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Love Stories in Sheet Cake, Texas #1
The Buy-In
"You can't Schitt's Creek a town, Tank."
"And you can't verb a noun, son."
When a family of former pro football players buy a small Texas town, they didn't intend to start a war with its residents ... or to fall in love.
Ever since his career-ending injury, Pat has bounced from job to job, idea to idea, short-lived relationship to short-lived relationship. But when his father purchases the town of Sheet Cake, Pat suddenly sees his life with clear purpose: get his brothers on board with his dad's wild idea and win back the one woman who got away.
Lindy was supposed to be traveling the world, not stuck in a small town, caring for her niece. But she would do anything to keep custody of Jo--even if that looks like a marriage of convenience with the man who already broke her heart once.
Now if she can only keep herself from falling back in love with her husband...
This is a small town, marriage of convenience romantic comedy with plenty of sizzle while keeping the bedroom door closed. It's the first in a spinoff series following Harper's brothers (from Falling for Your Best Friend). You don't need to have read the Love Clichés series first to enjoy this book.
"And you can't verb a noun, son."
When a family of former pro football players buy a small Texas town, they didn't intend to start a war with its residents ... or to fall in love.
Ever since his career-ending injury, Pat has bounced from job to job, idea to idea, short-lived relationship to short-lived relationship. But when his father purchases the town of Sheet Cake, Pat suddenly sees his life with clear purpose: get his brothers on board with his dad's wild idea and win back the one woman who got away.
Lindy was supposed to be traveling the world, not stuck in a small town, caring for her niece. But she would do anything to keep custody of Jo--even if that looks like a marriage of convenience with the man who already broke her heart once.
Now if she can only keep herself from falling back in love with her husband...
This is a small town, marriage of convenience romantic comedy with plenty of sizzle while keeping the bedroom door closed. It's the first in a spinoff series following Harper's brothers (from Falling for Your Best Friend). You don't need to have read the Love Clichés series first to enjoy this book.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2022
About the author
Emma St. Clair
53 books2,832 followersEmma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 985 reviews
February 14, 2023
5 stars! 5 stars! 5 stars!!
I'm screaming 5 stars...isn't that what you say when you love a book...well I can't even count the no. of times Emma/ Kristen's books made me smile, flushed my heart with joyful glee and happiness ..wanting me to be me and an even better me.
It's like this bit of little haven I can create for myself and live in I mean like live in all the emotions...frustration when they don't kiss, anger when they do stupid mistakes, swooning at my hero, shouting at my girl when needs that girl push, crying over the cuteness of the little girls love and ABSOINDISPUTABLELY falling for the epic story and character, freaking my sister with how much I mention them, giggle, laugh suddenly( which I mean mostly during nights...hey, they're the perfect sleep thoughts) 💗🤗
if you're not yet running to your amazon account/ library and checking out this book.. you need not fret deary, your heart will be safe with these perfect book boyfriends, I promise you they will set up a permanent tent in that little heart of yours.
(you should talk about the book Teju!! )Oh, yeah!! isn't that what reviews are for
▶▶okay, here we GO:
Amazing swoony hero- ✔
That sweet, fierce, and strong woman who feels like your best friend- ✔
Adorable perspicacious sweet little girl- ✔
Annoyingly amazing family and siblings- ✔
Girl power group of besties - ✔
SMALL TOWN- ✔
second chance romance-✔
MOC - ✔
Flawed, messed up characters with a heart to change - ✔
Laugh OUT loud moments - ✔
swoonyy moments - triple dark chocolate ice cream check
what! still here... you want to know the negatives - well, there are NO negative moments except for a few times where I felt the book was going a bit slow and a situation a felt a slight bit difficult to follow/agree quickly - rest assured I was convinced that these are ant feet issues compared to the positives of the book.
now, my feral cat is already in its dreamworld waiting for the NEXT book, A story featuring
The KING of cranktarious sweltering hot men island aka JAMES!!
😜🤩
(Clearly, I'm going to get tested for my lack of patience ..no problem.. we're the queen of waiting for sequel kingdom -- //NO Wayy!!- my sisters genuine concern people
//
hmm...okay then A high lady maybe )
Kristen if you are reading this please know how much I love your books, how much your efforts mean, and clearly how impatient I am for the next book.
* I was provided with an e-ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review, under no circumstances was I asked for a positive review.
I'm screaming 5 stars...isn't that what you say when you love a book...well I can't even count the no. of times Emma/ Kristen's books made me smile, flushed my heart with joyful glee and happiness ..wanting me to be me and an even better me.
It's like this bit of little haven I can create for myself and live in I mean like live in all the emotions...frustration when they don't kiss, anger when they do stupid mistakes, swooning at my hero, shouting at my girl when needs that girl push, crying over the cuteness of the little girls love and ABSOINDISPUTABLELY falling for the epic story and character, freaking my sister with how much I mention them, giggle, laugh suddenly( which I mean mostly during nights...hey, they're the perfect sleep thoughts) 💗🤗
if you're not yet running to your amazon account/ library and checking out this book.. you need not fret deary, your heart will be safe with these perfect book boyfriends, I promise you they will set up a permanent tent in that little heart of yours.
(you should talk about the book Teju!! )Oh, yeah!! isn't that what reviews are for
▶▶okay, here we GO:
Amazing swoony hero- ✔
That sweet, fierce, and strong woman who feels like your best friend- ✔
Adorable perspicacious sweet little girl- ✔
Annoyingly amazing family and siblings- ✔
Girl power group of besties - ✔
SMALL TOWN- ✔
second chance romance-✔
MOC - ✔
Flawed, messed up characters with a heart to change - ✔
Laugh OUT loud moments - ✔
swoonyy moments - triple dark chocolate ice cream check
what! still here... you want to know the negatives - well, there are NO negative moments except for a few times where I felt the book was going a bit slow and a situation a felt a slight bit difficult to follow/agree quickly - rest assured I was convinced that these are ant feet issues compared to the positives of the book.
now, my feral cat is already in its dreamworld waiting for the NEXT book, A story featuring
The KING of cranktarious sweltering hot men island aka JAMES!!
