This is a very cute, clean romance. I like the faith based part of this book a lot as it was natural and not forced.

We follow Charlotte who is a music teacher in a small town in Illinois and she is trying to keep her job but funding is being cut so she is looking at creative ways to raise money so she can keep living in this town where her family lives as well. She has a brother that recently got out of jail, a sister that she is very close with and her parents who she is very loyal and committed to. Charlotte is still recovering from an engagement that ended at the altar. Through a calamity of mishaps she finds herself on a tandem bike ride of 500 miles in the hopes of raising enough money too keep herself and the school music program up and running. Her partner on this ride just so happens to be her ex-fiance's brother, Zach. The two are opposite in so many ways but while on this ride they have to make nice and get along to win the prize.

This is a story that is full of adventure and fun as well as a super sweet love story. I really enjoy this author's writing and will definitely read anything she writes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/4 (3.25 stars)
Read: April 2024
Format: ARC and Kindle

The author’s debut book was a solid 5 stars from me. Perhaps I shouldn’t compare but it’s impossible not to.

CONS 4 me: I loved the premise of the book with the tandem bike ride but it took until halfway through the book before they actually went on the 500-mile ride.

While I know life includes some jumping to conclusions, the FMC and her sister were spectacularly overboard on very serious matters, repeatedly.

I didn’t care for the interjections in the story that were from the viewpoint of Sophia, the sister. I felt caused the story to feel disjointed in places.

The humour was so smart and hilarious in the prior novel and the book still had good meat to it. In this book, the humour felt overdone and/or exaggerated. For me, it seemed all of any ‘’meat’ came in at the end.

PROS 4 me: There were moments in this book that I enjoyed and smiled to myself. The moment the FMC had with the older gentleman to tell him about the passing of the senior lady was like a modern version of, “Who’s on first?”

I also liked the ending of the book and how time and work had to take place before the Happily Ever After happened.

However, that all being said, I’m sure some people will enjoy this book more I just really preferred the first book.

4.5 stars

Oh y’all, this was such a fun read! Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer is one of those books that just makes you ridiculously happy while reading it. I adored these characters, especially the banter & chemistry between polar opposites Zach and Charlotte who sort-of stumble into a fake relationship … and then a canoodle-ship (in which canoodling is supposed to be off limits) through very little fault of their own. The icing on the cake? How they know each other in the first place… which I’ll let you discover for yourself but which just made the whole situation equal parts more horrifying and more delightful!

From the very first line – “It’s a terrible thing when a teacher survives an entire school year only to die the first minute of summer vacation.” – I started out this story on a giggle (hey, I’ve been that teacher) and kept chuckling until the very end. I also hooted with laughter a time or two – as everything that COULD go wrong DOES go wrong with perfect comedic timing – and fanned myself a lot (because perpetually ‘affectionately-annoyed’ Zach makes a toe-curlingly swoony non-canoodling-canoodler when he forgets to be noble). It’s not all comedy and kisses though, and I thought the author did a great job exploring some deeper layers – like disappointment with God – without weighing down the story.

Ahem… I do have a tiny little bone to pick with the author however. At one point, Charlotte mentions that some traumatic events in recent years had caught up with her mom, making her look closer to 57 than 47. At which point I nearly threw my Kindle across the room because someone please tell me that turning 47 this year does NOT mean I am old enough to be a romcom heroine’s MOTHER?!? Anyone? Please? Clearly, Becca Kinzer meant to say closer to 67 than 57, right? Right?? LOL don’t worry, I won’t take out my ‘how did i get to be this old’ angst on the book or author (or my Kindle) but ouch that did hurt a little haha.

Bottom Line: What could possibly go wrong when an avid outdoorsman finds himself paired up with a decidedly outdoors-averse music teacher for a 500 mile tandem bike ride along the Natchez Trace with one tent? If you said ‘everything’ you would be most delightfully correct! Becca Kinzer is an expert at comedic timing and penning swoonilicious kisses – and even combining the two. I loved getting to know Zach and Charlotte and watching them fall in love (and kiss… did I mention the kissing?), and I also enjoyed the subplots involving their respective families and the explorations of wounded faith. If you need a story that will lighten your heart and put a smile on your face, then you need to read Love In Tandem! A perfect choice for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh, and Pepper Basham!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I enjoyed reading Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. This is my honest and personal review. Happy Reading!

