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Second Chances
After walking out of a thankless job at a prestigious marketing firm, feisty California entrepreneur Louisa Gibson is going into business for herself. Lou’s pioneering venture, The Mormon Bachelor, is a reality dating web series sure to be fabulous advertising for her new marketing firm. And as a bonus, she can solve a problem close to home: while Huntington Beach is crawling with eligible, sun-bronzed Saints, they’ve forgotten the vital skill of dating. Lou hopes the reality show will finally inspire this group of hangout enthusiasts to pair off. But shortly before filming begins, the unthinkable happens—Trentyn, a.k.a. The Bachelor, gets a girlfriend. And Lou needs a new leading man—fast.
Enter Nick, Lou’s devastatingly handsome ex-boy- friend. He’s the stereotypical actor: shallow, self-serving . . . and perfect for the job. A whirlwind of dating ensues, with Nick at the center of it all. Things are going according to plan—that is, until Lou is forced to step in as a substitute bachelorette, becoming an unwitting cast member on her own show. Despite Nick’s attempts to reestablish their friendship and the growing spark between them, Lou is determined to keep her distance. The show must go on—but what’s a girl to do when the Mr. Wrong of the past just may be the Mr. Right of the future?
Enter Nick, Lou’s devastatingly handsome ex-boy- friend. He’s the stereotypical actor: shallow, self-serving . . . and perfect for the job. A whirlwind of dating ensues, with Nick at the center of it all. Things are going according to plan—that is, until Lou is forced to step in as a substitute bachelorette, becoming an unwitting cast member on her own show. Despite Nick’s attempts to reestablish their friendship and the growing spark between them, Lou is determined to keep her distance. The show must go on—but what’s a girl to do when the Mr. Wrong of the past just may be the Mr. Right of the future?
215 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
November 29, 2018
4+ stars. It's "The Bachelor," southern California Mormon*-style! And it's surprisingly interesting, funny, and even insightful. Seriously, this is WAY better than The Selection. Second-chance romances are also a hook that always appeals to me, so there's that too.
Louisa Gibson abruptly leaves her marketing job (for good reason) and decides to go into business for herself. To try to jumpstart her new business, she decides to put together a web-based Bachelor series, specifically for members of her church, hoping for advertisers to jump on board if the series goes viral. When her Bachelor choice drops out just before the series is to start, in desperation Louisa asks her ex-boyfriend Nick to step in. Nick, the really hot actor. The best kisser she ever kissed. The guy she can't forget. And also, the guy she broke up with because he would never really communicate with her - everything was superficial, all the time.
Nick agrees (of course, or there wouldn't be a story) and off we go. The plot follows the various set-up dates, how they go down, how Nick starts to open up about his thoughts and feelings ... and how Louisa starts to think maybe she should ask him to try dating her again. Except she can't, because they're in the middle of this Mormon Bachelor series thing and it really does start to take off, and she can't throw a wrench into the middle of it because now others are depending on its success as well.
It's a light, contemporary romance, and a very good one if you like that sort of read. It's not particularly religious and not at all preachy, but it is immersed in the singles culture of the church. But I'd recommend it to romance readers anyway. Jacobson writes well and is very witty, and this is one of my favorites of hers. This was a reread, and I enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
Content note: Squeaky clean - kisses only.
*More properly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Louisa Gibson abruptly leaves her marketing job (for good reason) and decides to go into business for herself. To try to jumpstart her new business, she decides to put together a web-based Bachelor series, specifically for members of her church, hoping for advertisers to jump on board if the series goes viral. When her Bachelor choice drops out just before the series is to start, in desperation Louisa asks her ex-boyfriend Nick to step in. Nick, the really hot actor. The best kisser she ever kissed. The guy she can't forget. And also, the guy she broke up with because he would never really communicate with her - everything was superficial, all the time.
Nick agrees (of course, or there wouldn't be a story) and off we go. The plot follows the various set-up dates, how they go down, how Nick starts to open up about his thoughts and feelings ... and how Louisa starts to think maybe she should ask him to try dating her again. Except she can't, because they're in the middle of this Mormon Bachelor series thing and it really does start to take off, and she can't throw a wrench into the middle of it because now others are depending on its success as well.
