What do you think?
Rate this book
Truly, Madly, Deeply
What's the worst thing that can happen to a single dad trying to avoid temptation? Crossing paths with the sexy runaway bride who's looking to get as far away from her ex as possible.
When runaway bride Grace Giordano needs somewhere to regroup, groomsman Jaime Dupree offers her a guest house on his ranch. It’s no skin off his nose—she’s only in town a few days. Besides, between his daughter and his professional hockey team, he's got his hands full. Surely, their paths won't cross.
But when Grace gets the opportunity to run a food truck at the town’s annual music festival, she decides to stay all summer long. The singing baker’s a hit—at the festival and on the ranch.
Jaime might want to focus on his kid and his team, but the singing baker proves to be a mighty big distraction.
One he’s not sure he can resist.
When runaway bride Grace Giordano needs somewhere to regroup, groomsman Jaime Dupree offers her a guest house on his ranch. It’s no skin off his nose—she’s only in town a few days. Besides, between his daughter and his professional hockey team, he's got his hands full. Surely, their paths won't cross.
But when Grace gets the opportunity to run a food truck at the town’s annual music festival, she decides to stay all summer long. The singing baker’s a hit—at the festival and on the ranch.
Jaime might want to focus on his kid and his team, but the singing baker proves to be a mighty big distraction.
One he’s not sure he can resist.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
About the author
Erika Kelly
44 books1,799 followersAward-winning author Erika Kelly writes sexy, passionate, and emotional contemporary romance. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she lives in the southwest, drinks a lot of tea, and is always waiting for her cats to get off her keyboard.
GET A FREE SHORT STORY:
https://bit.ly/3cc862H
SUBSCRIBE:
https://www.erikakellybooks.com/conta...
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/erikakellya...
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/erikakellybo...
JOIN MY PRIVATE READER GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Erika...
GET A FREE SHORT STORY:
https://bit.ly/3cc862H
SUBSCRIBE:
https://www.erikakellybooks.com/conta...
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/erikakellya...
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/erikakellybo...
JOIN MY PRIVATE READER GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Erika...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 15, 2023
My rating: 4 1/2 stars
What I liked: I loved Jaime(H) and how he made me feel all kinds of emotions for him. He made me want to hug him tight at times but at other times I wanted to smack him upside his head. Grace(h) was just the right woman for Jaime. They both were very relatable characters. My favorite character was the daughter and I’m glad that the author made sure that she acted how she was supposed to act for a six year old. The cherry on top was seeing past characters.
What I didn’t like: I wanted to see if the ex ever paid up and what came of him. Also, I needed to know what came of Lorelei.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: h runs away on her wedding with the H’s help. H is a single father dealing with guilt from his pass. h decides to stay with H to earn money. H and h have great chemistry and decide to have a summer fling. Things get serious, both have to deal with their issues, but at the end they get their HEA.
Descriptive Sex: Yes
Final thoughts: I absolutely love Erika Kelly’s books and this one did not disappoint. I can always count on her books to put me in a good mood. I can’t wait to read Booker’s story. Over all a great story that I will be adding to my reread list.
What I liked: I loved Jaime(H) and how he made me feel all kinds of emotions for him. He made me want to hug him tight at times but at other times I wanted to smack him upside his head. Grace(h) was just the right woman for Jaime. They both were very relatable characters. My favorite character was the daughter and I’m glad that the author made sure that she acted how she was supposed to act for a six year old. The cherry on top was seeing past characters.
What I didn’t like: I wanted to see if the ex ever paid up and what came of him. Also, I needed to know what came of Lorelei.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: h runs away on her wedding with the H’s help. H is a single father dealing with guilt from his pass. h decides to stay with H to earn money. H and h have great chemistry and decide to have a summer fling. Things get serious, both have to deal with their issues, but at the end they get their HEA.
Descriptive Sex: Yes
Final thoughts: I absolutely love Erika Kelly’s books and this one did not disappoint. I can always count on her books to put me in a good mood. I can’t wait to read Booker’s story. Over all a great story that I will be adding to my reread list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
⭐4.5
I liked this book, it was a good read, I didn't see a lot of drama in it and well we have two of the tropes I love, which is small town and hockey romance together, so that's a win for me!
The story of this couple begins when Grace loses all trust in her fiancé just 10 minutes before their wedding and runs away, but she didn't count on Jaime, who is the groom's best man, catching her before she could escape and helping her get out of there; He takes her to his ranch where he has some cabins and offers her one to stay, there our Grace discovers herself and discovers true love from Jaime's hand, but our protagonist has a little heavy baggage due to things from the past and I tell you, Jaime's story made me sad a little bit but also seeing how he kept going despite everything and how he loves his daughter with all his heart and just wants her to be happy melted my heart, I understand many of his actions and I admire Grace even more for helping him out of the hole he was in.
I loved this whole story, the aspect of a big family on Grace's part and how she continued with her own business despite her family's wishes, how Jaime was able to find peace and how this whole beautiful town stole my heart will always stay with me.
Now I feel compelled to read the whole series because come on, if the others are anything like this book, I think it's going to be one of my favorites.
🫂 Thanks to Erika Kelly & Greys Promo for the arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
______________________
Este libro me gusto, fue una buena lectura, no le vi gran drama y bueno tenemos dos de los tropes que me encantan que son el small town y hockey romance juntos así que es un win para mi!!!!
La historia de esta pareja empieza cuando Grace pierde toda la confianza en su prometido justo a unos 10 minutos de su boda, y se escapa pero no contaba con que Jaime el cual es el padrino de parte del novio la consiguiera antes y la ayuda a salir de allí; la lleva a su rancho donde tiene unas cabañas y le ofrece una para que se quede, allí nuestra Grace se descubre a sí misma y descubre el amor verdadero de la mano de Jaime pero nuestro protagonista tiene un equipaje muy heavy por cosas del pasado y les digo que la historia de Jaime me entristeció un poco, pero también ver cómo salió adelante a pesar de todo y como ama a su hija con todo su corazón y solo quiere que ella sea feliz derritió mi corazón, entiendo muchas de sus acciones y aún más admire a Grace por ayudarlo a salir poco a poco de ese agujero donde él estaba.
Toda esta historia me gusto, el aspecto de la gran familia por parte de Grace y como ella a pesar de los deseos de su familia siguió adelante con su propio negocio, como Jaime pudo encontrar paz y como todo este hermoso pueblo se robo mi corazón se quedara conmigo siempre.
Ahora me veo el la obligación de leerme toda esta serie porque vamos, si los demás son como este libro creo que será una de mis favoritas.
I liked this book, it was a good read, I didn't see a lot of drama in it and well we have two of the tropes I love, which is small town and hockey romance together, so that's a win for me!
The story of this couple begins when Grace loses all trust in her fiancé just 10 minutes before their wedding and runs away, but she didn't count on Jaime, who is the groom's best man, catching her before she could escape and helping her get out of there; He takes her to his ranch where he has some cabins and offers her one to stay, there our Grace discovers herself and discovers true love from Jaime's hand, but our protagonist has a little heavy baggage due to things from the past and I tell you, Jaime's story made me sad a little bit but also seeing how he kept going despite everything and how he loves his daughter with all his heart and just wants her to be happy melted my heart, I understand many of his actions and I admire Grace even more for helping him out of the hole he was in.
I loved this whole story, the aspect of a big family on Grace's part and how she continued with her own business despite her family's wishes, how Jaime was able to find peace and how this whole beautiful town stole my heart will always stay with me.
Now I feel compelled to read the whole series because come on, if the others are anything like this book, I think it's going to be one of my favorites.
🫂 Thanks to Erika Kelly & Greys Promo for the arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
______________________
Este libro me gusto, fue una buena lectura, no le vi gran drama y bueno tenemos dos de los tropes que me encantan que son el small town y hockey romance juntos así que es un win para mi!!!!
