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Hometown Love #1
The Simple Life
*A standalone romantic comedy with a lot of heart*
Brooklyn Manning thought her life was perfect in every way, until it crumbled down around her and turned into a dumpster fire. With her pride wounded and her tail tucked between her legs, she leaves New York and goes back to her tiny hometown of White Timber, Montana.
No more twenty-four-hour taco trucks, no more shopping at the best designer stores within walking distance, no more giving taxi drivers the finger when they angrily honk at her. She didn’t think it could get any worse. But then Clint Hastings walked into the room and insulted her.
Her arch nemesis from high school is no longer a nerdy computer whiz, masturbating to pictures in PC World magazine in his free time (allegedly). He’s grown up to be a hot-as-hell cowboy, and she has no other choice but to be a smart ass right back to him. After all, it’s what they do. It’s what they’ve always done, and twelve years apart hasn’t changed anything.
Only this time, getting under each other’s skin is a hell of a lot more fun than it used to be.
Brooklyn Manning thought her life was perfect in every way, until it crumbled down around her and turned into a dumpster fire. With her pride wounded and her tail tucked between her legs, she leaves New York and goes back to her tiny hometown of White Timber, Montana.
No more twenty-four-hour taco trucks, no more shopping at the best designer stores within walking distance, no more giving taxi drivers the finger when they angrily honk at her. She didn’t think it could get any worse. But then Clint Hastings walked into the room and insulted her.
Her arch nemesis from high school is no longer a nerdy computer whiz, masturbating to pictures in PC World magazine in his free time (allegedly). He’s grown up to be a hot-as-hell cowboy, and she has no other choice but to be a smart ass right back to him. After all, it’s what they do. It’s what they’ve always done, and twelve years apart hasn’t changed anything.
Only this time, getting under each other’s skin is a hell of a lot more fun than it used to be.
214 pages, ebook
First published October 19, 2018
712 people are currently reading
4221 people want to read
About the author
Tara Sivec
71 books10.3k followersTara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when all three of them become adults and move out.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
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November 15, 2019
The Simple Life is a stand alone romantic comedy by Tara Sivec. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting in to with this. I was afraid it was going to be a super silly, over the top rom-com. But it wasn’t at all. What a got was a sweet, fun romance that is filled with so much heart. The characters are wonderful and flawed and perfect for each other. This book can be classified as a single dad romance, and maybe as an enemies to lovers romance.
Brooklyn Manning left her tiny home town of White Timber, Montana to go to college in New York and never looked back. She got her journalism degree and was working at Glitz, the largest fashion magazine in the world. She had the perfect job, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect life. Until she didn’t. Until everything came tumbling down around her in a very public way and she had nowhere else to go but back home.
Clint Hastings also left White Timber for the life he thought he wanted. But unlike Brooklyn, he missed his life on the ranch where he grew up. So he went back. Now he is a single father to two beautiful little girls. He’s raising them on the very ranch, in the very house where he grew up.
It’s been twelve years since Clint and Brooklyn have seen each other. They grew up together. Clint is the older brother of Brooklyn’s best friend. Brooklyn and Clint have been trading barbs since elementary school. Clint was Brooklyn’s arch nemesis. Now, as adults, they jump right back into their old habits, trading insults at every opportunity. But, there is such a fine line between love and hate. That daily bantering gives them something to look forward to. It puts smiles on faces that haven’t smiled in far too long.
This book pretty much stole my heart. Clint’s girls were both ornery and adorably sweet. I loved the banter between Clint and Brooklyn. It was obvious right away that there was so much more to what was happening between them. I also loved watching Brooklyn’s transformation. Seeing her truly begin to see her home town, her friends, and her relationship with Clint and his daughters, in a different light. At seeing her realize that she might have found something that had been missing in her life for a very long time.
I also loved watching the way Brooklyn affected Clint’s daughters. They needed her as much as she needed them. And then there is Clint himself. He is sexy and bossy and sweet and swoony and just everything. This man!
I enjoyed this so much. It was such a fun book but also filled with so much more. I highly recommend this and if you decide to give it a chance, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Brooklyn Manning left her tiny home town of White Timber, Montana to go to college in New York and never looked back. She got her journalism degree and was working at Glitz, the largest fashion magazine in the world. She had the perfect job, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect life. Until she didn’t. Until everything came tumbling down around her in a very public way and she had nowhere else to go but back home.
Clint Hastings also left White Timber for the life he thought he wanted. But unlike Brooklyn, he missed his life on the ranch where he grew up. So he went back. Now he is a single father to two beautiful little girls. He’s raising them on the very ranch, in the very house where he grew up.
It’s been twelve years since Clint and Brooklyn have seen each other. They grew up together. Clint is the older brother of Brooklyn’s best friend. Brooklyn and Clint have been trading barbs since elementary school. Clint was Brooklyn’s arch nemesis. Now, as adults, they jump right back into their old habits, trading insults at every opportunity. But, there is such a fine line between love and hate. That daily bantering gives them something to look forward to. It puts smiles on faces that haven’t smiled in far too long.
This book pretty much stole my heart. Clint’s girls were both ornery and adorably sweet. I loved the banter between Clint and Brooklyn. It was obvious right away that there was so much more to what was happening between them. I also loved watching Brooklyn’s transformation. Seeing her truly begin to see her home town, her friends, and her relationship with Clint and his daughters, in a different light. At seeing her realize that she might have found something that had been missing in her life for a very long time.
I also loved watching the way Brooklyn affected Clint’s daughters. They needed her as much as she needed them. And then there is Clint himself. He is sexy and bossy and sweet and swoony and just everything. This man!
I enjoyed this so much. It was such a fun book but also filled with so much more. I highly recommend this and if you decide to give it a chance, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 22, 2020
Blah.
It's a Hallmark Channel movie with a bunch of f-bombs and sex added in. So, Hallmark After Dark.. is that a thing? I feel like it should be a thing. Why not have DJ and Aunt Becky doing some soft-core porn for the horny mommies at night? They are obviously willing to do pretty much any acting gig available.
Wow, this is amazingly accurate. I'd be afraid to ask the maker of this to predict the day and manner of my death.
Yes, small-town girl has a dream job in the big city, but is publicly shamed and loses it all so she has to return home to small town. Oh, but also her dad, the lovable cantankerous old man with eccentricities who is just trying to eat bacon, had a heart attack so she also has to take care of him. But then she needs to go work on a farm as a nanny to the lovable scamps that her teenage hate-crush is raising alone while being a hot cowboy. Words are exchanged and she learns the true meaning of Christmas while getting nailed in a barn.
Well, except it isn't Christmas - but you know. All the other stuff.
Plus, what's with the whole small towns must have town dances? I have a hard time believing this is truly happening in Podunk, USA. But, it's standard stuff in these kind of books. And, if there was such a thing really happening, would super attractive 20-somethings really be out there cutting a rug with Bob and Alice who are only 60 years young and trying out their new hips? Cuz, I don't think they would. There wasn't enough 'medicinal' pot in the world to get me to a place where square dancing with the old folks at the town community hall would have sounded like a good time to me at that age.