😜🤩
(Clearly, I'm going to get tested for my lack of patience ..no problem.. we're the queen of waiting for sequel kingdom -- //NO Wayy!!- my sisters genuine concern people
//
hmm...okay then A high lady maybe )
Kristen if you are reading this please know how much I love your books, how much your efforts mean, and clearly how impatient I am for the next book.
* I was provided with an e-ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review, under no circumstances was I asked for a positive review.
July 16, 2022
i absolutely loved everything. the adhd felt so real like i related to it so much which amazing to see representation being accurate and i absolutely loved it. also the development was just immaculate likw i have no words for how much i loved this book. i think my favorite part was when they show pats emotional side and that hit me so hard bc it’s so underrepresented in ADHD. our mood swings are insane and it made me so happy to see it in a book i do wish there was more of how pat told lindy but overall literally in love.
November 30, 2023
I like my romances to include the couple falling in love. This story starts with each already in love with the other. Worse than that, though, is that Lindy is in hardcore denial about it. So this is going to be a whole mess of negative motivation* and a lot of plot shenanigans (I suspect Pat's dad will provide the bulk of that with his Schitt's Creek knockoff thing) to give them enough to fill out a whole book.
And I'm just going to call nope right there. They're in love. I already missed the best part and have no desire to stick around for free-floating frustration and drama.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
And I'm just going to call nope right there. They're in love. I already missed the best part and have no desire to stick around for free-floating frustration and drama.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
April 5, 2022
This was really cute!
I loved the fact that Pat and Lindy were super slow with each other and content to let their lives go by before worrying about the love and that kind of romance really hits you hard :)
Love these two to death!
I loved the fact that Pat and Lindy were super slow with each other and content to let their lives go by before worrying about the love and that kind of romance really hits you hard :)
Love these two to death!
February 1, 2022
The Graham family is so lovable! First meeting each of their distinctive personalities in Falling for Your Best Friend, I was highly anticipating this new spin-off series.
Thanks to his father, Pat is now the reluctant partial owner of Sheet Cake, Texas, an incredibly quaint small town known for, yup, its annual Sheet Cake Festival. Navigating plans to build the family brewery in a ghost town isn't the only problem, however. Sheet Cake is none other than the hometown of Lindy, the woman Pat left brokenhearted five years ago.
Impulsive and full of life, Pat is desperate to win back his girl, proposing a marriage contract to help Lindy maintain custody of her niece. Wooing her every step of the way, I adored this sweet romance as Pat proves his intentions are genuine. And this book has officially made me crave more middle-of-a-storm kissing scenes. Swoon!
Filled with gossiping locals and small-town politics, the setting of Sheet Cake was so fun to explore. I cannot wait until book two, which will follow James—my absolute favourite grumpy Graham brother!
Thanks to his father, Pat is now the reluctant partial owner of Sheet Cake, Texas, an incredibly quaint small town known for, yup, its annual Sheet Cake Festival. Navigating plans to build the family brewery in a ghost town isn't the only problem, however. Sheet Cake is none other than the hometown of Lindy, the woman Pat left brokenhearted five years ago.
Impulsive and full of life, Pat is desperate to win back his girl, proposing a marriage contract to help Lindy maintain custody of her niece. Wooing her every step of the way, I adored this sweet romance as Pat proves his intentions are genuine. And this book has officially made me crave more middle-of-a-storm kissing scenes. Swoon!
Filled with gossiping locals and small-town politics, the setting of Sheet Cake was so fun to explore. I cannot wait until book two, which will follow James—my absolute favourite grumpy Graham brother!
April 21, 2022
A pretty, sweet and a fun read which will make you smile endlessly while reading this book.
May 7, 2023
Oh I am officially obsessed with the Graham family!!! All of them!! I cannot wait to start The Bluff and then count down the days for the Pocket Pair to release!!
I LOVED Pat! He was such a great main male lead! He was ALL man, but not brooding or rough. He was a cinnamon roll through and TROUGH!
I love how big he felt things! It was such a different view to have the main guy have the big emotions and ADHD and be confident in that.
Lindy annoyed me a little bit (but I always find the “refuses to ask for help even when the world is crashing around my head” character frustrating)
Like, she knew that she & Pat made the mistakes at a young age. She had some commitment issues and fears of people leaving (which I get)
But it was hard for me to see Pat give and give and give and she responded with irritation or nothing.
BUUUUUUUTTTTTT!!! HAPPILY EVER AFTERS! And second & third chances! And maturing and true love! It all had its time and it ended PERFECTLY!!
Jo was ADORBS! Loved her so much! She was perfect for the story!
4.5/5 stars
I LOVED Pat! He was such a great main male lead! He was ALL man, but not brooding or rough. He was a cinnamon roll through and TROUGH!
I love how big he felt things! It was such a different view to have the main guy have the big emotions and ADHD and be confident in that.
Lindy annoyed me a little bit (but I always find the “refuses to ask for help even when the world is crashing around my head” character frustrating)
Like, she knew that she & Pat made the mistakes at a young age. She had some commitment issues and fears of people leaving (which I get)
But it was hard for me to see Pat give and give and give and she responded with irritation or nothing.
BUUUUUUUTTTTTT!!! HAPPILY EVER AFTERS! And second & third chances! And maturing and true love! It all had its time and it ended PERFECTLY!!
Jo was ADORBS! Loved her so much! She was perfect for the story!