La historia de esta pareja empieza cuando Grace pierde toda la confianza en su prometido justo a unos 10 minutos de su boda, y se escapa pero no contaba con que Jaime el cual es el padrino de parte del novio la consiguiera antes y la ayuda a salir de allí; la lleva a su rancho donde tiene unas cabañas y le ofrece una para que se quede, allí nuestra Grace se descubre a sí misma y descubre el amor verdadero de la mano de Jaime pero nuestro protagonista tiene un equipaje muy heavy por cosas del pasado y les digo que la historia de Jaime me entristeció un poco, pero también ver cómo salió adelante a pesar de todo y como ama a su hija con todo su corazón y solo quiere que ella sea feliz derritió mi corazón, entiendo muchas de sus acciones y aún más admire a Grace por ayudarlo a salir poco a poco de ese agujero donde él estaba.
Toda esta historia me gusto, el aspecto de la gran familia por parte de Grace y como ella a pesar de los deseos de su familia siguió adelante con su propio negocio, como Jaime pudo encontrar paz y como todo este hermoso pueblo se robo mi corazón se quedara conmigo siempre.
Ahora me veo el la obligación de leerme toda esta serie porque vamos, si los demás son como este libro creo que será una de mis favoritas.
June 25, 2023
I love small town stories and this one was no exception.
Grace was a very cute and strong heroine. When she found out her fiance stole from her and her family, she decided to be the Runaway Bride. Thankfully, Jaime came to help and whisked her away. Taking her to his home town, he gave her the chance to recover in her own way.
Both of them are really attracted to each other and the sparks between them are everywhere. Grace is ready to have a second chance at love, but she is really confused by Jaime's hot and cold attitude. He returns her feelings, but thinks that he doesn't deserve to be happy. After some not very clever choices on his side, he decides that it is finally time for him to be loved. When he does, everything between them is soo soo romantic. Let's not talk about smut and spice. Ooo it was everywhere and the scenes were just 🥵🥵🥵.
Overall, I loved Gracie and Jaime and their story.
***I received an ARC from Grey's Promotions and this is my voluntary review.***
Grace was a very cute and strong heroine. When she found out her fiance stole from her and her family, she decided to be the Runaway Bride. Thankfully, Jaime came to help and whisked her away. Taking her to his home town, he gave her the chance to recover in her own way.
Both of them are really attracted to each other and the sparks between them are everywhere. Grace is ready to have a second chance at love, but she is really confused by Jaime's hot and cold attitude. He returns her feelings, but thinks that he doesn't deserve to be happy. After some not very clever choices on his side, he decides that it is finally time for him to be loved. When he does, everything between them is soo soo romantic. Let's not talk about smut and spice. Ooo it was everywhere and the scenes were just 🥵🥵🥵.
Overall, I loved Gracie and Jaime and their story.
***I received an ARC from Grey's Promotions and this is my voluntary review.***
June 16, 2023
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Erika Kelly is book 12 in the Calamity Falls Series. This is the story of Jaime Dupree and Grace Giordano. Grace was all set to marry a man which I feel she was more talked into it by her family. But, Grace learns on the wedding day that her soon to be husband isn't what she thought he was and has been taking money from them. Jamie has come to town to be a groomsman at that wedding and ends up leaving with the run away bride. Grace needs a fresh start and Jamie offers to take her to his home where he has a cabin she can stay in. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author.
June 22, 2023
The hockey romance, single dad did it for me. When I see those tropes, just count me in.
Grace doesn’t go through with her wedding, just minutes before the wedding has to start. Jaime, the best man, offers her a place to stay on his ranch for a few days.
But when Grace gets a chance to bake and sell her pastries, she decides to stay a little longer.
I got swept away by Jaime. At first, he’s the one who offers her an out and a place to stay, and when he falls for her, yes he makes you swoon for sure.
Grace doesn’t go through with her wedding, just minutes before the wedding has to start. Jaime, the best man, offers her a place to stay on his ranch for a few days.
But when Grace gets a chance to bake and sell her pastries, she decides to stay a little longer.
I got swept away by Jaime. At first, he’s the one who offers her an out and a place to stay, and when he falls for her, yes he makes you swoon for sure.
June 18, 2023
Runaway Bride, denial galore with chemistry! Both Jamie and Grace, learn to find what makes them happy. The book was hard to put down; a swoon worthy Jamie and Grace’s strength will capture me.
I gained at least 10 pounds reading about Grace’s treats & pastries, can she make her dream a go in Calamity falls? A great story and a great addition to the Calamity Falls series.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I gained at least 10 pounds reading about Grace’s treats & pastries, can she make her dream a go in Calamity falls? A great story and a great addition to the Calamity Falls series.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
June 19, 2023
Truly, Madly, Deeply is an emotional and heartwarming romance story about a broken man and a runaway bride who are unexpectedly brought together. I enjoyed reading Jamie and Grace’s story and thought they were perfect for each other. They are both on a journey of self discovery and it was fun reading their story as they learn more about themselves and slowly fall in love. I really connected with them and I wanted everything to work for these two, so they could find their HEA.
Jamie is a hockey team owner who loves everything about the game, including playing goalie. Although it looks like Jamie has everything, he is a broken man and when he meets Grace it shakes up his world.
Erika Kelly is one of my favorite authors because she knows how to write stories about tough alpha males who fall hard when they meet the right woman. In this story, Jamie fights to resist Grace but he just can’t help himself, he loves being with her. Grace isn’t intimidated by Jamie dour demeanor and she isn’t afraid to give him her opinion, she is just what he needs.
Jamie and Grace deserve to be happy and I was rooting for them throughout this story. I enjoyed reading this delightful story and I think you will too.
Originally posted on Long and Short Reviews.
Jamie is a hockey team owner who loves everything about the game, including playing goalie. Although it looks like Jamie has everything, he is a broken man and when he meets Grace it shakes up his world.
Erika Kelly is one of my favorite authors because she knows how to write stories about tough alpha males who fall hard when they meet the right woman. In this story, Jamie fights to resist Grace but he just can’t help himself, he loves being with her. Grace isn’t intimidated by Jamie dour demeanor and she isn’t afraid to give him her opinion, she is just what he needs.
Jamie and Grace deserve to be happy and I was rooting for them throughout this story. I enjoyed reading this delightful story and I think you will too.
Originally posted on Long and Short Reviews.
July 30, 2023
Another small town romance that really hits the spot! I unexpectedly fell in love with Jaime and Grace! Such a beautiful couple!
