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Assignment: Romance #1
False Start
Mattie Ross is probably the last person who should be doling out good counsel to anyone on anything. Still smarting after being left at the altar two years earlier, she is strapped with debt, has sworn off men, routinely buries herself in her work and despite her well-proportioned figure, remains haunted by childhood taunts of "Fatty Mattie." But to her publisher at the Chicago Gazette, and readers, she is their latest advice columnist, The Plate Spinner, a self-assured working parent to adorable fake children and multi-tasking savant. Enter Nick Derosa, the twin brother of Mattie's cold-footed fiancé who is trying to get back on his feet after his brother steals his identity and implicates him in an illegal investment scheme. But thanks to Nick's legendary running career, the publisher of the Chicago Gazette proposes a wager: If Nick can train an out-of-shape working parent in time to compete in the Chicago Marathon, he will contribute enough to help Nick launch his own non-profit running club for kids. Suddenly "Fatty" Mattie and Nick are thrust together as the most unlikely of pairs and under a deadline to put their trust issues aside and avoid another false start in their lives.
Assignment: Romance novels:
False Start
Help Wanted
Key Change
The Plate Spinner Chronicles (non-fiction collection)
Flight Risk
What critics are saying about Barbara Valentin's books:
"A lighthearted and endearing blend of comedy, drama, and romance. Quick-moving and thoroughly delightful."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Barbara Valentin delivers love, laughter, and a happily ever after—what more could you ask for?"
—Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author
"False Start was such a wonderful romantic comedy and even though there isn't an ounce of steam in it. I completely loved it! 5 stars!"
—Boundless Book reviews
"I had a hard time putting (Help Wanted) down. That’s probably why I had no trouble reading it in two days! I’ll also stubbornly admit that I got a little teary-eyed towards the end, and I absolutely loved the ending. It was the perfect finish and one of my favorite endings, hands down."
—Chick Lit Central
Assignment: Romance novels:
False Start
Help Wanted
Key Change
The Plate Spinner Chronicles (non-fiction collection)
Flight Risk
What critics are saying about Barbara Valentin's books:
"A lighthearted and endearing blend of comedy, drama, and romance. Quick-moving and thoroughly delightful."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Barbara Valentin delivers love, laughter, and a happily ever after—what more could you ask for?"
—Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author
"False Start was such a wonderful romantic comedy and even though there isn't an ounce of steam in it. I completely loved it! 5 stars!"
—Boundless Book reviews
"I had a hard time putting (Help Wanted) down. That’s probably why I had no trouble reading it in two days! I’ll also stubbornly admit that I got a little teary-eyed towards the end, and I absolutely loved the ending. It was the perfect finish and one of my favorite endings, hands down."
—Chick Lit Central
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2014
126 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Valentin
7 books234 followersAuthor of the bestselling Assignment: Romance series, Barbara is a second-generation journalist, her work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune and its affiliates as well as the lifestyle sites, Mom.Me and BlogHer.
After Publisher's Weekly gave her first manuscript, False Start, a coveted starred review, she was included on their “Indie Star” list.
In 2018, USA Today included her fifth book, Order Up, on their "Most Anticipated Release" list.
A member of Women's Fiction Writers Association, Barbara lives in the Chicago area.
After Publisher's Weekly gave her first manuscript, False Start, a coveted starred review, she was included on their “Indie Star” list.
In 2018, USA Today included her fifth book, Order Up, on their "Most Anticipated Release" list.
A member of Women's Fiction Writers Association, Barbara lives in the Chicago area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 22, 2016
I received a request from Wendy Rich Stetson to listen to her latest recording. False Start is not my usual type of book, but since I have loved all the other books that Ms. Stetson has sent me, I did not hesitate. Wow! I’m so glad I did. Not only did I get to listen to another excellent narration, False Start is an awesome book!
Mattie Ross is left at the altar with a ton of debt for a wedding that never happened. She takes a position as an advice columnist at the Chicago Gazette. She has sworn off men and buries herself in her column, The Plate-Spinner.