4.5/5 stars
January 24, 2022
I love everything Emma St. Clair writes and The Buy-In is no exception. I've wanted to read this ever since the author said she was writing it. It did NOT disappoint. Pat was a fantastic hero who had me chuckling at his antics and sighing over his feelings. I could completely understand Lindy's resistance which made for some fun and sweet moments. Throw in the adorable Jo and a cast of characters I'm hoping will get their own story and I consider this book a touchdown. :)
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
Read
February 12, 2022DNF @ 55%
I wanted to like it bc it had all the things I usually like but it was boring and the characters annoyed me.
I wanted to like it bc it had all the things I usually like but it was boring and the characters annoyed me.
April 29, 2022
pros-kinda sweet grovel, cute story.
cons- messy, chaotic, rushed, unnecessarily long.
cons- messy, chaotic, rushed, unnecessarily long.
January 29, 2022
The Buy In is so much Fun! Lots of giggles and smiles for me. The humor just kept coming. Yeah, it might be over the top in places but it really works in this book and it works for me! It took me a minute to see Lindy’s POV. Of course I liked the Graham family already from reading The Love Cliche series. The set up for James is there and I’m here for it! I enjoy a good age gap story so I hope Tank and maybe Ashley find love. Then there’s Collin, Chevy, Val and maybe even Wolf. Way to go Emma StClair! Keep the romcoms coming, we love them!
July 13, 2024
Sheet Cake, TX is the cutest fictional town and I loved this introduction to the Graham brothers. This book made me smile and giggle right alongside Pat who was such a sweetheart. I loved seeing a reverse grumpy sunshine story with him being the silly happy one who brings out that side of Lindy. I’m jumping right into James and Winnie’s story next and can’t wait to see the grumpy brother lighten up a bit.
February 27, 2022
My full review can be found here: bit.ly/3K2xoAq
“I’m sorry,” Pat says. “I know I said it, but I can keep saying it until you believe it—I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
And another quote because I just COULD NOT choose...
“I don’t need a grand gesture,” he repeats, shaking his head for emphasis. “I just need you.”
I need to start this review by saying that I am THRILLED about Emma (Kirsten) deciding to write a series for Harper's brothers! All of our begging and demanding worked lol!! And just so you know, the book was MORE than worth the wait. Seriously. I loved it so much...I don’t think I can describe how much I loved it!! 😭😍
The story was filled with a whirlwind of emotions and I really enjoyed the balance of both humor AND heart. Pat was crazy in the best way lol, always ready to help someone or make them laugh. And even though Lindy was tough/closed-off at times, it was obvious that she had so much love to give...even after being hurt. The strong family themes were amazing and it was great to read about so many familiar side characters, as well as all the new ones!!
As far as content goes: There was no on-page sex, but it was talked about (especially since the main characters dated in the past and share a marriage of convenience), and there were some suggestive material/innuendos (nothing too crazy). Characters did drink. Pat's mother died when he was young. Lindy's father left when she was also young and her mother struggled with dementia. Lindy was raising her niece (Jo) because her sister (Rachel) dealt with a drinking/drug addiction, and she left Jo behind. However, Rachel wanted Jo back...which resulted in custody issues. None of this was triggering for me, but could possibly be for other readers. I would describe the book as a "PG-13 romance movie."
And now, I'm going to let my list of IMPORTANT points do most of talking...
1: I’ve barely started this book and I’m already so invested lol
2: I’ve missed Tank and the boys
3: I love how close their family is, seriously
4: Pat is so intense!
5: “No way is a town named after a cake”
6: I haven’t seen her and Jo actually interact yet, but I know that their relationship needs to be COMPLETELY protected
7: PTO Mafia
8: Oh snapppp, he went looking for her!
9: His crush on her is adorable lol
10: He WHAT?!
11: Jo has a super cute sense of humor, oh my gosh
12: She’s hereeeeeee!!
13: The tension is already tooooo much
14: I love Mari
15: The Neighborly app is GOLD
16: Jo and Lindy have my heart
17: Oh my gosh, Jo is just precious all the way around
18: I ship Lindy and Pat so freaking much
19: I’m glad the truth came out sooner than later tbh
20: YOU BOTH ARE SINGLE AS HECKKKKK
21: “I wanted it to be you.”
22: James always manages to snag my attention...
23: Small. Town. Drama.
24: THAYDENNNNNN
25: People can judge Pat all they want, but I’m here for the fajita proposal
26: Wowww, Bessie
27: It’s so intense how much Lindy wants him even know she feels like she shouldn’t
28: I can’t wait to read Winnie and Val’s books
29: He’s got ideasssss
30: I love “darlin’” gahhhh it’s so swoony lol
31: YESSSSS, Judge Judie!!
32: THE FIRST BUT NOT FIRST KISS HAS HAPPENED
33: Winnie and James
34: Their “slow dance”
35: The rules, take two
36: I’m more than okay with the rule-bending
37: THANK GOD HE TRIED TO FIX THAT TOLIET
38: I was wondering how flaming squirrels were going to happen lol
39: Jo is too much lol. MATING RITUAL?!
40: The swing
41: I love how sensitive he is
42: I just want to keep reading lollll
43: That football game though...
44: HA! He showed up anyway and we love him for it
45: Glitter. ALL THE GLITTER.
46: Oof that rainstorm
47: I know the book isn’t over yet but I’m so happy right now lol.
48: Exposed brick wall
49: Okay, James was raining on my parade (I still love him) but now everything is feeling cozy and happy again...
50: Oh nooooo. WHAT IS HAPPENING? THIS IS SUPPOSED BE A GOOD THING!
51: Okay, but I wasn’t actually expecting him to show up like that lol
52: “I don’t need a grand gesture.”
