Badly."

As the story unfolded, you saw these two not only fall for each other, but also discover that they needed one another to start truly living again.

Between Luke's past love life and Jordan's untold story, you fight for these two just as much as they yearn for each other.

I loved the banter, the pull, the arguements, and the absolute surrender.
I couldn't get enough!!

"You make me want things I haven't let myself want in a long time."

Lauren Layne is one of my favorites when it comes to romcoms!
She knows how to weave a story with funny lines and heartfelt words.

I adored every single character within these pages!
Simon needs his own story!!!! Just saying;)

I can't wait for more in this series because I'm hooked so hard!!

"I didn't realize...I didn't realize just how isolated I felt until a certain City Girl waltzed into town and tried to turn my life into a circus...I've never been so grateful."

This was an okay read. My favorite character was Simon. He just had that extra something that brought the story to life, and at times I wondered if they'd all tricked Jordan in that she was starring in her own reality TV show.

Miss Layne’s books regularly make me smile and Ready to Run is no different. The first book to a promising new series, Ready to Run is a fast-paced, sweet romance sprinkled with humor and heartfelt moments. As I’ve come to expect from this author, the story stars a fantastic set of main and secondary characters who I wouldn’t hesitate to revisit. The premise is fun and flirty, with a New York based television talent executive searching out a star for her network’s new pseudo-Bachelor TV show. Her search takes her to the hero’s small hometown in Montana, where he’s a local firefighter.

I liked both Jordan and Luke. They each have good amount of depth which makes them fun and interesting as individuals and as a couple. I especially enjoyed Jordan’s interactions with many of the secondary characters, particularly her best friend and co-worker from New York, Simon. There is a lot of witty banter throughout the Ready to Run and it makes for a quick read while keeping a bright tone. The romance between Luke and Jordan is a bit of a slower burn, with the build-up creating a good amount of sexual tension that magnifies the couple’s chemistry. Though the bulk of the plot seems to follow a fairly predictable pattern, there are some enjoyable surprises regarding the conflicts and resolutions that make the book stand out beyond the standard contemporary romance.

I think fans of the author will undoubtedly enjoy this title. I also think readers looking for a quick, upbeat standalone that’s bound to bring a smile to their face should definitely give Ready to Run a try.

*Received e-book via Netgalley. The author and publisher had no influence over this review*

What an interesting premise...combine the Runaway Bride with The Bachelor. Except, Jordan and the network she's working for is looking for a runaway groom. And she found one, but Luke wants nothing to do with the show.

I really liked this! Jordan expects Luke to be a playboy cause he's left three women at the altar. But when she finally tracks him down, she realizes he really is a good guy, even if he glares at her and is broody since the last time he left a woman at the altar. The more Jordan got to know Luke, the harder she fell for him. I have to say though, Luke was a bit of a jerk to Jordan. I get that he was frustrated and angry, but he said some VERY hurtful things to her. Not sure I'd been so easy to forgive. Thankfully, it all worked out in the end :)

*thanks to Tasty Book Tours for sharing a copy of this with me*

Ready to Run
I Do, I Don't #1
Lauren Layne
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Runaway groom meets The Bachelor. Another great ready by Lauren Layne. Her books are always easy to read and grab you right from the beginning. Can't wait to read more of hers soon.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

**4.5 Stars**

Kicking off what’s expected to be another hit of a series, Ready to Run showcased a tension-filled romance between two unlikely characters that started off on opposing sides, drawn into battle from the get-go. Set in a small town with a whole host of welcoming characters, what started as a simple task for Jordan turned into anything but when she crossed paths with the closed-off Luke.

Ambitious and headstrong, Jordan held the balance of tenacity and a whole lot of heart with ease. Tasked with reeling in the talent for a reality show, her drive to succeed along with her career-minded, big-city life created this persona of a very successful woman, but it’s her history and her path to it that made her heart underneath all of that her true character. The battles between them, banter-filled and witty, were lobbed back and forth with fervor, the crowd adding a bit of fuel for her side until the ball became too much for him to handle. Layne excels at the female underdog, the kind of woman to come to the top seemingly out of nowhere, and Jordan epitomized every part of it. I adored her grace, heart, drive, and sensitivity. And Luke, for all his gruff, don’t-bother-me persona, had a wealth of personality just ripe for the finding.