When her publisher decides she needs to run a marathon and even hires her a personal coach, none other than Nick Derosa, her ex-fiance’s twin brother, she reluctantly agrees. But, how does an out-of-shape, supposedly overworked parent become fit for the challenge?
Nick and Mattie are thrown together and work toward a common goal. Can they unite to achieve that goal, and fall in love along the way?
False Start is fast-paced and kept me enthralled from the first page until the last. This book is very thought provoking and filled with all kinds of positive messages wrapped up in a delightfully funny story. False Start had me rooting for Mattie, hoping she could achieve her overwhelming goal and even find love along the way.
Mattie’s character is truly inspiring. This was a perfect book for me to read since I really need to keep active. I was doing great, but life has a way of throwing in curve balls to interfere. I’m hoping I can use Mattie’s character as an example to jump start me again. If Mattie can do it, anyone can make the life-style changes that will improve one’s quality of life. Mattie is so optimistic and determined, a character to truly admire.
Nick’s character is also inspiring. Even though, he was dealt a huge blow when he was arrested because his twin assumed his identification for his criminal activities, he does not let it get him down. He is determined to succeed with the opportunity given him. While he starts out helping Mattie because of the money, he truly wants her to achieve her goal and devotes his time and energy to help her make it happen.
I listened to the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. She gives a stellar performance as I have grown to expect. She truly brings the characters to life. Her ability to give each character their own distinct voice is astonishing. She is one of the most talented narrators I’ve had the pleasure of listening to, and I listen to a lot of audio books.
If you are looking for a book that will lift your spirits and help you find inner-strength, then False Start is the perfect book for you. I highly recommend this book and the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. Happy reading!
Mattie Ross is left at the altar with a ton of debt for a wedding that never happened. She takes a position as an advice columnist at the Chicago Gazette. She has sworn off men and buries herself in her column, The Plate-Spinner.
When her publisher decides she needs to run a marathon and even hires her a personal coach, none other than Nick Derosa, her ex-fiance’s twin brother, she reluctantly agrees. But, how does an out-of-shape, supposedly overworked parent become fit for the challenge?
Nick and Mattie are thrown together and work toward a common goal. Can they unite to achieve that goal, and fall in love along the way?
False Start is fast-paced and kept me enthralled from the first page until the last. This book is very thought provoking and filled with all kinds of positive messages wrapped up in a delightfully funny story. False Start had me rooting for Mattie, hoping she could achieve her overwhelming goal and even find love along the way.
Mattie’s character is truly inspiring. This was a perfect book for me to read since I really need to keep active. I was doing great, but life has a way of throwing in curve balls to interfere. I’m hoping I can use Mattie’s character as an example to jump start me again. If Mattie can do it, anyone can make the life-style changes that will improve one’s quality of life. Mattie is so optimistic and determined, a character to truly admire.
Nick’s character is also inspiring. Even though, he was dealt a huge blow when he was arrested because his twin assumed his identification for his criminal activities, he does not let it get him down. He is determined to succeed with the opportunity given him. While he starts out helping Mattie because of the money, he truly wants her to achieve her goal and devotes his time and energy to help her make it happen.
I listened to the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. She gives a stellar performance as I have grown to expect. She truly brings the characters to life. Her ability to give each character their own distinct voice is astonishing. She is one of the most talented narrators I’ve had the pleasure of listening to, and I listen to a lot of audio books.
If you are looking for a book that will lift your spirits and help you find inner-strength, then False Start is the perfect book for you. I highly recommend this book and the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. Happy reading!
March 17, 2015
Ultimately just okay
I wanted to like this more than I ultimately did. The plot had a lot of premise and I really enjoyed Mattie and Nick. However, the liberal use of time jumps without the main characters interacting left me cold. Reading romance novels, you know they're going to end up together, so I much prefer to read about a good journey. While the character of Mattie did go on a wonderful personal journey, I would've preferred more about the relationship with Nick. I also felt that the ending was way too rushed and a bit eye-roll inducing given the lack of time spent between them. The author does have an enjoyable style that made me want to keep reading, but the end fell flat for me; I expected more.