53: Gahhhhh, I had a feeling Pat was the one along (IYKYK)
54: “The talk”
55: That ending
56: The epilogue is starting out EXACTLY how I wanted
57: Grand gesturessss
58: Yeah, I definitely need James and Winnie’s book
Phew. What a mouthful! (Have I convinced you yet?? 😏)
READ THIS BOOK! That way we both can wait impatiently for the rest of the series because we fell in love with the wonderful shenanigans of Sheet Cake, Texas. 😍💗
~I received an e-copy of this story from the author, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~
“I’m sorry,” Pat says. “I know I said it, but I can keep saying it until you believe it—I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
And another quote because I just COULD NOT choose...
“I don’t need a grand gesture,” he repeats, shaking his head for emphasis. “I just need you.”
I need to start this review by saying that I am THRILLED about Emma (Kirsten) deciding to write a series for Harper's brothers! All of our begging and demanding worked lol!! And just so you know, the book was MORE than worth the wait. Seriously. I loved it so much...I don’t think I can describe how much I loved it!! 😭😍
The story was filled with a whirlwind of emotions and I really enjoyed the balance of both humor AND heart. Pat was crazy in the best way lol, always ready to help someone or make them laugh. And even though Lindy was tough/closed-off at times, it was obvious that she had so much love to give...even after being hurt. The strong family themes were amazing and it was great to read about so many familiar side characters, as well as all the new ones!!
As far as content goes: There was no on-page sex, but it was talked about (especially since the main characters dated in the past and share a marriage of convenience), and there were some suggestive material/innuendos (nothing too crazy). Characters did drink. Pat's mother died when he was young. Lindy's father left when she was also young and her mother struggled with dementia. Lindy was raising her niece (Jo) because her sister (Rachel) dealt with a drinking/drug addiction, and she left Jo behind. However, Rachel wanted Jo back...which resulted in custody issues. None of this was triggering for me, but could possibly be for other readers. I would describe the book as a "PG-13 romance movie."
And now, I'm going to let my list of IMPORTANT points do most of talking...
1: I’ve barely started this book and I’m already so invested lol
2: I’ve missed Tank and the boys
3: I love how close their family is, seriously
4: Pat is so intense!
5: “No way is a town named after a cake”
6: I haven’t seen her and Jo actually interact yet, but I know that their relationship needs to be COMPLETELY protected
7: PTO Mafia
8: Oh snapppp, he went looking for her!
9: His crush on her is adorable lol
10: He WHAT?!
11: Jo has a super cute sense of humor, oh my gosh
12: She’s hereeeeeee!!
13: The tension is already tooooo much
14: I love Mari
15: The Neighborly app is GOLD
16: Jo and Lindy have my heart
17: Oh my gosh, Jo is just precious all the way around
18: I ship Lindy and Pat so freaking much
19: I’m glad the truth came out sooner than later tbh
20: YOU BOTH ARE SINGLE AS HECKKKKK
21: “I wanted it to be you.”
22: James always manages to snag my attention...
23: Small. Town. Drama.
24: THAYDENNNNNN
25: People can judge Pat all they want, but I’m here for the fajita proposal
26: Wowww, Bessie
27: It’s so intense how much Lindy wants him even know she feels like she shouldn’t
28: I can’t wait to read Winnie and Val’s books
29: He’s got ideasssss
30: I love “darlin’” gahhhh it’s so swoony lol
31: YESSSSS, Judge Judie!!
32: THE FIRST BUT NOT FIRST KISS HAS HAPPENED
33: Winnie and James
34: Their “slow dance”
35: The rules, take two
36: I’m more than okay with the rule-bending
37: THANK GOD HE TRIED TO FIX THAT TOLIET
38: I was wondering how flaming squirrels were going to happen lol
39: Jo is too much lol. MATING RITUAL?!
40: The swing
41: I love how sensitive he is
42: I just want to keep reading lollll
43: That football game though...
44: HA! He showed up anyway and we love him for it
45: Glitter. ALL THE GLITTER.
46: Oof that rainstorm
47: I know the book isn’t over yet but I’m so happy right now lol.
48: Exposed brick wall
49: Okay, James was raining on my parade (I still love him) but now everything is feeling cozy and happy again...
50: Oh nooooo. WHAT IS HAPPENING? THIS IS SUPPOSED BE A GOOD THING!
51: Okay, but I wasn’t actually expecting him to show up like that lol
52: “I don’t need a grand gesture.”
53: Gahhhhh, I had a feeling Pat was the one along (IYKYK)
54: “The talk”
55: That ending
56: The epilogue is starting out EXACTLY how I wanted
57: Grand gesturessss
58: Yeah, I definitely need James and Winnie’s book
Phew. What a mouthful! (Have I convinced you yet?? 😏)
READ THIS BOOK! That way we both can wait impatiently for the rest of the series because we fell in love with the wonderful shenanigans of Sheet Cake, Texas. 😍💗
~I received an e-copy of this story from the author, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.~
February 4, 2022
When his father buys the town of Sheet Cake, Texas, we learn that our main man, Patrick 'Pat' Graham, is already well familiar with it - it is the home of the woman he loved and left in college, Lindy Darcy. We follow these characters as they navigate through one of the best rom-com tropes of all - a marriage of convenience. Cue all of the romantic tension!
The Buy-In by Emma St. Clair was an absolute joy to read. The author does a great job with characterization - Patrick and Lindy, our leads, are both flawed but likeable people who navigate their problems in believable ways and were very easy to root for. Patrick especially was wonderfully written; many of his scenes had me saying "This is so cute!" outloud to myself. The dynamics between the Graham siblings was also delightful to read. As one of four children, I am very critical of the unrealistic way siblings are often portrayed in books (see: calling each other "bro" and "sis," going a whole conversation without insulting each other), but St. Clair must have siblings herself because she nailed the balance
There were some pacing issues in the first half of the book as the author set up the plot and struggled to get the action started, and there was a weird amount of name-dropping of celebrities, TV shows, and movie quotes that were odd or super specific and only served to unnecessarily date the book. Additionally, the trope of the precocious child who is intelligent beyond her years is one I find grating. I spend all of my time around children the same age as Jo is in the book; the disconnect between how children of that age actually speak and how Jo is portrayed took me out of the story from time to time to roll my eyes.
