Jordan is a heroine with a history we only learn about rather late in the story. We don't know what made her the way she is, just that there seems to be something in her past that she has never processed to a degree that she can trust people to stay with her. She always chooses the safe path, keeping people at arm's length, never letting somebody in too deep.

***Physically, she’d been perfectly stable. Emotionally, she’d always had one foot out the door.***


Jordan is a city girl who loves her home in New York very much but as you read along you meet the Jordan who comes from a small town and realizes how much she misses the familiarity, the people who know one another well enough to have them stick their noses in your life.

The people of Lucky Hollow in Montana sense the small town girl in her and welcome her in their fold from the start. It helps that one of their own doesn't seem to be able to take his eyes off of Jordan, whether he looks at her in anger or with desire. I really liked Jordan, she was ambitious but she didn't sell out her own grandmother just to reach her goal. She has a gentle heart that bruises easily when you know which button to push. And I loved her general attitude towards the people in town, deep down she is a simple and nice small town girl with the dreams and wishes of one.

***Trouble was, Jordan was getting the distinct impression that Luke Elliott thought everything worth caring about in life had long past slipped away.***


Not much is known about Luke's past brides and why he left them at the altar. He is just as closed-off as Jordan when it comes to the other gender but as the story unfolds you realize that not everything is as it seems. Luke is quite the grumpster and I wanted to kick him a couple of times, especially around the 85% mark when he still didn't get his head out of his butt - he gave me a major case of whiplash there.

“You make me want things I haven’t let myself want in a long time.”
He studied her, then shook his head. “That’s it? That’s all I get? You tell me you’re dredging up the worst part of my life, and I get some vague crap about your self-discovery.”


But there were also times when was utterly charming and sweet - his abrasive attitude wasn't always unwelcome and I totally loved how it ramped up the sexual chemistry between Luke and Jordan. I would have liked to see more grovelling at the end.

“Well, that makes two of us, Small Town. Because you don’t know yourself either. Enjoy your solitude and your attitude problem.”


The whole town of Lucky Hollow and its inhabitants charmed me. I loved the well-meant meddling, the fun they all had playing matchmaker for Jordan and Luke. They were one of my highlights in this story.

“Jordan. Where’d she go?”
“I have no idea ,” she said, holding his gaze. “Back home, I imagine.”
Home. That felt wrong. It was wrong. Home wasn’t New York. Home was . . . with him? The thought felt both ridiculous— he’d just met her—and yet not ridiculous at all.
“You’re so dumb,” Isobel muttered, shoving in a mouthful of lettuce.



The blurb had me at "firefighter" so I was eager to check this book out! I love Lauren Layne's writing - she puts her heart in it and it shows. This story has her signature banter and snark and some angst-packed situations but it never gets too much.
Ready To Run is a lovely start to a new series by this author and I am looking forward to reading the next installment!

Even as much as I love romance, I'm not a girl who watches any "dating" reality TV. Admittedly, I watched the first couple of seasons of "The Bachelor/Bachelorette" but I haven't kept up with it. I don't like the manufactured drama for something that is supposed to be "real life". Now with my romance reading, I love drama of all kinds and I love how Lauren Layne depicts it in Ready to Run. I tore through this book as I couldn't stand the thought of sleep without seeing where things go with Luke "Freaking" Elliott and Jordan "City" Carpenter.

When Jordan shows up in Lucky Hollow (population 2,314) looking to land Luke on the show Jilted, he goes on defense while everyone else (family and friends alike) , champion Jordans' cause. He's a stubborn man and his resistance is steadfast. But it doesn't take long for Jordan to get under his skin and when the attraction between them takes a turn , Jordan finds herself risking it all.

Jordan is a wholly likable heroine who finds herself nostalgic for her own small town upbringing. Her BBFF (best boy friends forever) Simon is a great sidekick and helps nudge things along but Lucky Hollow has a plethora of characters that want change in Luke's life. As Jordan uncovers information on the three abandoned brides, and the salaciousness of Luke's history as a groom diminishes, she's given cause to temporarily forget her original intentions with Luke and just why she's in Lucky Hollow.