I wanted to like this more than I ultimately did. The plot had a lot of premise and I really enjoyed Mattie and Nick. However, the liberal use of time jumps without the main characters interacting left me cold. Reading romance novels, you know they're going to end up together, so I much prefer to read about a good journey. While the character of Mattie did go on a wonderful personal journey, I would've preferred more about the relationship with Nick. I also felt that the ending was way too rushed and a bit eye-roll inducing given the lack of time spent between them. The author does have an enjoyable style that made me want to keep reading, but the end fell flat for me; I expected more.
October 20, 2014
Mattie has battled with weight issues her whole life. Then stood up at the alter by the man of her dreams. Needless to say, her self esteem and confidence were gone. Until the twin brother of the man who jilted her shows up. With his help, she learns to get it back. I absolutely loved this book! This was one of those "just one more chapter" books. I one more chaptered myself until midnight, on a work night! It was worth it!
June 19, 2017
Mattie Ross is in serious debt, overweight, and unhappy as she lives a fake life in order to keep a newspaper job she doesn't like in False Start by Barbara Valentin. Her idea of dinner is chocolate bar followed by chocolate gelato. The publisher of her newspaper, for which she writes an advice column pretending to be a married working mother, offers her a big bonus if she spends the next year training to be able to run a marathon. Only after she accepts does she learn that the world-class coach is the identical twin brother of the man who jilted her at the altar whom she punched unconscious when he delivered the news that his brother wasn't coming. And Nick has secretly been in love with Mattie for years. Mattie finds training really difficult, but she keeps going. The pair seems to draw closer, but that fictitious husband keeps standing between them.
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December 4, 2020
I am not usually a fan of the ‘lose the weight then find love’ trope. Too many years of women trying to match themselves to the Cosmo covers. But, I did like this book. Our heroine has developed a character where she uses her sister’s life to give advice on parenting. She starts to train for a marathon with our hero and documents her progress to give inspire her readers. Along the way we have life lessons and romance. Lovely book! 💕
December 4, 2015
Having read and reviewed Barbara Valentin’s Help Wanted and The Plate Spinner Chronicles, I couldn’t wait to throw myself into the backstory behind "The Plate Spinner," a.k.a. Mattie Ross (she’s mentioned a bit in Help Wanted). As I expected, False Start is as entertaining and delightful as it’s sequel! Mattie is unapologetic when it comes to who she is as a person. Deep inside, she still feels as though she’s “Fattie Mattie”, and decided years ago that there would be nothing and nobody who could change that perception of her. While this novel is certainly full of romance, it’s also in many ways an inspiration to so many of us who feel as though we’re stuck in a rut, unable to change for the better.
We see Mattie put one foot in front of the other, and she’s not perfect. She’s just like the rest of us, struggling with a lot more than what’s externally seen. Her story is told with comedic genius, all while highlighting on Mattie and Nick’s struggle to trust one another. Why doesn’t he like her? Why can’t she respect him? Neither can see eye to eye, which makes training for a marathon difficult. It’s funny, yet painful to read Mattie’s narrative when she’s running for the first time ever, in her entire life. Will she ever cross that finish line?
It’s hard not to submerge yourself into a Valentin novel, and the characters. I read False Start all in one morning, because I couldn’t stop myself! I needed to see where Mattie would end up, and whether she fulfilled the goals she’d set out for herself. Although I’m a running enthusiast and felt I could identify with some of the situations she finds herself in, I really feel this novel relates to anyone looking for the motivation needed to change their own lives.
We see Mattie put one foot in front of the other, and she’s not perfect. She’s just like the rest of us, struggling with a lot more than what’s externally seen. Her story is told with comedic genius, all while highlighting on Mattie and Nick’s struggle to trust one another. Why doesn’t he like her? Why can’t she respect him? Neither can see eye to eye, which makes training for a marathon difficult. It’s funny, yet painful to read Mattie’s narrative when she’s running for the first time ever, in her entire life. Will she ever cross that finish line?
