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Busy Bean #7
Sidetracked
“Sometimes, not knowing where you’re going will lead you to where you need to be.”
CHARLI
My workplace eliminated my position the same month my relationship ended. With nothing keeping me in Richmond, Virginia, I get in my car and head northeast, unsure of where I’ll end up.
Until I walk into The Busy Bean Café.
With the Help Wanted sign and the quote on the wall meant for me, I know I’ve found my new home.
GABE
I gave up my executive job in Boston to come home to help run my family’s hardware store and to open my own handcrafted furniture business. I have specific plans for my life.
Those plans don’t include the coffee shop’s new flighty barista even if she is cute as hell.
But when I become Charli’s landlord, I find it harder than ever to stay away from her. And soon, I don’t want to.
CHARLI
My workplace eliminated my position the same month my relationship ended. With nothing keeping me in Richmond, Virginia, I get in my car and head northeast, unsure of where I’ll end up.
Until I walk into The Busy Bean Café.
With the Help Wanted sign and the quote on the wall meant for me, I know I’ve found my new home.
GABE
I gave up my executive job in Boston to come home to help run my family’s hardware store and to open my own handcrafted furniture business. I have specific plans for my life.
Those plans don’t include the coffee shop’s new flighty barista even if she is cute as hell.
But when I become Charli’s landlord, I find it harder than ever to stay away from her. And soon, I don’t want to.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2021
About the author
R.L. Kenderson
68 books1,101 followersR.L. Kenderson is two best friends writing under one name.
They met in college and bonded over their love of reading and the TV show Charmed.
They write spicy romance that often makes you laugh.
VISIT THEIR AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
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VISIT THEM ON FACEBOOK!
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JOIN THEIR FACEBOOK READER GROUP!
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They met in college and bonded over their love of reading and the TV show Charmed.
They write spicy romance that often makes you laugh.
VISIT THEIR AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/author/rlkende...
VISIT THEM ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/rlkenderson
JOIN THEIR FACEBOOK READER GROUP!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rlken...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 13, 2021
Charli + Gabe
Charli lost her job and her boyfriend in Virginia and decided to get a new start. Which she found in Vermont - as the new Busy Bean barista.
And she's also the new renter of Gabe.
Grumpy Gabe who doesn't have time for pretty neighbors. He needs to work. He has furniture to build and money to make...
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! 🤣
════════════════
Adorable!
This was such a cute romance! With the the most adorable grumpy hero!
It was funny and sparky and sexy. But we also get some serious moments with the dad.
I really enjoyed reading this!
Like I always say when it comes to books in the True North World: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
And I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!
Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!
SIDETEACKED was an adorable + funny + sexy love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own grumpy Gabe - he'll be sold out in no time!
💜
💜
September 10, 2021
3.5 Ying/Yang Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This is the examination of instincts.
She is one who allows the flow to guide her.
Lost her position, ok fine. Discover the boyfriend is not the one, ok, fine, and takes it as a sign to move on. She has done it before and she will do it again. While on the road, ending up in Vermont, she lands at the Busy Bean for a travel break.
There on the blackboard beam is a quote that touches her, another sign. The clincher, a help wanted notice for the Busy Bean. Bam, she has found her spot to land. Now the need for a place to rent falls into her hands and she is good to go.
He is the grumpy, nontalker. He did the big career and is now back home with his brother and wife, and father. He is back to help with running the family hardware business. Dad is having some issues with memory and things. He had to move out of the duplex he shares because he couldn't live on his own, leaving his place available to rent.
She moves in, the grumpy brother secretly thinks she is hot and she thinks he is eye candy. Between Mr. Grumpy being rude and She being positive, something happens that tips them over the edge.
The best part of this tale is the frankness these two have about sex. They recognize they are interested in each other physically and have no issues acting on it. The casual then becomes a bit more and both have to figure out where they want things to go.
Sweetheart (Busy Bean #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cowboy (Busy Bean #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cakewalk (Busy Bean #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friendzoned (Busy Bean #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Studfinder (Busy Bean #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Doubletalk (Busy Bean #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sidetracked (Busy Bean #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fireproof (Busy Bean #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Footnote (Busy Bean #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Afterglow (Busy Bean #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
April 29, 2021
Under The Umbrella Of Sarina Bowen's Heart Eyes Press. The Busy Bean Series is about Small Town Romance, Steamy Times, and Lots of Heart.
A gifted copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This is the examination of instincts.
She is one who allows the flow to guide her.
Lost her position, ok fine. Discover the boyfriend is not the one, ok, fine, and takes it as a sign to move on. She has done it before and she will do it again. While on the road, ending up in Vermont, she lands at the Busy Bean for a travel break.
There on the blackboard beam is a quote that touches her, another sign. The clincher, a help wanted notice for the Busy Bean. Bam, she has found her spot to land. Now the need for a place to rent falls into her hands and she is good to go.
