Hilarious Heroine seeking Happy Kisses from Hunky Hero

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Hero Debut is a page turning affair worth finding its way from your TBR pile to Currently Reading. If you are looking for a deliciously delightful story with a meet-cute to survive the passing of time, you will want to get yourself a copy of Hero Debut.
Angela Ruth Strong has crafted characters that bring a smile to your face and break your heart. Their back stories are relatable while you might find yourself cheering on their journey to discover who they are as they navigate the waters of love.

Hero Debut is captivating, heart warming, and inspiring.

Oh my goodness, is Hero Debut a fun story! After an embarrassing but hilarious meet-not-so-cute as secondary characters in Husband Auditions, aspiring screen writer Gemma is in pursuit of her personal hero/muse, much to his chagrin. With anger issues and a past that makes him leery of the beautiful blonde, Portland police lieutenant Karson is in for some surprises.

Amid the incidents that seem to follow Gemma, what also emerges is a touching romance that finds both Gemma and Karson dealing with their pasts and the challenges that holding onto hurts puts in the way of their relationship. With the more dramatic story elements rescuing this humorous story from delving into slapstick, Hero Debut is enhanced by a strong faith thread, and I particularly enjoyed the choice of biblical stories that the author chose for the characters to relate to.

For heart-warming and humorous Contemporary Christian Romance with endearing characters, Angela Ruth Strong’s Love Off Script series ticks the boxes and ticks them well.

Highly recommended.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author, via NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

HERO DEBUT is a fun inspirational romantic comedy about a girl with dreams and the cop she has a crush on. It's about baggage, vulnerability and being willing to change so that you can be open to love. It's about family, both found and blood. It's about self development. All of that wrapped up in delightful situations and great characters with plenty of humor and chemistry. Definitely a book to grab if you enjoy romcoms.

This is the second time I've read this author's work. It's also the second in the series, but you don't need to read the first book at all to understand and enjoy this one. At first I wasn't sure about Gemma. She's pretty flighty and she lets her sister run over her and criticize her all the time. That ties into who she is though and her past baggage. Karson I liked right away. He's got a pretty crusty exterior, but also a sense of humor and he's an overall great guy. They both have issues they have to work through and so there's quite a bit of character development. I didn't like how Gemma handles some things, but it all works out. The ending drags a bit, but then when it finally arrives it's fun and a good fit for the story. I'm not a big fan on really long speeches, which is there, but otherwise it's a pretty perfect ending. Full of laughs and some swooning.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a really fun read! The inspirational elements weren't too strong and worked for this story. The characters were likable with good character development. There were all the feels with a sweet ending.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Gemma loves writing! Unfortunately, she can't get the characters right until she really lives the part! What's a girl to do, but stalk the officer who looks to be the perfect leading man in her story!

Karson is, after all, strong and brave and good-looking (Hawkeye, not Superman). And he probably doesn't have anything better to do than feature in Gemma's story - and her daydreams, of course.

Maybe roaming a fire station is just the right setting for Gemma to get it right. Probably not, though. She can't seem to get anything right around Karson.

Maybe her screenplay will be alright, but maybe Gemma won't be.

Definitely a recommended read for fans of the "opposites attract" trope.

My favorite thing is the quote that starts each new chapter. Definitely fun!

Gemma Bennet has her eyes on her hero. Police lieutenant Karson Zellner has captured her fancy since the moment he burst into her home under the mistaken impression that she was being held captive against her will. No, Gemma hadn't been kidnapped—she'd been doing research for a scene in the screenplay she was writing. Now she believes Karson is the perfect muse for her new police-centric romantic comedy.

When Gemma signs up for the Citizen's Safety Academy, which just so happens to be led by Lt. Karson Zellner, her own life turns into a comedy of errors. How many ways can she fall into trouble? And how can she help Karson fall in love—with her?

Karson knows a bad thing when he sees it, and Gemma Bennet is a very bad thing. At least for his bruised and well-protected heart. She's only interested in her image and in making the right impressions. But he can't help being attracted, and as they spend more time together he realizes he might be wrong about her. There might be much more to Gemma than the beauty that meets the eye.

This story made me laugh out loud and totally fall for Gemma and Karson. I love stories that are funny but also hold a rich depth, and Hero Debut definitely challenges the reader to look below the surface and examine their own lives for areas where they need healing and growth. I also truly enjoyed catching up with characters from Husband Auditions, and that helped their own story feel more complete.

If you enjoy romantic comedies with faith themes, Hero Debut is the book for you!