It’s hard not to submerge yourself into a Valentin novel, and the characters. I read False Start all in one morning, because I couldn’t stop myself! I needed to see where Mattie would end up, and whether she fulfilled the goals she’d set out for herself. Although I’m a running enthusiast and felt I could identify with some of the situations she finds herself in, I really feel this novel relates to anyone looking for the motivation needed to change their own lives.
May 19, 2015
I was provided a copy of False Start in exchange for an honest review.
Let me say that if I could give this book 10 Stars I would! I absolutely freaking LOVED IT! I spent most of my time laughing, sometimes tearing up and definitely falling in love with the characters.
We meet Mattie Ross, a buxom and vivacious advice columnists AKA The Plate Spinner. Mattie is posing as a happily married mother of two rolling out advice to her readers. Well nothing is further from the truth.
Mattie was left at the alter! I know gasp! Drowning in debt to pay for an elaborate wedding, adding to her already fragile self esteem from growing up being called Fatty Mattie. Oh and the best part the Jackass groom is wanted for embezzlement! Real winner! You can imagine Mattie is off men and has a wonderful relationship with food. Chocolate in particular.
Remember the embezzling Jackass? Well he has a twin brother Nick who said Jackass tried to frame for all his crimes! Ahh family! Good times!
So the editor of the newspaper Mattie works for cooks up a scheme to help Nick get back on his feet. Nick is a world class runner and lost everything when his brother aka Jackass framed him.
The editor basically hires Nick to train Mattie to run a marathon. OMG this was HILARIOUS! You have an overweight Mattie having to deal with the spitting image of Jackass. The first training session I was laughing so hard I had tears coming out of my eyes!
False Start was such a wonderful romantic comedy and even though there isn't an ounce of steam in it. I completely loved it!...Sara
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https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
Let me say that if I could give this book 10 Stars I would! I absolutely freaking LOVED IT! I spent most of my time laughing, sometimes tearing up and definitely falling in love with the characters.
We meet Mattie Ross, a buxom and vivacious advice columnists AKA The Plate Spinner. Mattie is posing as a happily married mother of two rolling out advice to her readers. Well nothing is further from the truth.
Mattie was left at the alter! I know gasp! Drowning in debt to pay for an elaborate wedding, adding to her already fragile self esteem from growing up being called Fatty Mattie. Oh and the best part the Jackass groom is wanted for embezzlement! Real winner! You can imagine Mattie is off men and has a wonderful relationship with food. Chocolate in particular.
Remember the embezzling Jackass? Well he has a twin brother Nick who said Jackass tried to frame for all his crimes! Ahh family! Good times!
So the editor of the newspaper Mattie works for cooks up a scheme to help Nick get back on his feet. Nick is a world class runner and lost everything when his brother aka Jackass framed him.
The editor basically hires Nick to train Mattie to run a marathon. OMG this was HILARIOUS! You have an overweight Mattie having to deal with the spitting image of Jackass. The first training session I was laughing so hard I had tears coming out of my eyes!
False Start was such a wonderful romantic comedy and even though there isn't an ounce of steam in it. I completely loved it!...Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
October 22, 2014
mattie ross - the advice columnist for the paper wants a raise- her boss wants a working parent to train for and finish the marathon - the trainer being nick ,who trains the publishers sons team - --- mattie reluctantly agrees - and now things get interesting for mattie has a big secret - her column the plate spinner is advice to the busy working parent and how to do it all- everyone thinks she is a married working mother - who like them is learning to juggle the demands of work and family === the thing is she is single having been jilted by nicks brother eddie - and in debt up to her eyeballs for the wedding that never took place= she is still devastated this happened and as a result has lost her confidence - begun eating junk food non stop and has basically stopped looking for love- she and nick do not get along but the grueling training continues and nick and mattie start to fight the attraction they are feeling to each other- nick naturally thinks mattie is a married lady and mattie is reluctant to trust nick with the truth- if this is not enough - nicks brother eddie returns to town and says he wants mattie back --- and then the truth about matties martial and parental status is revealed- will the parents forgive mattie- will mattie forgive eddie - will nick forgive mattie - only by running out and buying this book will the answer be revealed
January 19, 2018
This is the story of Mattie Ross and Nick Derosa. It is book#1 in the series.
