Review by Leah for Love Romance Books Blog

I was asked by the author for an honest review.

4 Stars!

Book one in Lauren Layne's new series, this works well as a standalone with a glimpse as to the next book, without leaving the reader ranting at a huge cliffhanger. (Don't you hate those?) Jordan Carpenter is a reality TV producer from New York in the small town of Lucky Hollow to persuade the sexy firefighter, Luke Elliot, to star in a new series showcasing runaway grooms. As a man that has had THREE fiancées and zero weddings, Luke should be the perfect candidate...if Jordan can convince him. Strong personalities collide and sparks fly!

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what happens next! Layne has written strong characters and an intriguing storyline, interspersed with witty repartee and sexy encounters. Jordan is a strong woman with spine of steel and a heart of mush. Luke is an honest man and one that lives by a set of principles. They're interactions throughout were great! And the secondary characters were the perfect mix! This was my first Lauren Layne book, but it definitely won't be the last!

4-4.25 STARS

When it comes to writing romance, no one does it better than author Lauren Layne. In this first installment to her newest series, the author takes a page from reality television with "Ready to Run." Not only is the storyline unique and clever, but it's a quick, fun read that is sure to delight.

So… what’s the premise? “Jilted”--a new reality dating show featuring a runaway groom and the small town firefighter that TV producer Jordan Carpenter deems the perfect candidate. Unfortunately for Jordan, firefighter and runaway groom, Luke Elliot, has absolutely no interest in participating in this public farce. And in her attempt to convince this gruff but sexy man to change his mind, Jordan finds herself falling for the local icon whose reputation for leaving 3 different brides at the altar, is not at all what it appears to be.

In this “city girl meets country boy” romance, Luke isn’t the only one with secrets. It appears that Jordan holds secrets of her own. And in between his heated bouts with the stubborn stiletto-wearing beauty, Luke fantasizes about ratcheting up their heat a notch by taking Jordan to his bed. And when fantasy finally becomes reality, the sparks really begin to fly! But with each passing day, Jordan's impending departure begins to weigh heavily on them both.

With a charming cast of characters to round this story out, “Ready to Run” is the first book in what promises to be a fun, flirty, and sexy new romantic series.--one you’ll undoubtedly want to check out.

I love Lauren Layne's voice and style and each series just keeps getting better and better. I loved stepping out of the big city and into small town with Layne in this one. The premises is fun and the characters she creates are just perfect. I really hope that Luke and Jordan appear in book two although Gage does seem interesting.

What a FUN story to begin this new series! I curled up on a rainy afternoon to read this one and couldn't turn the pages fast enough but way too soon was finished. Jordan Carpenter is tasked with the job of recruiting the newest contestant for a reality TV show to feature Luke Elliott who left three brides at the altar. He refuses to respond to her emails or phone calls so she shows up in his home town and the fun begins. The town rallies behind her but are they helping her recruit him for the show or is there matchmaking behind all the BBQ, running path directions, and kissing booth competitions? So much fun and witty banter and the back stories to keep everything fresh and exciting for the new series. There is a peek at the next book and I am looking forward to it.

I recommend this one!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

I wanted to like the story, but I just couldn't get over the lack of connection I felt between the two main characters. Jordan was funny, but her friend Simon was just more interesting. Can we get more scenes with him? Luke was, for lack of a better word, a douche way too often for me to be a fan. How he got so many women to the altar is beyond me. Ultimately it was a character issue, otherwise the book was written very well and engaged me.

I absolutely adored this book! It's my second book by Lauren Layne and she is now on my must read list. Walk of Shame had me laughing out loud and Ready to Run made me both laugh and cry. Any author who can bring out that range of emotions in me is a real winner to me.

I adored Luke and initially it is hard to believe he would jilt 3 women and once we learn the reasons I really felt bad for him. He is a total hottie and a sweetheart on top of it. Jordan is a spitfire and I loved seeing her push Luke. The story line is great and like I mention will tug out of you all sorts of emotions. Watching the sparks fly between Luke and Jordan was mesmerizing and the cast of supporting characters was excellent. I loved Jordan's best friend, Simon, and adored every scene that he was in.