He is the grumpy, nontalker. He did the big career and is now back home with his brother and wife, and father. He is back to help with running the family hardware business. Dad is having some issues with memory and things. He had to move out of the duplex he shares because he couldn't live on his own, leaving his place available to rent.
She moves in, the grumpy brother secretly thinks she is hot and she thinks he is eye candy. Between Mr. Grumpy being rude and She being positive, something happens that tips them over the edge.
The best part of this tale is the frankness these two have about sex. They recognize they are interested in each other physically and have no issues acting on it. The casual then becomes a bit more and both have to figure out where they want things to go.
Sweetheart (Busy Bean #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cowboy (Busy Bean #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cakewalk (Busy Bean #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friendzoned (Busy Bean #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Studfinder (Busy Bean #5) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Doubletalk (Busy Bean #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sidetracked (Busy Bean #7)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fireproof (Busy Bean #8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Footnote (Busy Bean #9)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Afterglow (Busy Bean #10)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
April 29, 2021
Under The Umbrella Of Sarina Bowen's Heart Eyes Press. The Busy Bean Series is about Small Town Romance, Steamy Times, and Lots of Heart.
A gifted copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 18, 2021
I’m going to tell you two things about this reading experience that caught me off guard, in a really good way. See, the story doesn’t really have any *drama*, or shall I say *dramatics*, and also, there’s not much to the story that is a *surprise*. Now, when you read that, you’re probably thinking boring and predictable right? That’s basically what those aspect in a story would mean, in my opinion anyway. But it was the total opposite. The story had conflict, of course, but it was realistic, non-twitchy and dealt exactly how it should have been; in a grown and mature manner. As for the predictability, you don’t even realize it because the relationship build is fun and sexy with a lot of heart and spark and before you know it, you’re at the end with a huge smile on your face. Okay, that was me. I had a huge smile on my face :)
This is my first experience with this author duo, and I am happy to report that I will looking out for their contemporary romances in the future (I don’t really read paranormal romance). I like their style, or at least I liked this story LOL and their writing was good with well developed characters and plot. It’s not an especially long story but it also does not come across as insta in any way. Soooooooooooo, I say go do the thing,k.
Amazon: https://geni.us/SidetrackedAmazon
Apple: https://geni.us/SidetrackedApple
Kobo: https://geni.us/SidetrackedKobo
Nook: https://geni.us/SidetrackedNook
Google: https://geni.us/SidetrackedGoogle
This is my first experience with this author duo, and I am happy to report that I will looking out for their contemporary romances in the future (I don’t really read paranormal romance). I like their style, or at least I liked this story LOL and their writing was good with well developed characters and plot. It’s not an especially long story but it also does not come across as insta in any way. Soooooooooooo, I say go do the thing,k.
Amazon: https://geni.us/SidetrackedAmazon
Apple: https://geni.us/SidetrackedApple
Kobo: https://geni.us/SidetrackedKobo
Nook: https://geni.us/SidetrackedNook
Google: https://geni.us/SidetrackedGoogle
September 15, 2021
Sidetracked was a nice, quick and easy read.
When Charli lost her job and broke up with her boyfriend, she left Virginia putting few things in her car and driving off into the horizon.. She stops in Vermont at the Busy Bean to eat something and decided to stay. Gabe works at the family Hardware store, he also makes handcrafted wood furniture. Gabe reluctantly accepts Charli as tenant in the other half of his duplex, risking she disrupts his peace with her lively personality and hot body. Will they survive living next to each other not giving in to temptations?
I've enjoyed this story. I like Charli trusts in fate and Gabe grumpiness, even if I would have slapped him when he is rude, and I love their physical chemistry. I loved how their relationship begins and their bickerings make their connection and attraction grow into something they don't even imagine.
I would have liked to see Gabe pleading a little more but I adored the ending.
I'm so glad I read it and I highly recommend it.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
September 16, 2021
Two of my favourite things… Sarina Bowen series and R.L. Kenderson.
I really enjoyed this chance meeting story. Charlie’s on the road and passing through the small town that hosts the Busy Bean cafe. She’s down on her luck and just needs to make a little money before she’s back on her way.
Gabe is escaping the city lifestyle and doesn’t want anything that reminds him of it. When Charli spikes his interest he tries to fight the inevitable. But coffee is in the air… and maybe something more.
I really enjoyed this chance meeting story. Charlie’s on the road and passing through the small town that hosts the Busy Bean cafe. She’s down on her luck and just needs to make a little money before she’s back on her way.
Gabe is escaping the city lifestyle and doesn’t want anything that reminds him of it. When Charli spikes his interest he tries to fight the inevitable. But coffee is in the air… and maybe something more.