If I ever get old enough to do this shit just shoot me in the face please. Totally not joking this time.
There were a few moments that I thought were somewhat okay, but nothing special at all. I have the next one in the series and I will read it because I read book three a while back and liked it. Maybe this was just a case of a slow start to a series.
It's a Hallmark Channel movie with a bunch of f-bombs and sex added in. So, Hallmark After Dark.. is that a thing? I feel like it should be a thing. Why not have DJ and Aunt Becky doing some soft-core porn for the horny mommies at night? They are obviously willing to do pretty much any acting gig available.
Wow, this is amazingly accurate. I'd be afraid to ask the maker of this to predict the day and manner of my death.
Yes, small-town girl has a dream job in the big city, but is publicly shamed and loses it all so she has to return home to small town. Oh, but also her dad, the lovable cantankerous old man with eccentricities who is just trying to eat bacon, had a heart attack so she also has to take care of him. But then she needs to go work on a farm as a nanny to the lovable scamps that her teenage hate-crush is raising alone while being a hot cowboy. Words are exchanged and she learns the true meaning of Christmas while getting nailed in a barn.
Well, except it isn't Christmas - but you know. All the other stuff.
Plus, what's with the whole small towns must have town dances? I have a hard time believing this is truly happening in Podunk, USA. But, it's standard stuff in these kind of books. And, if there was such a thing really happening, would super attractive 20-somethings really be out there cutting a rug with Bob and Alice who are only 60 years young and trying out their new hips? Cuz, I don't think they would. There wasn't enough 'medicinal' pot in the world to get me to a place where square dancing with the old folks at the town community hall would have sounded like a good time to me at that age.
If I ever get old enough to do this shit just shoot me in the face please. Totally not joking this time.
There were a few moments that I thought were somewhat okay, but nothing special at all. I have the next one in the series and I will read it because I read book three a while back and liked it. Maybe this was just a case of a slow start to a series.
November 21, 2018
**** 4.5 Stars!!!!****
What a lighthearted, funny, entertaining book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will definitely be checking out more of this author’s work!!!
This particular story was impossible not to love! We watch Clint and Brooklyn become reacquainted after being apart for years. They knew each other from grade school, as well as Brooklyn was best friends with his sister. Seeing as they all live in a small town, everyone knows everyone! In Brooklyn’s case, she got out of there fast and headed to New York where things were great until many things went wrong all at once. When her Dad calls and asks her to come home and take care of him, she goes home with her tail between her legs!!
Once Brooklyn settles in, she gets a job as a Nanny for Clint’s kids! Let me tell you... the insults begin as soon as they set eyes on each other again! I loved this couple’s dynamics! They were so good together...and eventually they both realize they have loved each other for years!!! Clint’s two daughters are highly amusing! They added the icing on the cake for this story!!!
This is a book I highly recommend!!! If you need a light romantic read that has heart... then give this a go! It is well worth the read!
What a lighthearted, funny, entertaining book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will definitely be checking out more of this author’s work!!!
This particular story was impossible not to love! We watch Clint and Brooklyn become reacquainted after being apart for years. They knew each other from grade school, as well as Brooklyn was best friends with his sister. Seeing as they all live in a small town, everyone knows everyone! In Brooklyn’s case, she got out of there fast and headed to New York where things were great until many things went wrong all at once. When her Dad calls and asks her to come home and take care of him, she goes home with her tail between her legs!!
Once Brooklyn settles in, she gets a job as a Nanny for Clint’s kids! Let me tell you... the insults begin as soon as they set eyes on each other again! I loved this couple’s dynamics! They were so good together...and eventually they both realize they have loved each other for years!!! Clint’s two daughters are highly amusing! They added the icing on the cake for this story!!!
This is a book I highly recommend!!! If you need a light romantic read that has heart... then give this a go! It is well worth the read!
October 19, 2018
Live amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
🎃5 Stars 🎃
The Simple Life has everything I wanted and even more.It was such a beautiful story.Tara Sivec delivers a light hearted,sweet and funny story.With a swoon worthy hero and a funny heroine.
“Oh,screw you, ovaries!
No, I still don’t like children, but come on!Seeing a hot guy, manly cowboy wearing tight jeans,with his cowboy boots thumbing across the floor, and carrying a kid in his arms would make anyone weak.”"
Can I say how much I enjoy it?? I had a smile most of the time in my face, there are some hilarious moments between Clint,Brooklyn and the girls.The banter between Brooklyn and Clint is snarky and flirty.There is tension and passion between them.
I love the simple life and if you are looking for a fun story that will keep you entertained and with a smile on your face this is perfect!!
🎃5 Stars 🎃
The Simple Life has everything I wanted and even more.It was such a beautiful story.Tara Sivec delivers a light hearted,sweet and funny story.With a swoon worthy hero and a funny heroine.
“Oh,screw you, ovaries!
No, I still don’t like children, but come on!Seeing a hot guy, manly cowboy wearing tight jeans,with his cowboy boots thumbing across the floor, and carrying a kid in his arms would make anyone weak.”"
Can I say how much I enjoy it?? I had a smile most of the time in my face, there are some hilarious moments between Clint,Brooklyn and the girls.The banter between Brooklyn and Clint is snarky and flirty.There is tension and passion between them.
I love the simple life and if you are looking for a fun story that will keep you entertained and with a smile on your face this is perfect!!
July 22, 2019
5 STARS
The queen of RomComs strikes again with this golden nugget of a book! It combined some of my biggest reader catnips; enemies to lovers, sassy heroine, and a single dad. And yes, it IS as delicious as it sounds.
Brooklyn Manning couldn't wait to escape the simple life of her small home town. Now she has it all; a great career, a great boyfriend, parties in Manhattan, and a rocking wardrobe to boot. Until her entire life turns on it's stiletto heel when her boyfriend turns out to be a cheating bastard, her career is ruined, and while she keeps her rocking wardrobe, she now gets to rock it as she licks her wounds while crawling back to her home town with her tail tucked between her legs. But even through all that, she never loses her sense of humor.
But not everything is bad. She gets to see her bestie who still lives there and she has a job set up by her grumpy father. Unfortunately for her, it turns out that her job is wrangling two little monsters who happen to be the adorable children of the man that she's bumped horns with since she was a child.
And then there were sparks!
Clint Hastings is no longer the computer nerd that clashed with her in her youth. He's now the uber sexy cowboy that clashes with her in her adulthood. If ever there was hate lust, these two have it. I mean GAH! So good!! I loved the sassy barbs that constantly flew between them. And when Clint finally pursues something between them? DELICIOUS.
Clint's adorable little trouble makers of children were the perfect secondary characters. I loved watching Brooklyn unwilling bond with them. The romance was perfectly paced and so incredibly satisfying. The humor adding an added zest to it that took it from delicious to finger licking good.
If you're looking for a sexy romcom that will keep you giggling from beginning to finish with perfectly flawed characters in a charming small town, look no further. This one is a must read!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Fighting with you every day for a month has made me happier than getting along with someone else all my life.”
The queen of RomComs strikes again with this golden nugget of a book! It combined some of my biggest reader catnips; enemies to lovers, sassy heroine, and a single dad. And yes, it IS as delicious as it sounds.