It's a light, contemporary romance, and a very good one if you like that sort of read. It's not particularly religious and not at all preachy, but it is immersed in the singles culture of the church. But I'd recommend it to romance readers anyway. Jacobson writes well and is very witty, and this is one of my favorites of hers. This was a reread, and I enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
Content note: Squeaky clean - kisses only.
*More properly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
August 1, 2013
I've said this before and I'll say it again: There's something about competition dating that is so fascinating to me, yet I don't watch The Bachelor. Maybe I should? I really liked this one because everyone had standards and it was done in a very nice way. In some of the others I've read, the contestants are sooo mean to each other, but this one showed maturity and kindness, which was very refreshing to me.
Nick is Louisa's ex-boyfriend, but when the real Mormon Bachelor suddenly finds love just before this web show starts, she's desperate to find a replacement and asks Nick for the favor. Lou is a very organized, almost OCD, person who learns some very important lessons along the way. Nick is great!! He had so many opportunities to bash the girls or to sabotage the show, yet he proved he is a true gentleman and acted in a very mature way. He went through some crazy dates and situations and handled it all very well.
I really enjoy this type of book because it's fun, clean, and not preachy, yet religion is mentioned a little.
Content: clean.
Nick is Louisa's ex-boyfriend, but when the real Mormon Bachelor suddenly finds love just before this web show starts, she's desperate to find a replacement and asks Nick for the favor. Lou is a very organized, almost OCD, person who learns some very important lessons along the way. Nick is great!! He had so many opportunities to bash the girls or to sabotage the show, yet he proved he is a true gentleman and acted in a very mature way. He went through some crazy dates and situations and handled it all very well.
I really enjoy this type of book because it's fun, clean, and not preachy, yet religion is mentioned a little.
Content: clean.
May 3, 2016
I'm a sucker for second-chance romances and, as the title gives away, this is one such. And it was a great deal of fun, though the second chance was rather deflected for most of the story.
I liked Louisa right from the start and Nick was even better. And though the premise of the story was a bit shaky, I still enjoyed it as a frame for Nick and Lou to interact at enough remove to let them rebuild the friendship they once had. I loved how they interacted and how Lou came to get to know him almost anew from the man she had dumped three years before. Indeed, getting to know Nick through her perception was the best part of the book. And yeah, in retrospect he may have been a bit too perfect, but mostly in how well-tailored he was to the woman he loves and I find I don't mind that at all.
This was a solid four stars throughout. I'd have been tempted to go higher except for the rather awkward integration of the past relationship into the present. Mainly it was a bit over-expositiony and I thought Lou should have been a bit quicker on discerning the differences between present Nick and the guy she left (however reluctantly). The final reveal was a little too well-orchestrated, too, but since Jacobson worked a HEA for Molly in while she was at it, I find I didn't mind.
A note about LDS: As with previous Jacobson novels, this is heavily Mormon. More than the rest, this one depends on cultural identifiers and details of uniquely-Mormon spirituality markers as part of its plot. At a minimum, this will confuse non-LDS readers in key aspects, though I'm sure a determined reader will get through if they persevere.
I liked Louisa right from the start and Nick was even better. And though the premise of the story was a bit shaky, I still enjoyed it as a frame for Nick and Lou to interact at enough remove to let them rebuild the friendship they once had. I loved how they interacted and how Lou came to get to know him almost anew from the man she had dumped three years before. Indeed, getting to know Nick through her perception was the best part of the book. And yeah, in retrospect he may have been a bit too perfect, but mostly in how well-tailored he was to the woman he loves and I find I don't mind that at all.
This was a solid four stars throughout. I'd have been tempted to go higher except for the rather awkward integration of the past relationship into the present. Mainly it was a bit over-expositiony and I thought Lou should have been a bit quicker on discerning the differences between present Nick and the guy she left (however reluctantly). The final reveal was a little too well-orchestrated, too, but since Jacobson worked a HEA for Molly in while she was at it, I find I didn't mind.
A note about LDS: As with previous Jacobson novels, this is heavily Mormon. More than the rest, this one depends on cultural identifiers and details of uniquely-Mormon spirituality markers as part of its plot. At a minimum, this will confuse non-LDS readers in key aspects, though I'm sure a determined reader will get through if they persevere.
