This wasn’t the book for me but I’m sure it is the book for someone! I hadn’t realized it was a christian romance so that really threw me off. I feel like Charlotte being the MOH at her ex-fiancé’s wedding was absolutely wild and Zach said I love you super abruptly. Charlotte’s mom getting pregnant came out of left field and I was a little disappointed to see Charlotte giving up the music program to follow a man. It also felt a little odd that there wasn’t more inner conflict about Zach being Ben’s brother but maybe that’s just me. Despite all of this, it’s a funny, clean, heartwarming story which I’m sure there are a lot of people who will enjoy!

Love in Tandem is an adventurous rom-com about Charlotte, a music teacher desperate to save her school's music program after her grant falls through. The ideas that live inside her comfort zone involve safe, indoor fundraising like bake sales or dinners. Not a 500-mile tandem bike ride with the brother of the man that left her at the altar two years ago... But with a promised 250k prize for the couple who completes the ride, nature-hating, Charlotte and nature-loving, Zach couple up for the ride of their lives.

The narration was perfect! It's my first C.J. Bloom narration, but she was fantastic. She perfectly portrayed every emotion, kept the pacing on point, and just made the book so engaging. However, this book was a bumpy ride for all involved. The characters aren't incredibly likeable in the beginning, but sometimes first impressions are like that. I hung in there, waiting for the character development and it paid off! By the end, I was loving the characters - even the side characters, maybe most of all the side characters. In fact, my least favorite part of this book is that we didn't have confirmation in the end that sweet, lovely side character, Faye, wasn't going to appear in their lives again.

What I didn't so much enjoy about this book was that it's marketed as Christian on NetGalley, and it definitely was, a little, and this is a personal preference thing. When I read specifically Christian fiction, I want God to be more at the forefront. He's only mentioned a few times and there are random mentions of praying and faith, and perhaps that's because the characters are kind of struggling with their faith, but to me this felt more like a regular old rom-com which is not a bad thing! Just not what I expected going in.

I did love the rom-com aspects, but I felt maybe there were a few too many misunderstandings that could have been resolved by just actually communicating. But that is the human way, isn't it? In the end, I really loved it. I just found myself getting frustrated at the misunderstandings and lack of communication and such. But I like to think the characters learned something from this! The ending felt a little rushed, but everything was technically wrapped up. Again, it wasn't as God at the forefront as I wanted and I didn't see as much of their futures together, how their relationships ended up as I wanted but that is a personal preference that I'm sure won't bother the vast majority of readers.

Overall, I had a lot of feelings about this book but it was cute and funny and the characters were frustrating but lovable and maybe I learned a lesson or two. Definitely recommend for rom-com lovers!

I was excited to follow along as Charlotte and Zach went on their tandem ride for a 500-mile road trip to win prize money for Charlotte's music program at the school she taught at. They met some quirky characters along the way that made the book enjoyable. They also had their fair share of mishaps but charitable people helped them. It was wonderful to see.

I do feel like at the beginning there was a lot going on so I couldn't really keep up. I also didn't feel any chemistry from them. Their declarations of love came out of nowhere seeing as initially there was an undertone of annoyance existing between them.

The only romance I was drawn to was between Sophie, Charlotte's sister, and Joshua, another person featured in the book, even though that too felt a little rushed.

That said, I loved the adventure. There was also the message of forgiveness, grace, redemption and having faith despite the circumstances seeming impossible.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review. It was a female narrator and she did a great job on both POVs.

Wow! I don't know what I was expecting going into this book but I absolutely loved it! I was laughing out loud all throughout and found all of the chaos very captivating. I loved being able to follow Zach and Charlotte's story. I cannot wait to read more from this author. Thank you so much for the advanced reader copy!

This is a wholesome, clean, witty, and sweet rom-com story. The narrator had so many different voices that it was easy to picture the characters she voiced. This audiobook is going on my list of rom-com recommendations everyone will love!