June 13, 2023
I absolutely loved Truly, Madly, Deeply by Erika Kelly, it is an incredible runaway bride love story. It is the twelfth book in her Calamity Falls series. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Erika Kelly showed that she is an amazing storyteller and is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. It was impossible to put Truly, Madly, Deeply down and I loved every moment on every page. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? I love how Erika develops her characters in such a way that you fall in love with them and care about them much like a good friend. I love how Erika Kelly managed to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. Truly, Madly, Deeply is a runaway bride love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. Truly, Madly, Deeply is filled with such moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Erika Kelly love story, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Truly, Madly, Deeply is the story of Jaime Dupree, owner of the Renegades a professional hockey team and single father to Kinsley, and Grace Giordano, a pastry chef. On her wedding day to fiancé Ian Adler, Grace discovered that Ian stole money from her parents and all her savings to cover his gambling debts. She immediately leaves knowing that she could never trust Ian again. Jaime rescues Grace and takes her to his family’s ranch in Calamity, Wyoming. Jaime allows Grace to stay in one of the cabins on the ranch. Grace just wants to get away and decide what she wants to do with her life. Grace works in her family’s bakery, Renzo’s on Duff Island, Rhode Island where she is responsible for making the dough daily for croissants, she would prefer to make pastries, but her family does not support this. With the help of Brodie Bowie, Grace obtains a food truck during the annual music festival and becomes known as the Singing Baker because she sings pop star Lorelei Calloway’s songs. Grace is hoping to make enough money to repay her parents for the money that Ian stole and to start to rebuild her savings to open her own bakery. Conversation between Grace and Jaime flows so easily, I love that both Grace and Jaime share secrets with one another that they have not shared with anyone before, especially the secrets Jaime shares regarding the guilt he feels about what happened to his friend Booker Hayes. As Grace and Jaime spend time together, things change between them, and they begin a romantic relationship. I love how Jaime calls her Gracie. Grace is concerned about how risk adverse Jaime is not only in his life but also in the way he is raising Kinny, and whether they have a future. A surprise plot twist changes things between Grace and Jaime and Grace leaves Calamity. I loved that Truly, Madly, Deeply is more than just a romance, there are dilemmas that both Grace and Jaime are facing that need to be resolved. I love how the storylines get so beautifully resolved. I love that Grace’s dreams come true when she returns to Calamity Falls. I love the name of the bakery that she opens. I love the heart-to-heart conversations that Grace and Jaime have with their parents and siblings. I love Kinny and her interactions with Grace. I love the changes that both Grace and Jaime make in their lives to have a life together. I love the ending of their love story and how both Grace and Jaime change because of their love for one another. I love the proposal bonus scene, which included Jaime’s proposal to Grace, and I loved the engagement ring. I love Grace and Jaime’s love story and the descriptions of the Calamity setting. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Truly, Madly, Deeply, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoy all the interactions among the Dupree and Giordano siblings, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Truly, Madly, Deeply is filled with poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Truly, Madly, Deeply, who does not love a runaway bride love story. Highly recommend this incredible love story and am so looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
June 16, 2023
4.5stars--TRULY MADLY DEEPLY is the twelfth instalment in Erika Kelly’s contemporary, adult CALAMITY FALLS erotic, romance series. This is twenty-eight year olds, NHL team owner/rancher/single father Jaime Dupree, and baker Grace Giordano’s story line. TRULY MADLY DEEPLY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading books ten and eleven where the current story line arc begins. If you have not read any of the previous instalment there may be spoilers in my review.
SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier, upon the sudden death of former professional hockey player and team owner Kurt Grevers, Kurt bequeathed his NHL team to four friends: Declan, Cole, Booker and Jaime but Declan and Cole were still active players, and Booker wanted nothing to do with the NHL leaving Jaime Dupree as the lone hands on owner. Jaime continues to struggle with demons from the past, demons that left him battling grief and guilt in the wake of almost losing everything and more.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Grace and Jaime) TRULY MADLY DEEPLY follows in the aftermath of the almost wedding between Grace Giordano and her long term boyfriend/fiancé Ian. Desperate to escape a marriage to a man whose secrets are dark and expensive, Grace hitches a ride with one of the groomsmen, NHL team owner Jaime Dupree. In the hopes of managing her own life and future, Grace begins working in the small town of Calamity, Wyoming. A baker and pastry chef by trade, Grace is hoping to move out from under the shadow of her big, Italian family, and starting over in Calamity may be the perfect arrangement but Grace never expected to fall in love with Jaime Dupree and his six year old daughter Kinsley, a man who is struggling with demons of his own. A friendship destroyed by childhood fun rendered Jaime a shell of his former self, unable to move beyond the guilt he has burdened for years. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Grace and Jaime, and the potential fall-out as Grace’s love for Jaime isn’t strong enough to keep the demons at bay.
Jaime Dupree continues to struggle with the guilt and grief of loss, not the loss of life, but the loss of a friendship, of a career, and the guilt of destroying the life of someone he loved. A second chance at happiness finds Jaime falling for our story line heroine but even love cannot overcome the guilt of the past. Grace Giordano, along with all of her extended family, has worked in the family bread business for as long as she can remember but Grace is hoping for something more, and an opportunity presents itself in Calamity Wyoming, an opportunity that may end before it has a chance to grow.
The relationship between Grace and Jaime begins as a run away bride scenario. Jaime is in the right place to rescue our story line heroine, a woman who has been betrayed by the man she once loved. Falling for Jaime was never in the cards, a man who refuses to cross the line between friendship and love but a man who is unable to let go of the past. Jaime never expected to find love with our story line heroine but his demons continue to control every aspect of his life, pushing our heroine to reconsider her own future. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large cast of secondary and supporting characters including Grace’s ex Ian; Jaime’s precocious six year old daughter Kinsley, as well as both of Jaime and Grace’s extended families, families, Calamity Wyoming locals, all of whom are very supporting, loving and strong.
TRULY MADLY DEEPLY is a story of family, friendships, relationships, and love; grief and guilt; loss and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional, heart breaking and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are numerous, broken, captivating and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier, upon the sudden death of former professional hockey player and team owner Kurt Grevers, Kurt bequeathed his NHL team to four friends: Declan, Cole, Booker and Jaime but Declan and Cole were still active players, and Booker wanted nothing to do with the NHL leaving Jaime Dupree as the lone hands on owner. Jaime continues to struggle with demons from the past, demons that left him battling grief and guilt in the wake of almost losing everything and more.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Grace and Jaime) TRULY MADLY DEEPLY follows in the aftermath of the almost wedding between Grace Giordano and her long term boyfriend/fiancé Ian. Desperate to escape a marriage to a man whose secrets are dark and expensive, Grace hitches a ride with one of the groomsmen, NHL team owner Jaime Dupree. In the hopes of managing her own life and future, Grace begins working in the small town of Calamity, Wyoming. A baker and pastry chef by trade, Grace is hoping to move out from under the shadow of her big, Italian family, and starting over in Calamity may be the perfect arrangement but Grace never expected to fall in love with Jaime Dupree and his six year old daughter Kinsley, a man who is struggling with demons of his own. A friendship destroyed by childhood fun rendered Jaime a shell of his former self, unable to move beyond the guilt he has burdened for years. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Grace and Jaime, and the potential fall-out as Grace’s love for Jaime isn’t strong enough to keep the demons at bay.
Jaime Dupree continues to struggle with the guilt and grief of loss, not the loss of life, but the loss of a friendship, of a career, and the guilt of destroying the life of someone he loved. A second chance at happiness finds Jaime falling for our story line heroine but even love cannot overcome the guilt of the past. Grace Giordano, along with all of her extended family, has worked in the family bread business for as long as she can remember but Grace is hoping for something more, and an opportunity presents itself in Calamity Wyoming, an opportunity that may end before it has a chance to grow.
The relationship between Grace and Jaime begins as a run away bride scenario. Jaime is in the right place to rescue our story line heroine, a woman who has been betrayed by the man she once loved. Falling for Jaime was never in the cards, a man who refuses to cross the line between friendship and love but a man who is unable to let go of the past. Jaime never expected to find love with our story line heroine but his demons continue to control every aspect of his life, pushing our heroine to reconsider her own future. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large cast of secondary and supporting characters including Grace’s ex Ian; Jaime’s precocious six year old daughter Kinsley, as well as both of Jaime and Grace’s extended families, families, Calamity Wyoming locals, all of whom are very supporting, loving and strong.
TRULY MADLY DEEPLY is a story of family, friendships, relationships, and love; grief and guilt; loss and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional, heart breaking and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are numerous, broken, captivating and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 22, 2023
Amazon
Upon finding out her fiancé has a devastating secret, one that doesn't just affect her, but also her parents, she runs out on their wedding and catches a ride with his groomsman. Now she's on her way to a new start on his ranch with him and his adorable daughter. Working in close proximity, getting to know each other, and forming feelings mean Jaime will have to let go of his long held guilt in order to let Grace into his heart.
Jaime and Grace have such brutal backstories, especially Jaime. So much so that I wanted to just hug them both. Jaime just refused to let himself off the hook that it hindered him from really living. Thank God Grace came along and brought him into the light, helped him heal and forgive himself. Reading as Jaime slowly forgave himself and let Grace in, as Grace found herself and her freedom to live her dreams - I loved every word.