March 17, 2013
I really liked this one. I’ve found a few “reality dating” books lately that have been a lot of fun. I love watching The Bachelor and its fun to read more of the behind the scenes action. I liked our leading characters, Nick and Louisa. They had fun chemistry together. I admit, there were times I wondered what Nick’s motivations where, but I knew this is a HEA type book and was looking forward to seeing how things were going to work out for the two of them. Both really had to make some changes for things to work out between them this time around.
I did think twenty-one girls was a bit much. I think he should have had to date a smaller number of women. I also was confused why they only “aired” about five minutes of each date. I don’t think that would be enough time to really show any of the date or conversations. That five minutes would take up all the mid-date and end-of-date interviews. I think for a web show at least twenty minutes would have made a little more sense. At least to me. There were a few other minor things, but overall I thought it was really enjoyable. It kept me reading and when I did have to put it down to take care of kids, I was always eager to get back to it. Will definitely be a re-read for me.
I did think twenty-one girls was a bit much. I think he should have had to date a smaller number of women. I also was confused why they only “aired” about five minutes of each date. I don’t think that would be enough time to really show any of the date or conversations. That five minutes would take up all the mid-date and end-of-date interviews. I think for a web show at least twenty minutes would have made a little more sense. At least to me. There were a few other minor things, but overall I thought it was really enjoyable. It kept me reading and when I did have to put it down to take care of kids, I was always eager to get back to it. Will definitely be a re-read for me.
April 26, 2013
This was cute and cheesy and will please anyone who loves the TV show "The Bachelor". My one complaint that I'm issuing to all Mormon romance authors is could we please every now and then have an epilogue?! Another chapter perhaps? It always ends like, for example, if Prince Charming kissed Snow White and she woke up and we faded to black! I want the ride off into the sunset scene! Give me happily ever after and we'll live happily ever after as reader and writer! :-)
August 25, 2020
I LOVED this book! It doesn’t make sense as I heartily dislike reality shows, I’m not a surfer, and I’m not a Mormon. However, from the first sentence I was hooked. I loved the characters. I loved the very satisfying and clever story. I loved the witty and loving dialogue. I loved the spirituality which was an important part of the story without being preachy.
Well done, Melanie Jacobson!!!
Well done, Melanie Jacobson!!!
March 12, 2013
Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson starts out with two businesswomen/roommates who are trying to start a web version of The Bachelor but with a twist---it's a Mormon bachelor and it's to help jump-start the dating scene in Huntington Beach and launch her marketing company. Louisa, the owner, has the bachelor back out at the last minute (he got a girlfriend) and she's going to lose everything she's worked for (the girl is living on oatmeal packets and ramen as it is!) if she doesn't find someone quick.
Enter her ex-boyfriend Nick, who is an actor. She broke up with him three years ago because he was sort of shallow and even though she would see flashes of depth in him, he never really let her in. (She still watches his show re-runs on late night TV, though) But, in her desperation that all her business plans not be ruined, she calls him and he agrees to be the bachelor for her. What follows is fun and quirky and made me laugh out loud.
But, there's something unexpected.
There is some real growth in the heroine during this story. With the set-up, I was expecting the guy to have changed and he would realize why she left and they would have their happily ever after. But this book isn't cliche like that. The heroine has some real growth as a person and for me, that sets it apart from the other romances I've been reading lately. I like it when you can have a fun story with some depth to it because it seems sort of rare these days.
So, if you are looking for a can't-put-down book that has some great bachelor dating situations (read: funny), some romance with realistic characters that feel like your best friends, and a hero to sigh over, then this is the book for you. And as a bonus, Ms. Jacobson throws in an update on my favorite couple from her book The List. You may remember I complained a teeny bit in my review that I didn't feel closure with them. Well, now I do. Thank you for that!
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Enter her ex-boyfriend Nick, who is an actor. She broke up with him three years ago because he was sort of shallow and even though she would see flashes of depth in him, he never really let her in. (She still watches his show re-runs on late night TV, though) But, in her desperation that all her business plans not be ruined, she calls him and he agrees to be the bachelor for her. What follows is fun and quirky and made me laugh out loud.
But, there's something unexpected.