Brooklyn Manning couldn't wait to escape the simple life of her small home town. Now she has it all; a great career, a great boyfriend, parties in Manhattan, and a rocking wardrobe to boot. Until her entire life turns on it's stiletto heel when her boyfriend turns out to be a cheating bastard, her career is ruined, and while she keeps her rocking wardrobe, she now gets to rock it as she licks her wounds while crawling back to her home town with her tail tucked between her legs. But even through all that, she never loses her sense of humor.
But not everything is bad. She gets to see her bestie who still lives there and she has a job set up by her grumpy father. Unfortunately for her, it turns out that her job is wrangling two little monsters who happen to be the adorable children of the man that she's bumped horns with since she was a child.
And then there were sparks!
Clint Hastings is no longer the computer nerd that clashed with her in her youth. He's now the uber sexy cowboy that clashes with her in her adulthood. If ever there was hate lust, these two have it. I mean GAH! So good!! I loved the sassy barbs that constantly flew between them. And when Clint finally pursues something between them? DELICIOUS.
Clint's adorable little trouble makers of children were the perfect secondary characters. I loved watching Brooklyn unwilling bond with them. The romance was perfectly paced and so incredibly satisfying. The humor adding an added zest to it that took it from delicious to finger licking good.
If you're looking for a sexy romcom that will keep you giggling from beginning to finish with perfectly flawed characters in a charming small town, look no further. This one is a must read!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
June 28, 2019
When life gives you lemons...make Lemon Drop Martinis 😉
It's amazing how much you can learn to appreciate a simple life when at one time it was your worst nightmare. I think maturity plays a big part in the change of mindset. You finish school with high hopes of making a mark in the world. Any opportunity to have your name in lights is something people dream of achieving. Mind you, it's all seems great...until it's not. I look at some of the young starlets under constant scrutiny, and it doesn't appeal to me at all. I'm now at the stage where I want and dream of a simple life. Where the worst thing to happen in my day is running out of milk for my morning coffee.
In The Simple Life, the heroine of the story came from a small town, then moved to New York for bigger and better things. Brooklyn did get to those bigger and better things until a punch in the face brings her back to earth...and back to where she ran from. At first, Brooklyn feels like her world has ended and she will do anything to get back to New York. I loved seeing her mindset adjust, especially with the help of two little girls and their sexy dad.
Clint can't believe his sister's childhood friend is back in town. He was once a nerdy computer geek who thought Brooklyn was way out of his league. Clint is still a little nerdy but because of all of the manual labour he does on his farm, he has the hot bod to go with it. Brooklyn is still out of his league, but the hot bod seems to have caught her attention. Maybe, this is their time. With a wee bit of help from his mischevious daughters, he might be able to convince the city girl that the simple life is a good life.
In typical Tara Sivec fashion, there were plenty of belly laugh moments, a wee bit of sexy times and a lot of sigh-worthy moments to leave me satisfied. I admit that at first I was worried that it would be too funny bordering on silly, but once it settled down, I was thoroughly entertained. The characters were delightful, the storyline kept me entertained and the second chance at love was perfectly paced.
If you haven't tried a Tara Sivec I highly recommend giving The Simple Life a try.
It's amazing how much you can learn to appreciate a simple life when at one time it was your worst nightmare. I think maturity plays a big part in the change of mindset. You finish school with high hopes of making a mark in the world. Any opportunity to have your name in lights is something people dream of achieving. Mind you, it's all seems great...until it's not. I look at some of the young starlets under constant scrutiny, and it doesn't appeal to me at all. I'm now at the stage where I want and dream of a simple life. Where the worst thing to happen in my day is running out of milk for my morning coffee.
In The Simple Life, the heroine of the story came from a small town, then moved to New York for bigger and better things. Brooklyn did get to those bigger and better things until a punch in the face brings her back to earth...and back to where she ran from. At first, Brooklyn feels like her world has ended and she will do anything to get back to New York. I loved seeing her mindset adjust, especially with the help of two little girls and their sexy dad.
Clint can't believe his sister's childhood friend is back in town. He was once a nerdy computer geek who thought Brooklyn was way out of his league. Clint is still a little nerdy but because of all of the manual labour he does on his farm, he has the hot bod to go with it. Brooklyn is still out of his league, but the hot bod seems to have caught her attention. Maybe, this is their time. With a wee bit of help from his mischevious daughters, he might be able to convince the city girl that the simple life is a good life.
In typical Tara Sivec fashion, there were plenty of belly laugh moments, a wee bit of sexy times and a lot of sigh-worthy moments to leave me satisfied. I admit that at first I was worried that it would be too funny bordering on silly, but once it settled down, I was thoroughly entertained. The characters were delightful, the storyline kept me entertained and the second chance at love was perfectly paced.
If you haven't tried a Tara Sivec I highly recommend giving The Simple Life a try.
October 19, 2018
Brooklyn left her tiny Montana home town right after high school. She wanted to make it in New York City. And she did. She's writing for the world's biggest fashion magazine. She's going to the best parties and has a great boyfriend. Or ... she kinda HAD all those things.
After a tiny little incident that landed her in the gossip mags, she's now back home at her dad's place in Montana.
She's not staying forever - obviously. But she needs a job. Which she finds at her childhood's best friend Ember's family's pumpkin farm. Which is also the family farm of her childhood's nemesis Clint. Aka the boy she kinda loved since kindergarten.
But she won't be picking any pumpkins ... nope... ☺☺☺ It's much worse ...
Let the fun times begin ....
What will happen with Brooklyn & Clint??
Will we get a happily ever after??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
════════════════════
LOL!
That was hilarious!
And adorable and cute and cowboyish and pumpkinish and ... just adorable.
I finished it in one day - I just kept on reading. I couldn't stop.
Clint and Brooklyn are so cute with all their bickering and insulting - you just see the sparks flying around them. They've been flying around them since they met in Kindergarten! They're just a bit stubborn to see it... But they will!
And those kids are adorable too and Clint's sister and Brooklyn's dad and his lady-friend!
All so very adorable and hilarious. But we also have a few very moving and heartbreaking moments.
This was the perfect rom-com for a boring weekend - I just adored everything about it!
And I need this to be on Netflix or Passionflix asap!
THE SIMPLE LIFE was such an adorably hilarious Cowboy-Nanny-RomCom! I loved it! Hurry to your nearest amazon for your own Clint ... this one is MINE!☺
♡
♡
♡
♡
July 4, 2021
"Grudges and I are old friends. We have wine together every Thursday and talk about old times and all the people we hate. It’s a very therapeutic relationship."
The Simple Life is the first book in the Hometown Love Series. With laugh-out-loud dialogue, smoking hot passion, and sweet hometown romance, Tara Sivec has created an unforgettable love story with a lot of heart. Brooklyn Manning is living her best life in New York City until one day, everything comes crashing down. Thankfully Brooklyn has a soft place to land back in her hometown of White Timber, Montana. Now that she is home, she has the happy distraction of taking care of her dad and reacquainting herself with her past. Clint Hastings is Brooke's best friend's older brother. Brooklyn and Clint were arch nemeses growing up, and now that they are adults, the tension between the two has only had time to multiply. Clint is now a father of two, and because Brooklyn is home and needs a job, she becomes a nanny for the girls. When Clint and Brooklyn reconnect, they find more than hate between them but instead an explosive passion that neither one can ignore!