September 7, 2021
Lately I feel like I have been reading quite a few romances with the guy being a major ~grump~ and I realized....I eat that shit up. LOL Apparently there is just something about an uber grumpy, rough-around-the-edges type guy meeting a happy, chill, laid back woman that eventually melts said grump into a puddle of molten love that really does something to me. I think a big part of it is that it makes their initial interactions, especially the sexual ones, that much more intense. The guy doesn't WANT to be feeling these things but BAM, the woman worms her way in and the next thing we know she's up against the wall, on the receiving end of the most passionate kiss OF HER LIFE. Sounds like a great time to me *shrugs*.
And that's almost exactly what happens here. Charli leaves home when her job is nixed and her boyfriend breaks up with her. She literally drives until she feels like stopping, walks into Busy Bean, sees the "Help Wanted" sign and apt inspirational quote on the wall and stays. All of that basically goes against everything Gabe stands for as a person. He's a real dick to Charli at first, especially after finding out she's going to be living next to him in the other half the the duplex he and his family is renting out.
The one part of this story that I wasn't sure of was how quickly the end seemed to come. The two obviously had feelings for one another (hello, that bookshelf that was made?!?!?!) but I felt like one minute they were just having sex BARELY any strings attached and then all of a sudden BAM, a certain something happens and then they are like oh....well yeah...we really are attached aren't we? Obviously I am GLAD it all worked out like it did, it all just really snuck up on me fast (this could also be because I finished while buzzed, putting my kid to sleep during my sister's wedding this past weekend bahahaha)!
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
And that's almost exactly what happens here. Charli leaves home when her job is nixed and her boyfriend breaks up with her. She literally drives until she feels like stopping, walks into Busy Bean, sees the "Help Wanted" sign and apt inspirational quote on the wall and stays. All of that basically goes against everything Gabe stands for as a person. He's a real dick to Charli at first, especially after finding out she's going to be living next to him in the other half the the duplex he and his family is renting out.
The one part of this story that I wasn't sure of was how quickly the end seemed to come. The two obviously had feelings for one another (hello, that bookshelf that was made?!?!?!) but I felt like one minute they were just having sex BARELY any strings attached and then all of a sudden BAM, a certain something happens and then they are like oh....well yeah...we really are attached aren't we? Obviously I am GLAD it all worked out like it did, it all just really snuck up on me fast (this could also be because I finished while buzzed, putting my kid to sleep during my sister's wedding this past weekend bahahaha)!
Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
September 21, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
A cute grumpy x sunshine, small town romance🫶🏼
A cute grumpy x sunshine, small town romance🫶🏼
September 11, 2021
ARC received for an honest review
ARC received for an honest review
Such a cute story, and I was glad that it was one that wasn't too heavy on the drama. Sure, there were issues with our lovelies, but nothing to over the top and nothing that wasn't resolved quickly.
There was something that happens that I picked from a mile away, but it was the waiting game for it to happen.
I loved the crew from the Busy Bean, and I have a sweet spot for Gabe's dad.
I also liked that this book was straight to the point, no faffing about to get where we needed to go.
a>
November 8, 2022
This one was better for me than the last 2. I guess I like more interaction with the Busy Bean characters.
I have to give it to Charli for being so mellow. Not sure that I could/would have just taken off and looked for a place to settle like she did. I liked that she viewed this as a new adventure and that a place would call to her and that she found just what she was looking for.
Gabe I really wasn't sure about, he was so grumpy and an asshole. It really took a while for me to warm up to him.
I could see the "surprise" that hit Charli coming a mile away, was happy to see right. Gabe's reaction went about how I thought it would too, glad he came to his senses quickly.
I liked how this one ended, glad both of them were happy now.
I have to give it to Charli for being so mellow. Not sure that I could/would have just taken off and looked for a place to settle like she did. I liked that she viewed this as a new adventure and that a place would call to her and that she found just what she was looking for.
Gabe I really wasn't sure about, he was so grumpy and an asshole. It really took a while for me to warm up to him.
I could see the "surprise" that hit Charli coming a mile away, was happy to see right. Gabe's reaction went about how I thought it would too, glad he came to his senses quickly.
I liked how this one ended, glad both of them were happy now.
September 13, 2021
This book is amazing! I can't remember when I read a book with a character as grumpy as Gabe and I just love how Charli deals with him. The chemistry between Gabe and Charli is so hot 🔥. This is absolute must read for anyone that loves grumpy hero's and if you don't then Gabe will definitely make you ❤❤❤❤❤
September 11, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the seventh book in this multi-author series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I have read many of them, and really enjoy catching up with old friends, and reading about new loves.
I really enjoyed this storyline, with both the leads being somewhat adrift in their lives. Gabe has had to come home to support his brother and sister-in-law in the family business, and with their father who is starting to show signs of dementia. He also has a successful woodwork business in a workshop by his house, but he had promised that he would never come back to the town of his youth. Charli has no job, and a failed relationship, so she sets off to see where the road takes her ... and it happens to be the Busy Bean, and a sign for help wanted. She moves into a duplex, and finds that Gabe is her neighbour/landlord... a delicious looking man, but super grumpy!