There is some real growth in the heroine during this story. With the set-up, I was expecting the guy to have changed and he would realize why she left and they would have their happily ever after. But this book isn't cliche like that. The heroine has some real growth as a person and for me, that sets it apart from the other romances I've been reading lately. I like it when you can have a fun story with some depth to it because it seems sort of rare these days.
So, if you are looking for a can't-put-down book that has some great bachelor dating situations (read: funny), some romance with realistic characters that feel like your best friends, and a hero to sigh over, then this is the book for you. And as a bonus, Ms. Jacobson throws in an update on my favorite couple from her book The List. You may remember I complained a teeny bit in my review that I didn't feel closure with them. Well, now I do. Thank you for that!
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
October 25, 2013
I struggled with a rating for this one. I did not particularly enjoy the story, but it was decently presented and I couldn't help but think it would appeal to many others. So I leave it at 3 stars despite the fact reading this became a chore.
Lou is a young woman with marketing skills trying to drum up her own business. Irritated by the lack of proper dating among the LDS singles of the L.A. area, she creates a web series "The Mormon Bachelor" (just what it sounds like) in order to pull in clients for advertizing. A last-minute relationship leads Lou to using her ex-boyfriend Nick as the Bachelor, and emotions start popping up...
It sounded cute enough, and it is, but I felt so much of the story was bogged down down by the details of Lou's business as she looks for clients and monitors comments and whatnot. Though the writing is fresh and lively, I felt very little characterization.
For me, the book epitomized the situation of that area's single Saints a little too much: lots of work, lots of show, and too little of that emotional stuff Lou was complaining about. Ironic.
Frankly, I didn't get interested in the plot until 2/3 of the way.
Still, the basic plot itself is cute and I did enjoy the writing. Well-presented, just probably not for me.
Lou is a young woman with marketing skills trying to drum up her own business. Irritated by the lack of proper dating among the LDS singles of the L.A. area, she creates a web series "The Mormon Bachelor" (just what it sounds like) in order to pull in clients for advertizing. A last-minute relationship leads Lou to using her ex-boyfriend Nick as the Bachelor, and emotions start popping up...
It sounded cute enough, and it is, but I felt so much of the story was bogged down down by the details of Lou's business as she looks for clients and monitors comments and whatnot. Though the writing is fresh and lively, I felt very little characterization.
For me, the book epitomized the situation of that area's single Saints a little too much: lots of work, lots of show, and too little of that emotional stuff Lou was complaining about. Ironic.
Frankly, I didn't get interested in the plot until 2/3 of the way.
Still, the basic plot itself is cute and I did enjoy the writing. Well-presented, just probably not for me.
June 16, 2018
Romance, LDS, Christian (although light)
Have loved all of the nuances in MJ writing. Even though the HEA isn't sure until the very last pages, there are such subtle hints. Watching Lou fall again, and realize that she is so unsure what will happen, fighting her feelings all the way, makes for such a sweet and fun ending. Seeing all of Lou's struggles as she fights the growing awareness she has of her love for her ex-boyfriend, her and her self-awareness of all of her short-comings and weaknesses, gently shown her by her family, friends, and herself as she is analyzing her relationship with Nick, and watches his reactions and dates with the other women he dates on TMB is heart-wrenching, poignant and funny as she stumbles through and reaches success in many areas, not just love. The journey from business success, to romantic success is a fun, sweet ride. Love any of MJ books!
This is second or third read for me, not sure why I didn't post a review!
Have loved all of the nuances in MJ writing. Even though the HEA isn't sure until the very last pages, there are such subtle hints. Watching Lou fall again, and realize that she is so unsure what will happen, fighting her feelings all the way, makes for such a sweet and fun ending. Seeing all of Lou's struggles as she fights the growing awareness she has of her love for her ex-boyfriend, her and her self-awareness of all of her short-comings and weaknesses, gently shown her by her family, friends, and herself as she is analyzing her relationship with Nick, and watches his reactions and dates with the other women he dates on TMB is heart-wrenching, poignant and funny as she stumbles through and reaches success in many areas, not just love. The journey from business success, to romantic success is a fun, sweet ride. Love any of MJ books!
This is second or third read for me, not sure why I didn't post a review!
