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Turn Tables

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Between private jets, designer labels, and lavish resorts, Tandy Owens should be having the time of her life. Her celebrity author best friend is getting married and all of Hollywood’s elite have turned out for the event. Unfortunately, Tandy’s mood is far from celebratory.

For over a year her heart has been torn between two men: Matthew Cruz, the brilliant, well-educated entrepreneur who makes her feel like a queen, and Mateo, his womanizing musician alter ego, who is known for collecting platinum records, and the panties of his sexual conquests. Matthew assures her that Mateo’s antics are all a show. Even so, with her being the only one to witness his softer side, Tandy begins to wonder which persona is truly the act.

In the sizzling heat of Miami, Tandy reaches the breaking point with their secretive romance, and finds herself asking if a hidden love is truly worth fighting for?

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2017

49 people are currently reading
184 people want to read

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Stacey Rourke

65 books737 followers

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5 stars
27 (42%)
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22 (34%)
3 stars
11 (17%)
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2 (3%)
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2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,367 reviews47 followers
January 1, 2019
I love everything this author writes, but I have to say this one I was surprised! Never in all the books I have read by this author have I read the f bomb dropped. I literally laughed out loud going "oh no she didn't." We are in a love story with Matthew aka Mateo and Tandy along with seeing a wedding happen between Aubrey and Kole. Tandy loves Matthew but his alter ego Mateo has her questioning their relationship and if it will last. While trying to handle her relationship she has her best friend's wedding to not only be in but to help her friend out Aubrey. We will read about a teddy bear, people who want to give advice on relationships, rolling down hills and much more.

I really love the humor that Tandy and Aubrey have through out the entire story. There was not a time I was not laughing or giggling. This is honestly one of those books that you could just turn off the TV, climb into bed and tune out the world and read. I honestly want to write more but I feel that too much will be given away. Pick this series up!!!

Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,672 reviews71 followers
March 14, 2017
Read my full review at http://blackwords-whitepages1977.blog...

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING!! This story was INCREDIBLE!! Rourke has done it again!! She has created a fun and romantic rom-com read that kept me turning every single page. There were so many feelers in this story, I wasn't sure whether to laugh out loud, cry, or be infuriated right along with the characters in this story. A piece of my heart has for sure been left within its pages.

The characters were awesome and the story-line is movie worthy. I could picture every scene in my mind as they unfolded. I found myself completely enchanted by the words that flowed freely off of each magical page. I have to admit that the third to the last paragraph almost, and I mean almost, had me tossing my kindle, because I felt for sure I was going to be upset for the characters.....but I took a deep breath and read on......and as I did, the tears started rolling for the character's happily ever after.

This is one of my new favorite reads from this author and one read that I will go back and re-read from time to time to see the magic unfold once again. I highly recommend this read.
Profile Image for Two Nerds With Words.
941 reviews51 followers
March 23, 2017
Following Tandy and her rap star boyfriend, the reader revisits many great characters previously introduced to in book one. Tandy is a fabulous and fun character to journey with. Not only is she witty and stubborn, but she hilariously gets herself into situations that will leave the reader snort-laughing.

Turn Tables is perfect for escapism on a lazy afternoon, and will no doubt leave readers grinning and feeling a warm glow with the comedic and light storyline.
Profile Image for Kelli Mahan.
15 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2017
Did you like Adapted for Film? Then you will LOVE Turn Tables! Haven't read Adapted for Film yet? You'll still love Turn Tables! Tandy Owens should be on cloud nine as the maid of honor for her bestie, author Aubrey Evans. But how can she be excited about Aubrey's glittering nuptials-to-be when her own heart is torn between two men -- sort of? She's in love with Matthew Cruz, the Latin lover of her dreams; his alter ego, musician Mateo - not so much. As Matthew/Mateo changes personalities like some people change their socks, Tandy struggles to be ok with keeping their relationship a secret from his adoring fans. Is this really how she wants to spend the rest of her foreseeable future?