I cannot wait until the next book comes out and highly recommend this book if you love a good romance that can both make you laugh and cry as well as fall in love with the entire cast of characters.

Lauren Layne is one of my favorite authors in the whole world. Her novels are fun, swoony and full of feels. I absolutely loved Ready to Run the minute I read the blurb as I felt it had a reverse "Runaway Bride" (Richard Gere/Julia Roberts must see movie) feel. The unique spin with the "Runaway Groom" aspect was so fantastic as I thought Luke was the perfect growly and broody hero with a heart of gold. I was smitten the first moment I saw this "country" boy! And Jordan was the perfect sassy New Yorker with a small town girl's heart. I absolutely loved them together and could not get enough!


When reality TV producer, Jordan Carpenter is tasked with finding the perfect candidate for Jilted, a new reality dating tv show about runaway grooms similar to the Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride, she looks at Montana heartthrob, firefighter Luke Elliot, who left three brides at the altar. The only problem? Luke refuses to answer Jordan’s emails or return her calls so she is faced with recruiting him in person in Montana. But what happens when this Country Boy and City Slicker meet and the chemistry crackles between them at first glance? Will Jordan allow her attraction to get in the way of her job? More importantly what happens when she finds out there is more to this runaway groom than she thought?


I really enjoyed this story! I thought it was filled with heart, sass and sizzle. Luke and Jordan had great chemistry and really were so sweet together. I look forward to the next book in the series! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

I would like to thank Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

Ready to Run was once again, LL at her finest. She keeps publishing these romances that keep topping the last on my favorite reads lists!

The characters, Luke and Jordan are wonderfully written. I loved them both individually as well as a couple. They had great chemistry and I just loved how irritated Luke would get with Jordan. The supporting cast was grade A. While I would love to see them again, they already all had their happy endings. So I'm cool with the series continuing but with a new set of characters. But I love the idea that we are still following this show, Jilted since the concept is so fun. I wonder...do we get to see Simon again?!

Also, please, if there are any die hard LL fans reading this, is Simon LL's first gay character? I can't remember, I feel like he is. Please, correct me if I'm wrong. Anyways, Simon was fabulous. He was obviously gay but not in an over the top, diva way. He was easy to love. The whole story, in general, was just easy to love. I couldn't put Ready to Run down!

Living in the city had been Jordan's dream for as long as she can remember after growing up in a small town. Now that she's achieved her dream she never thought she'd end up back in small-town America when her job as a television producer sends her to Lucky Hollow, Montana. The goal: find one Luke Elliott and convince him to be a contestant on her new reality show Jilted. A send up of The Bachelor except the man at the head of the competition is one that has left numerous brides at the altar in the past, therefore making him the ultimate "prize" to whichever lady can win his heart.

Jordan hits a roadblock, however, when is becomes very apparent that Luke is not interested in parading himself in front of the country and opening up old wounds again. Ever determined, Jordan will not let his reluctance keep her from doing her job. With the surprising support of everyone else in Lucky Hollow who believe Luke should give the show a chance in order to get out of his shell, Jordan embarks on finding out exactly what happened between Luke and the three women he alternately left at the altar. Along the way, Luke and Jordan, people from two seemingly opposite sides of the tracks, just may end up feeling more for each other than they're prepared for.

Overall, I liked the idea behind Ready to Run. I liked the underlying theme that not everything (or everyone) is not as it (or they) seem. People are full of layers, and most of the time we're only getting a view of the surface in those we interact with. We definitely don't figure out the full extent of what happened between Luke and his three fiancees until very near the end of the book, but Jordan definitely comes into the situation making assumptions on the most basic level of knowledge about Luke. With Jordan's own past not being fully revealed to readers until after the halfway mark, one would think that she'd ask questions first, and jump second, but it doesn't exactly work out that way. Conversely, we see Luke also making assumptions regarding Jordan just based on how she dresses and conducts herself. I honestly loved seeing the moments when things clicked between Jordan and Luke.