*Title: Love in Tandem -a standalone

*Release date: 4-2-24, read:4-9-24

*Author: Becca Kinzer, never read author

*Format: eBook and audiobook

Thanks to NetGalley, Tyndale House Publishers, and RB Media for this ARC & ALC💙 ! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

*Narrator: C.J. Bloom

*Run time: 8:24

*Setting: Bailey Springs. IL

*Genre: Christian Rom-Com

*Tropes: fake dating, small town, slow burn romance, forced proximity, 1 bed/sleeping bag, opposites attract, road trip

*Synopsis: Charlotte is a middle school music teacher that has lost funding, and Charlotte may lose her job. The reliable donor A.P. Hopkins has a new "challenge" for prize money to fund the program- $25,000 for a tandem bicycle 500 mile road trip.

*Characters

* Charlotte Carter- has a failed engagement and helped her mother (47) w/ cancer diagnosis, now in remission.

* Zach Bryant-a world traveler, returns home for his brother Ben's wedding

*Benjamin "Ben"- Charlotte's ex fiancé and Zach's brother

*Sophia-Charlotte's younger sister, a college student working part time @ the local hospital.

*Joshua-at the hospital when A.P. Hopkins died. Meets Sophia and tells her the truth about Hopkins "challenge."

*Shannon-Zach's ex, marrying his brother Ben

*Will-Charlotte's brother, released from prison a year ago, estranged from Charlotte.



*Review : The narrator is C.J. Bloom who read all the characters . I believe the voice fit the characters with standouts of Charlotte and Zach. Their voices complimented each other through their fighting and banter. The reading style brought the story to life and the pacing flowed easily with the story. The narration and the author were in sync. The narrator paused and announced every time a new chapter came. The book had a table of contents which helped me follow along with the e-book and audio. I loved the wholesome feel and fun, and I'd love to read Will's story.


*Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

After a broken engagement and watching her mother fight to beat cancer, Charlotte has found solace and stability in her job as a music teacher. She is devastated when she learns that, without a financial windfall, the music program may be cut next year. There is a way to win enough money to save her job: by going on a tandem bike ride intended for couples with Zach, her ex-fiance's brother, as her partner. They plan to simply complete the ride and split the prize money, but on their travels, unexpected feelings arise.

This is a fake relationship romance where opposites attract and family ties play a significant role. I loved both main characters and their interactions, and all the fun details of their bike ride. I also enjoyed the side plot starring Charlotte's sister and the man financing the ride. A perfect light read for spring and summer, LOVE IN TANDEM is filled with heart and humor, which culminates in a sweet happy ending sure to put a smile on your face. If you love clean Christian romance with depth and strong character development, grab a copy of this book!

3.5 Stars🌟 I was very excited to read this book after absolutely loving the author’s debut last year, but this one just didn’t quite do it for me. For some reason, I could not connect with the characters. I think they were almost a little too quirky for my taste, and some of the plot points didn’t feel very believable to me. But it was still a fun and humorous adventure, and if you like opposites attract, ex’s brother, fake dating, and only one tent tropes, you should give this one a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale for sending me an eARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