Mattie almost married Eddie Derosa, Nick's twin brother. She was stuffed into her too tight Vera Wang gown, but was left at the alter.
Now 2 years later, she is working as an advice columnist for the Chicago Gazette. She is strapped with debt, buries herself in her work, is not dating, and is still reminded of her childhood "nickname. She is well-proportioned but "Fatty Mattie" still sticks in her mind.
Nick is trying to rebuild his life. His twin had stolen his identity and implicated him in an illegal scheme. It was bad enough that he had to be the one to break it to Mattie that Eddie was not going to be showing up, but then Eddie tried to ruin him.
Nick is proposed a wager by publisher of the Chicago Gazette. If he can take an out of shape Mattie, and get her ready to run the Chicago Marathon, Nick will have a donation big enough for launching his non-profit kids running club.
Nick and Mattie have to work together whether they like it or not. Mattie has to learn that she can trust Nick, and Nick has to get Mattie to believe she can actually do it.
Will Nick ever tell Mattie he has been "in love" with her since the 3rd grade? Will Mattie ever believe that Nick is not the person she thinks he is? Be ready for the chemistry that follows. It will be there every step of the way.
Mattie almost married Eddie Derosa, Nick's twin brother. She was stuffed into her too tight Vera Wang gown, but was left at the alter.
Now 2 years later, she is working as an advice columnist for the Chicago Gazette. She is strapped with debt, buries herself in her work, is not dating, and is still reminded of her childhood "nickname. She is well-proportioned but "Fatty Mattie" still sticks in her mind.
Nick is trying to rebuild his life. His twin had stolen his identity and implicated him in an illegal scheme. It was bad enough that he had to be the one to break it to Mattie that Eddie was not going to be showing up, but then Eddie tried to ruin him.
Nick is proposed a wager by publisher of the Chicago Gazette. If he can take an out of shape Mattie, and get her ready to run the Chicago Marathon, Nick will have a donation big enough for launching his non-profit kids running club.
Nick and Mattie have to work together whether they like it or not. Mattie has to learn that she can trust Nick, and Nick has to get Mattie to believe she can actually do it.
Will Nick ever tell Mattie he has been "in love" with her since the 3rd grade? Will Mattie ever believe that Nick is not the person she thinks he is? Be ready for the chemistry that follows. It will be there every step of the way.
November 21, 2016
False Start by Barbara Valentin (Audio Edition)
Narrated by: Wendy Rich Stetson
Assignment: Romance #1
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ I quite enjoyed this story, and it left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I listened to it pretty much all in one go, with exceptions for a few short pauses here and there. I felt the chemistry between Nick and Mattie right away which was great and I enjoyed watching Mattie change her outlook on life and herself for the better. The story was well written, the romance was sweet, there were some amusing bits and the characters felt true and honest. I had the thought after reading it that this could have easily been a true story. I have not read this author before, but I will check out her back list.
Wendy Rich Stetson delivered her narration well. She had a few different character voices, which made it enjoyable and easy to listen to.
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *
Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...
Narrated by: Wendy Rich Stetson
Assignment: Romance #1
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ I quite enjoyed this story, and it left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I listened to it pretty much all in one go, with exceptions for a few short pauses here and there. I felt the chemistry between Nick and Mattie right away which was great and I enjoyed watching Mattie change her outlook on life and herself for the better. The story was well written, the romance was sweet, there were some amusing bits and the characters felt true and honest. I had the thought after reading it that this could have easily been a true story. I have not read this author before, but I will check out her back list.
Wendy Rich Stetson delivered her narration well. She had a few different character voices, which made it enjoyable and easy to listen to.