It is a lot of fun watching these two interact, the chemistry sizzling between them, when actually neither of them really want it to be. And the thinness of the wall between their bedrooms, leads to some funny unintentional interactions! Gabe is definitely trying to avoid any actual closeness. Charli is by nature a helpful soul and her kindness to his father cannot help but help him see her in a brighter light. I also enjoy the story behind the sayings written in the Busy Bean. Gabe's very supportive of Charli's writing plans, unlike anyone else in her past, so the signs are there for this not being a casual friendship.
There is plenty of humour, angst and miscommunication to make this a really good read, as well as giving us plenty of catch up opportunities with regulars at the BB.
This is the seventh book in this multi-author series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I have read many of them, and really enjoy catching up with old friends, and reading about new loves.
I really enjoyed this storyline, with both the leads being somewhat adrift in their lives. Gabe has had to come home to support his brother and sister-in-law in the family business, and with their father who is starting to show signs of dementia. He also has a successful woodwork business in a workshop by his house, but he had promised that he would never come back to the town of his youth. Charli has no job, and a failed relationship, so she sets off to see where the road takes her ... and it happens to be the Busy Bean, and a sign for help wanted. She moves into a duplex, and finds that Gabe is her neighbour/landlord... a delicious looking man, but super grumpy!
It is a lot of fun watching these two interact, the chemistry sizzling between them, when actually neither of them really want it to be. And the thinness of the wall between their bedrooms, leads to some funny unintentional interactions! Gabe is definitely trying to avoid any actual closeness. Charli is by nature a helpful soul and her kindness to his father cannot help but help him see her in a brighter light. I also enjoy the story behind the sayings written in the Busy Bean. Gabe's very supportive of Charli's writing plans, unlike anyone else in her past, so the signs are there for this not being a casual friendship.
There is plenty of humour, angst and miscommunication to make this a really good read, as well as giving us plenty of catch up opportunities with regulars at the BB.
January 30, 2023
Sunny Charli and grumpy Gabe are the next couple to be hit by the Busy Bean love curse and...Gabe is pretty darn grumpy. Well, wait. Maybe he's not grumpy exactly, but he's not a big fan of small talk and he has a default scowl that would probably scare small children and animals.
Okay, yeah. He's grumpy. But in a kind of endearing way? Like, Charli might not have wanted to deal with him at first, but his grumpiness doesn't scare her. She just works around that side of him and does her own thing. Well, unless they're doing THINGS together. Things that Gabe is pretty sure will lead to clinging on Charli's part (because in his experience it always does even when the lady in question says it won't), but she surprises him. In so many ways.
On Charli's end, she's between jobs, has just broken up with her boyfriend (who is a major butthole with the stunt he pulled with her furniture, btw), and she's looking for something. What? Well, she doesn't know. But she's probably know it when she sees it. Renting half a duplex from grumpy Gabe who happens to make her pulse skyrocket? Whatever. She can handle it. Right? HEH. Yeah. There's some handling going on, for sure.
A fresh start, family, The Busy Bean love curse (poor Audrey and Zara had no idea they'd be THE hot spot for coffee and love matches when they opened the BB!), and two people who make things work in the best way. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Okay, yeah. He's grumpy. But in a kind of endearing way? Like, Charli might not have wanted to deal with him at first, but his grumpiness doesn't scare her. She just works around that side of him and does her own thing. Well, unless they're doing THINGS together. Things that Gabe is pretty sure will lead to clinging on Charli's part (because in his experience it always does even when the lady in question says it won't), but she surprises him. In so many ways.
On Charli's end, she's between jobs, has just broken up with her boyfriend (who is a major butthole with the stunt he pulled with her furniture, btw), and she's looking for something. What? Well, she doesn't know. But she's probably know it when she sees it. Renting half a duplex from grumpy Gabe who happens to make her pulse skyrocket? Whatever. She can handle it. Right? HEH. Yeah. There's some handling going on, for sure.
A fresh start, family, The Busy Bean love curse (poor Audrey and Zara had no idea they'd be THE hot spot for coffee and love matches when they opened the BB!), and two people who make things work in the best way. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 16, 2023
⭐️3/5 📚159/120
🇺🇸this was kinda cute and the spice was great. I think I just realised that I’m not really into short stories. 206 pages aren’t enough for me to love the characters and care about their story.
🇫🇷c’était assez mignon et le spice était très bien. Je crois que je viens juste de réaliser que je n’aimais pas vraiment les histoires courtes. 206 pages ne sont pas assez pour moi pour commencer à aimer les personnages.
🇺🇸this was kinda cute and the spice was great. I think I just realised that I’m not really into short stories. 206 pages aren’t enough for me to love the characters and care about their story.
🇫🇷c’était assez mignon et le spice était très bien. Je crois que je viens juste de réaliser que je n’aimais pas vraiment les histoires courtes. 206 pages ne sont pas assez pour moi pour commencer à aimer les personnages.