Nevertheless, the slow start and a few problems I had never truly detracted from the overall enjoyment and joy this book sparked. I happily dub it 3 Stars: Recommend.
Teresa's Book Rating Scale
⭐️- absolutely loathed/crossed a line or included a hard limit of mine (cheating, &c.)
⭐️⭐️ - read it and didn't like it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️(don't recommend) - I found it interesting or worth reading at the time, but I wouldn't pass it along to a friend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (recommend) - perhaps not a literary masterpiece, but light and enjoyable! You should read it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - wonderful, almost perfect but perhaps missing something/containing some element I did not like.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- fantastic, must read, I would die for this book, bury me with this book.
The Buy-In by Emma St. Clair was an absolute joy to read. The author does a great job with characterization - Patrick and Lindy, our leads, are both flawed but likeable people who navigate their problems in believable ways and were very easy to root for. Patrick especially was wonderfully written; many of his scenes had me saying "This is so cute!" outloud to myself. The dynamics between the Graham siblings was also delightful to read. As one of four children, I am very critical of the unrealistic way siblings are often portrayed in books (see: calling each other "bro" and "sis," going a whole conversation without insulting each other), but St. Clair must have siblings herself because she nailed the balance
There were some pacing issues in the first half of the book as the author set up the plot and struggled to get the action started, and there was a weird amount of name-dropping of celebrities, TV shows, and movie quotes that were odd or super specific and only served to unnecessarily date the book. Additionally, the trope of the precocious child who is intelligent beyond her years is one I find grating. I spend all of my time around children the same age as Jo is in the book; the disconnect between how children of that age actually speak and how Jo is portrayed took me out of the story from time to time to roll my eyes.
Nevertheless, the slow start and a few problems I had never truly detracted from the overall enjoyment and joy this book sparked. I happily dub it 3 Stars: Recommend.
Teresa's Book Rating Scale
⭐️- absolutely loathed/crossed a line or included a hard limit of mine (cheating, &c.)
⭐️⭐️ - read it and didn't like it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️(don't recommend) - I found it interesting or worth reading at the time, but I wouldn't pass it along to a friend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (recommend) - perhaps not a literary masterpiece, but light and enjoyable! You should read it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - wonderful, almost perfect but perhaps missing something/containing some element I did not like.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- fantastic, must read, I would die for this book, bury me with this book.
June 11, 2023
4.5 stars.
This was a great second chance romance. They were never meant to be serious back in the day but they both fell in love with each other even though they knew they were going separate ways. Five years later they meet again and pursue a relationship. At least the guy does.
I love the way the guy is written. He's more emotional and sensitive in a good way. He knows what he wants and pursues the heroine and falls in love immediately with her niece/adopted daughter.
There's a lot of the two main characters being idiots and needing to learn but that was really part of the story and it didn't frustrate me too much. It was glossed over but it sounds like the guy slept with a lot of women, including getting married to someone during that five years. I didn't like that he had lived the heroine but fooled around with other women.
The little girl was fun but she was written like an eight-year-old, not a five-year-old.
I didn't enjoy how much the heroine pushes away all the way to the end. But in general, I really enjoyed myself and I love the family and the town. I definitely want to read more in the series.
This was a great second chance romance. They were never meant to be serious back in the day but they both fell in love with each other even though they knew they were going separate ways. Five years later they meet again and pursue a relationship. At least the guy does.
I love the way the guy is written. He's more emotional and sensitive in a good way. He knows what he wants and pursues the heroine and falls in love immediately with her niece/adopted daughter.
There's a lot of the two main characters being idiots and needing to learn but that was really part of the story and it didn't frustrate me too much. It was glossed over but it sounds like the guy slept with a lot of women, including getting married to someone during that five years. I didn't like that he had lived the heroine but fooled around with other women.
The little girl was fun but she was written like an eight-year-old, not a five-year-old.
I didn't enjoy how much the heroine pushes away all the way to the end. But in general, I really enjoyed myself and I love the family and the town. I definitely want to read more in the series.
January 23, 2022
Thank you @kikimojo for the e-ARC of your next release! I’m so glad I got to read it.
I am all for the marriage of convenience trope! It’s just too good. This book had second chance, single parent, forced proximity, and all the humor.
What I love about romances from @kikimojo is that she is excellent and making them about community, family, and friendship too. It makes the story so much fun.
Pat and Lindy are so swoony and I loved their back and forth. I just loved them together so much! Jo was just adorable and I want to give her a hug.
I wanted to slap Lindy by the end, but the conclusion was so satisfying and worth it.
I am all for the marriage of convenience trope! It’s just too good. This book had second chance, single parent, forced proximity, and all the humor.
What I love about romances from @kikimojo is that she is excellent and making them about community, family, and friendship too. It makes the story so much fun.
Pat and Lindy are so swoony and I loved their back and forth. I just loved them together so much! Jo was just adorable and I want to give her a hug.
I wanted to slap Lindy by the end, but the conclusion was so satisfying and worth it.
December 15, 2022
4⭐️
"You deserve so many good things, Lindy. You are my solid ground. My place of rest. My forever home."
This was the most wholesome, fun read. I felt like I read through this so quickly, even though I didn't because it was so fast paced. I loved Pat's determination to fight for Lindy but also Lindy's determination to fight for Jo. When a book has the whole 'we both know we want each other, why are we fighting it' vibe, I'm gonna eat it up every time!!