Throw in a bride who is more than willing to put her Bridezilla needs aside for her friend's sake, a hopelessly confused groom, a publicist with no moral compass or boundaries, and a mystery guest in a six foot tall bear costume. Add Stacey Rourke's snappy patter and sharp humor. Shake well, and pour over an absolutely gorgeous wedding venue, and what do you get? One of the most fun reads I've had in ages!
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
March 20, 2017
ARC provided for an honest review.
Reviewed for My Timeout Book Blog by Melissa.

This is a second novel but when I started this book I did not know there was one that went before it. I was more then able to continue on and read this one without having read the first novel, Adapted for Film. As you read you will be filled in on a lot of the back story so you have no missing links.

This novel is centered around Tandy and her rap star boyfriend, as well as her best friends wedding. Tandy is feisty, stubborn and just can not seem to keep herself out of trouble. Honesty you have no idea what her and her bff are going to get themselves into next or what is going to come out of her mouth. She is madly in love with Matthew, the only problem is Matto, Matthew's rapper alter ego. Matto is a rapper playboy who has no desire to be tied down but on the inside and behind closed doors he is Matthew and headover heels in love with Tandy.

There is so many hilarious moments in this novel. I found myself laughing, shaking my head in disbelief at their antics and wishing that I had been invited to a wedding just like this. It is just one thing after another that leads to a hea ending. It makes you want to be friends with Tandy and Aubrey because you never know just what those two are going to get themselves into next. I find myself needing to go back and read the first novel just so I can see how they all got to be were they are in this novel.

This is a funny, a little silly at times and light novel. I found it was a prefect way to just sit back and relax.
Profile Image for Jennifer Treviño.
555 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2017
Hilariously frustratingly enchanting!
A Romantic Comedy full of drama & giggles! Turn Tables is the perfect twist of the telenovela you can't turn away from meets Popstar Mr. Suave. A fabulous play on Jekyll & Hyde that had me feeling every bit of Tandy's emotions simultaneously from her love & desire to her very valid fears & worries along with those butterflies in the tummy with each glimpse cast her way. Matthew could melt an iceberg while Mateo could send a forrest ablazin'! One of fave characters Bree is back with all of her adorableness! Her & Kole go together like PB&J. I just love their conversations...especially when Mommy dearest arrives! His not so unreasonable fear of the huge bear stalking their wedding is quite hilarious as well. I definitely look forward to more of these characters & the very real world romances they bring us.
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
March 20, 2017
This book was clearly not for me. I thought it was a train wreck, but I couldn't stop reading it either. I LOVED the first one, however I don't like Tandy. She is so selfish! Her best friends wedding turned into being about her. I am sorry if you are a true friend, you drop all your issues and be there for the bride. Even the wedding toast somehow became about her. UGH! I can understand how so many thought it was a great rom-com, I just wasn't feeling it. Many people will probably love Tandy and all the drama that goes along with her, I just am not one of them. I DID however love reading about Aubrey's wedding, everything about it would have been magical had the drama been removed.

Stacey Rourke is an amazing Author, keep up the great work. This was well written and very few errors, I will recommend this to anyone looking for rom-com, just make sure you are in the mood for it.
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
January 29, 2018
Generously giving this 3 stars. I have to say, this was a hard book for me to read & then review. I read the first book, wasn't sure I wanted to read the second (I even put it off for days after reading the first), since I didn't like the main characters from this book to start with in book 1. I didn't like them any better here either. There's a lot of snarkiness in this book, I think it's meant to be funny, but at times, it really wasn't- at least not for me. I felt both main characters, Tandy & Matteo/Matthew were both self absorbed. They were not at all concerned with the wedding they were ruining, or the lives they affected around them. With a best friend like Tandy, who needs an enemy. The writing itself was fine, just the story itself I wasn't ok with. I did see quite a few editing/proof-reading errors, too many for a published book.
Profile Image for TJ.
318 reviews30 followers
March 24, 2017
Turn Tables is the second book in the Reel Romance Series by Stacey Rourke. I loved the first book Adapted to Film. And this book was just as good.