A crumbling music program, a broken engagement, and a long tandem bike ride with the ex-fiance's brother--what could go wrong?
The set up of this book is a great indicator of what reading it is like. It is variably sweet, funny, ridiculous, and emotionally messy. There is a little suspension of disbelief that has to happen, but I personally enjoyed the lightheartedness of the reading experience. I thought the development of the relationship between the two main characters was realistic, and I appreciated the cast of secondary characters.
Two factors kept me from giving this a full 5-star rating. 1) The pacing felt very slow in the beginning. I found myself wondering when we were finally going to see the love story starting to play out. It was worth it for sure, but it felt a bit more drawn out than necessary. 2) I am all for depictions of faith being lived out in "real life" (or at least a fictional version of it). But in this case, the faith of the two characters felt tacked on and very superficial. I imagine that the author wanted to keep the tone light, which I get, but it ended up feeling forced.
Nevertheless, the positives far outweigh any downsides, and I would recommend this! If you're looking for a fun and funny romcom with heart, Love in Tandem would be a great pick. Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Melissa Ferguson!
I also highly recommend reading the author's note ❤️.
Thank you to Netgalley, Becca Kinzer, and Tyndale for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for granting my request to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

If you need a feel good romance that will bring back the butterflies to your stomach, This book is it. It was such an easy read, amazing storyline and great characters

Love in Tandem - Becca Kinzer - 4 Stars

Love in Tandem was SO funny! I loved Dear Henry, Love Edith last year by Becca and was so excited to dive into her next read and I was not disappointed! I laughed and laughed in this book! If you are looking for a book that is light hearted with LOTS of laughs, this is for you!

I really needed this book to during the time too after reading a fairly heavy historical fiction read. So glad I picked this up! I love Becca's writing style too!

In this story, we follow Charlotte who is a music teacher. She realizes that the grant funding for the school's music program is getting cut and she is concerned about how to continue the program. We see Charlotte in a HILARIOUS meet cute situation meet up with Zach Bryant - her brother's ex-fiancé- and somehow their family thinks they are dating! So, in this fake dating situation and thrown together in a 500 mile tandem bicycle contest for some BIG prize money- and you have a great story that is sure to bring lots of laughs.

There are also a couple of nice faith moments. I did want more with the romance personally, so I feel like this was more "com than rom", but still really enjoyed the story. I also loved reading the author's note and learning about Becca's real life experience on a 500 mile tandem bicycle trip with her husband - how fun!

I look forward to seeing what Becca writes in the future! One of my favorite authors for sure. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

BOOK REVIEW - Love in Tandem - Becca Kinzer - 3/5 Stars

THE STORY
I'm in two minds about this story, it was a very cute entertaining read but there were some things about the storyline that while they bothered me, they probably wouldn't bother most people. First the good things! This story was very entertaining, very rom-com. The characters very cute and loveable, especially Charlotte with all the scenarios she managed to get herself into. The concept was brilliant, I definitely know of relationships that didn't survive the challenge of camping trips etc. And I loved all the miracles along the way.

Now the other things. My family is big into triathlons and so I know just how much time and energy they put into training to be able to compete in long distance races, so Charlotte suddenly being able to cycle 90 miles in a day with no physical training or having done any exercise period is just so unbelievable. Second the story felt very rushed, especially Sophia's, a couple of times I wondered if I'd somehow skipped a chapter as I wasn't sure how the story got from A to B so quickly with nothing happening in between. I not a fan of insta romances and this one had two. But these things probably don't bother most people, just me.

THE ROMANCE
This is a rom-com so it had all the swoony feels, angst, funny and romantic internal monologues and of course sweet kisses!

THE TRUTHS
It's not until challenges come our way that we learn how strong our faith really is and what our foundation is built on. So as much as we hate difficulties in our lives, we need to them to keep our faith strong, our foundation secure and our focus on God. So stay strong and keep the faith!

I absolutely loved Love In Tandem. I fell in love with Zack & Charlotte. This is such a cute story and I found myself laughing many times while reading this story.
Highly recommend this delightful read.

Thank you Tyndale & NetGalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.

I was happy to learn this author had another book out since I adored Dear Henry, Love Edith, her debut novel. Her new book caught my attention from the very first line. “It’s a terrible thing when a teacher survives an entire school year only to die the first minute of summer vacation.”

I found it intriguing how Charlotte got caught up in a tandem bike race. I wondered where the author would lead us next. Oh, the locations we traveled, adored every minute of the ride, and the people the author added to the mix were fun. What made me admire this story was learning the author went on a similar adventure with her fiancé.