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *
Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...
May 29, 2015
Darned great book!
Really liked this story - out of shape newspaper columnist Mattie is paired with the twin brother of her ex-fiancé to train to run in a marathon. The back story is so much fun and so layered - the rotten twin - ex Eddie jilted her at the altar, stole brother Nick's identity and skipped the country to avoid facing fraud and embezzlement charges. They both are left to contend with the damage and pain of that betrayal. Mattie has hated Nick since 3rd Grade, believing him to be a hateful snob. Nick has pined for Mattie since 3rd Grade, believing her to only have eyes for Eddie. A great cast of characters, both male & female leads go through great personal loss and overcome it in a deeply satisfying way! Nice, clean, old-fashioned romance -a fun read.
Really liked this story - out of shape newspaper columnist Mattie is paired with the twin brother of her ex-fiancé to train to run in a marathon. The back story is so much fun and so layered - the rotten twin - ex Eddie jilted her at the altar, stole brother Nick's identity and skipped the country to avoid facing fraud and embezzlement charges. They both are left to contend with the damage and pain of that betrayal. Mattie has hated Nick since 3rd Grade, believing him to be a hateful snob. Nick has pined for Mattie since 3rd Grade, believing her to only have eyes for Eddie. A great cast of characters, both male & female leads go through great personal loss and overcome it in a deeply satisfying way! Nice, clean, old-fashioned romance -a fun read.
December 2, 2016
False Start, is a fun romantic comedy by Barbara Valentin. Once I started reading it I didn't stop until I finished it! It is the story of Mattie Ross and twin brothers Eddie and Nick DeRosa. Mattie writes The Plate Spinner column in the Chicago Gazette. Readers write to her asking for advice. Mattie's boss decides to have her work with a coach to train for the Chicago Marathon and then write about it for the paper. He wants this to be a big New Year's Eve Resolution feature. There is only one problem The coach he has picked is none other than Nick DeRosa! What follows is a fun adventure and an entertaining read. It is easy to like Mattie and Nick since they seem like "real" people.
October 21, 2014
Yes, yes, yes! I absolutely LOVE this story.
Mattie is a little low on self esteem but not so low that she can't raise above it and press on to the finish line. Of course her Coach, Nick does an excellent job "coaching" her with running techniques as well as encouraging her to realize her potential.
Lesson learned, with a few bumps & bruises but I laughed along with Mattie as she shakes off her False Start for a New Beginning which happens to be exactly what both of them want & deserve!!
Mattie is a little low on self esteem but not so low that she can't raise above it and press on to the finish line. Of course her Coach, Nick does an excellent job "coaching" her with running techniques as well as encouraging her to realize her potential.
Lesson learned, with a few bumps & bruises but I laughed along with Mattie as she shakes off her False Start for a New Beginning which happens to be exactly what both of them want & deserve!!
July 29, 2016
A really sweet romance
Fatties Mattie and the Comeback kid, Nick. Marie's, advice columnist and Nick, former cross country running star have know each other since 3rd grade. Mattie is supposed to marry his twin, Eddie. Well didn't happen and Nick got the brunt of the rejection. Now he has to coach her to run a marathon. Will he be able to train her and Mattie, is she attainable? Read book to find out what happens. Love this series
Fatties Mattie and the Comeback kid, Nick. Marie's, advice columnist and Nick, former cross country running star have know each other since 3rd grade. Mattie is supposed to marry his twin, Eddie. Well didn't happen and Nick got the brunt of the rejection. Now he has to coach her to run a marathon. Will he be able to train her and Mattie, is she attainable? Read book to find out what happens. Love this series
January 15, 2017
I enjoyed this one. Mattie is languishing in her position as an advice columnist in the aftermath of being left at the alter by her not-so-nice fiancé.
On the very day she gets up the courage to ask for a raise, she is instead prompted to start a new challenge: train to run a marathon and improvements will surely come. Of course, the trainer is none other than her ex-fiancé's twin brother. This was a nice quick read.