I've said it every time I post about Stacey Rourke, I love her writing style. It just reads beautifully and it always has a little bit of humor and sarcasm. Reel Romance Series is a refreshing series by Stacey Rourke so far. Its a light-hearted romance with the author's own unique style and spin. I loved the characters in Turn Tables. But the friendship between Aubrey and Tandy will forever be my favorite pairing and they are #FriendshipGoals. (I know... just... just... okay?)

Turn Tables has everything - A wedding, drama, sarcasm, friendship, romance and a big ass teddy bear. (You will have to read it to find out ;) )

Overall - Perfect summer read set in the sizzling heat of Miami.
Profile Image for Angela Gee.
70 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2017
We first met Tandy in Adapted for Film. I wasn't sure how I would like this book as I didn't overly care for either Tandy or Matteo in the first book. It ended up being a fun, quirky read. The witty banter and the ridiculous high jinks were still present, as was the sarcasm and humour.

While not necessary, I would highly recommend reading Adapted for Film first! Both books are easy lighthearted reads, that will keep you amused and entertained the entire way through.
Profile Image for A Belle & A Book.
693 reviews28 followers
March 19, 2017
After meeting Tandy in Adapted For Film, I her own story. Every woman needs a BFF like Tandy. I laughed throughout the entire book. I highlighted countless Tandy quotes. Seriously, y'all...this book is freaking hilarious from the first line to the last.

Turn Tables is a story of best friends, family relationships, and the insanity of love. From dealing with wedding gitters, Aubrey's narcissistic mom, a guy/girl in a bear costume, to her own spiraling out of control love life with Mateo; Tandy is firing on all cylinders. I love her.

There are so many great moments in Turn Tables: a three way in a closet and one of them is a bear, a roll down a hill, ass on display while sashaing through a castle, Willa being the voice of reason; and so many more!!! You need to read this book. It's insanely, pee your pants, laugh out loud, snort giggle funny.
Profile Image for Michelle Blount.
110 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2019
But what life will he choose?

Tandy is secretly dating Matthew, otherwise know as Mateo, quite a player and ladies man. Will he continue his playboy lifestyle? Or realize how much Tandy means to him? Tandy and her BFF have some HILARIOUS antics and banter as is usual in any Stacey Rourke book.
Profile Image for Bee.
43 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2017
I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this book except that I wish it didn't have to end! Recently having read Stacey Rourke's first Reel Romance novel, Adapted for Film, I picked this up, desperate to be able to continue the stories of the characters. Turn Tables did not disappoint.
This was laugh out loud comedy. It had snark, wit, banter, romance and innuendo in spades. It managed to also pull on the heart strings and wrap me up in emotional turmoil (and make me feel things!!!).
I LOVED Tandy and Mateo. Tandy was a complete ball of energy with a loud and proud sense of self worth. That girl has sass! She is just hilarious! And a snapshot into Mateo/Matthew's character was refreshing. I didn't think it was possible to love Turn Tables more than it's predecessor, but I was wrong. This is now a firm favourite!! #TandyandMateo
1,834 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2018
Somewhat uninteresting

It just did not hold my attention. Maybe it seemed too unrealistic of a lifestyle or maybe I thought Tandy was a fool to put up with Mateo/Matthew for so long. I get annoyed with women or men who allow themselves to be walked all over.
16 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2018
A fury of emotion.

The craziness of Taney's best Friend. She wrestles with her emotions the ups and downs the craziness the laughter and tears. I was wanting to shake some since into her.
Profile Image for Belinda Clemons.
2,481 reviews29 followers
March 21, 2017
Turn Tables is a fantastic sequel to Adapted to Film. Tandy is just a hoot in this book. Her first line tells you that you will be laughing all through the book, so be prepared to hold your sides and catch your breath lol. It is really great that we got to see Aubrey's wedding in this fab book, with lots of drama filled moments. Turn Tables is a great rom com and it rocked. I reallu liked that Stacey based her main man off of Pitbull because he is a great performer
Profile Image for Angela.
433 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2017
I loved this book. Watching geeky Matthew as Mateo was hilarious. How often are we one way with our significant other and a totally different face we put out to the rest of the world. Watch Tandy as she tries to figure out how much she can deal with. Then, you have Willow and the bear. That was epic!
Profile Image for Colette Hawkins-williams.
47 reviews
May 12, 2017
Smile worthy