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub
June 17, 2023
Grace discovers on the day she’s about to be married, the man she’s dated for fifteen years, has been hacking into her and her parents bank accounts, using their savings accounts as his own personal playground.
“You’re only sorry because you got caught. God, how am I just finding out about this?” Because it was a savings account that she never touched.
“How did you do it? How did you get into my parents’ account?”
“Your passwords are saved, so when your mom’s making dinner or everyone’s outside…” He hunched a shoulder.
“Ian. You’re like a son to them. They trusted you enough to leave their laptops open when you’re around, and you betrayed them.”
“You have to understand. I work in finance. If anyone finds out about my gambling, I’ll lose my job—I’m in wealth management. No one would ever hire me again.”
“Okay. I get it.” There was nothing left to talk about.
“You do?” He reached for her. “Thank—”
“No. Don’t misunderstand what’s happening here. I get that my parents work their hands to the bone keeping Renzo’s going—not for themselves, but for all the aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents who make it their livelihood. I get that I’m the kid who babysat and walked dogs after school instead of playing a sport or joining a club…or having friends. I’m the woman who got up at three in the morning six days a week to make croissants and turnovers but still sang in a tribute band on the weekends so I could build up a savings that you wiped out in the click of a button.” She headed out.
“Wait, where are you going? We’re still getting married, right?”
It wasn’t sinking it. She needed to make herself very clear. “Two things are going to happen. I’m going to walk away from you because I can’t stand to look at your face, and two, you’re going to put the money back into my parents’ account. I don’t care how you do it, but I want it done.”
Grace feels unfulfilled working in the family business without any creative license.
She’d suppressed her passion for the good of her family, but she’d always yearned for something different. She’d ignored it because of the culture of Giordanos. She stifles her individuality at the expense of the family business. Some people are satisfied making croissants all their lives because it gives them an income, or in her case, it connects them with family. Other people need more. She needs more.
She’d never been afraid to leave. She’d craved different sights and tastes and experiences. And yet, as a good soldier, she hadn’t wanted to hurt her parents or rock the boat.
Jaime stood by when Lou had asked her out. He could’ve claimed her. Could’ve said, She’s mine. Or, maybe less caveman, he could’ve said something as simple as Grace and I are dating. Instead, he’d disrespected her. He’d made her feel like she didn’t matter. Like she was just someone to bed in the middle of the night. Opening up to her, confessing his feelings about how happy she made him, meant nothing when his actions told a whole other story. Shame burned through him. It was bad enough he’d hurt her, but now, he had to endure the punishment of watching her with another man.
Jaime is consumed by self-imposed guilt. The only way to earn forgiveness is by making better decisions. She’d known Jaime was emotionally wounded and guarded. For a few weeks there, he’d pushed past it to be with her.
“You’re only sorry because you got caught. God, how am I just finding out about this?” Because it was a savings account that she never touched.
“How did you do it? How did you get into my parents’ account?”
“Your passwords are saved, so when your mom’s making dinner or everyone’s outside…” He hunched a shoulder.
“Ian. You’re like a son to them. They trusted you enough to leave their laptops open when you’re around, and you betrayed them.”
“You have to understand. I work in finance. If anyone finds out about my gambling, I’ll lose my job—I’m in wealth management. No one would ever hire me again.”
“Okay. I get it.” There was nothing left to talk about.
“You do?” He reached for her. “Thank—”
“No. Don’t misunderstand what’s happening here. I get that my parents work their hands to the bone keeping Renzo’s going—not for themselves, but for all the aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents who make it their livelihood. I get that I’m the kid who babysat and walked dogs after school instead of playing a sport or joining a club…or having friends. I’m the woman who got up at three in the morning six days a week to make croissants and turnovers but still sang in a tribute band on the weekends so I could build up a savings that you wiped out in the click of a button.” She headed out.
“Wait, where are you going? We’re still getting married, right?”
It wasn’t sinking it. She needed to make herself very clear. “Two things are going to happen. I’m going to walk away from you because I can’t stand to look at your face, and two, you’re going to put the money back into my parents’ account. I don’t care how you do it, but I want it done.”
Grace feels unfulfilled working in the family business without any creative license.
She’d suppressed her passion for the good of her family, but she’d always yearned for something different. She’d ignored it because of the culture of Giordanos. She stifles her individuality at the expense of the family business. Some people are satisfied making croissants all their lives because it gives them an income, or in her case, it connects them with family. Other people need more. She needs more.
She’d never been afraid to leave. She’d craved different sights and tastes and experiences. And yet, as a good soldier, she hadn’t wanted to hurt her parents or rock the boat.
Jaime stood by when Lou had asked her out. He could’ve claimed her. Could’ve said, She’s mine. Or, maybe less caveman, he could’ve said something as simple as Grace and I are dating. Instead, he’d disrespected her. He’d made her feel like she didn’t matter. Like she was just someone to bed in the middle of the night. Opening up to her, confessing his feelings about how happy she made him, meant nothing when his actions told a whole other story. Shame burned through him. It was bad enough he’d hurt her, but now, he had to endure the punishment of watching her with another man.
Jaime is consumed by self-imposed guilt. The only way to earn forgiveness is by making better decisions. She’d known Jaime was emotionally wounded and guarded. For a few weeks there, he’d pushed past it to be with her.
December 5, 2023
Gracie Giordano has way more grace and understanding than I have. One, for waiting around for her ex to decide to marry her, nope not happening. She wasted fifteen years of her life, waiting for him to get it together. After, them being together and breaking up, twice would have been enough for me. Not her, she took it for years. But, once you read the book and you know her family dynamics, it makes sense. Two, the way he is so, nonchalant about what he did. He is used to her allowing him to get away, with murder.
Nuts and bolts time. It's Gracie’s wedding day and she is in with the photographer. She didn't seem to be able to muster up the enthusiasm needed, to allow her to capture the tender moments of pondering, one might usually have or feel right before one walks down the aisle. That alone was a red flag. Then, you add in hearing her mom saying she is not short in her account and the payment should have gone through and then she goes to pay, knowing she has, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars plus in her account. But, when her amount isn't cleared, she knows something is wrong.
When she checked her bank balance it was a hundred dollars, and her mom had the same amount. The red flags finally went off for her. She checked to see who withdrew the money, and guess who? Yup, her now ex-Ian. She storms off to talk with, Ian and shooing all his groomsmen. Make them all go away, including all her brothers. She got madder by the moment.
She couldn't look at him or look him in the eye. He was no longer the boy from two doors down, that she’d fallen in love with. The man who stood before her was a lying cheating manipulator. He was also an embezzler who needed to repay her parents. The people who had always welcomed, him into their home. were there for all his games, and always included him at, Sunday dinners as well as all family events.
He couldn't understand why she had to look at her account this time when all the other times she had never even noticed. He was more upset he got caught than anything else. She finally said she was done. She would take no more BS from him. They were over. When she goes to tell everyone she sees his bosses are already seated. She can’t say anything to her guest, because he will lose his job and for sure not repay anyone, but especially, not be able to at least pay her parents back.
As she is leaving the house, she is trying to sneak out of the house, and doing a damn good job of it. When she slams right into a brick wall of heaven, and one of, Ian's friends from, Wyoming. Ian had sent him, Jamie Dupree to look for her, but for one reason, he just said not to let her leave. After talking with her he knows she deserves more. So, he helps with her escape. See where these two take their relationship. See what in her life gives her the most love, and the least amount of pain. Can her family be happy for her or will they banish her? See how much Jaime still struggles with what happened in the past with, Booker. A good read for sure.
Nuts and bolts time. It's Gracie’s wedding day and she is in with the photographer. She didn't seem to be able to muster up the enthusiasm needed, to allow her to capture the tender moments of pondering, one might usually have or feel right before one walks down the aisle. That alone was a red flag. Then, you add in hearing her mom saying she is not short in her account and the payment should have gone through and then she goes to pay, knowing she has, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars plus in her account. But, when her amount isn't cleared, she knows something is wrong.