On the other side, however, I also had issues with how many facts were kept close to the chest. Mainly in Luke's case, I thought it actually took too long for him to come clean about everything that happened between him and his fiancees. It was dragged out a little too long for my tastes and ended up making the "big reveal" not so shocking in the long run. Then again, maybe that's an intentional form of commentary on Lauren Layne's part. That we, as individuals, build up the things that we fear revealing the most in our heads when in reality they're not as dire as we make them out to be.

Regardless, I enjoyed watching Jordan and Luke's chemistry lead them to one another and the after-effects when they realize that Jordan's job clashes with their feelings for one another.

Lauren Layne is an author that I've come to count on to deliver good, often sweet, romances with a nice level of heat. After reading Ready to Run, I think this new series will prove to be no different. I look forward to seeing where we go next with Runaway Groom out next month.

4 Everything is Not as It Seems Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
I cannot keep up! Lauren Layne is a Writing Machine and she keeps putting out books with a culturally media savvy eye. As the blurb so aptly states... think The Bachelor meets the Runaway Bride and you have an idea of how this book should feel. With the solid crafting Layne does... this read was easy to pick up, dive in and enjoy.

With the Layne touch to this premise, there is chemistry, plot points and emotional questions which are answered in the end.

Jordan Carpenter is a reality producer. She is on her way up the career ladder and this new series is her way to be recognized and promoted.

Jordan is a small town girl trying to make it in the big city. Jordan's formative years were nurtured in Small Town America. She didn't have a driving need to leave until she lost her parents. Somehow all the memories she had became too much for her... so off she went to New York City. There she started at the bottom with an entry level position. Over time she became the go to person when smart ideas needed to come to life.

In order to have the latest greatest thing, the production company and producers have decided to do a new series based on an idea from social media. A small story came out about men who just can't seem to marry and run more than once just before the wedding ceremony. It piqued the curiosity of the production company and the next thing Jordan knew... she was scouring the web, Facebook and small town newspapers looking for the perfect Runner.

Jordan thinks she has found Bachelor Runner Gold. She has found a hunk of a man... a fireman, for God's Sake in a small town who has skipped out from the alter 3 friggin' times. He is gorgeous, he has a normal open look...not that crazy look she had seen from all the other candidates...He was the type of guy who looked like the camera would love him...Hell, the viewing public would eat him up with a spoon.

There is just one tiny problem...this fireman is ignoring all of Jordan's attempt to contact him.

She has sent him emails.
She has left multiple voice messages.
She has even mentioned the crazy, stupid amount of compensation the show is willing to pay him...

And she has received NOTHING BACK...

Which is why she is on the road with her favorite production attorney driving to the small town where her fireman lives. Jordan has decided this fireman was the perfect candidate and she was going to get him for the show - period.

Luke Elliott has a life he likes. He has grown up in this town and all of its inhabitants look out for each other. He may have been involved in relationships which ended at the church... but no one in town thinks of Luke as a bad guy...

In fact, everyone is very protective of him and this human wall of silence is what Jordan must climb...But she's not put off, because at her core... She is a small town girl and understands how to play this game...

If you can't beat these people... you join them... and she does.

Luke Elliot is a very special character... he is all guy and puts up a wall of No to Jordan's request. Doesn't matter how much the show will pay him, he wants nothing to do with it...He does have a problem with Jordan staying in the town and continuing to ingratiate herself with locals....

The problem is he cannot stop thinking about her... how she looks and talks... how her skin looks so soft, imagining how silky it must feel...This is not good... Somehow he will have to get her out of his head...

Maybe they should just get this itch scratched...

There was a lot to like about this story. Luke has hidden depth and Jordan has been running from her pain by hiding in the big city. These two are fun together and when things get complicated... they fight to figure things out and make each other their main purpose.

This is a new series for Layne and it looks like it will be a fast paced ride. There will be a show with lots of characters who are looking for love... Something Layne is great at writing.

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh, Ms. Layne... You have made me want this book before your first draft is done!

Per Your Monthly Newsletter:
"It's still very much in "first draft" mode, but here's a quick look at a recent writing session:

“We’ll double the original offer.”
He didn’t even blink.

“Twice as much,” she said.
“Yes, I’m aware what double means, City Girl.”