This is a fun and fast paced read with just the right amount of drama. True to LL's storytelling, she delivers a few beatings to my heart with the barbs that Luke throws out at Jordan (this is the kinda of drama I love). Words that immediately lead to regret and require a proper apology. As always, the story is well plotted and takes place in just under a months time, but make no mistake this is no insta-love story and the slow burn is oh so good! Ready to run is yet another stellar read by Lauren Layne. 4.5 Stars and recommendation

Favorite Quotes:

“That is one hot firefighter… Every last one of them belongs on a naughty calendar.” She gave him a look with a raised eyebrow. “If you don’t get ahold of yourself, they’re going to have to turn the hose on you.”

He’d spoken with his mother just yesterday, and she’d launched into a fifteen-minute description of an article she’d read about how men’s reproductive systems age just like women’s and if he was going to give her grandchildren, he’d better get on it. He’d claimed a fire emergency before she could describe what or whom exactly he was supposed to get on.

Call me a girl, and I’ll do just about anything you want. The men in your town have been ma’am-ing me, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.

Small population means limited number of eligible men and women. Anytime there’s fresh blood, the sharks circle.

My Review:

Jordan was intrigued with uncovering Luke’s story and signing him as a star of her new reality television show. Luke was dead-set on keeping his history under wraps.   They were in a duel to out-stubborn each other while his small meddlesome community was uncommonly tight-lipped. Jordan grew even more determined with the thought that there must be something more to his story if no one was willing to spill the beans. She wouldn’t give up and he wouldn’t give it up. I enjoyed the premise of Ready To Run and the surprisingly nuanced and complex story behind the story. Ms. Layne has a definite knack for creating complicated and endearing characters who are flawed yet ever so enticing, and I just adored Luke. I also appreciated the storyline being well-balanced between the heart squeezes and humor.

Ready to Run is the first book in Lauren Layne's new I Do, I Don't series. I have been looking forward to this series since I read the first blurb. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and I devoured it in a few hours. 

Luke has almost been married 3 different times making him the perfect contestant on the new reality show, Jilted. Jordan is in charge of casting the perfect guy for this role so she travels to Lucky Hollow, Luke's tiny hometown, to try to win him over. Honestly, she's a pain in the neck with her persistence but she desperately wants to further her career. Luke isn't interested in being on any show and doesn't want anything to do with Jordan even if he is attracted to her. 

Lauren Layne delivers another humurous, heartfelt romance that will leave you wanting more. Luke is a hunky firefighter that you can't help but love. Jordan has this things with small towns that is hard to understand at first. The attraction between these two is so noticeable to everyone else and I find it slightly funny that they think they can ignore it. All of the characters are so enjoyable especially Jordan's friend Simon and Luke's firefighter buddies. I am waiting impatiently for the next book to come out!

Bringing me the same feelings and laughter that Walk of Shame brought, Lauren Layne again shows her ability to combine sexy, flirty dialogue, real emotions, a touch of pop culture and characters that you want to add to your group of friends. Luke is from a small town in Montana, gaining notoriety because of his running away from not one or two, but three women at the altar. Dubbed the Runaway Groom, he’s just trying to live his life out of the spotlight. But, he’s refusing to answer calls and questions about his last-minute cold feet, and simply wants to be left alone.

Jordan works for a studio, one that wants to produce a “bachelor-like” show, using Luke as the prize. Since Luke won’t answer her calls, it is up to her to head to Montana with her friend and co-worker Simon, and get Luke to follow them back to film. Not difficult, but pulling this self-defined city girl out into the wide open spaces is proving to be the key to opening her own personal Pandora’s box, where she’s stuffed her own issues and memories of her small-town upbringing, and moved beyond her roots.