I received my copy of the book from JustRead Publicity. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I went into this book with high hopes, and Angela Ruth Strong did not disappoint! After reading Husband Auditions, I couldn't wait to see what would happen in Gemma's story. There's nothing like a feel-good story that has a deeper meaning. The longer I read, the more I loved Gemma's character. Karson--like so many others in her life--sees Gemma as the cliche "blonde airhead" and he's not about to get roped into her schemes. You might go into this story expecting a light and fluffy rom-com, but you're in for a spectacular treat. Like Gemma, this story has a depth you might not see coming. Be wary of categorizing people based on your preconceived notions. I thoroughly enjoyed the engaging plot and rooted for Gemma and Karson from page one. I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity tours. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this RomCom. I liked the first book in the series and so I was looking forward to reading more about some of the characters that I had come to love in the first book. I liked how this book had a grumpy hero who didn't trust easily and a happy heroine who wanted to help him break down his walls. I also liked that she had her own baggage that she was dealing with. I liked how as they spent time together and were honest with each other they were able to find healing and be able to have a healthy relationship. I also enjoyed seeing them overcome the things that were holding them back. Overall, I thought this was a very enjoyable book and I recommend it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This book pulled me in quickly and kept me eagerly turning pages until the ending which came much too soon. I laughed out loud thanks to the beautiful heroine, Gemma, and her tendency to get caught up in awkward moments. She was a delight whose kind heart, talent and good mind kept her from being just a dizzy blonde. I also enjoyed watching the policeman that Gemma admired, Karson, grow from being a curmudgeonly good guy to a genuine hero as the story progressed. They were an unlikely couple that turned out to be just right for each other. This is a clean romantic comedy but as with any good romance there was some steam. I found much to enjoy and to ponder throughout the book and it is likely I will reread it. Two quotes that spoke to me: “But when anger takes over, I can’t see truth anymore. I only see my side. My feelings become the truth I’m fighting for. They justify my actions even when my actions are wrong. That’s how anger destroys relationships.” and “I put myself in other people’s shoes. And when I do, I see that all they want is to be loved. So I love them.” Highly recommend! I received an ARC from the publisher and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

A vibrant rom-com, full of witty dialogue, faith, friendship, with a sunshine-grumpy romance!

Aspiring screenwriter Gemma Bennett takes a Citizen's Safety class to learn more for her writing project, as well as take advantage of a chance to get close to a certain handsome cop. Gemma is used to be not being taken seriously due to her looks, she is actually quite talented. I admired her unflagging determination and enthusiasm. My favorite parts had to be the scene between her and Karson, the banter and body language between them crackles with energy and insight, plus all the humorous misunderstandings that tends to take place when they are together.

Karson is the perfect brooding-hero-with-a-heart-of-gold, he is determined to not have his head turned by Gemma, but with each of their interactions can't help but let some of his armor slip. I also really liked his family and his nephew, Philip.

A feel-good romance, with great relationship building, full of humor, faith, and heart. I adored each of the little quotes prefacing each chapter, I wanted to clip them out and cross stitch them on a sample because they were so perfect for the story and also just in general. A stand out contemporary romance that brought me through a full range of emotions with its heroic protagonists, highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks to Kregel Publications and author Angela Ruth Strong for an advance reader's copy. And thanks to NetGalley for a digital ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed author Angela Strong’s 2021 novel “Husband Auditions,” and this was more of the same: a joyful rom-com with likable characters, witty dialogue, and a page-turning plot, especially since it’s billed as the second in the “Love Off Script” series. It was fun and frothy, with some of the same characters from book #1, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. And it’s heartening to read a faith-based rom-com which includes many references to Bible stories, truths, and individuals.

I liked the hero theme that is introduced by the title and is woven throughout the novel. Each chapter begins with a quote by a different author referring to heroes, heroines, or superheroes. And the novel presents the hero topic immediately with main character Gemma describing Karson as her hero in the first sentence.

The premise of this entertaining rom-com is equally balanced between romance and comedy. Gemma has a crush on Karson, the police officer who rescued her in an embarrassing meet-cute situation several months ago.

I had to suspend my disbelief when reading about Gemma’s antics during the Citizen’s Safety Academy, which includes training by both the police and fire departments. And it was difficult for me to accept Gemma’s success as a screenwriter, but this is fiction after all, so I told myself to just go with it.

While the novel is fun and frothy, the story alternates between Gemma’s ditziness and Karson’s painful, long-standing personal issues which prevent them from engaging in a mature relationship for much of the novel. But in true rom-com fashion, the satisfying ending is entertaining and uplifting.

"If laughter is the best medicine, then jokes are the Band-Aids."