Filled with wonderful character growth, the warmth of a small town, and a beautiful romance that built from lust-y anger, Ready to Run was a fantastically fun romance. Layne can pull unexpected laughter from me in one moment and have me swooning in the next, two things that always feel organic and natural, both present in this story in spades. I’m sad to leave this town and the people in it, but I have to say that I’m also equally excited to see what the next in the series will bring. If you’re looking for an equally sexy, but fun novel, you can never go wrong with LL.

Ready to Run is the beginning of a series I am already in love with. Lauren Layne writes humor for adults. Her stories are fun and sexy and full of romance. I really enjoy her writing because she writes characters that are easy to relate to and even easier to fall in love with. The sassiness and no holding back of our heroine is addictive. Jordan Carpenter is determined to make Luke Elliott America’s next star. He’s got a story for not being able to say, “I Do” three different times and she wants to know it. But she also wants to help him get to the altar and stay there, so what if it happens to be on primetime television?

Ready to Run is modern and classic. Hot firefighter meets sexy New York city girl. Luke has his reasons for “jilting” three brides and he refuses to be forced I especially love the supporting characters we are introduced to that bring our couple full circle. They are the friends that we have or want in our own lives.

Ready to Run is the best one to date and that’s saying a lot as Mrs. Layne has written some fabulous stuff. Grab a glass of wine and some popcorn for this charmer sure to entertain.

Lauren Layne never fails to impress, and her latest title is no exception. Join Jordan as she tries to recruit heartbreaker Luke to be in a TV show about people being left at the altar...but she may find that there's more to Luke than there originally seems.

**Review to be posted on blog with blog tour on 8/25 at 6:30am PST**

Ready to Run was absolutely adorable and so much fun! It reminded me all over again why I fall so hard for Lauren Layne books. I always want to be bff with the girl, I fall madly in love with the boy, and there's a group of friends that I would love to have in my life. Plus the pages are filled with fabulous banter and a storyline that captures my heart. It always makes for the perfect romance book that I can easily get lost in. So if you adore small town charm, a couple that goes from hate to love, and characters that leap off the pages, then you should definitely give Ready to Run a try!

“Wait, Luke.”
He paused but didn’t turn around.
“You know I’m right about everyone wanting you to do this show. Why is that?”
His shoulders tensed even more than they already were.
But the only answer she got was the slam of her front door shutting behind him.


Jordan Carpenter is on her way to hopefully snag the guy that will star in her new reality tv show. It's called Jilted and while it's similar to The Bachelor, the main guy has been a runaway groom. And the guy she's after, Luke Elliott, has left three women at the alter. When I read that I was completely perplexed. Especially when we witness how much the whole town loves him. Plus did I mention that he is a firefighter?! Ugh, so hot! So I was more than intrigued! From the first few pages the storyline felt unique and I already loved all of the characters. I just knew that the rest of this book was going to be a huge hit for me!

“Have you?” She smiled back. “Saved a cat?”
He winced and looked away and she gasped. “Oh my gosh, you have, haven’t you? You’ve saved a freaking cat. You couldn’t be more perfect if you tried.”
His eyes locked on hers, and Jordan backpedaled . “Not perfect for me. I meant for the show. . . .”
It was the wrong thing to say.


Jordan and her colleague/friend, Simon, easily made connections to the people that lived in Luke's quaint little town. It was so heartwarming to see how welcoming they were to them. And as Jordan slowly met Luke's friends, I was happy to see that they truly wanted Luke to do the show. Yet there's a huge snag, which of course had me grinning. Luke's dead set on not being a part of the show, and not liking Jordan. Even though he feels an attraction to her. And he's not the only one fighting it, because Jordan feels it towards him too. Thankfully we got to alternate between Luke and Jordan, so I could see all of their thoughts about one another. I'm a huge fan of a dual-narrative! Especially since the sexual tension between Jordan and Luke was mixed with banter, and that made for some explosive scenes. I had to know what they were thinking!