"When life gives you lemons...make Lemon Drop Martinis."Told in dual POV, The Simple Life is a stunning read full of witty dialogue, passion, intrigue, and laugh out loud fun. The dynamics between the main characters kept me entertained the entire read. Brooklyn is a spirited heroine, and paired with computer nerd turned cowboy Clint, they become a powerhouse! In addition to my adoration for the main characters, the secondary characters were expertly crafted to make the ensemble complete.
“Unfortunately, being alone with Mia was like being alone with sixty-five rabid cats who just did a few lines of coke.”Overall, The Simple Life will appeal to anyone who is looking for a fun read full of humour and heart. This is my first read by this author, and I can guarantee it will not be my last. I look forward to reading more from this author as soon as possible. I listened to this on audible, and the voice actors were phenomenal. I truly adored every second of this read and I cannot wait for more!
🎧This was an audible.com read 🎧
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April 4, 2022
This was such a pleasant surprise! I didn’t expect it to be so funny at some points 🤓
And of course I had to fall in love with the nerdy newly converted in a hot cowboy daddy. Sue me, I don’t care 🤭
And of course I had to fall in love with the nerdy newly converted in a hot cowboy daddy. Sue me, I don’t care 🤭
January 24, 2019
Sweet, fun and flirty, just what I needed. Review to come...soonish..I think ;)
October 4, 2019
I let this go a couple of weeks before reviewing it and I really regret that. There were a lot of elements to this that I really liked. Mostly Clint's kids and Brook learning more about herself through interacting with them. Indeed, her growth arc is probably the best thing about the story, frankly.
But I didn't really like the relationship itself, much. I get the attraction of having someone to argue with (arguing is one of our favorite pastimes as a couple). But I couldn't help feeling that they were mostly bickering and there was an edge of mean to it that I don't appreciate. And yeah, they have limits (which we find by Clint stepping over them), but it just wore on me.
So I'm putting this at three stars and letting it go at that. I really wish I had written this closer to having finished it so I could give better detail. Sigh.
A note about Steamy: I only remember planning on putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance and that while there weren't a lot of explicit sex scenes, they were rather steamy.
But I didn't really like the relationship itself, much. I get the attraction of having someone to argue with (arguing is one of our favorite pastimes as a couple). But I couldn't help feeling that they were mostly bickering and there was an edge of mean to it that I don't appreciate. And yeah, they have limits (which we find by Clint stepping over them), but it just wore on me.
So I'm putting this at three stars and letting it go at that. I really wish I had written this closer to having finished it so I could give better detail. Sigh.
A note about Steamy: I only remember planning on putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance and that while there weren't a lot of explicit sex scenes, they were rather steamy.
November 12, 2018
When I started reading it, I just loved this So much, first pages were awesome, I thought this was the perfect book for these days. Everything was amazing until the moment the main characters met. I didn’t like anything past that point.
Good start, had potential, no good execution.
Good start, had potential, no good execution.
December 17, 2018
3.5 Stars ✨
August 18, 2019
3.5 stars
Brooklyn has returned to her old home town after a very public relationship break-up meltdown. Her father needs her so some time away from her life is just what she needs to reset. She somehow gets tricked into a job at the Hastings Farm, thinking she will be doing some sort of domestic job, she is kind of correct. Her worst nightmare becomes a reality when she realises she will be nannying.
Firstly she does not like children. At. All. Being a nanny is not happening. But then they two girls are pretty adorable... However, when she realises that their father is Cliff Hastings, the boy she hates - okay he is a very handsome looking man now, she realises that she cannot do this job.
Brooklyn had no idea what she was in for and despite her protests, she does end up staying to help out and actually finds herself enjoying the girls. She even seems to be enjoying spending time with Cliff. In fact, she is surprised at how easy it is being around him. Something begins to blossom between them and she can see herself spending her life with him and the girls.
Cliff is feeling the same things for Brooklyn but he is also mindful that she is a city girl and she still has career dreams she has yet to realise. Can he possibly ask her to give those up to have a simple life with him and the girls?
This was fun audio read from Tara Sivec for me this weekend.
Brooklyn has returned to her old home town after a very public relationship break-up meltdown. Her father needs her so some time away from her life is just what she needs to reset. She somehow gets tricked into a job at the Hastings Farm, thinking she will be doing some sort of domestic job, she is kind of correct. Her worst nightmare becomes a reality when she realises she will be nannying.
Firstly she does not like children. At. All. Being a nanny is not happening. But then they two girls are pretty adorable... However, when she realises that their father is Cliff Hastings, the boy she hates - okay he is a very handsome looking man now, she realises that she cannot do this job.
Brooklyn had no idea what she was in for and despite her protests, she does end up staying to help out and actually finds herself enjoying the girls. She even seems to be enjoying spending time with Cliff. In fact, she is surprised at how easy it is being around him. Something begins to blossom between them and she can see herself spending her life with him and the girls.
Cliff is feeling the same things for Brooklyn but he is also mindful that she is a city girl and she still has career dreams she has yet to realise. Can he possibly ask her to give those up to have a simple life with him and the girls?
This was fun audio read from Tara Sivec for me this weekend.
January 7, 2019
Fantastic!
I love Tara Sivec books! They are always entertaining. I love the dialogue between the characters, especially between Brooklyn and Clint and also Broolyn and her dad. I'm just sad this only a standalone and not a series.
I love Tara Sivec books! They are always entertaining. I love the dialogue between the characters, especially between Brooklyn and Clint and also Broolyn and her dad. I'm just sad this only a standalone and not a series.
January 23, 2022
4 stars.
It had all my favourite tropes
- Single Dad
- Enemies to lovers
- 2nd chance
- Funny Banter
This book was just perfection
It had all my favourite tropes
- Single Dad
- Enemies to lovers
- 2nd chance
- Funny Banter
This book was just perfection
October 21, 2018
★★ 4.5 stars! ★★
Do you love enemies-to-lovers romances? Single dads? How about small town romances? If you answered yes to any of these, then you’re totally going to love The Simple Life! Told in Sivec’s signature voice, this story is heartwarmingly cute and sidesplittingly hilarious—which is exactly what I love from a Tara Sivec rom-com!
Brooklyn grew up in a tiny Montana town with an emotionally closed-off father and runaway mother. She couldn’t wait to make it on her own in the world and escaped to New York City immediately after high school. Her glamorous life as a reporter comes to a screeching halt when she finds out she’s the “other woman” in the most humiliating way and her father lets her know he needs her back home in the most off-handed way. Being thrown back into small-town life in rural Montana is a shock to the system, but finding out that her childhood rival is now a hot farmer is an even bigger shock.