This book is great. The plot,the characters,the editing. It was funny and interesting! I really enjoyed reading it! Will be looking for more books by this author!
Profile Image for Brandy.
63 reviews
January 27, 2019
Ok

Though some may like I just could not get into this one for some reason. It was dragging for me and just couldn't get beyond like Mateo don't like Mateo.
Profile Image for A.B. Shepherd.
Author 2 books46 followers
October 5, 2019
The best part of this story is Tandy's and Aubrey's friendship. The romance is a bit lacking.
Profile Image for Stephanie Phillips (Stephanie's Book Reports).
966 reviews104 followers
March 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

There are two books in this series currently. I've not read the first yet so I'm not sure you absolutely need to read it to understand this one. I didn't have a hard time catching up the story line if I had to read book one first. The reason I'm giving this book three stars is because the humor in this book wasn't all that funny to me. I rolled my eyes and shook my head a bunch with these characters.

Tandy manages and is having a romantic relationship with musician superstar, Mateo. His real name is Matthew. She loves when he's Matthew. It's the real him but his Mateo personality is seeping in to his real time and she can't figure out if he's real or using her as his secret piece on the side.

There was some random stuff in this book. The setting is Tandy's best friends wedding - which is a destination wedding. It's a mess - the wedding guests especially. Mateo's publicist is an outrageous individual and as his manager I'd think Tandy would have more say in what went on with public staging. If it were me I'd fire the publicist on the spot.

I didn't think this book was for me but others may love it.
Profile Image for Dara Brown.
41 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2017
Awesome read!

This book met me expectations, plus some! I applaud Stacey Rourke for her phenomenal characters, and an enthralling plot line, that kept me turning the pages. I won't post anybspoikers, but I would really like to see both Adapted for Film and Turn Tables actually be adapted for film and brought to the big screen!
Profile Image for Cheree Castellanos Edits.
287 reviews28 followers
February 19, 2017
Funniest book I think I have ever read! I'm not sure if that was the intention, but that was the result.
We follow Tandy around Aubrey's wedding weekend and watch as she tries to figure out what to do with her own relationship that is currently in very choppy water.
Tho this book is about Tandy and her man, that is not really what it's about. This book is about the most wonderful and true friendship that I long for and I think we all desire to have.
Tandy and Aubrey were a hoot in Adapted for Film, but their love and devotion was revealed in full color here. No book boyfriend here, this book leaves you longing for a friendship like theirs. T+A=forever
4 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2017
I was thoroughly entertained throughout this book. It has all the elements of a modern romance - heartbreak, unique characters with strong voices, humorous sections that will have you laughing out loud, disappointment, and eventually a satisfying resolution. Without spoiling the good parts I urge you to put aside your preconceived notions of romantic liaisons and just let yourself get lost in this story. I promise you, you will NOT be disappointed.
Profile Image for Toi Thomas.
Author 18 books74 followers
September 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this second installment of the Reel Romance series. Like the first book, I couldn’t really connect to the characters on a personal level, but instead, I looked forward to seeing what was happening with them, the way I would for characters on a favored sitcom.

The star of this book is Tandy, best friend to the main character of the first book. This was an easy and logical direction for the story of these two friends to go. Much like the first book, while the ultimate goal is to get one’s love life in order, the secondary plot of female friendship shines through.

Honestly, if I was more into reality TV and celebrity lifestyles and news, I probably would have gone gaga over this story. I think it was even funnier than the first; an entertaining thrill ride from start to finish, with just enough mature content to let you know this is for “grown a$$ people” with a good sense of humor.

Rourke really has a handle on portraying complicated relationship dynamics and doesn’t seem to be afraid to try anything that might possibly be considered outrageous. Somehow, she makes it all work.