January 1, 2019
This might be my favorite Melanie Jacobson book yet. The story of Louisa setting up a Mormon Bachelor show as a vehicle for her new marketing company. Her bachelor cancels on her at the last minute and she enlists the help of her old boyfriend instead. Lots of fun!
August 21, 2013
Fed up with not only Hollywood's version of The Bachelor, but also the dating scene of the Huntington Beach single's ward, Louisa has decided to make her own Bachelor show, the Mormon Bachelor. It will run on the internet and hopefully make her new advertising business money and also get more business. The only problem is that the bachelor that she handpicked has just gotten himself into a relationship. It's days before filming and Louisa needs to find herself a Mormon man, hopefully handsome, likable and very free for the next few weeks. But where is she going to find him? Luckily her best friend and business partner, Molly has already done what she felt needed to be done. She's e-mailed Louisa's ex-boyfriend Nick, a handsome actor, and asked him to call Louisa. Louisa is furious, but knows she doesn't have any other choice. She must make Nick want to be The Mormon Bachelor and date 21 pretty girls, which she is able to do. But Louisa doesn't count on the jealousy that she starts feeling as she is watching Nick date those beautiful perfect girls. At first she chalks it up to tiredness from having to stay up so late editing the date footage, but soon, Louisa can't deny that she still has pretty strong feelings for Nick. Is there any way he could share those feelings, especially while dating 21 other beautiful girls?
This was such a fun book! The plot was fun, the characters were believable. I love the way that Melanie Jacobson writes a love story! I also love how I felt that I was in California as I was reading this book, something I desperately needed when I was reading it. I also loved seeing what happened to Melanie Jacobson's characters from The List. Melanie Jacobson writes some of my very favorite clean romances, check them out!
This was such a fun book! The plot was fun, the characters were believable. I love the way that Melanie Jacobson writes a love story! I also love how I felt that I was in California as I was reading this book, something I desperately needed when I was reading it. I also loved seeing what happened to Melanie Jacobson's characters from The List. Melanie Jacobson writes some of my very favorite clean romances, check them out!
March 21, 2013
This book was a very FUN read!
Melanie Jacobson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors...Her books never disappoint me!
Light-hearted fun, tender feelings, romance-in-the-air...
It's all there!
This book has a very fun storyline...
A "Mormon" version of The Bachelor...aired as a web-series...in hopes of getting more advertising for Louisa's new firm...
But also to "reform the Huntington Beach dating scene."
Mormon men seem to be afraid to date.
This show sent one Mormon man on a "date" with 21 wonderful Mormon women to show that dating is:
still in...
still fun...
still wanted...
Just like the show The Bachelor...these couples will be followed with a camera and given the "how's it going" interviews.
But when the shows "star" gets into a relationship BEFORE the show airs, Louisa has to turn to her ex-boyfriend Nick to be the bachelor...fun twist!
And as you know... in the end there will be only one rose... who will the lucky girl be?
If you love contemporary romance you will love Second Chances!
Melanie Jacobson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors...Her books never disappoint me!
Light-hearted fun, tender feelings, romance-in-the-air...
It's all there!
This book has a very fun storyline...
A "Mormon" version of The Bachelor...aired as a web-series...in hopes of getting more advertising for Louisa's new firm...
But also to "reform the Huntington Beach dating scene."
Mormon men seem to be afraid to date.
This show sent one Mormon man on a "date" with 21 wonderful Mormon women to show that dating is:
still in...
still fun...
still wanted...
Just like the show The Bachelor...these couples will be followed with a camera and given the "how's it going" interviews.
But when the shows "star" gets into a relationship BEFORE the show airs, Louisa has to turn to her ex-boyfriend Nick to be the bachelor...fun twist!
And as you know... in the end there will be only one rose... who will the lucky girl be?
If you love contemporary romance you will love Second Chances!
July 22, 2014
I have to start this review out by saying, "Boy do my eyes hurt right now!" Why do they hurt you ask? Because I couldn't put this book down and had to finish it before going to bed tonight.
Hopefully my eyes will feel better tomorrow.
Anyway, on with my review. I really enjoyed this book. I am guilty of being a fan of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette", so it was fun to read a book sorta based on the series. I think I'll have to look up the real Mormon Bachelor web-series sometime.