Jordan is very bold, brash and determined: like other Layne heroines she uses humor, pointed comments and has a running interior dialogue that never fails to amuse, even as it dances about her own real issues and concerns, showing readers the vulnerabilities. Simon, as a road-trip sidekick is adorable and clever: never missing an opportunity to lighten Jordan’s mood, redirect her focus or even simply be there to listen. And then we have Luke. Silent (like a stone) Luke who won’t be swayed by constant pestering, offers of cash and stardom, or even the repeated appearances of Jordan in his life, his town, HIS places. Sure, she’s cute and clever, and everyone (and he realizes Everyone) in town finds her intriguing, and they even are starting to fall for her attempts to ingratiate herself with the town in an effort to get him to cooperate. But really? He wants to ignore her and her effort, as easily as he ignored the offer but there’s something about Jordan that he can’t ignore.

Oh there is drama, and issues that pop up but this is really the tale of Jordan and Luke overcoming their own issues, discovering what is important to each of them, and working together to overcome it all for a future together.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” http://wp.me/p3OmRo-98X/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

How does Lauren Layne do it? She consistently creates characters I love, witty banter, swoony heroes, steamy connections, and happily ever afters that keep me coming back again and again. Ready to Run is no exception.

Jordan has landed in Lucky Hollow, Montana to convince the local hot firefighter to star in a new reality dating show. Too bad for her, Luke Elliott wants no part of it and does his best to send her packing. Jordan's not one to take no for an answer and proceeds to make friends and charm everyone in the small town all while continuing to try and get past Luke's defenses. She thinks he's stubborn, he thinks she's pushy - but neither one can deny the sparks that fly every time they're together.

I was completely charmed by every character in Ready to Run. Not just Jordan and Luke but every side character as well. How often does that happen? From Jordan's best friend Simon (can he be my best friend, too?), to the ladies (including Luke's exes) that befriend Jordan, to Luke's firefighter buddies... I loved them all. I'm not typically a fan of small town settings but I found myself wanting to take up residence in Lucky Hollow and call these people my friends.

Admittedly, the plot may be a little formulaic, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment one bit. Cute, funny, sweet and sexy, and low on angst, Ready to Run totally hits the mark.

It's no secret that I'm a huge Lauren Layne fangirl, but this year her books and I have not been getting along all that well. I held out hope that Ready to Run would change that for me, but unfortunately it didn't. Ready to Run, while it possesses quintessential elements that make Layne's novels very readable, is also bland in other ways. Perhaps the biggest issue for me here are the characters. Normally, this author writes compelling voices whose happily ever after you root for. Neither Jordan nor Luke were interesting characters. Instead, I found them to be incredibly irritating. I absolutely hated how pushy Jordan came across as. The way she kept forcing herself into Luke's life in order to get him on her new Bachelor-esque show was disturbing and uncomfortable. Imagine if the genders were reversed here. You know you would 100% want the woman to get a restraining order ... Other than that, I found Jordan to be self-absorbed, and a little too focused on her job. Luke isn't a character who stands out any better, in my opinion. Layne is known for writing compelling and swoony heroes, but I found Luke to be the opposite of those. He is very grumpy, and closed-off, and I didn't feel like enough time is spent in Ready to Run exploring his character, so he comes across as a boring jerk more than anything. The romance wasn't any better. It's a hate-to-love romance, what seems to be Lauren Layne's obsession lately, but it's not done all that well. There is no smooth transition from the hate to the love, and it's lacking in the banter that make Lauren Layne's romance so ship-worthy. In the end, I just don't see this couple lasting beyond the ending, which isn't a feeling you want to be left with when you finish a romance novel. All that being said, Ready to Run is still readable, and there were elements I liked such as the town setting. Overall though, Ready to Run is a miss, and I'm doubtful that I'll be continuing on with this series. We'll see!