When she checked her bank balance it was a hundred dollars, and her mom had the same amount. The red flags finally went off for her. She checked to see who withdrew the money, and guess who? Yup, her now ex-Ian. She storms off to talk with, Ian and shooing all his groomsmen. Make them all go away, including all her brothers. She got madder by the moment.
She couldn't look at him or look him in the eye. He was no longer the boy from two doors down, that she’d fallen in love with. The man who stood before her was a lying cheating manipulator. He was also an embezzler who needed to repay her parents. The people who had always welcomed, him into their home. were there for all his games, and always included him at, Sunday dinners as well as all family events.
He couldn't understand why she had to look at her account this time when all the other times she had never even noticed. He was more upset he got caught than anything else. She finally said she was done. She would take no more BS from him. They were over. When she goes to tell everyone she sees his bosses are already seated. She can’t say anything to her guest, because he will lose his job and for sure not repay anyone, but especially, not be able to at least pay her parents back.
As she is leaving the house, she is trying to sneak out of the house, and doing a damn good job of it. When she slams right into a brick wall of heaven, and one of, Ian's friends from, Wyoming. Ian had sent him, Jamie Dupree to look for her, but for one reason, he just said not to let her leave. After talking with her he knows she deserves more. So, he helps with her escape. See where these two take their relationship. See what in her life gives her the most love, and the least amount of pain. Can her family be happy for her or will they banish her? See how much Jaime still struggles with what happened in the past with, Booker. A good read for sure.
June 20, 2023
I’ve been reading author Erika Kelly for a lot of years, since her first published romance and I’ve loved a lot of her work over the years, but I feel Truly, Madly, Deeply is one of her best. This couple doesn’t meet under the best of circumstances, and there are reasons why they feel they shouldn’t be together, but while building their friendship and learning to trust, they found themselves in the process. Their true selves, the ones they’d been squashing deep down for reasons only they understood. There was something so pure about having the other one in their life that it made them feel safe to reach out and grab the life they wanted but had been afraid to go for on their own. I absolutely loved this story; it was emotional, heartfelt, and passionate and I relished every minute of it.
It was so easy to love Gracie; she was filled with light and love. Despite the shock of discovering what her fiancé who she’d been with for 15 years had done, she didn’t wallow at all. Instead she turned to the one thing that always made her happy and never let her down; baking intricate, delicate treats to share with anyone and everyone. I hated that even though her family loved her and she loved them fiercely that they never took the time to understand that while she loved working in the family bakery, making simple things like they always had, she longed to create beautiful, wonderful work of edible art. I loved how she began to see how small her world had become and the strength she had to decide she wanted more in her life even though it would be hard. She was a delight to read and I was rooting for her throughout this book.
Jamie at times frustrated me because it was obvious he was still punishing himself for something that happened when he was a teenager and he just wouldn’t or couldn’t let it go. It was obvious that he had spent his life since trying to make up for it in all ways in his life but he was still carrying the guilt and refused to dissect it and confront his feelings and fears. I loved that Grace called him out on it every time and honestly she was way more patient with him than I would have been with the way he blew hot and cold. However, I felt Grace was smart enough to realize he was getting in his own way and knew that at some point he’d figure it out. His relationship with his daughter was sweet and entertaining and all I’ll say about that is he has no idea what he’s in for when she’s a teenager.
I loved that they didn’t immediately act on their attraction, that it took some time for them to get intimate. There were some ups and downs, Jamie just couldn’t get out of his own head and Grace wasn’t going to accept less that she deserved.
Truly, Madly, Deeply grabbed me from the first chapter and I could not put it down. It was everything I love about the romance genre including characters I cared about and a love story that wasn’t easy but completely worth it in the end.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
It was so easy to love Gracie; she was filled with light and love. Despite the shock of discovering what her fiancé who she’d been with for 15 years had done, she didn’t wallow at all. Instead she turned to the one thing that always made her happy and never let her down; baking intricate, delicate treats to share with anyone and everyone. I hated that even though her family loved her and she loved them fiercely that they never took the time to understand that while she loved working in the family bakery, making simple things like they always had, she longed to create beautiful, wonderful work of edible art. I loved how she began to see how small her world had become and the strength she had to decide she wanted more in her life even though it would be hard. She was a delight to read and I was rooting for her throughout this book.
Jamie at times frustrated me because it was obvious he was still punishing himself for something that happened when he was a teenager and he just wouldn’t or couldn’t let it go. It was obvious that he had spent his life since trying to make up for it in all ways in his life but he was still carrying the guilt and refused to dissect it and confront his feelings and fears. I loved that Grace called him out on it every time and honestly she was way more patient with him than I would have been with the way he blew hot and cold. However, I felt Grace was smart enough to realize he was getting in his own way and knew that at some point he’d figure it out. His relationship with his daughter was sweet and entertaining and all I’ll say about that is he has no idea what he’s in for when she’s a teenager.
I loved that they didn’t immediately act on their attraction, that it took some time for them to get intimate. There were some ups and downs, Jamie just couldn’t get out of his own head and Grace wasn’t going to accept less that she deserved.
Truly, Madly, Deeply grabbed me from the first chapter and I could not put it down. It was everything I love about the romance genre including characters I cared about and a love story that wasn’t easy but completely worth it in the end.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
June 25, 2023
Emotional, sweet & captivating
Erika Kelly drew me back to Calamity Falls with her wonderful story centered around a runaway bride and a single dad. TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY was an emotional, sweet, and captivating story that I couldn't get enough of.
Grace Giodorno was about to marry a man who she had been with, on and off, for the past fifteen years. On her wedding day she discovers he has betrayed both herself and her family, so she makes the decision to flee. Jaime Dupree is attending the wedding as a groomsman. He sees Grace attempting to escape unnoticed and gives her some help offering her a place to stay. From here the story really kicks up a notch.
Grace has always dreamt of being a pastry chef but was continually held back by her family. Time in Calamity Falls allows her to think about her future and what she really wants for herself. She is a strong, feisty, independent woman who wears her heart on her sleeve. Falling for a man so soon after her failed wedding was not in her plans. Jaime is a single dad and co-owner of a NHL team. He's guilt ridden over an accident from his past and has become a shell of his former self. His only joy comes from his daughter Kinsley, who he is fiercely protective of. When he brings Grace into his life and onto his family's ranch little does he know that she will change everything.
I adored Grace and Jaime. The chemistry and attraction between them were RED HOT and palpable, everybody could see what was happening between them. I loved the teasing, flirty banter they shared, and the encouragement and support they gave each other. Even though both held back revealing their feelings, it was undeniable that they were quickly falling for each other. Would Jaime's demons, the guilt he carries, become too much of a barrier for him to realise just what Grace has come to mean to him? Will Grace return to her family brokenhearted, or will she fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery?
I loved the large ensemble of secondary characters. Kinsley was adorable. She had no fear and the ability to wrap anyone around her little finger. I loved her relationships with Jaime and Grace, she really knew how to get out of them what she wanted. It was fun getting to know both the Giodorno and Dupree families, there's some future stories to be found amongst that lot!! They made it easy to see where Grace and Jaime's caring, loving and protective natures came from. It was also good catching up with Brodie, Declan, and Cole from previous novels.
Overall, TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read. It was a story of family, friendship, regrets, acceptance, and love.
A highly recommended read. I can't wait for more from Erika.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE ENTERTAINING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
Erika Kelly drew me back to Calamity Falls with her wonderful story centered around a runaway bride and a single dad. TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY was an emotional, sweet, and captivating story that I couldn't get enough of.
Grace Giodorno was about to marry a man who she had been with, on and off, for the past fifteen years. On her wedding day she discovers he has betrayed both herself and her family, so she makes the decision to flee. Jaime Dupree is attending the wedding as a groomsman. He sees Grace attempting to escape unnoticed and gives her some help offering her a place to stay. From here the story really kicks up a notch.