This book was fun. I liked the chemistry between the characters. It did seem to drag a bit in the middle. I wasn't as interested in all the different dates that Nick went on and so I wished to skip over some of that and get onto Nick and Louisa's interactions.
This is a LDS Romance. But for those who are worried, its not preachy at all... So I'd even recommend it to non-LDS people.
Great book and I'll be reading more from Melanie Jacobson in the future.
Hopefully my eyes will feel better tomorrow.
Anyway, on with my review. I really enjoyed this book. I am guilty of being a fan of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette", so it was fun to read a book sorta based on the series. I think I'll have to look up the real Mormon Bachelor web-series sometime.
This book was fun. I liked the chemistry between the characters. It did seem to drag a bit in the middle. I wasn't as interested in all the different dates that Nick went on and so I wished to skip over some of that and get onto Nick and Louisa's interactions.
This is a LDS Romance. But for those who are worried, its not preachy at all... So I'd even recommend it to non-LDS people.
Great book and I'll be reading more from Melanie Jacobson in the future.
March 12, 2013
I really liked this, but I knew I would. I've read all the others by this author, so I'm familiar with her style, and I'm never disappointed.
It starts out light and funny, but there's always a lesson to be learned.
In Second Chances, Nick and Louisa reconnect three years after breaking up. You can tell they're hesitant in the beginning, but you can also tell there is something there. I liked the way their relationship develops, and especially the way Louisa grows as a character. Nick is awesome, enough said. ;)
I found the ending kind of abrupt. I really wish there was an epilogue- it wouldn't have to wrap up everything neatly, but it would certainly make that end seem more satisfying and less rushed.
If you like Melanie Jacobson, go get it. If you haven't read any of her other books, you can't go wrong with this one.
It starts out light and funny, but there's always a lesson to be learned.
In Second Chances, Nick and Louisa reconnect three years after breaking up. You can tell they're hesitant in the beginning, but you can also tell there is something there. I liked the way their relationship develops, and especially the way Louisa grows as a character. Nick is awesome, enough said. ;)
I found the ending kind of abrupt. I really wish there was an epilogue- it wouldn't have to wrap up everything neatly, but it would certainly make that end seem more satisfying and less rushed.
If you like Melanie Jacobson, go get it. If you haven't read any of her other books, you can't go wrong with this one.
July 7, 2015
This is the second time I've read this book. I have to say I love it still. If you want to read a "Jane Austen Persuasionesque" book then this is a great one! I love the characters in this book. I have to say I not really a fan of "The Bachelor" and very few of these books grab my attention. This is one of the few exceptions!! I love Melani Jacobson's writing. I gave this book the five stars I think it earned. It's story line is fun and complicated just like Lou's life. I am a story in the narritive kind of gal but I like the perspecive of this story and it works not to know what's going on in everybody's mind, just Louisa's. Nick is a wonderful character also. I like the way they mesh together. Even though this is my second time through I wondered how it was all going to work out.
Thanks Melanie for another great read!!!
Thanks Melanie for another great read!!!
March 2, 2014
I avoided this genre since highschool (LDS romance/chick lit), but I've since gotten to know many of the authors and they are people I love and admire, so I've made more time to read their work. They make for fun, feel-good reads, and are an enjoyable escape from daily stresses.
This book in particular is Melanie's best, in my opinion. It has her typical humor and fun little plot twists, sassy dialog, and all kinds of characters that you know you've met before in real life. I think Second Chances comes the closest of Melanie's books to showing the role that religion plays in LDS real-life dating, at least in my own experience. Ironically, it happens while filming a "reality" dating show, so if you're a fan of Bachelor-type shows, I think you'd love this book.
This book in particular is Melanie's best, in my opinion. It has her typical humor and fun little plot twists, sassy dialog, and all kinds of characters that you know you've met before in real life. I think Second Chances comes the closest of Melanie's books to showing the role that religion plays in LDS real-life dating, at least in my own experience. Ironically, it happens while filming a "reality" dating show, so if you're a fan of Bachelor-type shows, I think you'd love this book.
May 25, 2017
A book about reality TV? Ugh. So I fought that reaction the entire time.