've read most of LL's books & I was looking forward to this one. Reality shows aren't my bag. I never watch the bachelor/bachelorette shows. I get embarrassed to watch women making fools of themselves.
The story in this book is the lead-up to a new show called "Jilted". The prime candidate for the jilter is Luke Elliott of Lucky Hollow, Montana.
Jordan Carpenter boss Raven charges her with bringing in their (future) star of the new show. She flies out from NYC to convince Luke to be on their show. He's ignored her calls and emails.
Luke is a hunky (what else??) fire fighter. He's left 3 different women at the altar on his wedding day(s).
Jordan is intrigued, but when they meet..... wow. Sparks. Make that lightning bolts.
Luke is down right rude to Jordan. Jordan charms Luke's friends and coworkers. There's a large group of supporting characters. Luke's Fire Dept has no shortage of hunky firemen.
Jordan finds a place to stay and seems to fit right in. She makes friends with the town folk that are right around her age. This includes Luke's exes. Much to Luke's chagrin.
Jordan is tenacious and continues to get more of Luke's story. Two of Luke's exes are revealed. Jordan is determined to find out who is the 3rd jilted bride.
I really enjoyed the build up in Luke and Jordan's chemistry. Jordan is in town temporarily and to get Luke to reveal all his secrets on national TV. He constantly says NO, but Jordan keeps trying to get a YES.
Luke really is likable. His last break up was by far the most painful. What happened?
I found that I was OK with an H being friends with 2 of his exes. Jordan surprises herself by becoming friends with them too. I liked them too. When can I leave for Montana?
Jordan and Luke have a slow but steady burn. I loved the kissing booth episode.
The humor is very fresh and fun. Luke's friends have some great lines:

Hailey flicked the shoulder of a lanky kid at the bar. "Move it, Jimmy. Being 21 means you act like a man and move for the ladies."

There are some sweet and sexy moments too. Jordan starts to get back in touch with her small town roots (Kansas).. Jordan decides what is right and best for her. I loved that this book focused on small town USA. No slams against NYC & urban life, but it gave a great sample of both.
The POV is 3 person. I enjoyed the more serious, sentimental ending. [ Great grand gesture by Luke! (hide spoiler)] HEA. The epilogue is short, but makes way for book 2 (different H&h)
4.25 stars. ARC from Netgalley - Thanks! I'm ready for book 2! Uh oh, it's "Jilted"

4.5 stars for Ready to Run! This is my third read from Lauren Layne and she didn't disappoint. I love that her books read like movies. They're just the right length to turn into screen worthy rom-coms. I really enjoyed Ready to Run and could easily see it on the big screen. I loved Jordan and Luke as well as the plethora of secondary characters. Simon was hilarious and added the right amount of humor and levity to the story. The sexual tension between Jordan and Luke...oh my gaaawwwwd! So hot. I thought the premise of was original. Luke had so many layers that Jordan gradually peels back throughout the story and vice versa. There's definitely a "more than meets the eye" element in this book and while it's a shorter novel they are well-written, complex characters. This book is sensual and steamy but also light-hearted and funny. A perfect read for a day at the beach or lounging around!

**4.5 Stars**
I love everything Lauren Layne writes and gives to us readers. Ready to Run was no different and I might dare say it's my favorite LL book to date! The chemistry between Jordan and Luke is off the charts and watching them fight it until they no longer can was my absolute favorite.
Jordan Carpenter is on a mission. Securing her runaway groom for a new TV series leads her to a small town and the runaway groom with attitude. Watching Jordan do everything she can to get Luke to agree to the show is perfect. The tension this causes between these two only adds to the small town gossip that they are perfect for each other, they just don't know it yet.
Luke Elliott has been portrayed as a runaway groom leaving three separate brides at the alter. He has kept a low profile and hasn't really dated since bride 3. Enter Jordan and her need to get him on a TV show. Will Luke agree or will he do anything to get Jordan to back off?
Watching these two was amazing. I loved everything about them and the chemistry they had together. I can't wait for book 2 in this new series!

Jordan is on the trail of the star for the new reality show, Jilted. Luke Elliott is the perfect "runaway groom" since he is known as the guy that left 3 women at the alter. Luke isn't answering her phone calls or emails but she knows she can get him to agree to the program in person. She's determined to be in & back to New York in no time. Then she meets firefighter Luke.

Luke Elliott can't believe they can't take no for an answer. The fact that he ignored the calls & emails should have told them he wasn't interested. Now his friends are getting involved. They keep trying to set him up with Jordan. He isn't interested in a city girl, even though their chemistry is off the charts. Why won't she go away?