Clint is a single dad to two precocious girls and runs his family’s fast-growing pumpkin farm. When his house manager hires a nanny for the girls, the very last person he expects to see is Brooklyn. Clint has always found Brooklyn to be his little sister’s annoying bestie, but seeing her all grown up after 12 years away stirs up some old feelings that may have been better left buried.
I loved everything about Clint and Brooklyn’s relationship, from the misinterpreted memories of the past to the current of animosity that runs deep between them in the present. The banter is top-notch and there are so many laugh out loud moments that had me holding my stomach because it hurt from laughing so hard. Every one of the secondary characters and storylines were fantastic and added even more comedy to the mix.
Reading a romantic comedy by Tara Sivec is a little like putting your heart on boomerang—one minute you’re laughing hysterically, then the next you’re crying from the punch to your gut. And personally, I can’t get enough of that feeling!
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Purchase: Amazon US | Paperback | Kobo | Apple Books | Nook
▸ For more reviews, visit http://www.totallybex.com
Do you love enemies-to-lovers romances? Single dads? How about small town romances? If you answered yes to any of these, then you’re totally going to love The Simple Life! Told in Sivec’s signature voice, this story is heartwarmingly cute and sidesplittingly hilarious—which is exactly what I love from a Tara Sivec rom-com!
Brooklyn grew up in a tiny Montana town with an emotionally closed-off father and runaway mother. She couldn’t wait to make it on her own in the world and escaped to New York City immediately after high school. Her glamorous life as a reporter comes to a screeching halt when she finds out she’s the “other woman” in the most humiliating way and her father lets her know he needs her back home in the most off-handed way. Being thrown back into small-town life in rural Montana is a shock to the system, but finding out that her childhood rival is now a hot farmer is an even bigger shock.
Clint is a single dad to two precocious girls and runs his family’s fast-growing pumpkin farm. When his house manager hires a nanny for the girls, the very last person he expects to see is Brooklyn. Clint has always found Brooklyn to be his little sister’s annoying bestie, but seeing her all grown up after 12 years away stirs up some old feelings that may have been better left buried.
I loved everything about Clint and Brooklyn’s relationship, from the misinterpreted memories of the past to the current of animosity that runs deep between them in the present. The banter is top-notch and there are so many laugh out loud moments that had me holding my stomach because it hurt from laughing so hard. Every one of the secondary characters and storylines were fantastic and added even more comedy to the mix.
Reading a romantic comedy by Tara Sivec is a little like putting your heart on boomerang—one minute you’re laughing hysterically, then the next you’re crying from the punch to your gut. And personally, I can’t get enough of that feeling!
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Purchase: Amazon US | Paperback | Kobo | Apple Books | Nook
▸ For more reviews, visit http://www.totallybex.com
October 27, 2018
Release Date: October 19, 2018
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Actual Rating: 5 stars
The Simple Life is absolute perfection! I loved everything about this book. The smart mouthed, sassy Brooklyn Manning who is down on her luck after being punched in the face by her boyfriends wife (don't worry, she didn't know he was married!). Clint, the nerd-boy turned hot cowboy who not only runs one of the best pumpkin farms in Montana but raises his two little girls on his own. And each and every one of the secondary characters- Ember, Brooklyn's dad, and the girls- Grace and Mia. This book has Tara's trademark humor, and interesting and fun plot, and the perfect love story! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted and hilarious read this season.
Brooklyn Manning swore she would never return to her hometown White Timber, Montana. But a series of events makes it hard to stay in New York so she tucks in her tail and heads home. Living with her father isn't what she expected at this point in her life, but it's better then living with nothing. Unfortunately, her father has lined up a job for her even though she doesn't plan to stay for to long. And this job comes with two bratty kids and the father who was once her sworn enemy. Can she survive the simple life? Or will she pack her bags and face the tabloids? If you want to know you will have to take the journey with Clint and Brooklyn as they navigate their daring new friendship and the possibility of love.
Readers will enjoy this book if they are fans of:
- Tara Sivec (her books are perfect in general, read them all!)
- Enemies to Lovers romances
- Single Dad Romances
- Small Town Romances
- Romantic Comedies
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Actual Rating: 5 stars
The Simple Life is absolute perfection! I loved everything about this book. The smart mouthed, sassy Brooklyn Manning who is down on her luck after being punched in the face by her boyfriends wife (don't worry, she didn't know he was married!). Clint, the nerd-boy turned hot cowboy who not only runs one of the best pumpkin farms in Montana but raises his two little girls on his own. And each and every one of the secondary characters- Ember, Brooklyn's dad, and the girls- Grace and Mia. This book has Tara's trademark humor, and interesting and fun plot, and the perfect love story! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted and hilarious read this season.
Brooklyn Manning swore she would never return to her hometown White Timber, Montana. But a series of events makes it hard to stay in New York so she tucks in her tail and heads home. Living with her father isn't what she expected at this point in her life, but it's better then living with nothing. Unfortunately, her father has lined up a job for her even though she doesn't plan to stay for to long. And this job comes with two bratty kids and the father who was once her sworn enemy. Can she survive the simple life? Or will she pack her bags and face the tabloids? If you want to know you will have to take the journey with Clint and Brooklyn as they navigate their daring new friendship and the possibility of love.
Readers will enjoy this book if they are fans of:
- Tara Sivec (her books are perfect in general, read them all!)
- Enemies to Lovers romances
- Single Dad Romances
- Small Town Romances
- Romantic Comedies
October 11, 2018
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
Woohoo - that is always my reaction when I get a new Tara Sivec story on my kindle.
She is back to her rom-com best with The Simple Life. It is a adorable, and cute and full of all things pumpkin that are not spice!
I love the love/hate things that Clint and Amy have Brooklyn have going. I love that they have history and this snarkiness goes back a lifetime.
Fighting is foreplay with this pair! I loved that beneath all the snarky (and sometimes mean) comments, you can feel all the feels they have for each other.
There are a couple of characters that will delve their way right into you heart - when they don't have you laughing your butt off. One in particular would be the perfect partner for Gavin from the Chocolate Lovers series - I think Ms Sivec needs to make that happen.
It is not all fun and games though. There are some sad and poignant moments that made my eyes leak a little bit.
A fun, flirty and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what Ms Sivec brings us next.
Woohoo - that is always my reaction when I get a new Tara Sivec story on my kindle.
She is back to her rom-com best with The Simple Life. It is a adorable, and cute and full of all things pumpkin that are not spice!
I love the love/hate things that Clint and Amy have Brooklyn have going. I love that they have history and this snarkiness goes back a lifetime.
Fighting is foreplay with this pair! I loved that beneath all the snarky (and sometimes mean) comments, you can feel all the feels they have for each other.
There are a couple of characters that will delve their way right into you heart - when they don't have you laughing your butt off. One in particular would be the perfect partner for Gavin from the Chocolate Lovers series - I think Ms Sivec needs to make that happen.
It is not all fun and games though. There are some sad and poignant moments that made my eyes leak a little bit.
A fun, flirty and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what Ms Sivec brings us next.
November 14, 2018
3 1/2 "Funny and Sweet" Stars!
November 14, 2018
First let me say I love Tara's rom com books. If you are looking for light, fun and enjoyable read look no more she has some amazing ones.