I found the female lead challenging to like, she came off a bit mean-girl in that fake-nice way some Relief Society ladies pull out when your best effort doesn't meet their standard. I don't think I would have ever gotten an invite to her Sunday dinner. I started to like the male lead for his efforts at kindness but when he began to seem manipulative (even for good reasons-ish) all the heartache of the last chapters still couldn't convince me they were ready for a happy ending with each other. No warm fuzzies from the final pages although the ending was "happy". A lot of this book seemed very shallow with so much emphasis on appearances, status, wealth, and social standing.
No violence, no sex, no swearing
I found the female lead challenging to like, she came off a bit mean-girl in that fake-nice way some Relief Society ladies pull out when your best effort doesn't meet their standard. I don't think I would have ever gotten an invite to her Sunday dinner. I started to like the male lead for his efforts at kindness but when he began to seem manipulative (even for good reasons-ish) all the heartache of the last chapters still couldn't convince me they were ready for a happy ending with each other. No warm fuzzies from the final pages although the ending was "happy". A lot of this book seemed very shallow with so much emphasis on appearances, status, wealth, and social standing.
No violence, no sex, no swearing
August 2, 2013
Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: LDS Romance
Length: 216 pgs
Rating: *****
Review: This one could possibly be my favorite of Melanies. I loved the main character, Louisa, and Nick is so wonderful as the antagonist...ooops, I mean love interest. Both are really different from any of Melanie's other main characters. It has the awesome trademark wit I've come to expect along with a unique love story! (The Bachelor from the POV of someone behind the scenes.) So cool. Pick this one up. You'll definitely love it.
Source: Bought it via the LDStorymakers 2013 Conference Bookstore
read more reviews at http://raneesclark.blogspot.com
Genre: LDS Romance
Length: 216 pgs
Rating: *****
Review: This one could possibly be my favorite of Melanies. I loved the main character, Louisa, and Nick is so wonderful as the antagonist...ooops, I mean love interest. Both are really different from any of Melanie's other main characters. It has the awesome trademark wit I've come to expect along with a unique love story! (The Bachelor from the POV of someone behind the scenes.) So cool. Pick this one up. You'll definitely love it.
Source: Bought it via the LDStorymakers 2013 Conference Bookstore
read more reviews at http://raneesclark.blogspot.com
July 31, 2017
Louisa's plan to create an internet show, The Mormon Bachelor, is in jeopardy when the bachelor gets a girlfriend two days before they are supposed to start filming. Desperate to find a new leading man for the show, she turns to Nick--the super hot actor whom she dumped three years before. She soon finds that he isn't the same person she dumped--and that watching him go on dates with 20 beautiful girls isn't as easy as she'd anticipated.
This book is predictable but still fun. It's a great choice for a beach read.
This book is predictable but still fun. It's a great choice for a beach read.
February 26, 2013
This one is so fun, guys. I mean . . . I hope it is! It takes readers back to Huntington Beach for a little peek into what happens in Matt and Ashley's (from The List) happily ever after as the readers get to know Matt's sister, Lou, even better on her crazy road to love. With a smokin' hot guy, of course.
May 12, 2018
Heart eyes - Heart eyes.
Call me crazy I can’t stand The Bachelor TV show, but - I love the book versions. Here’s a unique look at a Mormon version set in southern California. I had my doubts that an online version would hold the same appeal but it seemed to work well.
Cute and fun story with some tender moments between Nick & Louisa.
Call me crazy I can’t stand The Bachelor TV show, but - I love the book versions. Here’s a unique look at a Mormon version set in southern California. I had my doubts that an online version would hold the same appeal but it seemed to work well.
Cute and fun story with some tender moments between Nick & Louisa.
March 12, 2013
I read Melanie's book today and enjoyed every minute. It makes me happy to not be in dating world anymore. :) But so glad to have a nice clean romance to read and take me away from the reality that is my life.
October 3, 2013
This was a really fun book. :) I have never seen the tv show the bachelor but know enough about it to enjoy the mormon spin off of it. My heart went to Lou...what a tough situation for her to have to share her man! Ugh! Fun, clean, read with a wonderful happily ever after!
March 25, 2013
I'm a fan of Melanie Jacobson. She writes fun, witty books with great build up. This was my afternoon of pleasure reading. All for me. :) And I very much enjoyed it.