August 19, 2021
4.25 STARS. review to follow! *This is a complete standalone*
Release Date: September 13, 2021
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://geni.us/SidetrackedAmazon
Apple: https://geni.us/SidetrackedApple
Kobo: https://geni.us/SidetrackedKobo
Nook: https://geni.us/SidetrackedNook
Google: https://geni.us/SidetrackedGoogle
Release Date: September 13, 2021
Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://geni.us/SidetrackedAmazon
Apple: https://geni.us/SidetrackedApple
Kobo: https://geni.us/SidetrackedKobo
Nook: https://geni.us/SidetrackedNook
Google: https://geni.us/SidetrackedGoogle
September 12, 2021
Sidetracked is a story of detours and life lessons that walks the border between common sense and hopelessness. Gabe and Charli get caught in the learning curve and find their true purpose along the way. Kenderson tempts not only the senses she awakens the heart to all the colors of life through the eyes of love.
September 16, 2021
This was a fun, sweet, and sexy read. Charli and Gabe are both starting over in a way and fate has a way of showing you the way. The attraction is palpable and I love how mature they were about it. It flows well and had me unable to put it down.
September 29, 2021
Really became engaged with heroine at the start of the read and enjoyed her journey. Generally enjoyed, but could have done with less drama at the end. A book filled with really nice people I could see myself hanging out with, and I would read more by this author. Rating: 3.5 Stars
September 13, 2021
Warm & fuzzy, grumpy & steamy fun!
I loved how grumpy Gabe was and how spunky Charli was! What a mix. But they are so good for each other - and so hot!
I loved it! If you're looking for a quick fun sexy little diddy, this is for you! Even if you aren't looking, it's everything you didn't know you were/weren't looking for! This will put a big smile on your face!
I loved how grumpy Gabe was and how spunky Charli was! What a mix. But they are so good for each other - and so hot!
I loved it! If you're looking for a quick fun sexy little diddy, this is for you! Even if you aren't looking, it's everything you didn't know you were/weren't looking for! This will put a big smile on your face!
Read
December 31, 2023Very low drama or angst or anything really but enjoyable overall
February 9, 2024
4⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Grumpy/sunshine
Small town
Landlord/tenant
3.5 🌶️
Grumpy/sunshine
Small town
Landlord/tenant
September 13, 2021
Sidetracked is the seventh book in the Busy Bean series, set in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. It is a complete standalone, so it can be read by itself.
I loved everything about this book. It’s really well written and a really great story. I enjoyed every minute. I couldn’t put it down. I just wanted to keep reading and I didn’t want it to end.
Let me just say that if you love your book boyfriends grumpy AF, you won’t find anyone grumpier than Gabe. This guy is no joke. He’s an eleven on the one to ten Grump Scale. And he’s adorable! Just don’t tell him I said that.
I loved everything about Sidetracked. It’s such a great story. It’s sweet, steamy, and so much fun. This is an opposites attract romance between a new writer slash barista and her landlord slash grumpy AF lumberjack carpenter.
The banter, the chemistry, and the heat between Charli and Gabe is beyond description. The Vermontyness in this book is off the charts. The Busy Bean and Speakeasy give it a wonderful True North atmosphere, same with the wonderful side characters we get to meet.
I love grumpy heroes. Gabe and Charli don’t start on the right foot basically because Gabe was really rude to her. Because he doesn’t want to be attracted to her. But you can feel the tension between them, and their attraction is almost tangible. My favorite part about it is how Charli reacts to him. She fights back! She doesn’t take his BS and that makes their interactions extremely witty and intense. I really enjoyed reading this one. I highly recommend it. It’s so good!
I loved everything about this book. It’s really well written and a really great story. I enjoyed every minute. I couldn’t put it down. I just wanted to keep reading and I didn’t want it to end.
Let me just say that if you love your book boyfriends grumpy AF, you won’t find anyone grumpier than Gabe. This guy is no joke. He’s an eleven on the one to ten Grump Scale. And he’s adorable! Just don’t tell him I said that.
I loved everything about Sidetracked. It’s such a great story. It’s sweet, steamy, and so much fun. This is an opposites attract romance between a new writer slash barista and her landlord slash grumpy AF lumberjack carpenter.
The banter, the chemistry, and the heat between Charli and Gabe is beyond description. The Vermontyness in this book is off the charts. The Busy Bean and Speakeasy give it a wonderful True North atmosphere, same with the wonderful side characters we get to meet.
I love grumpy heroes. Gabe and Charli don’t start on the right foot basically because Gabe was really rude to her. Because he doesn’t want to be attracted to her. But you can feel the tension between them, and their attraction is almost tangible. My favorite part about it is how Charli reacts to him. She fights back! She doesn’t take his BS and that makes their interactions extremely witty and intense. I really enjoyed reading this one. I highly recommend it. It’s so good!