The more they touched, the more they wanted, the longer they kissed, the harder it was to stop.
And it had to stop. This was . . .
Luke’s mouth moved from her lips to trail down her neck, and her head fell back with a gasp.
Madness . This was madness and irresponsible, and . . .
Career suicide.
Luke’s hand was on her waist, sliding up over her rib cage . . .


The one thing I was a little nervous about was would Jordan be too pushy with Luke? I have no clue why I had that thought in my head. But the answer is definitely no. I mean, yes she moves into his town and infiltrates his life. Yet it doesn't really feel like that since she establishes real friendships with so many of the town's people. And she backs off from Luke too. But looking back, I think it all worked so perfectly because Jordan is this warm, friendly, nice person whereas Luke was at times grumpy, standoffish and a huge jerk (that’s my favorite kinda guy, in case you didn’t know lol). Oh, I couldn't help but love him when he was a jerk.....there's just something so addicting about a relationship that has animosity and dislike. I root that much harder for them! And the way it all ended?! So many happy tears were streaming down my face. This book made me so elated and I wasn't ready to say goodbye to all of the new friends I made. So yes, I definitely recommend Ready to Run! Here's hoping you love it as much as I do!

“We’re not sticking around here,” Jordan explained. “We’re about to storm a firehouse.”
Simon rested a hand across his chest. “Oh sweet Jesus, I think I might faint. Do you think I could talk one of them into wearing just the suspender things, no shirt?”


PS I loved, loved, loved Jordan's colleague and friend Simon. The friendship between them had me smiling and laughing and he was such a fabulous person to have in this book! It made me desperately want to have a novella just about him!

*ARC kindly provided by Random House Publishing - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I love this author's sense of humor! This book had me laughing out loud and swooning! If you love a small town romantic comedy you must pick this one up - fantastic!!!!

Yet another wonderful Rom-Com by Lauren Layne. Jordan Carpenter is an up and coming T.V. producer and the one thing she needs to make or break her career is finding the new Bachelor. Well not "The Bachelor" but along the same lines except that the potential groom for the show need to be runaway grooms. Men who have left their fiancees at the altar and Jordan has found the perfect one. So far Luke Elliot has left three women at the altar, yet he still seems to be the town's darling boy, a well liked and still very sought after Fireman. To Jordan and her boss he is the perfect choice only one problem he doesn't want to do it. Jordan goes to his small town in Montana and says she won't leave until he agrees. Only now that she's there she realizes that he's not just perfect for the show but for her too, because Luke isn't what he seems he's better.

This was such a fun read, I'm not big on reality tv shows and I was worried how this one was going to play out but it's quite a read. Lauren Layne does so well with the small town romance it surprised me because I'm so use to her big city love. Jordan and Luke have this great chemistry that confuses them at first so they start out not friendly but the more Jordan digs into Luke's past the more she likes him and the more that Luke sees of Jordan and since everyone in town is pushing them together it's not hard for them to finally give in. The story is funny and enchanting and I can't wait for more.

This was just so much fun. Jordan gets so much more than she bargained for when she arrives in Lucky Hollow Montana. She has the time of her life and then some. She even bumps into Luke a few times. I would not say that it was all bad. The sparks fly. Tongues wage.

Jordan has witts on her side. She finds a way when none seems apparent. She makes things happen. Luke was the sexy country fireman that was loyal to a fault. He would do and give until there was nothing left. He was the dream that women wanted and Jordan wanted him on her show.

Chick-lit romance coming up and served just right. There was so much fun to be had with encounters, incidents, banter, confrontations, a tear-jerker or two, and we can’t forget all the great characters that make this read one to go-to when you need a laugh with some romance.

Lauren Layne gave me that summer read that light up the rom-com meter.