Like Chocolate Lovers: Sweet Stories About Love, Friendship, and Inappropriate Behavior or Jed Had to Die....
Pee my pants funny....
This one got me until 55 % of the book after that I just wanted to be over it. And we all know that is a doomsday for any book.
I tried....
I guess later on I just didn't care.
Was this an okay book? Yes!
Was this a funny book? Sure I even thought first half dialogue was update status worthy.
Was there some amazing a la Tara characters? You can bet you ass there were.
Will I forget about it? Sadly I have to say probably.
Should you read it? I don't know.
Tara I still love you.
In my mind you are my kind of people.
Like Chocolate Lovers: Sweet Stories About Love, Friendship, and Inappropriate Behavior or Jed Had to Die....
Pee my pants funny....
This one got me until 55 % of the book after that I just wanted to be over it. And we all know that is a doomsday for any book.
I tried....
I guess later on I just didn't care.
Was this an okay book? Yes!
Was this a funny book? Sure I even thought first half dialogue was update status worthy.
Was there some amazing a la Tara characters? You can bet you ass there were.
Will I forget about it? Sadly I have to say probably.
Should you read it? I don't know.
Tara I still love you.
In my mind you are my kind of people.
October 26, 2018
No head or tail to the story. Just a body. No proper backstory for the male character was given. Just 3-4 flashbacks & we're asked to believe that the leads share a strong bond. If you can't spend enough time on a lead character why write the book in the first place? Whereas the female character was given too much intro in the beginning, several chapters long, you just start skimming after a while.
There needs to be a balance in disclosing the character arc, not too much not too less. Just enough to keep you invested.
There needs to be a balance in disclosing the character arc, not too much not too less. Just enough to keep you invested.
May 23, 2020
The Simple Life by Tara Sivec
Standalone Romantic Comedy
There is a reason Tara Sivec has been one of my top 3 authors for the last 6 years, and she totally reinforced that position with the perfect Autumn escape. The Simple Life was everything I love about Tara’s writing (and more!) in a small-town setting.
Brooklyn couldn’t wait to get out of her small Montana town and live out her fashion dreams in the Big Apple. She was doing just that, working for a top fashion magazine, going to all the hot parties, rubbing noses with all the stars, and had the perfect boyfriend. But all that disappeared in the blink of an eye, so when she had to go home to take care of her dad, she needed to leave New York. Perfect timing.
I loved her dad! Tara writes the best fathers. When her cantankerous dad couldn’t take much more of Brooklyn at home with him, he arranged for a job for her at the pumpkin farm she grew up playing at. The farm was owned by her best friend Ember’s family, but now it’s run by Ember’s older brother who was Brooklyn’s arch nemesis (that she may have had some fantasies about) growing up. He is back in town as well, a single dad with two daughters, and he has turned the farm into a thriving business. They are so busy he needs a nanny for his girls. Haha, Brooklyn and her Louboutins on a farm with sticky kids was funny as hell!
“Cookie Brooke” and “Cunty Clint” were so freaking hilarious with their childish banter and simmering attraction.
"He’s standing so close that if I take a deep breath, my boobs will bump into his chest. I’d like to insult him like I did yesterday and tell him he smells like shit, but my brain has suddenly gone to mush. He doesn’t smell like horse shit. Not even close."
They had awesome chemistry.
“This is nothing like my fantasies. I have been masturbating to all the wrong things for years.”
I loved watching Brooklyn lose the New York and grow into country living even though she has every intention of going back as soon as her dad is better. She had fantastic character growth throughout the book.
“I watch the three of them sitting on a blanket, with Grace and Brooklyn’s backs resting against a tree, and Mia curled up in Brooklyn’s lap, with Brooklyn’s chin resting on Mia’s head, and I want to drop to the ground and cry like a baby at how beautiful the sight is.”
Even when they get together, the banter never ends.
“Fighting with you every day for a month has made me happier than getting along with someone else all my life.”
I have so many great quotes highlighted, I had a really hard time with this review because choosing was impossible. I read The Simple Life twice because I didn’t review it right away, so when I went to pull quotes it just pulled me right back in, and I loved it just as much the second time. It is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon with a cup of pumpkin spice coffee, a blanket, and a big goofy grin on your face. Just keep a tissue handy, because you may shed a few tears as well.
Likes:
•I loved her relationship with Ember, her BFF.
•Her dad!
•The kids were awesome. But Mia and her sugar addiction just cracked me up.
•Brooklyn’s character growth.
•Tara’s snarky one-liners.
•You can kind of feel the real Tara in this book. She grew up with a family pumpkin farm.
•The town bet. lol
•“Princess Truffle Butter”
•Tara’s way of weaving in deep emotion and poignant moments without ever bringing down the tone of the book.
•As always, her side characters are as good as her main ones.
•I read the whole book twice with a goofy grin on my face.
Dislikes:
None.
The Down & Dirty:
Books like The Simple Life are the reason I love reading so much, it was a perfect feel-good Fall indulgence. The Simple Life made me laugh and swoon and smile and just enjoy every single word. It’s got some of my favorite themes: A single dad, enemies-to-lovers, and friend’s big brother, but it was a creative take on all of them. Once again Tara Sivec proved why she has been a top three author of mine for 6+ years. I highly recommend indulging in The Simple Life. You won't regret it.
Rating: 5 Stars, 4 Heat
Purchase The Simple Life by Tara Sivec
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October 19, 2020
Another Jerry Springer Wannabe.
Verbal denigration of another human being is totally unacceptable. It is assault, and in certain circumstances, you can get charged for it. You can certainly get sued for it. The female character in this novel is a trashy, selfish, ignorant woman who drops F-bombs every second sentence and is just totally unappealing.
This author is wasting her writing talents with this kind of demeaning, trashy novel. The female character is an uncouth bully, and, horror of horrors, at the end of this story, she gives birth: if this had been a true story, I would have called the local child protection services on her. Just a terrible character with a hero who must love to be ripped a new one every day of his life by such a hideous love-interest.
What some people sell their souls to the devil for - just to sell books.
I didn't even want to give this a single star, but you can't give zeroes on Goodreads.
Just terrible!
Verbal denigration of another human being is totally unacceptable. It is assault, and in certain circumstances, you can get charged for it. You can certainly get sued for it. The female character in this novel is a trashy, selfish, ignorant woman who drops F-bombs every second sentence and is just totally unappealing.
This author is wasting her writing talents with this kind of demeaning, trashy novel. The female character is an uncouth bully, and, horror of horrors, at the end of this story, she gives birth: if this had been a true story, I would have called the local child protection services on her. Just a terrible character with a hero who must love to be ripped a new one every day of his life by such a hideous love-interest.
What some people sell their souls to the devil for - just to sell books.
I didn't even want to give this a single star, but you can't give zeroes on Goodreads.
Just terrible!
October 6, 2018
4.5+ stars
Brooklyn Manning has been loving her New York life for over a decade and going to the best parties, meeting all the stars, wearing the latest fashions, and getting paid to write about it...until her whole life implodes in one night. Now she has left the glitz and glam behind and is home in White Timber, Montana to help her father. But that brings her face to face with all of her past mistakes and all the people that know all about them. She is outspoken, cynical, sarcastic, and even antagonistic...and feels her life has gone to crap.