Lauren Layne has taken a tired subject, reality dating shows, & given it a fresh spin. I love her light hearted take on love & relationships. The characters are realistic & you find yourself rooting for their HEA. The interactions between Luke & his friends made me smile, giggle & laugh out loud! Simon is a hoot! He adds such color & flair to the story. I love this book!

Great storyline with very likeable characters made for this book to be a very enjoyable read!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Lauren Layne is always one of my one click authors. I can count on her for strong witty characters that wont take any crap, both male and female. Runaway Groom, the start to the new I Do, I Don't series is no exception. Runaway Groom is Sweet Home Alabama meets the Bachelor and proves once again you can take the girl out of the town, but you can't take the town out of the girl. The theme throughout the book that things aren't always what the seem. Jordan seem like a city girl, but even her friends in the city see through that and know she is too nice to really be one of them. As for Luke, on paper he is a classic player with three brides left at the alter, but it is clear early on that the guy in front of us doesn't match the guy on paper. Watching the two of them figure that out for themselves while trying to fight the obvious attraction they have is pure entertainment that I've come to expect from Layne. Anyone who loves a good romantic comedy will love this story and I look forward to the rest of the series.

This first book in the I Do, I Don't series was so much fun to read!!! It kept a smile on my face from start to finish.

Jordan works for a reality tv show and is looking for her first bachelor. She travels to a small town to convince Luke, who has left three brides at the alter, to sign up. Luke ignored all of Jordan's emails and calls for a reason: he has zero desire to be on her show and there's nothing she can offer or say that will change his mind. The longer Jordan spends in town and the more she gets to know Luke, the more she realizes that there's more to him that meets the eye and maybe the world of reality tv isn't as real as everyone thinks it is.

I loved the start of this new series so much!! LL never fails to draw you in to the story and feel connected to every single character. I loved everything about Luke and Jordan. I was biting my nails waiting for their secrets to be revealed and swooning at every interaction between them. I can't wait to see what's next for the Jilted series!!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

Some books are just flat out fun and this gave off a seriously entertaining vibe right from the start. From the awesome cast of characters to the animosity and flirting, this just checked every bell and whistle for a great story. It had an awesome HEA that left me with a big ol' smile on my face! Loved this!

Luke and Jordan have excellent chemistry mixed with some friction and it was just down right amusing to watch them butt heads and see those sparks fly and build. I was excited while reading, wanting to know the details, wanting to know about Luke's past brides, and just eating up all the fun that ensued while it was happening. Luke was great, super sweet, and also kind of gruff because of the situation. Jordan was adorable, I liked her spunk and that she held her own but that she was open to seeing what was happening all around her. I loved learning their back stories and thought there was really good character development. I loved watching Luke and Jordan’s edges soften, the heat crank up, and them come together.

The writing was awesome and I adored that this was told from dual POVs. I loved the build and development as well. This was a fast paced, easy read that brought the fun. There was so much sexual tension mixed in with that animosity and I just couldn't wait for everything to come together. There’s a nice amount of heat and emotion mixed in as well. There was a great cast of characters really helping the story come to life and adding more entertainment value. Jordan's best friend was pretty spectacular as well adding his own brand of zing and whimsy.

Charming, sweet, and sexy. Loved this! The take away is that this is a feel good story that was extremely entertaining and will leave you smiling. It was a delight!

This first entry to Lauren Layne's new "I Do, I Don't" series is a truly fun read. I had a good laugh reading it. The characters are such a hoot. Their back and forth enlivens the story, and I'm not only talking about the the main pairing, Luke and Jordan, but the good people of Lucky Hollow and her friend, Simon.

Set in a small Montana town, Lucky Hollow, the underline note the story here is: nothing is what it seems. Luke's famed runaway groom tale got Jordan hot in pursued to recruit him as the new tv star. The two unbending individuals collides. And soon, Luke's first impression that the rating-oriented city girl's a little more than vulture in high heels shifted. When layers of each painful past revealed, our characters are faced to make a decision that will change their life.