September 21, 2021
The Busy Bean just keeps going, Book # 7 and I still enjoy the coffee world and Vermont country feel. This was my first read by R.L. Kenderson and I really enjoyed the writing and the characters. I was more than happy to see yet another brooding and serious hero taken out at the knees by a sweet and happy heroine. The story was sweet and ended well, I just wish it were longer.
I really enjoyed both our main characters Charli and Gabe. Charli, aka Charlotte is new in town and a new barista a the Busy Bean. She did not mean to land in Vermont but when she entered the café with the eclectic atmosphere and encouraging quotes all around she decided she needed to stay. Her first day she runs into a seriously hot but ridiculously grumpy man and hopes that's not how all Vermont men are. Charli needs a place to live and for the first time in her adult life she will be able to call it her own. I loved her personality and her ability to really take anything in stride with a smile on her face. She also has a funny and sarcastic side which I think made it possible for her to deal with her extra grumpy landlord, Gabe. I kind of loved Gabe despite his grump, probably more for it! I love the closed off hero's and I love seeing them come out of their shells. Gabe happens to be the less than pleasant man Charli ran into at the Busy Bean and when she goes to meet with her new landlord and see her potential apartment he is the one standing there, with his brother Max. Gabe does not want the pretty, happy woman with the ruby red lips as his tenant. He is instantly attracted to her and just does not need that complication in his life. He is a full time family business owner, carpenter, and landlord, and he is helping take care of his sick father. He does not want a woman complicating his quiet life and he tells himself he will not let it affect him. But he seems to want to always help or be around Charli and soon they are in bed together and their chemistry is divine.
Honestly I really liked this story but it felt way too short. The first half made it seem like we would get to know Gabe and Charli as a couple, finding their shared interests as well as them having moments where they really got to know one another, neither really happened. I am usually good with just intense insta-lust with a happy ending but I definitely wanted more of this couple. I was disappointed their HEA was rushed but it was still a great one. I did see everything coming, easy storyline to predict so it would have been nice for a surprise or two. And also I really wanted more interactions with Gabe and his brother Max and his father. I wanted to more of Charli becoming a part of their family and finding her life in Vermont and not just in the sheets with Gabe (although they were great together in the aspect). And as spicy as they were together the first few times I felt their bed activities (or against the garage wall) were a little lacking as the story went on and I wanted more! Always more in that area!
I would for sure say this was a great story with loveable characters that left me with a warm feeling and a smile. I will definitely read more of this author and hope for a bonus scene of Gabe and Charli!
I really enjoyed both our main characters Charli and Gabe. Charli, aka Charlotte is new in town and a new barista a the Busy Bean. She did not mean to land in Vermont but when she entered the café with the eclectic atmosphere and encouraging quotes all around she decided she needed to stay. Her first day she runs into a seriously hot but ridiculously grumpy man and hopes that's not how all Vermont men are. Charli needs a place to live and for the first time in her adult life she will be able to call it her own. I loved her personality and her ability to really take anything in stride with a smile on her face. She also has a funny and sarcastic side which I think made it possible for her to deal with her extra grumpy landlord, Gabe. I kind of loved Gabe despite his grump, probably more for it! I love the closed off hero's and I love seeing them come out of their shells. Gabe happens to be the less than pleasant man Charli ran into at the Busy Bean and when she goes to meet with her new landlord and see her potential apartment he is the one standing there, with his brother Max. Gabe does not want the pretty, happy woman with the ruby red lips as his tenant. He is instantly attracted to her and just does not need that complication in his life. He is a full time family business owner, carpenter, and landlord, and he is helping take care of his sick father. He does not want a woman complicating his quiet life and he tells himself he will not let it affect him. But he seems to want to always help or be around Charli and soon they are in bed together and their chemistry is divine.
Honestly I really liked this story but it felt way too short. The first half made it seem like we would get to know Gabe and Charli as a couple, finding their shared interests as well as them having moments where they really got to know one another, neither really happened. I am usually good with just intense insta-lust with a happy ending but I definitely wanted more of this couple. I was disappointed their HEA was rushed but it was still a great one. I did see everything coming, easy storyline to predict so it would have been nice for a surprise or two. And also I really wanted more interactions with Gabe and his brother Max and his father. I wanted to more of Charli becoming a part of their family and finding her life in Vermont and not just in the sheets with Gabe (although they were great together in the aspect). And as spicy as they were together the first few times I felt their bed activities (or against the garage wall) were a little lacking as the story went on and I wanted more! Always more in that area!
I would for sure say this was a great story with loveable characters that left me with a warm feeling and a smile. I will definitely read more of this author and hope for a bonus scene of Gabe and Charli!