It does not take long for her to come in contact with her arch nemesis from High School, Clint Hastings. They thrived on taunting, teasing, and making each other's lives difficult. But despite all the years, there are still some deep seated unresolved feelings under all the negativity. Clint is no longer the khaki wearing computer nerd, but a hot, sexy, cowboy dad and business owner. And they fall right back into their snarky banter and caustic wit.
But they are about to start spending more and more time together...and they will probably start getting under each other's skin again. The one thing about being around each other again is that they make each other feel alive. Hate, lust, like, love, and regret are all strong emotions. And these two are volatile in more ways than one. But they are also conflicted, confused, and fearful about a future.
He has built his life in White Timber. And she always wanted to leave and live a big, grand life. Is he enough to make her want to stay this time?
This is old school Tara Sivec where you are laughing so hard at the things coming out of the characters' mouths and the spectacles they create. It is a fast-paced, hilarious, feisty, heartfelt, small town, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance. I enjoyed getting both of their points of view. Clint was such a likable hero with so many sides to him. Even when he was broody and bossy, I loved him. And Brooklyn was so unfiltered and vibrant. They were one helluva pair. The side characters added more humor and fun. His kids were freakin crazy and adorable. I loved the setting of the pumpkin farm and all its Fall-spiration (even though I am a total anti-pumpkin spice lover) and the small town full of nosy townsfolk. It is just that kind of book that makes you smile and swoon.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter
Brooklyn Manning has been loving her New York life for over a decade and going to the best parties, meeting all the stars, wearing the latest fashions, and getting paid to write about it...until her whole life implodes in one night. Now she has left the glitz and glam behind and is home in White Timber, Montana to help her father. But that brings her face to face with all of her past mistakes and all the people that know all about them. She is outspoken, cynical, sarcastic, and even antagonistic...and feels her life has gone to crap.
It does not take long for her to come in contact with her arch nemesis from High School, Clint Hastings. They thrived on taunting, teasing, and making each other's lives difficult. But despite all the years, there are still some deep seated unresolved feelings under all the negativity. Clint is no longer the khaki wearing computer nerd, but a hot, sexy, cowboy dad and business owner. And they fall right back into their snarky banter and caustic wit.
But they are about to start spending more and more time together...and they will probably start getting under each other's skin again. The one thing about being around each other again is that they make each other feel alive. Hate, lust, like, love, and regret are all strong emotions. And these two are volatile in more ways than one. But they are also conflicted, confused, and fearful about a future.
He has built his life in White Timber. And she always wanted to leave and live a big, grand life. Is he enough to make her want to stay this time?
This is old school Tara Sivec where you are laughing so hard at the things coming out of the characters' mouths and the spectacles they create. It is a fast-paced, hilarious, feisty, heartfelt, small town, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance. I enjoyed getting both of their points of view. Clint was such a likable hero with so many sides to him. Even when he was broody and bossy, I loved him. And Brooklyn was so unfiltered and vibrant. They were one helluva pair. The side characters added more humor and fun. His kids were freakin crazy and adorable. I loved the setting of the pumpkin farm and all its Fall-spiration (even though I am a total anti-pumpkin spice lover) and the small town full of nosy townsfolk. It is just that kind of book that makes you smile and swoon.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim (Rachel and Jay) | Facebook | Twitter
September 25, 2018
I’m smiling! Tara is my #1 go-to for all things rom-com in my book world. I pimp her books out like crazy to people looking for great LOL’s. Clint and Brooklyn are amazing. Their snarky banter with each other is so on point. I loved reading them go back and forth, it was so entertaining. There are so many great characters in here too. Brooklyn’s dad cracks me up. I love when there’s a funny dad character. Reggie Holiday anyone?! It was so much fun to escape for a couple of hours and enjoy a hot nerd/cowboy finally get his fancy pants girl.
May 20, 2019
Super cute and funny with TERRIFIC narration!
October 5, 2018
Growing up in a small town, you find yourself dreaming of a future of ‘what could be’. Brooklyn was one such dreamer. Leaving that tiny town after high school was the best thing that happened to Brooklyn. That dream was quickly becoming a reality. Brooklyn is now writing for one of the biggest magazines in the country, attending the most desired parties, and has a boyfriend that others envy. From the outside, it all appears to the public that Brooklyn has it all. Or does she???
A revelation that is unexpected and explosive will change Brooklyn’s entire world. The job, boyfriend, and all the many party invites vanished in the blink of an eye. With her world crumbling around her, Brooklyn heads to the one place that can offer a reprieve from the turmoil brewing in New York. Montana offers Brooklyn a chance to regroup after having her life fall into shambles, while having a chance to spend time with her father and figure out where things go from here.
While Brooklyn has no plans to make Montana her permanent address again, she does want to spend her time wisely. While looking for something to keep herself occupied, Brooklyn finds herself looking for a job at the local pumpkin patch. This place holds so many memories for Brooklyn. After all, best friends always have your back even when time passes for you both. What Brooklyn didn’t expect was that the job she was inquiring about would revolve around her childhood crush and nemeses…..Clint.
It seems Brooklyn isn’t the only one back in town, and things just became a little murkier where Clint was concerned. Having a job during this transition is a must, but Brooklyn never planned on Clint being a part of the equation. Time tends to soften the perils of your past, but Brooklyn quickly finds out that she hold some unresolved feelings where Clint is concerned. Will Brooklyn’s tattered life lead her towards a future that she never expected?
When Tara Sivec announces that she is releasing a new book, my book senses always go on alert. One thing I have come to count on with Sivec is a reprieve from the typical romance novel, and The Simple Life was no exception. With a story plot that could easily pull you in during the very first chapters, this novel left me bursting with laughter at that antics of the two main characters.
Brooklyn and Clint are defiantly not your typical friends from the past. Each ventured outside of Montana to find a life that they thought would make them happy. What the two found was a world of ups and downs, and paths less traveled. Bringing them full circle and back to the place they once called home. The plot of the novel is full of antics that are sure to keep you engaged, blowing drink from your nose when laughing and smiling from ear to ear. Yep….it is definitely THAT kind of book!!
Seriously – there is nothing better than curling up with a book by Sivec and diving in like it might be your last read of the century. While I had no intentions of reading this novel in one sitting, I did find that my insane boughts of laughter were loud enough to wake everyone in the house at different times of the night. Something that left quite the impression come 6 am when no one wanted to get their day started!!
The simple joys of birthday cakes, cheerleading kicks, and other various moments in Brooklyn and Clint’s lives kept me giggling long after I closed that last chapter. In fact – I believe Cookie Monster might find a new home around here pretty soon!! Simply put – you definitely need to discover what lies between the covers of The Simple Life!! Well done Tara…..well done!
A revelation that is unexpected and explosive will change Brooklyn’s entire world. The job, boyfriend, and all the many party invites vanished in the blink of an eye. With her world crumbling around her, Brooklyn heads to the one place that can offer a reprieve from the turmoil brewing in New York. Montana offers Brooklyn a chance to regroup after having her life fall into shambles, while having a chance to spend time with her father and figure out where things go from here.