How is it possible that I have not read a full-length novel by Angela Ruth Strong until now? I need to gobble up all of her backlist and be on the look out for her future works; this book has made me a devoted follower. Every chapter had me crying tears of mirth but the latter chapters also had me crying tears of heartache. With surprising depth and meaning, this story of Gemma and Karson is quite poignant and thought-provoking in addition to being hilarious and witty. I loved the pop culture references to movies and enjoyed all the quotes about heroes ranging from Rick Riordan to Fred Rogers to Eleanor Roosevelt to Bob Dylan. The faith thread blossomed and grew throughout the story and the main characters' growth was satisfying, particularly with Karson. If you love romcoms, you will absolutely adore this book.

Gemma was flighty but so funny, sweet, intuitive, curious, bubbly and endearing as the sunshiny heroine. She is definitely not perfect, as she carries lots of insecurities of comparing herself to her twin, but she was absolutely lovable and believable as high school English teacher and part time screenwriter. Karson was the cynical, overly cautious, bitter, and angry police officer but his dry sense of humor and his devoted love and loyalty to his family made up for his grumpiness. They must overcome jealousy, envy, and unhealthy anger as they battle their pasts. But as they do so, they give us a wonderful picture of what reconciliation and renewal looks like.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Kregel Publications via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Hero Debut is the second book in the Love Off Script series. While we were introduced to many of the characters in this book in the previous, I think it could definitely be read as a standalone as well. I had personally read the first around two years ago, so my memories of it were fuzzy at best, and I found it didn't impact my enjoyment of this one at all.

And oh, how I enjoyed it! As I said, my memory of the first book is vague so I didn't actually remember Gemma and Karson's initial meeting... which may have made it even better because I could laugh about it just as much the second time around! I won't repeat it so as not to spoil anything, but oh my goodness... it's so good and not one I'll be forgetting again! Since that initial meeting, Gemma has been borderline stalkerish, while Karson wants absolutely nothing to do with her. When she signs up for a citizen's safety course he is teaching... oh, let the laughs and the banter begin! I absolutely could not stop smiling at all the perfect RomCom-y moments throughout this story! The humor was done absolutely wonderfully!

And while I definitely love the humor that romantic comedies provide, I love it even more when it's balanced well with real life issues... and this one truly had just the right blend. Both Gemma and Karson had their baggage they needed to work out, and I really appreciated watching their growth throughout the story. There's a lot of talk about comparison and holding on to anger and hurt, which I think many readers are going to relate to as well. The story is definitely very pro-police but I like that it didn't really glamourize the job either and even poked fun at the unrealistic portrayals of rescue workers in film/TV... because no one ever gets rescued by a shirtless hero... right? There were also several Bible references mentioned throughout that really brought another great layer to this story. Yes, the humor might be what drew me in... but it is all those additional layers and how beautifully it all balanced out that made this one that's going to stand out... and I loved absolutely every single minute.


**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

After reading Husband Auditions, I was ready to find out Gemma Bennett's story. Gemma is a high school literature and drama teacher but her sole knows her future is screen plays. Karson Zellner is a handsome by the book police officer. We met him when he saved Gemma from a kidnapping or so he thought. This was the start of a beautiful mess. Signing up for the citizen's academy with her two best friends Kai and Charlie, Gemma plans to find inspiration for her new screen play by researching police procedure. When handsome Karson just happens to be one of the trainers, research becomes even better. With her perchance for TROUBLE, Karson is less than impressed with Gemma. Why does trouble and comical situations seem to follow her? Will Gemma learn to keep her mind in the present? Will Karson learn to let loose just a little? This story had me laughing and shaking my head rooting for Gemma and Karson. We've had Kai's story. Now we have Gemman's. I look forward to Charlies's. Put these three together and one never knows what will happen. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Oh, My Goodness! This book had me laughing so hard! The larger-than-life hero, Karson, and the quirkiness of ditzy blonde Gemma; their antics together were like watching a prime-time comedy show.

While the humor is very evident, even from the first page, what isn't is the pain that both Karson and Gemma are in. It's very obvious when the two characters clash. What makes this book the healing gem that it is is that Ms. Strong isn't afraid to take that deep dive into the pain they both are struggling with.

It's this reader's opinion that inspirational romantic comedies are only great because of those deep dives. We can giggle about Gemma and her determination to wear high heels to a Citizens Safety Academy when she should definitely wear tennis shoes. But it's because of those quirky scenes that allow the reader's heart to be opened up to hear what God is saying in the deep portion of the book.

Angela Ruth Strong is an author who knows how to deal with the tough stuff. Her writing has the ability to wiggle into the deep parts of our hearts where sadness, regret, and shame lie and show the reader the Healer of all.