September 13, 2021
I'll be honest and say that I have not read the other books in the Busy Bean series. This is book #7 in the series but the only one written by R and L so I can only comment on them but can only imagine if they are involved then the other authors are also fantastic. Anyway, I loved this story of Gabe and Charli!!! The interactions between the two of them had me laughing out loud and reading some of the paragraphs over and over again. Because each book is written by a different author you know that this is an Hea. ;) Also once you get to know the other characters in this book it makes you want to go back and read the other books!! Also there is a little surprise for in here for R and L's loyal readers........
I highly recommend this book and I also received an advanced copy of this book.
I highly recommend this book and I also received an advanced copy of this book.
September 13, 2021
Sidetracked is a standalone book by R.L.Kenderson in the Busy Bean world (#7). I absolutely fell in love with this story because it is such a sweet read that gives you many happy feels. This story introduces us to Charli and Gabe who are two opposites whose souls complement each other as she is the sun, and he is the clouds. While they face storms both separately and together it’s the how they face the journey ahead of them to find the peace and happiness they both desperately want and need that pulls you right alongside with them. Fate allowed for their paths to cross and gave us a treat as a result in meeting these characters. Another great book by R.L. Kenderson that makes you want to be friends with the characters. A perfect read for a quick escape.
September 13, 2021
3.25-3.5 stars. This was an okay read for me. Sidetracked is book seven in the Busy Bean series, a standalone book in a series set in Sarina Bowen's True North world. This is Charli and Gabe's story. Charli recently broke up with a boyfriend and lost her job, so she set out for a new life and decides on Vermont. There she meets her new landlord, a grumpy woodworker named Gabe. Charli gets a job at the Busy Bean and begins writing a book in the hope of soon publishing. The two of them clash a little at first, but soon can't deny an attraction. They begin a no-strings relationship which develops into something deeper along the way.
This was not a bad story. I did think the pacing was a bit off. The beginning was too slow and the second half, especially the ending, felt rushed. Charli and Gabe had poor communication and I never felt like they let their guards down or got really comfortable with each other. The characters' internal reasoning did not feel natrural and the reactions were overdramatic. I also never felt the love between them. Charli and Gabe were just okay characters to me.
Overall, this book was an okay read. It was entertaining and kept my attention, even if I didn't fully connect with the book. Still, I enjoyed it in general and found it entertaining for the most part. I am really enjoying the Busy Bean series though and look forward to more from it in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
This was not a bad story. I did think the pacing was a bit off. The beginning was too slow and the second half, especially the ending, felt rushed. Charli and Gabe had poor communication and I never felt like they let their guards down or got really comfortable with each other. The characters' internal reasoning did not feel natrural and the reactions were overdramatic. I also never felt the love between them. Charli and Gabe were just okay characters to me.
Overall, this book was an okay read. It was entertaining and kept my attention, even if I didn't fully connect with the book. Still, I enjoyed it in general and found it entertaining for the most part. I am really enjoying the Busy Bean series though and look forward to more from it in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 3, 2021
Sidetracked is a wonderful, laugh-out-loud, sexy story of two people finding what they were least expecting!
Charli is a free spirit who stops in a small town in Vermont because it feels right. She rents a place from Gabe and his brother. Gabe works at the family run hardware store and does woodworking on the side. Gabe and Charli passionately butt heads from first glance. That passion has to be channeled somewhere. What better place than the bedroom?!?!
I love the back and forth between Charli and Gabe. Their relationship progresses is a cute and exasperating way! Gabe's dad is adorable and a great comic relief to the story! Bravo R.L. Kenderson!
Charli is a free spirit who stops in a small town in Vermont because it feels right. She rents a place from Gabe and his brother. Gabe works at the family run hardware store and does woodworking on the side. Gabe and Charli passionately butt heads from first glance. That passion has to be channeled somewhere. What better place than the bedroom?!?!
I love the back and forth between Charli and Gabe. Their relationship progresses is a cute and exasperating way! Gabe's dad is adorable and a great comic relief to the story! Bravo R.L. Kenderson!
February 1, 2022
He is regularly and routinely a jerk to her. He apologizes periodically, but still, he isn't consistently a good person to her. Yes, the sex is good, but sex can not replace actual respect in a happy, long-term relationship. I don't see much actual romantic development between them. He's good at gestures, but what does she contribute except being from the Midwest so she can tolerate cold?
Also, what kind of family doesn't rearrange their schedule to make sure one of them can take their dad to the neurologist appointment where they know he will almost certainly be diagnosed with alzheimers?
Finally, I hate the magic sperm overcomes her longstanding fertility issues and gets her miraculously pregnant trope/plot point. It's hurtful to a lot of readers who actually have real fertility issues.
Also, what kind of family doesn't rearrange their schedule to make sure one of them can take their dad to the neurologist appointment where they know he will almost certainly be diagnosed with alzheimers?