Content: kissing only
"You deserve so many good things, Lindy. You are my solid ground. My place of rest. My forever home."
This was the most wholesome, fun read. I felt like I read through this so quickly, even though I didn't because it was so fast paced. I loved Pat's determination to fight for Lindy but also Lindy's determination to fight for Jo. When a book has the whole 'we both know we want each other, why are we fighting it' vibe, I'm gonna eat it up every time!!
Content: kissing only
May 17, 2022
that was fucking ADORABLE.
January 25, 2022
5 stars.
Basics:
- dual POV
- second chance romance
- grumpy sunshine (with a male sunshine!!!!!! As a female grump who is married to a male sunshine.... swoon.)
- marriage for convenience
The way Emma St. Claire writes is so cute and endearing. It’s so funny and it hits the perfect spot for me on her lingo and the way she describes things. (Example: “The wounds: open. As open as a 7-11, which neither opens at seven nor closes at eleven.”).
Another favorite line: “Does it make me some kind of backwards, 15th century woman that his possessiveness makes me tremble? Sorry, modern women. Sorry, feminism. No, actually, I’m not at all sorry. Feminists should support my right to choose what I like, and I apparently like growly, overly possessive displays.”
Anotherrrrr favorite: “Everyone with a kid knows glitter is the butthole of crafts.”
Overall:
I laughed out loud so much with this book. I loved Pat’s family. I cannot wait for more books on them. 👀 I was skeptical of this story line at first, because marriage of convenience is typically a big turn off for me in the trope department. I was nervous, guys. I was thinking I wouldn’t enjoy it once I realized it was a marriage trope. HOWEVER- it was the sweetest story. It was such a joy to read for me that I can’t help but rate this one really high.
“In a relationship, sometimes one person needs more help and support than the other. At another time, it may flip. And still other times, it might be totally equal give-and-take. For now, you need support and I’m freely giving it.”
Thank you so much NetGalley, Emma, and the publishers for this ARC. What a pleasure.
Basics:
- dual POV
- second chance romance
- grumpy sunshine (with a male sunshine!!!!!! As a female grump who is married to a male sunshine.... swoon.)
- marriage for convenience
The way Emma St. Claire writes is so cute and endearing. It’s so funny and it hits the perfect spot for me on her lingo and the way she describes things. (Example: “The wounds: open. As open as a 7-11, which neither opens at seven nor closes at eleven.”).
Another favorite line: “Does it make me some kind of backwards, 15th century woman that his possessiveness makes me tremble? Sorry, modern women. Sorry, feminism. No, actually, I’m not at all sorry. Feminists should support my right to choose what I like, and I apparently like growly, overly possessive displays.”
Anotherrrrr favorite: “Everyone with a kid knows glitter is the butthole of crafts.”
Overall:
I laughed out loud so much with this book. I loved Pat’s family. I cannot wait for more books on them. 👀 I was skeptical of this story line at first, because marriage of convenience is typically a big turn off for me in the trope department. I was nervous, guys. I was thinking I wouldn’t enjoy it once I realized it was a marriage trope. HOWEVER- it was the sweetest story. It was such a joy to read for me that I can’t help but rate this one really high.
“In a relationship, sometimes one person needs more help and support than the other. At another time, it may flip. And still other times, it might be totally equal give-and-take. For now, you need support and I’m freely giving it.”
Thank you so much NetGalley, Emma, and the publishers for this ARC. What a pleasure.
August 18, 2022
it was so bad. the only reason i finished it was because i felt like somehow it HAD to get better, but honestly it didn’t. it’s like reading a hallmark movie. big “we bought a zoo” vibes. also, if you think you’re in for even an OUNCE of steamy scenes, think again. the most you get is detailed kissing. the most annoyingly detailed kissing you’ve ever seen.
January 24, 2022
Emma St. Clair is one of my favorite romcom authors and this latest book is an absolute favorite. It’s a sweet, hilarious second chance/marriage of convenience love story. There were so many moments in this book where I found myself bursting with laughter, fangirling over Patrick and his selfless giving, and touched by Lindy’s situations and the endearing people of Sheet Cake, Texas.
Emma captured the quirky, fun people of a small town perfectly. (I want to live in this town!) They even have a Neighborly App that humorously shares the town’s juicy gossip. The “Sheeters” add surprising depth to this sweet, funny story. She’s also taken the heart wrenching subjects of child custody and dementia and lovingly created a story that both touches the heart and adds a bit of humor and lightness.
Lindy has a complicated past. She doesn’t trust or let her guard down easily. She also struggles with a mother who has dementia and a sister who abandoned her daughter Jojo whom Lindy is now raising. Five year old Jojo is darling! She has wisdom beyond her years and yet is a sweet little girl who soaks up all the love Lindy, Patrick, and his family shower on her. But, when JoJo’s mother suddenly wants custody of her, Lindy does everything in her power to keep her including considering a marriage of convenience to the one man she never forgot and who broke her heart.
Patrick is amazing! When the Graham brothers were introduced in the Love Cliches series, I was intrigued by Harper’s family of football players. Little did I know how much I would come to love them. Patrick is not only handsome and built, but he is a giver. He loves performing acts of service and this endearing quality shines all throughout the story. I loved all the little details he remembers and his patience in trying to make up for past mistakes and showing Lindy he really loves her.
From singed squirrels, to that moment every parent experiences of a child standing by their bedside scaring them to death, to glitter disasters, to a rooster named Elvis, this book totally made me laugh out loud! I enjoyed it so much! It was just the thing to brighten a cold winter’s day.