While Brooklyn has no plans to make Montana her permanent address again, she does want to spend her time wisely. While looking for something to keep herself occupied, Brooklyn finds herself looking for a job at the local pumpkin patch. This place holds so many memories for Brooklyn. After all, best friends always have your back even when time passes for you both. What Brooklyn didn’t expect was that the job she was inquiring about would revolve around her childhood crush and nemeses…..Clint.
It seems Brooklyn isn’t the only one back in town, and things just became a little murkier where Clint was concerned. Having a job during this transition is a must, but Brooklyn never planned on Clint being a part of the equation. Time tends to soften the perils of your past, but Brooklyn quickly finds out that she hold some unresolved feelings where Clint is concerned. Will Brooklyn’s tattered life lead her towards a future that she never expected?
When Tara Sivec announces that she is releasing a new book, my book senses always go on alert. One thing I have come to count on with Sivec is a reprieve from the typical romance novel, and The Simple Life was no exception. With a story plot that could easily pull you in during the very first chapters, this novel left me bursting with laughter at that antics of the two main characters.
Brooklyn and Clint are defiantly not your typical friends from the past. Each ventured outside of Montana to find a life that they thought would make them happy. What the two found was a world of ups and downs, and paths less traveled. Bringing them full circle and back to the place they once called home. The plot of the novel is full of antics that are sure to keep you engaged, blowing drink from your nose when laughing and smiling from ear to ear. Yep….it is definitely THAT kind of book!!
Seriously – there is nothing better than curling up with a book by Sivec and diving in like it might be your last read of the century. While I had no intentions of reading this novel in one sitting, I did find that my insane boughts of laughter were loud enough to wake everyone in the house at different times of the night. Something that left quite the impression come 6 am when no one wanted to get their day started!!
The simple joys of birthday cakes, cheerleading kicks, and other various moments in Brooklyn and Clint’s lives kept me giggling long after I closed that last chapter. In fact – I believe Cookie Monster might find a new home around here pretty soon!! Simply put – you definitely need to discover what lies between the covers of The Simple Life!! Well done Tara…..well done!
February 10, 2019
4.5
That was fun!!! I laughed so much!!!
Brooklyn lived the perfect life in New York. With a dream job as a writer for the world’s biggest magazine, hanging out with celebrities, walking on red carpets. Yes, She was the “It girl” with a fancy clothing and christian louboutin killer heels. Until one day she finds herself in the middle of scandal, lose her job and go back to Her tiny hometown in Montana she despised and take care of her sick father.
After 12 years, at thirty, with the same lazy town and the same poster of Pacey from ‘Dawson’s Creek’ at her ceiling, nothing prepared her for the reunion with Clint, the older brother of her best friend. Her nemesis. They have always been harsh with each other. Clint, the computer nerd, become a hot cowboy and runs a pumpkins farm. He’s a single parent with two little girls. Brooklyn needs the money, Clint needs a nanny but there’s a two tiny problems: Brooklyn hates children and the secret crush for Clint when she was a teenager, come back to her with full force. How wrong she was..
I loved Brooklyn so much! She’s funny and full of life. I loved Clint and all the other characters in this book. Her dad killed me with laughter!!!
“It’s times like these I’m really glad I didn’t sell you to a traveling circus when you were little” 😂
If you want a distraction this book is for you. Funny and sweet. Great sexy Rom-Com!
That was fun!!! I laughed so much!!!
Brooklyn lived the perfect life in New York. With a dream job as a writer for the world’s biggest magazine, hanging out with celebrities, walking on red carpets. Yes, She was the “It girl” with a fancy clothing and christian louboutin killer heels. Until one day she finds herself in the middle of scandal, lose her job and go back to Her tiny hometown in Montana she despised and take care of her sick father.
After 12 years, at thirty, with the same lazy town and the same poster of Pacey from ‘Dawson’s Creek’ at her ceiling, nothing prepared her for the reunion with Clint, the older brother of her best friend. Her nemesis. They have always been harsh with each other. Clint, the computer nerd, become a hot cowboy and runs a pumpkins farm. He’s a single parent with two little girls. Brooklyn needs the money, Clint needs a nanny but there’s a two tiny problems: Brooklyn hates children and the secret crush for Clint when she was a teenager, come back to her with full force. How wrong she was..
I loved Brooklyn so much! She’s funny and full of life. I loved Clint and all the other characters in this book. Her dad killed me with laughter!!!
“It’s times like these I’m really glad I didn’t sell you to a traveling circus when you were little” 😂
If you want a distraction this book is for you. Funny and sweet. Great sexy Rom-Com!
August 15, 2019
I loved this book! I'm a sucker for romcoms anyway and this author is a genius with them. She is on my list of 'auto buys.'
In this story our heroine loses her job, her boyfriend and her apartment in the Big Apple. Just when she is at her lowest her Dad calls from the hospital. He wants her to come and give him a ride home. So she hops a plane and takes her few meager belongings (including a killer wardrobe) back to the small town she grew up in.
This is where the interested parties decide to manipulate her into staying. Her father insists she take a job as Nanny to her best friend's brother's kids. The two of them never got along as kids. She was popular and he was a nerd. They tormented each other ruthlessly. What she didn't know was that he always had a crush on her. Guess he picked up the "he's mean to you because he likes you" nonsense my Mom tried to pull on me.
As a romcom we need to suspend our belief here and there in order to truly enjoy it. Otherwise the fact that our heroine is raked across the coals for dating a married man, who she didn't know was married, might not have played. Especially when she lost her job. Her magazine would have used her 15 minutes of fame for all it was worth.
Also, there is something wrong with the old "he thinks she is more sexy when she is angry" dynamic. In all my years of romance I never wanted to get jiggy with someone I was angry with. Kill, yes. Kiss, no.
But, this is a great story with adorable characters. Lots of laugh out loud moments.
In this story our heroine loses her job, her boyfriend and her apartment in the Big Apple. Just when she is at her lowest her Dad calls from the hospital. He wants her to come and give him a ride home. So she hops a plane and takes her few meager belongings (including a killer wardrobe) back to the small town she grew up in.
This is where the interested parties decide to manipulate her into staying. Her father insists she take a job as Nanny to her best friend's brother's kids. The two of them never got along as kids. She was popular and he was a nerd. They tormented each other ruthlessly. What she didn't know was that he always had a crush on her. Guess he picked up the "he's mean to you because he likes you" nonsense my Mom tried to pull on me.
As a romcom we need to suspend our belief here and there in order to truly enjoy it. Otherwise the fact that our heroine is raked across the coals for dating a married man, who she didn't know was married, might not have played. Especially when she lost her job. Her magazine would have used her 15 minutes of fame for all it was worth.
Also, there is something wrong with the old "he thinks she is more sexy when she is angry" dynamic. In all my years of romance I never wanted to get jiggy with someone I was angry with. Kill, yes. Kiss, no.
But, this is a great story with adorable characters. Lots of laugh out loud moments.
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