On the very day she gets up the courage to ask for a raise, she is instead prompted to start a new challenge: train to run a marathon and improvements will surely come. Of course, the trainer is none other than her ex-fiancé's twin brother. This was a nice quick read.
October 13, 2016
Very entertaining, and I could easily picture the characters! Loved it!
February 25, 2017
It is a great book to read
June 13, 2017
Cute and funny. Utterly entertaining. I couldn't put it down.
August 1, 2020
I typically don't read stories that are rated less than 4.10, but lately, I've been trying to be more lenient. Thus far, I have regretted it every time.
False Start was a rather strange novel. I did not care for it. For the 1st 3 quarters, I was very upset by the backstory. Eddie was the worst, and I could not be at ease about the "love story" until he was served his deserved retribution. And speaking of the "love story," by chapter 9, I was so OVER the ruse of Mattie being married. Was Nick supposed to be an idiot meathead who couldn't do simple math? He pointed out that she would've had to have already been married when she was with Eddie, so why couldn't he also see that at least one of "her" kids was more than 2 years old?
Honestly, it was like this story was written in parts and then cobbled together in desperation to make a deadline. Nick's attitude when he quit (a plot development that made no sense, btw) was how he should've reacted when Mattie's cousin told him she wasn't married. Then he just randomly decided to marry her instead of dating her? AND, Eddie was a white collar criminal... that was enough... so why even throw in some random, half-baked sexual assault against Mattie (someone he despises and isn't attracted to)?
And to add the ultimate insult to injury (yep, I said it), there isn't even a "XX years later" epilogue.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
False Start was a rather strange novel. I did not care for it. For the 1st 3 quarters, I was very upset by the backstory. Eddie was the worst, and I could not be at ease about the "love story" until he was served his deserved retribution. And speaking of the "love story," by chapter 9, I was so OVER the ruse of Mattie being married. Was Nick supposed to be an idiot meathead who couldn't do simple math? He pointed out that she would've had to have already been married when she was with Eddie, so why couldn't he also see that at least one of "her" kids was more than 2 years old?
Honestly, it was like this story was written in parts and then cobbled together in desperation to make a deadline. Nick's attitude when he quit (a plot development that made no sense, btw) was how he should've reacted when Mattie's cousin told him she wasn't married. Then he just randomly decided to marry her instead of dating her? AND, Eddie was a white collar criminal... that was enough... so why even throw in some random, half-baked sexual assault against Mattie (someone he despises and isn't attracted to)?
And to add the ultimate insult to injury (yep, I said it), there isn't even a "XX years later" epilogue.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
July 29, 2017
False Start by Barbara Valentin is a funny, enjoyable romance and pure unmitigated Chick Lit. I loved it!
Mattie falls for the wrong guy, Eddie who leaves her at the altar. Her life is turned upside down and inside out. In an attempt to have a life again she becomes an advice columnist for tired working parents; when she is not married and does not have children. Enter Nick, Eddie's brother who has always loved her and through a weird twist of fate becomes involved in a contest to turn pizza chomping Mattie into a marathon runner. As Nick coaches Mattie they get to know each other and realize some of the things that they thought of each other were wrong. In the end it all comes to a head and Mattie and Nick have to deal with their pasts with the whole of Chicago watching and of course end up falling in love.
The characters are funny yet serious, you laugh and gasp in turn. And the story draws you in so you just have to know what happens next.
Any Chick Lit reader who just loves a good story will love this book!
Mattie falls for the wrong guy, Eddie who leaves her at the altar. Her life is turned upside down and inside out. In an attempt to have a life again she becomes an advice columnist for tired working parents; when she is not married and does not have children. Enter Nick, Eddie's brother who has always loved her and through a weird twist of fate becomes involved in a contest to turn pizza chomping Mattie into a marathon runner. As Nick coaches Mattie they get to know each other and realize some of the things that they thought of each other were wrong. In the end it all comes to a head and Mattie and Nick have to deal with their pasts with the whole of Chicago watching and of course end up falling in love.