Finally, I hate the magic sperm overcomes her longstanding fertility issues and gets her miraculously pregnant trope/plot point. It's hurtful to a lot of readers who actually have real fertility issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2021
Amazon / Apple / Kobo / Nook / Google
Charli losing her job and her boyfriend, (well, she broke up with him because he was a jerk), is the catalyst for packing up and moving away. To where, she won't know til she finds a place that calls to her. She finds that place when she pulls into a Vermont coffee shop called Busy Bean. Armed with a new job (as a barista there), and a place to live, she settles into life in her new home. Too bad her grumpy landlord/neighbor, Gabe isn't as happy she's there as she is. And too bad when their attraction is consummated that he doesn't feel the need to admit to the feelings that develop along with that attraction.
Gabe knows he's a jerk, the jerk where his brother is the nice one. It's just that he's got so much on his shoulders what with his dad's dementia getting worse, and the two of them having to save enough to pay for his future nursing home. Then this ray of sunshine moves into the other half of his duplex, and suddenly things are upside down. he doesn't want to be attracted to her. He doesn't want to have feelings for her, but he can't seem to help himself. He just can't tell her because he's not the right man for her and the things she wants in life. But when something happens that he reacts horribly to, even more horribly that usual, will it drive Charli away for good?
Grumpy/sunshine books are some of my favorites, even though they tend to make me want to smack the grump when he's especially grumpy, grumpy enough to hurt the sunshine. Gabe definitely needed to be smacked more than once, but Charli was an angel and put up with him, even loved him through it. Charli was my favorite part of Sidetracked. She shined bright, bright enough to give Gabe some much needed lightening up. Sidetracked is sweet, sexy opposites attract with the grumpiest fuck ever, and a bright light that gave him love even when he claimed he didn't want it.
ARC via Sarina Bowen for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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September 13, 2021
Check out our full post for SIDETRACKED on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the seventh book in this multi-author series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I have read many of them, and really enjoy catching up with old friends and reading about new loves.
I really enjoyed this storyline, with both the leads being somewhat adrift in their lives. Gabe has had to come home to support his brother and sister-in-law in the family business and with their father, who is starting to show signs of dementia. He also has a successful woodwork business in a workshop by his house, but he had promised that he would never come back to the town of his youth. Charli has no job, and a failed relationship, so she sets off to see where the road takes her... and it happens to be the Busy Bean, and a sign for help wanted. She moves into a duplex and finds that Gabe is her neighbour/landlord... a delicious looking man, but super grumpy!
It is a lot of fun watching these two interact, the chemistry sizzling between them, when actually neither of them really want it to be. And the thinness of the wall between their bedrooms, leads to some funny unintentional interactions! Gabe is definitely trying to avoid any actual closeness. Charli is by nature a helpful soul and her kindness to his father cannot help but help him see her in a brighter light. I also enjoy the story behind the sayings written in the Busy Bean. Gabe's very supportive of Charli's writing plans, unlike anyone else in her past, so the signs are there for this not being a casual friendship.
There is plenty of humour, angst, and miscommunication to make this a really good read, as well as giving us plenty of catch-up opportunities with regulars at the Busy Bean.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 25, 2022
This was a quick read and it was fine. Generally I like grumpy/sunshine but Gabe was a jerk and I didn't like him very much. He's a Harvard grad who worked a corporate job in Boston before quitting and returning to Colebury to work at his family's hardware store and do what he really loved which was custom carpentry which was fine, but why is he carrying an ax on the cover when not once does he wield one in the book?
Charli is an aspiring author who ends up self-publishing a book but there was this pointless cameo of Mallory, who was the heroine in book 6 (which incidentally, I DNF'd) that Charli met in The Busy Bean. She introduced herself as an author and Charli has a quick chat with her about how she's writing a book, too, so Mallory offers to help if she needs any, which would have been a perfect opportunity to engage and meet new people in town, yet Charli reaches out to her cousin, who we've never heard of (assuming you've read the series) to get advice on editors, and covers, etc. It just felt like a very minor plot thread that was dropped.
Charli also has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which has a side effect of infertility - she has very infrequent periods and while she can get pregnant, she would likely need medical intervention. She had unprotected sex with her boyfriend of 6 yrs and never got pregnant but the one time she had unprotected sex with Gabe she got pregnant - insert eyeroll for hero's magical sperm.
Charli is an aspiring author who ends up self-publishing a book but there was this pointless cameo of Mallory, who was the heroine in book 6 (which incidentally, I DNF'd) that Charli met in The Busy Bean. She introduced herself as an author and Charli has a quick chat with her about how she's writing a book, too, so Mallory offers to help if she needs any, which would have been a perfect opportunity to engage and meet new people in town, yet Charli reaches out to her cousin, who we've never heard of (assuming you've read the series) to get advice on editors, and covers, etc. It just felt like a very minor plot thread that was dropped.
Charli also has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which has a side effect of infertility - she has very infrequent periods and while she can get pregnant, she would likely need medical intervention. She had unprotected sex with her boyfriend of 6 yrs and never got pregnant but the one time she had unprotected sex with Gabe she got pregnant - insert eyeroll for hero's magical sperm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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