What pulled me to this book is the combination of strong characters, delightful and touching story, as well as the witty banter in it. And let's not forget the pets! Who can resist a hunky firefighter who has a cat and a dog? As perfect as he seems though, Luke made mistakes and bears some regrets. Jordan might look breezy and sophisticated. But her past is no less painful and it affects her conduct to people. The dual POVs admits the characters' insight and thoughts, which help in hinting and bridging the mutual attraction before it's culminating (though I'm happy with the not so many steamy scenes this book has).

As nosy as any small town story this may be, the book also display the community's loyalty, such as not blubbering one of their own's disgrace. There's also the interesting spiel to the queer supporting characters in the book, which is done in a not-too-dramatic sort of way - which I love.

Oh I had my grievances over Luke's hotheaded snap and the slightly too rushed closure. The grudge part of me wish for a bit more groveling presents. At the same time, I'm like a proud parent with Jordan's character, of how grown up she becomes. That and apparently I can't stay mad long at Luke. :p

I haven't read that many of the author's books, but clearly she has a way with words for I truly enjoy this book! All in all Ready to Run present a promising start to the series. All I'm asking (of the author) is if would she (please) allow Simon to have his own (spin-off) HEA story. His character is just way too amusing not to be explored more! :)


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

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed Ready to Run by Lauren Layne.

The writing was well done, the storyline held my attention and kept me turning the pages late into the night. I just didn't want to put it down.
I found Jordan and Luke likable, funny, endearing, passionate characters and loved watching their relationship develop.
They made me laugh, they made me swoon, they frustrated me a little and then they made me fall in love with them and their beautiful, heartwarming love story.

Overall, Ready to Run is a great start to the I Do, I Don't series. All the characters made this a fun and entertaining read and I highly recommend it.

*Purchase links*
✦ KINDLE ⇢ http://amzn.to/2wpTB6y
✦ iBOOKS ⇢ http://apple.co/2vBlJ9g
✦ B&N ⇢ http://bit.ly/2wppxId
✦ KOBO ⇢ http://bit.ly/2vJm49z
✦ GPLAY ⇢ http://bit.ly/2fXg9rT

*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

4 'City meets Country' Stars!
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Since this baby is LIVE today, it's a great day to post my review! I was lucky enough to read this during last weekend and I have to say I am pretty exicted about this new series! You probably know my infinite love for all things Lauren Layne so, of course, I really enjoyed reading the journey to love between this couple.

Ready to Run is the first installment in Lauren's new series called I Do, I Don't. She describes it perfectly by saying: "The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride" because this series (or at least this book) is about runaway grooms! Ready to Run is a love story between two different people (a city girl who is used to get what she wants and a hot country firefighter) who actually are not that different when they start falling in love with each other.

“So why are you pushing so hard for a guy who clearly wants no part of this?”
“He gets under my skin.”

I loved the idea of this new series and Lauren just gave us a great start to it! I have to say I am not a fan of realities but I enjoyed the building of this one. Jordan and Luke's hate to love relationship was entertaining, emotional and sexy! I love Lauren's slow burn romances and she did not disappoint with this one at all. These two have awesome chemistry!

“That’s not what this is. Luke, you have to know by now that this isn’t just about the show, it’s not about my boss.”
“No? What’s it about then, Jordan?”
“You make me want things I haven’t let myself want in a long time.”

As I was saying, Jordan and Luke are great together, especially when they start acting on their feelings. However, I have to confess I found Jordan too focused on getting Luke on the show sometimes. It was clear that Luke did not want to participate and you will understand completely why towards the end (I felt so bad for him, poor thing!). But, as always, Lauren gave us an adorable ending and a freaking epilogue (YAY!!!!).

Her heart recognized him—her soul knew this man, because somehow he’d wiggled inside her and occupied every corner of her that mattered.

Therefore, my rating for Ready to Run is 4 STARS because, as I said, it was a great start to the I Do, I Don't series! I am definitely curious about the next two stories and to see how different they are from this one. I love Lauren's writing and her characters: obviously, Jordan and Luke were no different. So, if you enjoyed this woman's books in the past, check the start of this new series!