Wow what a perfect rom-con.
This was my first time reading a book by Becca Kinzer, and it was perfect. The perfect mix of romance, comedy and God. I loved the funny crazy adventure that Charlotte and Zach find themselves on a tandem bike. Charlotte would be a ball to be around. Her personally comes out as bubbly and slightly accident prone. I loved watching the relationship unfold. The romance was the perfect amount and their spiritual relationship with God was just enough to encourage us and watch how even through hard times we can come back to God and encourage others in their faith. Over all this was a really enjoyable story.

Charlotte believes in the importance of music education and has landed her dream job sharing that love. However, when she finds out that the music department will no longer exist in her small hometown she ventures on a mission to find funding. When she ends up in her ex fiance's wedding and is mistakenly assumed to be in a relationship with his brother, Zach, who she has a complicated relationship with her life just seems to be in a tail spin. When she finds out about a large prize for a couple who can complete a bike ride, Charlotte and Zach end up on a tandem bike trying to get the prize. A fluffy romance full of romantic tension that is a sweet read. While complex issues are explored overall this book is just a fun romantic read. Thanks to NetGalley and the audiobook publisher for a copy for an honest review.

Unfortunately I DNF'd this at 43%. The tandem bicycle ride hadn't even started by this point in the book and I just couldn't stay interested in the plot. There were semi-frequent mentions of youth groups, prayer, etc. but I didn't find it that bothersome.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited for the opportunity to read this book and truly enjoyed the audiobook version. The cover appealed to me as well as the book blurb sounded really cute. I've never read this author before, but I've heard her debut was good and that made me want to pick it up even more. It didn't let me down and I will definitely be picking up more from this author.
I liked how much depth the characters had and the life events that led them to where they were when the story began along with how their backstories and vulnerabilities were revealed throughout the story. It was deep, but lighthearted too, capturing a good blend of heartfelt and inspiring, while being swoony and funny. The connections between the main characters also added a nice comedic twist to kick things off. We have exes, small-town dynamics, and some fake dating with forced proximity all of which made me smile as the narrator did a wonderful job giving life to these characters. C.J. Bloom was easy to listen to and while there were multiple points of view throughout the story, I was able to easily differentiate between the characters as the narrator was great with the voices and dialogue. She made it entertaining to listen to.
I thought the romance was really good (and I liked how there was kind of a secondary romance line with Charlotte’s sister which was fun to view with the multiple POVs). Zach and Charlotte definitely connected even though they tried to fight it. I laughed at the dynamic between the two and the “Ka noodling” (totally a clean, Christian romance). It was simply put a happy read and I was here for it.
I received an advance listening copy of this novel from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would recommend this book especially for fans of authors like Pepper Basham, Courtney Walsh, and Melissa Ferguson.

Cute contemporary romance novel!

While some of the events that happened seemed a bit of a stretch, it was a fun read and I enjoyed the time spent listening the audio version. Narrator C.J. Bloom was a good fit and did a nice job.

Charlotte, not a fan of the outdoors, finds herself in a crisis that seems to have a solution in a tandem bicycle challenge. On the journey, she learns a lot about herself. I particularly enjoyed the interactions Charlotte and Zach while on their adventure. Charlotte and Zach show that sometimes opposites do attract. Charlotte never wants to leave her Illinois hometown and Zach thrives on visiting new places.

This book was surprisingly cute and fun. 3.5 stars rounded up to a 4.

I like a Christian romance where faith and church are just part of the lives of the characters and not a Thing that gives you Big Speeches on faith throughout. The romance was believable and fun to read. Not sure the side stories were all needed. Feels like maybe the siblings should have just got their own books instead of shoe-horning them in to this one.

Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer made me laugh out loud!!

Charlotte and Zach get stuck in a fake dating situation that transpires into a 500 mile tandem bicycle ride down the Natchez Trace. The banter between the MCs is so fun and down right adorable. The fake dating and awkward situations the characters get caught in were so funny! There was also a great faith component as both MCs had faith growth throughout the book which to me added depth to the story. If you want a good laugh, this book is definitely worth a read!