The characters are funny yet serious, you laugh and gasp in turn. And the story draws you in so you just have to know what happens next.
Any Chick Lit reader who just loves a good story will love this book!
December 1, 2016
This book is based on challenges. Although it's not legal to tell an employee that their bonus and promotion are based on training for a marathon, Ms. Valentin makes it work for this book. Mattie is desperate and says she'll do it, even though the trainer is the twin of the man who stood her up at the altar and the one she blames for it. Mattie is a woman who eats her sorrows away, so Nick has some major life style changes in store for her.
Nick has his own issues (also tied to his brother) and is trying to break free of the past and desperately needs the money he will get for training Mattie. He's also attracted to Mattie. In training her, Nick helps her transform not only her body, but her self-esteem as well.Along the (jogging) path, Mattie learns that most of what she thought of Nick may be incorrect. Can she let go of her hurt enough to let Nick into her life as more than her coach?
The narration by Wendy Rich Stetson was right on, as always.
Nick has his own issues (also tied to his brother) and is trying to break free of the past and desperately needs the money he will get for training Mattie. He's also attracted to Mattie. In training her, Nick helps her transform not only her body, but her self-esteem as well.Along the (jogging) path, Mattie learns that most of what she thought of Nick may be incorrect. Can she let go of her hurt enough to let Nick into her life as more than her coach?
The narration by Wendy Rich Stetson was right on, as always.
May 1, 2020
3.75 stars. I feel like most of the time that Nick spent coaching Mattie they didnt really speak or had long conversations. Even growing up i didnt think they were that close. So im not sure how and why they fell in love in the first place. But if you ignore that part and just assume they fell in love after running together everyday for couple of months and because everyone around them can feel their chemistry then yes this was a nice fun read.
June 17, 2025
This was the first 5⭐️ book I’ve read in what feels like months. Because it actually has been. Mattie’s journey with running felt real, and relatable- as a runner myself. Mattie’s character arc was marvelous. While at times the communication between the FMC and MMC dwindles, they are still very much with each other. Also- Nick was great as a male lead. The characters were compelling, the connection between them felt authentic, and I’d reread this book in a heartbeat. I finished it in one day.
May 16, 2017
A likely ending with unlikely happenings
When it first read this book's summary, it reminded me of a couple of other books. I was wrong. This is a completely pick yourself up by your bootstrap and see the difference it makes kind of book. It should also teach us all the lessons of assumptions. A warm, wonderful surprise. Thank you.!
When it first read this book's summary, it reminded me of a couple of other books. I was wrong. This is a completely pick yourself up by your bootstrap and see the difference it makes kind of book. It should also teach us all the lessons of assumptions. A warm, wonderful surprise. Thank you.!
June 17, 2017
This was a super cute story and just what I needed. Another win for Gemma Halliday Publishing!! I will definitely be picking up more in this series. Barbara Valentin has a very fast and funny voice and the story was well told.
May 27, 2019
Cute
I got this as a free ebook. It was a really sweet read about second chances and starting over. The personal transformation Mattie goes through is enjoyable to follow. I do wish there was a little more background given. As well as more time with Mattie and Nick as a couple.
I got this as a free ebook. It was a really sweet read about second chances and starting over. The personal transformation Mattie goes through is enjoyable to follow. I do wish there was a little more background given. As well as more time with Mattie and Nick as a couple.
June 20, 2019
the cover totally pulled me in .. i gotta say that doing KU from the kindle instead of the computer ... is way different ...but so glad I found this read ... love the cover!! love the writing ... fun style! will read more. soon very soon!!
May 5, 2018
Relatable characters in a heartbreakingly realistic storyline. Love. Hits many of our own insecurities. Read it, you’ll like it.
December 28, 2018
The narrator was incredible. The plot was predicted however made me laugh a lot.
May 26, 2019
It was pretty simplistic. The editing was terrible. The premises that the story relied on were unrealistic. If you want a cliche simple romance novel this is it.
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