Highly recommend this book! It deserves all the stars! If you are new to Emma St. Clair, it can definitely be read without being familiar with previous books. However, for fans of the Love Cliche series, this is a must read with cameo appearances from lovably familiar characters. I can’t wait to read Winnie and James’ story! Thank you to Emma St. Clair for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Emma captured the quirky, fun people of a small town perfectly. (I want to live in this town!) They even have a Neighborly App that humorously shares the town’s juicy gossip. The “Sheeters” add surprising depth to this sweet, funny story. She’s also taken the heart wrenching subjects of child custody and dementia and lovingly created a story that both touches the heart and adds a bit of humor and lightness.
Lindy has a complicated past. She doesn’t trust or let her guard down easily. She also struggles with a mother who has dementia and a sister who abandoned her daughter Jojo whom Lindy is now raising. Five year old Jojo is darling! She has wisdom beyond her years and yet is a sweet little girl who soaks up all the love Lindy, Patrick, and his family shower on her. But, when JoJo’s mother suddenly wants custody of her, Lindy does everything in her power to keep her including considering a marriage of convenience to the one man she never forgot and who broke her heart.
Patrick is amazing! When the Graham brothers were introduced in the Love Cliches series, I was intrigued by Harper’s family of football players. Little did I know how much I would come to love them. Patrick is not only handsome and built, but he is a giver. He loves performing acts of service and this endearing quality shines all throughout the story. I loved all the little details he remembers and his patience in trying to make up for past mistakes and showing Lindy he really loves her.
From singed squirrels, to that moment every parent experiences of a child standing by their bedside scaring them to death, to glitter disasters, to a rooster named Elvis, this book totally made me laugh out loud! I enjoyed it so much! It was just the thing to brighten a cold winter’s day.
Highly recommend this book! It deserves all the stars! If you are new to Emma St. Clair, it can definitely be read without being familiar with previous books. However, for fans of the Love Cliche series, this is a must read with cameo appearances from lovably familiar characters. I can’t wait to read Winnie and James’ story! Thank you to Emma St. Clair for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
February 15, 2022
Pat really messed up when he let Lindy go when they were in college. He has a lot to prove that she is still the one for him when he comes back to the small town of Sheet Cake, Texas where she lives.
Seeing Pat show his love and devotion to Lindy were what made me really root for him. He had to overcome a lot of her misgivings and prove he was a changed, caring man. The way he respected her, didn't rush her, let her know he would always be there, and took care of her and her niece was so special.
Lindy's niece, Jo was an integral part of the reason that Pat and Lindy became a couple. Her child perspective was funny and sweet. With the introduction of Pat's brothers and Lindy's friends, I can see the next books in the series will be fun to read.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Seeing Pat show his love and devotion to Lindy were what made me really root for him. He had to overcome a lot of her misgivings and prove he was a changed, caring man. The way he respected her, didn't rush her, let her know he would always be there, and took care of her and her niece was so special.
Lindy's niece, Jo was an integral part of the reason that Pat and Lindy became a couple. Her child perspective was funny and sweet. With the introduction of Pat's brothers and Lindy's friends, I can see the next books in the series will be fun to read.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 30, 2022
"People sometimes hurt each other, even when they don't mean to."
A Good read. This book gave me "Things we never got over" vibes, with the niece and small town elements. Frankly, I never read second-chance romance as its something I don't find personally, interesting because there is nothing that either of the characters don't know about each other.
I loved the characters in this book (all of them tbh). The plot of the book was good with the small town, close-knit community and the way each character was protective over Lindy. The pop culture references throughout the book was also excellent making it stand out from other books. Lindy is the FMC who has a passion for travel and thought of pursuing something in the same line. But unfortunately life had something else planned for her. Pat, the MMC is our sunshine who suffers from ADHD and hence we see quite a much of his attention getting divided.
Five Years ago, Lindy and Pat dated but after going separate ways they meet again years later with them totally different from who they were. Crossing paths gets all the past feelings in both, but as Lindy tries to suppress those feeling Pat tries his best to show Lindy that he isn't who he was 5 years ago.
Tropes in this book:
1. Second-chance romance
2. Sports (a part of it)
3. Lovers-to-strangers-to-lovers
4. Small town rom-com
The last chapters of the book including the epilogue are one of my absolute favorites. I'd rate this a 5/5 read.
A Good read. This book gave me "Things we never got over" vibes, with the niece and small town elements. Frankly, I never read second-chance romance as its something I don't find personally, interesting because there is nothing that either of the characters don't know about each other.
I loved the characters in this book (all of them tbh). The plot of the book was good with the small town, close-knit community and the way each character was protective over Lindy. The pop culture references throughout the book was also excellent making it stand out from other books. Lindy is the FMC who has a passion for travel and thought of pursuing something in the same line. But unfortunately life had something else planned for her. Pat, the MMC is our sunshine who suffers from ADHD and hence we see quite a much of his attention getting divided.
Five Years ago, Lindy and Pat dated but after going separate ways they meet again years later with them totally different from who they were. Crossing paths gets all the past feelings in both, but as Lindy tries to suppress those feeling Pat tries his best to show Lindy that he isn't who he was 5 years ago.
Tropes in this book:
1. Second-chance romance
2. Sports (a part of it)
3. Lovers-to-strangers-to-lovers
4. Small town rom-com
The last chapters of the book including the epilogue are one of my absolute favorites. I'd rate this a 5/5 read.
February 9, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Emma St. Clair for the gifted book!
"I'm not here for the man; I'm here for the Tex-Mex. That's my theme song folks."
Hilarious and endearing, full of small town charm, and a marriage of convenience, this book was more than I could have hoped for it to be. I loved how real the characters are with very attractive qualities and flaws as well. There is the most gloriously awkward scene in a Mexican restaurant, a proposal in a jail, flaming squirrels, and Texas high school football. The writing is hilarious and clever and makes me wish I was as witty and masterful with my words. I stayed up MUCH too late reading this one, and I am totally on board and excited for the rest of this series. It's going to be so good. SO GOOD.
This is a closed door romance.