I listened to the audiobook and C.J. Bloom did an outstanding job narrating the book!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley, for an audiobook ARC in return for my honest review.

This was an easy 5⭐️ read for me. The banter, the outdoor vibes, no smut or spice only kisses, the faith aspect… I mean this book had me laughing and towards the ending tearing up a bit too. If you enjoy Lynn Painters writing - you would also enjoy this book. It was so fun and I had a wonderful time listening to it! This is a fave and I will be purchasing a copy of it. I 100% recommend this book.

3.5 stars. It felt like the main characters had little chemistry and then all of a sudden they were confessing their love for each other.
The idea of a tandem bike ride was super fun and the problems that arose from that adventure were fun.

Really cute Christian rom-com. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The bicycle journey was a unique way to bond the characters and the shared history added a depth to the relationships that may have not seen them last otherwise. This book reminded me how important it is to continue to share my faith with those around me, even when they may have lost their own faith because you never know when a person will have a change of heart. I do wish the sister’s story had been given more attention and detail because it reads a lot of red flags as is, but it still fit in nicely for what it was. I look forward to reading more by this author!

"Love in Tandem," penned by the talented Becca Kinzer, promises readers a exploration of love, underscored by the transformative power of faith and prayer. Within the captivating narrative, we witness Charolette's journey, initially brimming with hope and optimism until life's unexpected twists threaten to derail her dreams. As she grapples with the devastating loss of her music program's grant and the heartache of being jilted at the altar by her former fiancé, who is now set to marry her ex-fiancé's brother's ex-girlfriend, Charolette's world seems irreparably shattered. However, amidst the chaos, emerges Zach, a figure of strength and charm, whose unexpected connection to Charolette sets the stage for a remarkable tale of redemption and second chances. With his rugged allure and unwavering support, Zach becomes not only Charolette's unlikely ally but also her beacon of hope. Their serendipitous involvement in a local recluse's contest, aimed at fundraising for Charolette's imperiled music program, propels them into a whirlwind adventure, where they must navigate the challenges of completing a tandem bike race in a mere 10 days. Through the highs and lows of their shared journey, readers are left to ponder whether love truly can blossom in tandem, against all odds.

a 500-mile tandem bike ride that you wish you were on. especially when money seems to be the prize and maybe, just maybe, love as well.
Charlotte and Zach may have started this journey fake dating with different intentions but they ended their journey together. i love the way they were constantly in a situation that tested their relationship, and, made them stronger.
this book tugged on my heart and made me laugh. i could not get enough and i'm glad i had the opportunity to listen to this.

Love in Tandem follows Zach and Charlotte as they fake date. He broke up with his girlfriend, Shannon, a year earlier when she cheated on him with his brother, Ben. Charlotte broke up with her fiancé, Ben, when he cheated on her with Shannon. And they need to fake date for the cheater couple’s wedding…

When we’re introduced to Shannon’s character, we hear about how nice she is—from Zach’s own thoughts. Shannon isn’t a nice person. Cheaters are not nice people. It is what it is. Asking these two exes to be best man and maid of honor at their wedding is gross and cruel.

The writing is funny, and apart from the whole eight billion people in the world but having a romcom for the two of them instead bit, I like the story. I was rooting for Charlotte and Zach.

The side plot of Charlotte’s sister, Sophia, didn’t fit in with the rest of the book.

By the end I still didn’t care for Shannon or Ben, but I loved Charlotte and Zach. I’d read this book again.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am someone who choses books by their cover, and never reads what they're about before diving in. This one started out ok... until I realized I swimming in holy water. As an avid romance reader, this is not a genre I care for. As the book progressed, it became more and more eye rolly. I also don't think I've seen the "one bed trope" that ends with someone actually sleeping on the floor?? This was pretty childish and cringy. Not a fan. If you prefer the G rated Christian romance genre, this would highly appeal to you.

*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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