I enjoyed the author’s notes where she shared how she biked from Nashville, Tennessee, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on a tandem bicycle they borrowed from good friends. Neither one of them had ridden tandem before. They quickly got the hang of it, “(The author states, "Well, after we crashed into a bush at our very first stop,…) “..we knew one thing for certain – we were ready to pedal through more of life’s journeys together.”

This is a delightful diversion with lots of adventure, entertaining characters, and a deeper-than-expected plot. I adored it and you will too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher, and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This was cute, lighthearted, cheesy to the point of hokey, and easy to read! I listened to the audiobook and adored it.

Love in Tandem is perfect if you want to read something that doesn’t take a lot of brainpower but that is still enjoyable. The plots are easy to predict, the characters are straightforward, and nothing too bad happens (there’s some romance issues prior to the book, but on-page there’s nothing too negative).

It’s easy and sweet. <3

So heartwarming & sweet! Love in Tandem was adorable and left you with a smile on your face. Charlotte and Zach get themselves stuck into a fake dating situation that transpires to a 500-mile tandem bike ride. The growing relationship and banter between Charlotte and Zach are just so fun and enjoyable. Love in Tandem is wholesome and clean. This book is labeled as Christian and there is some talk of God & their faith in the book which takes the enjoyability factor up for me.

Thank you, Tyndale House Publishers, and NetGalley, for an ARC in return for my honest review.

Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer is a funny and cute, fake dating, opposites attract, romantic comedy that takes readers on a delightful journey filled with humor, mishaps, and quirky characters.

Charlotte and Zach couldn’t be any more opposite if they tried but a tandem bicycle and a 500-mile road trip and the chance to win the prize money just might be these two need in their amusing and challenging journey to happily-ever-after.

Thank you Tyndale House and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

A cute, clean read that I flew through in 2 sittings!

I liked Charlotte and Zach’s backstory (the scene where they first saw each other again was so good!) and their chemistry/banter was so good! The way they encouraged each other was really sweet and I could see that even though they were so different, they made sense. I also liked Sophia’s storyline, but it progressed too quickly without really getting to know her love interest.

There was faith content but I think it would have hit me more if those conversations were deeper and longer.

Overall, a sweet story, I just wanted more! I’ve heard great things about things about Becca Kinzer’s first novel and I would definitely try it!

*Thank you to Tyndale House and NetGalley for an e-advanced reader’s copy. All opinions are my own.

Wanna laugh?

Becca Kinzer has incredibly witty writing.
We follow Charlotte, a music teacher whose funding is getting cut. She is also recovering from her broken engagement, but she keeps a positive attitude, which I really liked.

Charlotte’s ex-fiance is getting remarried and his brother, Zach, is back in town for the wedding. I won’t spoil how Charlotte and Zach meet and end up in a fake dating relationship, but it’s funny and adorable.

I liked the characters a lot. The fake dating and the awkward moments were so fun to read. It was light hearted and easy to read. There were so many laugh out loud moments!

There was great faith content! Both characters had faith growth that added depth.

One character I didn’t feel any connection to was Sophia, Charlotte’s sister. Her storyline didn’t interest me and I skimmed her chapters 😦
I also wish there was more depth to romance. I liked it, but it didn’t hit the same way Dear Henry did.

I really like Becca Kinzer’s writing and I will definitely keep reading her books. Recommend!

*there is kissing and one character sees another in a towel. No language.

I loved Love in Tandem so much!!! I read the book in one day! Charlotte and Zach’s story was just too cute and exciting with the perfect amount of attraction. Charlotte is a music teacher who needs money to keep her music program afloat. Zach is her ex fiancé’s brother. After some misunderstandings, they pretend to be a couple and embark on a tandem bicycle race to raise money. This book was so entertaining and hilarious! I can’t wait to read more by this author!

YouTube Review: 04/03/2024
YouTube Handle: KeenCat

This is such a good book! Definitely a light hearted romcom! This was very light on the faith element, definitely more “clean” I would say, I wish we could have seen more of their faith journey! But if you’re looking for a fun time reading, this is the book!