Grace has always dreamt of being a pastry chef but was continually held back by her family. Time in Calamity Falls allows her to think about her future and what she really wants for herself. She is a strong, feisty, independent woman who wears her heart on her sleeve. Falling for a man so soon after her failed wedding was not in her plans. Jaime is a single dad and co-owner of a NHL team. He's guilt ridden over an accident from his past and has become a shell of his former self. His only joy comes from his daughter Kinsley, who he is fiercely protective of. When he brings Grace into his life and onto his family's ranch little does he know that she will change everything.
I adored Grace and Jaime. The chemistry and attraction between them were RED HOT and palpable, everybody could see what was happening between them. I loved the teasing, flirty banter they shared, and the encouragement and support they gave each other. Even though both held back revealing their feelings, it was undeniable that they were quickly falling for each other. Would Jaime's demons, the guilt he carries, become too much of a barrier for him to realise just what Grace has come to mean to him? Will Grace return to her family brokenhearted, or will she fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery?
I loved the large ensemble of secondary characters. Kinsley was adorable. She had no fear and the ability to wrap anyone around her little finger. I loved her relationships with Jaime and Grace, she really knew how to get out of them what she wanted. It was fun getting to know both the Giodorno and Dupree families, there's some future stories to be found amongst that lot!! They made it easy to see where Grace and Jaime's caring, loving and protective natures came from. It was also good catching up with Brodie, Declan, and Cole from previous novels.
Overall, TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read. It was a story of family, friendship, regrets, acceptance, and love.
A highly recommended read. I can't wait for more from Erika.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE ENTERTAINING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
June 19, 2023
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
This story was so much fun to read. I liked Grace immediately and admired her strength. She walked out on her wedding to her childhood sweetheart just minutes before it was supposed to begin. A lot of brides would have felt pressured to go through with it anyway but she discovered what he’d done and washed her hands of him just about instantly. She walked out the door with no plan and no safety net, but the unknown didn’t deter her one bit. She knows she deserves better than Ian and refused to settle.
Jaime is the groomsman sent to find the missing bride but when he finds her, he’s totally sympathetic to her predicament and helps her escape. In fact, he takes her on the plane with him, moving her from Rhode Island all the way to his ranch in Wyoming and gives her a place to stay. She quickly falls in love with the freedom to do as she pleases and starts questioning her place in the family business. Soon, she’s found her one true passion again and is living her dream, thanks to Jaime. Grace knows it’s crazy to want him so badly when she was about to marry Ian days ago, but Jaime Dupree is everything she never knew she needed and more.
Grace is just about perfect as far as Jaime’s concerned so the feeling is definitely mutual, however the broody rancher can’t let himself be happy. He has a complicated past that wears on him every minute of every day. His daughter Kinny is his saving grace because she’s the only hoy he’ll allow himself to feel. Even a decade after that fateful night, Jaime can’t forgive himself or let go of the crippling guilt that controls not just his own life but also his daughter’s as well.
Jaime wants Grace but he can’t give her the happily ever after she deserves. Grace says he’s wrong; he can be what she needs, he’s just afraid to free himself from the prison he’s constructed. She’s torn between her old life on the east coast and the endless possibilities in Wyoming since Jaime seems stuck in his ways. It would be crazy to uproot her entire life and leave her family if he doesn’t give her a reason to stay, but he’s lived with this burden his entire adult life, so getting rid of it won’t be easy. I loved everything about Grace and Jaime’s story, from the fun cast of characters to the banter between them. These two are super steamy together but also sweet and real. This is a book I’ll definitely read again.
July 7, 2023
This book is a sweet, sexy story of a single dad, Jaime Dupree and runaway bride, Grace Giordano that Jamie happened to meet just in time to rescue her. It’s a grumpy/sunshine kind of book. Grace being the soothing dose of sunshine while Jaime was quiet prudent, carrying the weight of causing his friends near fatal accident, ending his professional hockey career.
On Grace’s wedding day nothing could have prepared her for finding out that her fiancé had stolen money from both her and her parents’ bank accounts. Disgusted and unforgiving of her fiancé’s actions she dumped him at the church, wedding guest and all, on their wedding day. Lucky for her, Jamie his best man was there to help her escape from the botched wedding to stay at his ranch in Wyoming.
Fortunately for Grace, the ranch had guest houses that were not being used so she was able to have a place to herself. Getting away was just what she needed to reassess her life and decide what she was going to do with herself. First things first she knew that she had to do was find a way to pay her parents back for what her fiancé had stolen. But she was also in turmoil about what she wanted to do with her life. She had worked for her parents in their bakery making muffins and croissants, while her heart’s desire was to make creative and delicious pastries. Which she did in her little cabin and would and share with the workers and Jaime, his little girl, Kinny and others.
But when given the chance to use a food truck to make and sale her pastries at the summer festival in Calamity she jumped at the chance!! Not only did she do well selling her pastries, but they were even more in demand then she thought they would be. Plus, she also revived a family tradition from her grandpa of becoming “the singing baker” as he had done at his bakery. Jaime couldn’t have been prouder of her either.
Although Jaime and Grace had instant chemistry, the more time they spent together, the closer they became. In spite of starting out with no strings attached, their feelings for each other had become deeper. Even Kinny had become attached to Grace, as much as Grace had to her. The only problem was that Jaime still had an issue about not deserving to be happy... especially with the guilt he carries for his friends accident. But would this unfounded punishment Jaime carries stop him from pursuing his relationship with Grace? With summer was coming to a close, there were choices that had to be made but would Jaime be able to make the right one?
I loved Jaime and Grace together. They were just so well rounded with each other and add Kinny in and what a perfect family they would have!!
Great book and definitely recommended to everyone!!
On Grace’s wedding day nothing could have prepared her for finding out that her fiancé had stolen money from both her and her parents’ bank accounts. Disgusted and unforgiving of her fiancé’s actions she dumped him at the church, wedding guest and all, on their wedding day. Lucky for her, Jamie his best man was there to help her escape from the botched wedding to stay at his ranch in Wyoming.
Fortunately for Grace, the ranch had guest houses that were not being used so she was able to have a place to herself. Getting away was just what she needed to reassess her life and decide what she was going to do with herself. First things first she knew that she had to do was find a way to pay her parents back for what her fiancé had stolen. But she was also in turmoil about what she wanted to do with her life. She had worked for her parents in their bakery making muffins and croissants, while her heart’s desire was to make creative and delicious pastries. Which she did in her little cabin and would and share with the workers and Jaime, his little girl, Kinny and others.
But when given the chance to use a food truck to make and sale her pastries at the summer festival in Calamity she jumped at the chance!! Not only did she do well selling her pastries, but they were even more in demand then she thought they would be. Plus, she also revived a family tradition from her grandpa of becoming “the singing baker” as he had done at his bakery. Jaime couldn’t have been prouder of her either.
Although Jaime and Grace had instant chemistry, the more time they spent together, the closer they became. In spite of starting out with no strings attached, their feelings for each other had become deeper. Even Kinny had become attached to Grace, as much as Grace had to her. The only problem was that Jaime still had an issue about not deserving to be happy... especially with the guilt he carries for his friends accident. But would this unfounded punishment Jaime carries stop him from pursuing his relationship with Grace? With summer was coming to a close, there were choices that had to be made but would Jaime be able to make the right one?
I loved Jaime and Grace together. They were just so well rounded with each other and add Kinny in and what a perfect family they would have!!
Great book and definitely recommended to everyone!!
June 5, 2023
“If you’re not somewhere where you’re special, then, Grace, you’re in the wrong place.”
I absolutely LOVED Truly, Madly, Deeply. It’s deliciously emotional and angsty yet lighthearted and gave me all the feels. Jaime and Grace are pure FIRE and their relationship was full of heart, passion and messy feelings that you have no control over. I couldn’t get enough of them.