Hope there’s another.

Recommended to fans of Stacey Rourke, fans of music, movie, and celebrity news, and fans of a good romcom.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,099 reviews28 followers
March 24, 2017
YAY!!! I got Tandy and Matthew/Matteo’s book… This is the second in the series, after Adapted for Film. Aubrey and Kole are now getting married and Tandy has flown to Miami with Matthew so they could fulfill their respective roles. Tandy and Matthew have been together now since the first book and seem to be going strong except for Tandy’s desire to be publicly as Matthew’s boyfriend. He does everything in private, but in public his persona takes front and center.

With the craziness around the wedding, I mean we are talking about a person in a bear costume in for the event. Tandy must make some hard choices about what she wants from her man.

This book is sooo good. I mean, if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. It’s just so well written, the characters are wonderful. I couldn’t stop reading this story. I needed more, it was like a druggie with a fix. I need more now!! Thank you, Ms. Rourke for this great read!!
33 reviews
March 31, 2017
I thought Adapted for Film was a lighthearted and hysterical book, but Turn Tables took all of the best parts of that and amplified it 100 times over. Aubrey and Tandy's friendship is so hysterically sarcastic and down right hilarious. As a matter of fact, it reminds me a lot of my best friend and I. :) While the story revolves around Aubrey and Koles wedding, Mateo's (Matthew) and Tandy's "relationship," and an unusual unknown bear of a guest, it's not all love and mush! I was actually disappointed that the book ended because I was thoroughly enjoying every minute of it, and laughing hysterically. You had no idea what Stacey Rourke was going to have her characters say, what insane ideas those girls came up with next, or whom/what guest would arrive!
Profile Image for Lynn Worton.
869 reviews31 followers
April 2, 2017
This is the second book in the Reel Romance series and is a fantastic contemporary romantic comedy. I loved it!

Tandy Owens is a fantastic character and I really liked her when I first met her in the first book, Adapted for Film. She is the flamboyant friend of Aubrey Evans. Now working as Matthew/Mateo Cruz's manager, and his secret lover, Tandy finds herself questioning whether her love is strong enough to survive the demands of his career.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no expectation of a positive review.

I was eager to start reading this book as I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the series. It is told through the eyes of Tandy, though I would have liked to have a little of Matthew's POV too. This is because, although he was introduced in book one as Mateo, I wanted to see behind his cheesy Mateo persona and understand the man (Matthew) that Tandy had fallen in love with. Most of this story seemed to focus on Tandy and her angst about her relationship, as well as the wedding of Aubrey and Kole, rather than focusing on the relationship between her and Matthew itself. They had very little interaction for most of the story, which saddened me. Don't get me wrong, I loved the buildup to the wedding and all the comical goings on with a mysterious teddy bear mascot, but I just didn't have the same enthusiasm for this tale like I had for the first one. I must admit that there are some interesting characters that pop up, like the teddy bear mascot and a goth chick called Willa, who has a habit of popping up when things get sticky/awkward, but I felt that the story focused on the wrong things.

The story is peppered with the sarcastic humour and wit that I have come to love from this author, and has several twists that kept things interesting. The secret identity of the mascot was revealed and I must admit that I was surprised when I found out who it was. However, after thinking about it, I shouldn't have been. I reached the end of the story with mixed feelings; sad that it had finished, but happy at the conclusion.

Stacey Rourke has written a fantastically comedic contemporary romance. I love her characters, who are extremely lifelike and feel like friends. I also love her writing style, which is fast paced, and the story flows wonderfully. I am a huge fan of this author. The wit and charm she brings to her books makes them a joy to read. I am looking forward to reading more of her books, whether they be YA like her Gryphon Series, Dark Fantasy like her Legend Series or Contemporary Romance such as this one, or any other genre she attempts in the future.

Although this is not really a YA story as such, I highly recommend this book to teens aged 15+ and adults who love light-hearted contemporary romances. - Lynn Worton
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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