"I'm not here for the man; I'm here for the Tex-Mex. That's my theme song folks."
Hilarious and endearing, full of small town charm, and a marriage of convenience, this book was more than I could have hoped for it to be. I loved how real the characters are with very attractive qualities and flaws as well. There is the most gloriously awkward scene in a Mexican restaurant, a proposal in a jail, flaming squirrels, and Texas high school football. The writing is hilarious and clever and makes me wish I was as witty and masterful with my words. I stayed up MUCH too late reading this one, and I am totally on board and excited for the rest of this series. It's going to be so good. SO GOOD.
This is a closed door romance.
January 20, 2022
The Buy In by Emma St. Clair
Tags: RomCom; Small Town Romance; Second Chance Romance; Single Parent/Guardian; Marriage of Convenience; Forced Proximity
The Buy In is the first book in a new series from Emma St. Clair set in the quirky, small town of Sheet Cake, Texas. You read that right, they even have a festival. As a fan of small town reads, especially ones with quirky characters and that bring to life the characters that make up the town – I was so excited to make my first (hopefully of many) trips to Sheet Cake. It definitely had the fun vibes of Schitt’s Creek meets Stars Hollow.
This was a heartfelt, charming, and sweet romantic comedy. One of those all the feels read – you’ll find yourself laughing, crying and just wrapped up in the fun and charm of the story and characters. I loved our lead trio – Pat, Lindy, and Jojo. Pat and Lindy are the central couple – they met in college but the timing wasn’t right, this chance encounter 5 years later gives them a second chance to get it right. Pat’s all in, but he has his work cut out for him to convince Lindy – who is more cautious these days out of necessity, and as a single guardian to her young niece, Jojo. Jo was a delight as the adorable, precocious 5 year old and bookworm in the making.
I love moments of levity, in a true romcom fashion, and Emma St Clair delivered on those once again – so many funny moments, that I enjoyed. No spoilers, but perfect touch of hijinks added in, while still adding in some serious topics and handling those with care.
A standout for me was that there were so many memorable characters we met in Sheet Cake. We got to start to get to know them – quirks, personalities, dreams – and I wanted more! I can’t wait to get more stories that include this fun group and hopefully with some of them as leads.
Ultimately, I just wanted more – more Sheet Cake, more Sheeters, more of the Graham family. I cannot wait for the next book – and I’m so excited to know who’s story it will be!!
All thoughts, opinions, and impressions expressed are my own. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!
____________
Full review to come tomorrow - but suffice it to say I love a well done sweet, RomCom. This one was heartfelt and charming - it had soooo many of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience; second chance romance; small town romance; forced proximity… you get the idea, it’s like this was made for me.
Loved the town, the people and I cannot wait for more!
Tags: RomCom; Small Town Romance; Second Chance Romance; Single Parent/Guardian; Marriage of Convenience; Forced Proximity
The Buy In is the first book in a new series from Emma St. Clair set in the quirky, small town of Sheet Cake, Texas. You read that right, they even have a festival. As a fan of small town reads, especially ones with quirky characters and that bring to life the characters that make up the town – I was so excited to make my first (hopefully of many) trips to Sheet Cake. It definitely had the fun vibes of Schitt’s Creek meets Stars Hollow.
This was a heartfelt, charming, and sweet romantic comedy. One of those all the feels read – you’ll find yourself laughing, crying and just wrapped up in the fun and charm of the story and characters. I loved our lead trio – Pat, Lindy, and Jojo. Pat and Lindy are the central couple – they met in college but the timing wasn’t right, this chance encounter 5 years later gives them a second chance to get it right. Pat’s all in, but he has his work cut out for him to convince Lindy – who is more cautious these days out of necessity, and as a single guardian to her young niece, Jojo. Jo was a delight as the adorable, precocious 5 year old and bookworm in the making.
I love moments of levity, in a true romcom fashion, and Emma St Clair delivered on those once again – so many funny moments, that I enjoyed. No spoilers, but perfect touch of hijinks added in, while still adding in some serious topics and handling those with care.
A standout for me was that there were so many memorable characters we met in Sheet Cake. We got to start to get to know them – quirks, personalities, dreams – and I wanted more! I can’t wait to get more stories that include this fun group and hopefully with some of them as leads.
Ultimately, I just wanted more – more Sheet Cake, more Sheeters, more of the Graham family. I cannot wait for the next book – and I’m so excited to know who’s story it will be!!
All thoughts, opinions, and impressions expressed are my own. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!
____________
Full review to come tomorrow - but suffice it to say I love a well done sweet, RomCom. This one was heartfelt and charming - it had soooo many of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience; second chance romance; small town romance; forced proximity… you get the idea, it’s like this was made for me.
Loved the town, the people and I cannot wait for more!
January 22, 2022
The Buy-In is such a fun, captivating romantic comedy! It seems Dad just bought the town of Sheet Cake, Texas. He expects all the brothers and their sister to move there at some point. I loved this quirky town, Pat and Lindy's second chance, marriage of convenience, Lindy's niece Jo, the banter, the swoony kisses and the laugh out loud moments. I was up too late because I could not put down this very excellent book. Ms. St. Clair wrapped up everything to my utmost satisfaction.
January 23, 2022
Just so good. A mix of Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie. Maybe Sweet Magnolias as well. Pat is one of my favorite characters she has written. I loved it and I guarantee I will reread it a million times. Or a lot. Whatever.
January 18, 2022
I really enjoyed Pat and Lindy's second chance at love. And 5 year old little Jo is the best! So much happens in this nothing little town of Sheet Cake, until Tank and his boys arrive. This is a sweet, clean romance.
September 1, 2022
4.25⭐️
Need me a Pat asap😍😮💨🤌🏻
Need me a Pat asap😍😮💨🤌🏻
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