“You give me the space to become the woman I’m meant to be…you just make me so happy.”
Grace was just absolute sunshine. I loved how she embraced the chance to live a different life for awhile and to find her true passion and fulfillment in life. She was loyal to her family, but she also saw the value in living out her own dreams. Her strength and courage to take chances was so beautiful and joyful and I loved how she stood up for herself to fight for what she deserved in a relationship and in life.
“Honestly, he hadn’t noticed the darkness he was living in until she turned on the lights. He hadn’t understood the emptiness until she’d filled it.”
After watching his friend lose his dream, Jaime felt responsible and was only half living his life as penance. He tempered his happiness and he never felt fully alive until Grace pulls him out the darkness. I loved watching his transformation and how it completely transformed his character. He was always a great guy, but you could tell there was so much that he was hiding under the surface. Confronting his fears and actually fighting for his happiness brought the color back into his life.
“All I have to do is look at you, and the world stops. I can’t think. I can’t breathe. I don’t know what it is, but you get under my skin.”
The chemistry and banter between these two was white-hot and sizzling. The tension between them was palpable, but I also loved how Grace called Jaime out and forced him to confront his feelings. She’s such a brave, fearless soul and she really opened Jaime’s eyes. It was so much fun watching their relationship develop and the emotion between them was swoonworthy.
“Four a.m. You, me, the kitchen. Watching you bake, talking to you. I like it best when it’s just us. That’s my favorite time of the day.”
Full of spine-tingling heat and a breathtaking, poignant love, Truly, Madly, Deeply was a heartwarming, emotional read that will take you on a fulfilling journey of finding your life’s passion and the family you never thought you’d have and reaching out and claiming it with both hands. I love this entire series, but I think Grace and Jaime may be my favorite because they have such a richly emotional story that touched my heart.
I absolutely LOVED Truly, Madly, Deeply. It’s deliciously emotional and angsty yet lighthearted and gave me all the feels. Jaime and Grace are pure FIRE and their relationship was full of heart, passion and messy feelings that you have no control over. I couldn’t get enough of them.
“You give me the space to become the woman I’m meant to be…you just make me so happy.”
Grace was just absolute sunshine. I loved how she embraced the chance to live a different life for awhile and to find her true passion and fulfillment in life. She was loyal to her family, but she also saw the value in living out her own dreams. Her strength and courage to take chances was so beautiful and joyful and I loved how she stood up for herself to fight for what she deserved in a relationship and in life.
“Honestly, he hadn’t noticed the darkness he was living in until she turned on the lights. He hadn’t understood the emptiness until she’d filled it.”
After watching his friend lose his dream, Jaime felt responsible and was only half living his life as penance. He tempered his happiness and he never felt fully alive until Grace pulls him out the darkness. I loved watching his transformation and how it completely transformed his character. He was always a great guy, but you could tell there was so much that he was hiding under the surface. Confronting his fears and actually fighting for his happiness brought the color back into his life.
“All I have to do is look at you, and the world stops. I can’t think. I can’t breathe. I don’t know what it is, but you get under my skin.”
The chemistry and banter between these two was white-hot and sizzling. The tension between them was palpable, but I also loved how Grace called Jaime out and forced him to confront his feelings. She’s such a brave, fearless soul and she really opened Jaime’s eyes. It was so much fun watching their relationship develop and the emotion between them was swoonworthy.
“Four a.m. You, me, the kitchen. Watching you bake, talking to you. I like it best when it’s just us. That’s my favorite time of the day.”
Full of spine-tingling heat and a breathtaking, poignant love, Truly, Madly, Deeply was a heartwarming, emotional read that will take you on a fulfilling journey of finding your life’s passion and the family you never thought you’d have and reaching out and claiming it with both hands. I love this entire series, but I think Grace and Jaime may be my favorite because they have such a richly emotional story that touched my heart.
June 16, 2023
This is the another story in the Calamity Falls series and is the story of Jamie and Grace. They meet as Grace is running out of her own wedding where Jamie is a groomsman. Due to a serious and major flaw in her fiancée, Jamie, who is long time friends with the fiancée, offers Grace a place to escape to and figure out her future.
Jamie is a single dad who runs a ranch and hockey team in Wyoming. He is surrounded with family and close friends who are helping him raise his daughter who is a sweet little spitfire. Life has dealt some blows to Jamie and because of that he has become a grump.
Grace is a beloved daughter, great sister and loyal friend. She is working in the family business and while it’s awesome to work with her family and support the business, she isn’t pursuing her passion. She isn’t even allowed to talk about the changes she wants to bring to the family bakery. While her life is stagnant to a degree, she lives her days with sunny optimism.
While in Wyoming, Grace takes the opportunity to bake her passion as a thank you to those around her. Her goodies become extremely popular VERY quickly. The more she bakes her passion, the happier she becomes and at a time when she should be at her lowest, she isn’t. Jamie is drawn to her beautiful outside and her sunny personality is more than he can ignore.
They became friends with benefits and all aspects of their relationship deepened quickly. As they work through their individual issues to become the best versions of themselves, they find unwavering support from the other. Their path to HEA was hard traveled on both sides. Each person brought much baggage to the relationship and they fought the growing feelings tooth and nail. This story is full of sweetness, friendship, heat and ALL the feels. I couldn’t get enough of the feels between these two!
This is a well written story of two imperfect people who were perfect together. The characters are well developed and so is the story. As always it is wonderful to catch up with previous couples in Calamity Falls. Again, the feels are incredible. I found myself smiling throughout the story and not wanting it to end. What a great addition to the series - looking forward to the next couple!
Jamie is a single dad who runs a ranch and hockey team in Wyoming. He is surrounded with family and close friends who are helping him raise his daughter who is a sweet little spitfire. Life has dealt some blows to Jamie and because of that he has become a grump.
Grace is a beloved daughter, great sister and loyal friend. She is working in the family business and while it’s awesome to work with her family and support the business, she isn’t pursuing her passion. She isn’t even allowed to talk about the changes she wants to bring to the family bakery. While her life is stagnant to a degree, she lives her days with sunny optimism.
While in Wyoming, Grace takes the opportunity to bake her passion as a thank you to those around her. Her goodies become extremely popular VERY quickly. The more she bakes her passion, the happier she becomes and at a time when she should be at her lowest, she isn’t. Jamie is drawn to her beautiful outside and her sunny personality is more than he can ignore.
They became friends with benefits and all aspects of their relationship deepened quickly. As they work through their individual issues to become the best versions of themselves, they find unwavering support from the other. Their path to HEA was hard traveled on both sides. Each person brought much baggage to the relationship and they fought the growing feelings tooth and nail. This story is full of sweetness, friendship, heat and ALL the feels. I couldn’t get enough of the feels between these two!
This is a well written story of two imperfect people who were perfect together. The characters are well developed and so is the story. As always it is wonderful to catch up with previous couples in Calamity Falls. Again, the feels are incredible. I found myself smiling throughout the story and not wanting it to end. What a great addition to the series - looking forward to the next couple!
June 25, 2023
Loved this book by a new-to-me author so much! Thrilling chemistry and pretty emotional towards the end.
"When she looked up at him, lightning struck his core, and electricity raced through his body."
On the morning of her wedding, Grace Giordano finds out about her fiance's epic betrayal. After fifteen years of their on-again/off-again relationship, this was a complete deal-breaker for her and the only choice left for her is to runaway. When Jaime Dupree bumps into Grace as she makes her getaway, he's driven to help her and offer her sanctuary at his Wyoming ranch while she gets her thoughts together and decide on next steps. This isn't the first time that they've met but this is the first time that the chemistry between them sparks to life. Unfortunately, in spite of the mental and physical connection between them, Jaime has demons that won't let him move forward.