“It’s a lot of money,” she said.
Luke took a sip of beer and said nothing.

Her eyes narrowed. “Do you even remember what the first offer was?”
“Didn’t forget. Never read it in the first place.”

She scowled. “I spent a lot of time on those emails.”
“Well, you wasted your time. I never made it past the second sentence.”

“But—“

Luke moved so quickly she gasped when he stepped towards her, crowding her space. Her surprise had her rocking backwards, the spike of her heel sinking all the way into the grass and throwing her off balance.

He reached out quickly, a palm against her back steadying her stumble even as he sent her heart racing.

“I’m only going to say this once more, City Girl, so listen up,” Luke said in a low gravel, his breath warm on her face. “I don’t care how much money’s on the table. I don’t care if your ‘hand picked’ women are all Victoria Secret models with degrees in neuroscience, who run charities in their spare time. I’m not, nor will I ever be interested in being a part of your show. So you can prance your high heels and your tight ass right back to New York City and leave me and my town in peace.” ”

Le Sigh.....Is It August Yet....

Ready to Run (I Do, I Don't #1)-August 22nd 2017

After every Lauren Layne book that I read I think that she has reached her peak, that there is no way that she can top that story and that there is no way that she can possibly write a sexier hero. And yet she just keeps on proving me wrong and that she just keeps getting better and better . I really can't imagine a romance fan, a true romance fan, not being a fan of her work. Whether her hero is a slick New Yorker or a small town hunk, he captures my heart every single time!

This is Layne's first book in her new "I do, I don't" series. And I have to say that I just loved it. Even though I am not a fan of reality tv, this series looks like it's going to laugh out loud funny and steamy!

Jordan Carpenter may be an ultra sleek New Yorker with her attitude and looks, but deep down she is a small town girl. And even though she has been trying desperatly to get rid of her roots, she finds herself drawn to Lucky Hallow and its inhabitants. She along with her best friend and collegue Simon have come to the quaint little town to persuade Luke Elliott to star in the new reality show that their network is planning to produce. The show is called "Jilted" and is about runaway grooms and the bachelorette who will capture his heart. It seems that the firefighter has had his share of jilted brides and has left three fiancees at the alter. And even though Luke has ignored every attempt that Jordan has made to contact him, Jordan is determined to make him the star of the show.

Luke wants nothing to do with the reality show and the sexy blonde who has come to persuade him. The last thing he wants is for the whole country to find out about his private life. However, even though he has been going out of his way to avoid the leggy blonde, it seems that everyone else in Lucky Hallow has welcomed her with open arms.

A beautiful romance with sexual tension that will keep you up all night, wondering when Luke and Jordan will finally give into their intense attraction . Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!!

Very cute read with surprising depth, dealing with serious issues. This is an author to watch for readers seeking contemporary romance with a little humor, heat, and heart.

First, this was such a fun book. I wasn't sure about the premise, but I gave it a chance and boy, did I fall in love with the characters. Luke is one difficult hero, but Jordan was such a strong heroine. Not only that, I loved all the minor characters, found the story to be believable and not full of romance cliches, and my heart felt full when it was over. Definitely recommend this one to any romance reader.

If you love romantic comedies, you really can't be disappointed with Lauren Layne's Ready to Run, the first book in her new series which centers around finding reluctant heroes who's left brides at the altar and are now contestants in a new reality show called Jilted. It's definitely a cross between Runaway Bride and The Bachelor and only Lauren Layne can come up with that idea and produce a fantastic, small town guy meets big city girl toe-curling-romance that will make you smile, laugh, cry and basically hug these characters close to you because they feel so alive! Ready for the next book!

Ready to Run by Lauren Layne is another amazing book which I highly enjoyed! I was completely captivated with this book, not putting it down until I finished it! I spent my afternoon laughing and then yelling at the characters in the book!!

Jordan Carpenter is on the hunt for Luke Elliot. Jordan works for a TV network who came up with an idea similar to the Bachelor, a show called Jilted, which will focus on runaway grooms. Tracking down Luke is not as easy as it seems but convincing him to do the show is making Jordan’s job even harder.