August 29, 2013
I quote enjoyed this book. A little slow moving but overall I liked it:)!
March 26, 2013
Ahhhh what a great book!!! I love this author! She writes great feel good romances. I felt so sad for Lou but I LOVED the twist. And Nick!!! Ahhhh so good!!
July 6, 2013
Really enjoyed. Review here.
http://brooke-brookesbooks.blogspot.c...
http://brooke-brookesbooks.blogspot.c...
May 30, 2013
Love this author. Her stories are clean, comedic and cute! Can't wait until she writes another book.
May 10, 2015
Such a cute read. Loved the romantic comedy. My daughter commented that every time she saw me reading this book I was smiling while I read.
September 22, 2018
Melanie Jacobson is one of my favorite LDS contemporary romance author. She really knows the "singles ward" scene and can delve into the issues of a. being single, and b. being an LDS in that demographic. Plus this book was set in Huntington Beach which I am very familiar with during my times of living in Southern California. It felt like coming home, especially when she described the locations of the dates for Nick.
Lou is a smart and driven young lady that thought about creating a cleaner version of the reality show "The Bachelor" but geared for the LDS audience. She had a great guy as a bachelor lined up but then he met a girl and is now in a relationship. With only a couple of days left before airing the reality internet show, Lou needed a new bachelor and fast! In comes her ex-boyfriend Nick and he agrees to do it. During this time, they rekindle their friendship and also Lou realizes that Nick is no longer the guy that she broke up with three years ago. But the plot thickens when Lou has to watch him interact with 20 other girls and she thought that he's starting to move on from her and that hurts her a lot.
Even though Ms. Jacobson is one of my fave authors in this genre, this one just wasn't one of my favorites from her. I find Lou's inability to see how her perfectionistic tendencies rub off on people is kinda naive for me. I mean the little things, like that part where she goes in there and takes over setting the table or something like that when someone was already doing the job then her excuse was that she was making it better, only for the friend to walk away. That didn't even phase her and make her stop to think what she did wrong? Yeah, I didn't quite buy that. I mean I have some OCD tendencies as well but if someone were to walk away because I'm taking over, I would know that I've offended them.
I am also a bit confused about the ending. I mean how Nick explained why he never mentioned anything to Lou about his feelings for her and the "deception" that him and Molly did so Lou didn't realize that he wasn't really into the girls. How can you really cover that up? Especially when there's so many people involved in this? I mean is Lou that naive or dense that she couldn't see it in the facial expressions of the girls that Nick dated?
Again, there are many things to like about this book, but when a major character like the heroine makes me kind of scratch my head, I can't fully "love" the book.
Lou is a smart and driven young lady that thought about creating a cleaner version of the reality show "The Bachelor" but geared for the LDS audience. She had a great guy as a bachelor lined up but then he met a girl and is now in a relationship. With only a couple of days left before airing the reality internet show, Lou needed a new bachelor and fast! In comes her ex-boyfriend Nick and he agrees to do it. During this time, they rekindle their friendship and also Lou realizes that Nick is no longer the guy that she broke up with three years ago. But the plot thickens when Lou has to watch him interact with 20 other girls and she thought that he's starting to move on from her and that hurts her a lot.
Even though Ms. Jacobson is one of my fave authors in this genre, this one just wasn't one of my favorites from her. I find Lou's inability to see how her perfectionistic tendencies rub off on people is kinda naive for me. I mean the little things, like that part where she goes in there and takes over setting the table or something like that when someone was already doing the job then her excuse was that she was making it better, only for the friend to walk away. That didn't even phase her and make her stop to think what she did wrong? Yeah, I didn't quite buy that. I mean I have some OCD tendencies as well but if someone were to walk away because I'm taking over, I would know that I've offended them.
I am also a bit confused about the ending. I mean how Nick explained why he never mentioned anything to Lou about his feelings for her and the "deception" that him and Molly did so Lou didn't realize that he wasn't really into the girls. How can you really cover that up? Especially when there's so many people involved in this? I mean is Lou that naive or dense that she couldn't see it in the facial expressions of the girls that Nick dated?
Again, there are many things to like about this book, but when a major character like the heroine makes me kind of scratch my head, I can't fully "love" the book.
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