This book is an absolute must-read and I guarantee you'll love it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have never laughed so much while reading a book. I simply love this story! I love the larger-than-life hero (Karson) and the quirky crazy heroine (Gemma). Their banter and tension are so full of twists and turns that it will leave the reader’s head spinning.
This story continues the fun dramas of Gemma, Kai, and Charlie. Three roommates who are into all things film related. Their newest project gets them into all kinds of fun moments. Many of these happen just by chance, not planned out. This book will leave you rolling in laughter until the very end. It’s so delightful, charming, quirky, and fun!
An added bonus is that the story was set in my hometown so I could picture all the places they went to. I fell in love with the characters and the whole storyline. Of course, there were a few times I wanted to scream at the characters, but overall, it was so fun, and I laughed many times. I also loved how the author wove into this story some pretty amazing thought-provoking ideas. I loved the whole “shoes” story thread.
Angela Ruth Strong is a wonderful author and has written many fascinating books. Check out her other books. You just might start to read all her books! Now I have a fun picture of what a hero looks like. You will LOVE the ending!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

“He’d become my hero when he came to my house to protect me…Is what brought him to me also going to separate us?”

Strong knocks it out of the park with Hero Debut!! The sequel to her popular rom-com Husband Auditions, this novel tells the tale of Barbie-like Gemma Bennet. Gemma enters Citizen’s Safety Academy looking for her screenplay hero, but she learns a lot in her disappointing search. Will her hero eventually emerge? Will she be prepared, or will they both cling to baggage of their perceived emotional pasts that threatens to draw the curtain early? I loved the title with its double entendre.

Written in 1st person POV, alternating mostly between Gemma and Karson Zellner, we traipse through a few weeks in the happy, but incident-prone life of Gemma. You’ll laugh uproariously all the
way through this faith-based rom-com that delivers serious truths. You will benefit from the lessons, whether single or married for many years.

Chock-full of quotes I will remember for a long time and pop references aplenty, I appreciated Strong’s outlook on life and even the rom-com category. She set the bar high for herself, then exceeded it, “Because the best romantic comedies have depth and meaning that make the humor poignant.”

I loved that Strong shows us that even the protagonists we are rooting for, are not perfect. Perceptions of the past affect relationships, and two people going through the same event can experience it differently. Bravo for pointing that out!

Gemma’s roommates Kai and Charlie are present as a great foil, as are some special children. Then there’s Karson’s jovial former partner, Drew Harris. “He’s his own spotlight.”

I can’t wait for Charlie’s story, coming next as Fiancé Finale!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also received an ebook copy via NetGalley. Plus I pre-ordered my own copy to give away. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“If you’re going to write about police, don’t romanticize our job. We give out tickets, we arrest people, and we use our firearms when needed. We’re the ones who show up after a crime has been committed. Nobody wants to see us. Though we risk our lives to protect the public, they often attack us for doing our jobs.”

“We find what we look for... And I prefer to look for the beauty and joy in life. It’s out there.”

“There are three types of people in this world. Sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs.”

“Her eyes are on me, scratching the itch of my heart.”

“Nobody is a hero all the time. We’re just all in training.”

“I don’t know if you believe in God, but His love is the only perfect love. It’s the kind that redeems when the love we’d hoped to get from other people lets us down.”

“I’ve never been in this much trouble before. I make Ramona the Pest look good.”

“I really like this thing called gratefulness. It not only helps us endure situations we never would have planned for ourselves, but it enables us to turn our sorrows into joy.”

If you enjoyed The Husband Auditions then you will swoon over Hero Debut, the sequel, by Angela Ruth Strong.It will be available August 29,2023 but can be pre-ordered now. Hero Debut is Gemma's story and her two roommates, Charlie and Kai from the Husband Auditions. The three of them decide to take a safety course through the Police Department to further their careers. Gemma wants to do a screenplay about one officer in particular-- the hunky officer, Karson Zellner who she considers her hero (sigh). The other guys are there to get inspiration for an indie film festival that they hope to win if Gemma can come up with the screenplay. Okay, enough plot let's just say that this is a real page turner. There are however;as in any good story, issues that need to be overcome. On the other hand there is a slow burning romance, some sibling rivalry, and some scenes are unbelievably funny. It also has a strong faith element. Please don't let this one pass you by.I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation for a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Angela Ruth Strong wrote another fantastic, delightful read with the perfect balance of romance, comedy, and gospel truth. You will love this romcom story of a screenwriter with a penchant for getting into trouble and a police officer. Both of them have wounds from the past, but will they let their wounds keep them apart from each other? I absolutely loved Hero Debut, especially the ending. If you enjoyed Husband Auditions, you will love Gemma and Karson's story in Hero Debut.
I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGallery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.