Luke Elliot, firefighter, all around good guy, and a sexy country boy, left 3 woman at the altar. At least that’s what he’s let everyone believe. When Jordan comes to town searching for him, Luke is instantaneously taken with the City Girl who is pushing his boundaries.

With an entire town conspiring together against Jordan and Luke, will Jordan be able to get Luke on the show to find his one true love? Or has Luke already found love in the most unlikely place?

I adored this story! I love Jordan from page one and fell in love with Luke the moment he stepped onto the scene. I enjoyed their chemistry, and their witty banter but when Luke got snarky with Jordan? WOW!! I just completely felt her heart breaking!!

I was 100% drawn into this story and read the book in one sitting! I had no intention of putting it down, it was wonderful!

This was a fun, sweet and sexy read. I enjoyed Jordan and Luke's story from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to the next book!

I am a fan of this authors and every book of hers is a gift. My initial thought when I read the excerpt was that this would be a light, fun read, but it had several layers which added so much depth and flavor to the prime and secondary characters. I liked how the author thread the story together with a thoroughness that had you wanting more.

The story begins with the ambitious Jordan driving to a little town in Montana to meet Luke, face-to-face, and convince him to be part of a new reality show called Jilted. He has ignored her calls and emails and she feels that he is the perfect candidate because he has left the alter three times.

Her first meeting with Luke does not go well, nor does the second meeting. She will not give up and decides to stay awhile as she believes he is "gold" for the new series. She becomes friendly with the town and it evokes memories of her own when she grew up in a small town, some of which are painful. As her new friendships grow, she learns new things about Luke and begins to have feelings for him. He is also beginning to feel an attraction for her but is somewhat hesitant because she will be going back to her job in NY.

Luke has his reasons why he left the alter three times and wants to keep them secret, but as he begins to care about Jordan more than he wants to admit, knows he has to tell her. Jordan learns the truth and this challenges their relationship.

What I really like about this author's stories is that she adds a layer to the story that humanizes the characters, and you find yourself wanting to get to the ending to see how this works out. This did not disappoint and I read this in one sitting wanting more.

I didn't love the heroine to begin with, but as the story progressed she got better and the story ended great like Lauren Layne's books always do. I'm looking forward to what comes next. I posted a review on Goodreads.

Jordan is working for a NYC reality TV-show. She's responsible for finding a suitable candidate for the first season of JILTED. A show just like THE BACHELOR, only with runaway grooms. Guys who've come close to being married before, but instead of getting married ... they left their future brides standing at the altar!
And Luke from Lucky Hollow, Montana is just such a guy. He's been almost-married THREE times!
The sexy firefighter would be the perfect guy for Jordan's show, but the poor guy doesn't want anything to do with Jordan and her ideas.
But unfortunately there's this mega attraction. And Jordan doesn't seem to want to leave town without him! And all his friends and family and the whole little town basically want to shove him towards Jordan and that show!!!
Let the fun begin ☺☺☺

What will happen with Jordan and Luke??
Will he agree to be in her show?
Will there be a HEA???
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺

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Adorable book!
It's like something straight from the Disney or Hallmark channel.
Sweet, funny, cute, frustrating, sexy.

Lots of funny and adorable co-stars!

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Of course it's not all mega-happy and sweet and insta-happily-ever-after. We also need to find out why Jordan left her home town over ten years ago, aaand more importantly what happened that Luke didn't get married those three times???

I really enjoyed reading it! And I would totally watch it on TV again! ☺

READY TO RUN was an adorable & funny & sweet & moving love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own sexy firefighter - Luke is MINE!!! ☺

Jordan drive to Lucky Hollow to search for the guy name Luke Elliott. Luke is a cool firefighter who ever left the bride three time on the wedding day. With all his history and quality he is a good candidate for reality show Jilted. I love the idea about the city girl meet with the small town boy and then have a feel each other.

The good aspect is the setting in Lucky Hollow. I fell in love with the town and its people. They are welcoming and warm. The country fair part is amusing for me too, how they voluntered at the kissing both and both act on making the other one jealous.

For me this book is a cute romance. Great start for the series.

*Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.