"All I have to do is look at you, and the world stops. I can't think. I can't breathe. I don't know what it is, but you get under my skin."
I was wholly absorbed and invested in this story. Both Grace and Jaime had a lot in common, even in the fact that they both had issues that held them back in one way or another. The attraction and intimacy between them was wild! 🔥🔥🔥I loved Grace's strength and sense of self-respect, and for finally realising what she deserved in her career as well as in her personal life. Jaime was gorgeous! I thrilled at his fierce desire for Grace and the fact that he struggled to keep her at arm's length, but I'm happy that his issues weren't strung out. Grace brought sunshine and balance to his life. In turn, he really saw her for who she really was. Their love was swift, hot and riveting. His little girl, Kinsley, was simply adorable! I loved her spunkiness and fearlessness. The three of them made a beautiful family. Such a gorgeous read!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
"When she looked up at him, lightning struck his core, and electricity raced through his body."
On the morning of her wedding, Grace Giordano finds out about her fiance's epic betrayal. After fifteen years of their on-again/off-again relationship, this was a complete deal-breaker for her and the only choice left for her is to runaway. When Jaime Dupree bumps into Grace as she makes her getaway, he's driven to help her and offer her sanctuary at his Wyoming ranch while she gets her thoughts together and decide on next steps. This isn't the first time that they've met but this is the first time that the chemistry between them sparks to life. Unfortunately, in spite of the mental and physical connection between them, Jaime has demons that won't let him move forward.
"All I have to do is look at you, and the world stops. I can't think. I can't breathe. I don't know what it is, but you get under my skin."
I was wholly absorbed and invested in this story. Both Grace and Jaime had a lot in common, even in the fact that they both had issues that held them back in one way or another. The attraction and intimacy between them was wild! 🔥🔥🔥I loved Grace's strength and sense of self-respect, and for finally realising what she deserved in her career as well as in her personal life. Jaime was gorgeous! I thrilled at his fierce desire for Grace and the fact that he struggled to keep her at arm's length, but I'm happy that his issues weren't strung out. Grace brought sunshine and balance to his life. In turn, he really saw her for who she really was. Their love was swift, hot and riveting. His little girl, Kinsley, was simply adorable! I loved her spunkiness and fearlessness. The three of them made a beautiful family. Such a gorgeous read!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
Read
June 19, 2023This series covers four hockey friends whos beloved coach left them his Wyoming Renegades NHL team. Jamie is the on-site owner, still torn up that one of them was injured years ago while they were doing what teenage guys do, chasing thrills. He keeps himself from getting too attached or allowing himself to be truly happy, a messed up kind of penance for Booker's injuries that dashed his dream of playing in the NHL with the rest of them.
Grace Giordano suddenly becomes a runaway bride when she learns, right before her wedding, that her fiancé stole thousands of dollars from her and her family’s bakery. Jamie, a groomsman in the wedding, rescues Grace and she accompanies Jamie back home to Wyoming. This is the place where Grace finally begins to figure out who she is, apart from her family business and others' expectations of her.
Instead of the boring croissants and muffins she made at her family's bakery, Grace is making beautiful, mouth-watering pastries and ends up with a food truck at Calamity's big summer festival. Combining her love of singing a current popular artist's tunes, she's dubbed the Singing Baker. Grace is having the time of her life, and when she's not busy making and selling her wares, she's falling more and more in love with the hockey player slash rancher, his tortured soul, and his fearless, charming six-year-old daughter.
Oh my heart, y'all, this story is exactly why I read romance! To laugh, to cry, to feel my heartstrings tugged, and to have my emotions manipulated in the most delicious ways only to leave me with a great big grin and a satisfied, happy sigh at the end! It's the best evocative ride with stomach-dropping dips and sling-shot turns that made me want to jump back in line and ride it again immediately. Funny, charming, poignant, and heartfelt, this will be one of your best romance reads this year, so make sure you don’t miss it!
Grace Giordano suddenly becomes a runaway bride when she learns, right before her wedding, that her fiancé stole thousands of dollars from her and her family’s bakery. Jamie, a groomsman in the wedding, rescues Grace and she accompanies Jamie back home to Wyoming. This is the place where Grace finally begins to figure out who she is, apart from her family business and others' expectations of her.
Instead of the boring croissants and muffins she made at her family's bakery, Grace is making beautiful, mouth-watering pastries and ends up with a food truck at Calamity's big summer festival. Combining her love of singing a current popular artist's tunes, she's dubbed the Singing Baker. Grace is having the time of her life, and when she's not busy making and selling her wares, she's falling more and more in love with the hockey player slash rancher, his tortured soul, and his fearless, charming six-year-old daughter.
Oh my heart, y'all, this story is exactly why I read romance! To laugh, to cry, to feel my heartstrings tugged, and to have my emotions manipulated in the most delicious ways only to leave me with a great big grin and a satisfied, happy sigh at the end! It's the best evocative ride with stomach-dropping dips and sling-shot turns that made me want to jump back in line and ride it again immediately. Funny, charming, poignant, and heartfelt, this will be one of your best romance reads this year, so make sure you don’t miss it!
June 20, 2023
Well, you think the last book would be the best and nothing can top it. Then you read the next one and fall head over heels I love and feel a bit guilty for betraying the last couple. Sorry Cole and Hailey (I mean I still love you guys haha).
Right bare with me, I know it sounds wrong that the bride ran away with the groomsman but once you read the whole story it makes sense.
Grace was just awesome. Literally the sun rays radiates from her. She was so easy to love and connect with.
Her now ex Fiancé was actually someone she just settled with. There was no spark or chemistry and this disaster was a blessing in disguise.
Jaime, my darling Jamie was such a wonderful dad, son, brother and friend. But the big oaf was too broken from a past event. So he punished himself.
Grace needed this break away at Calamity Fall, to discover her passion 'The Singing Baker'.
Jamie finally needed someone to show him what love is.
These two together were so hot, the chemistry was burning through the pages.
“All I have to do is look at you, and the world stops. I can’t think. I can’t breathe. I don’t know what it is, but you get under my skin.” He leaned in, close enough that his lips grazed her cheek. 🥰🔥
The story follows both of their struggles of breaking free from their shackles.
This was my favourite Quote :
“I can’t.” Distracted, she looked up from the stove. “Can’t what?”“Keep my hands and mouth off you. I want you too much.” Say it. Tell her. “Gracie Giordano, I am on fire for you.”
But Jamie has a long way to go, because he lost her due to his demons.
I loved that Grace didn't give in straight away and he really had to work for it all.
Kinny was such a sweetheart and she melted my heart with her action in the end. 🥺
This was a sweet, small town, single dad, sunshine/grumpy, emotional, trauma, laugh out loud, cry my heart out, wonderful families, So much love and steam.
Great entertaining read. Like all of Erika's books I highly recommend it.
Right bare with me, I know it sounds wrong that the bride ran away with the groomsman but once you read the whole story it makes sense.
Grace was just awesome. Literally the sun rays radiates from her. She was so easy to love and connect with.
Her now ex Fiancé was actually someone she just settled with. There was no spark or chemistry and this disaster was a blessing in disguise.
Jaime, my darling Jamie was such a wonderful dad, son, brother and friend. But the big oaf was too broken from a past event. So he punished himself.
Grace needed this break away at Calamity Fall, to discover her passion 'The Singing Baker'.
Jamie finally needed someone to show him what love is.
These two together were so hot, the chemistry was burning through the pages.
“All I have to do is look at you, and the world stops. I can’t think. I can’t breathe. I don’t know what it is, but you get under my skin.” He leaned in, close enough that his lips grazed her cheek. 🥰🔥
The story follows both of their struggles of breaking free from their shackles.
This was my favourite Quote :
“I can’t.” Distracted, she looked up from the stove. “Can’t what?”“Keep my hands and mouth off you. I want you too much.” Say it. Tell her. “Gracie Giordano, I am on fire for you.”
But Jamie has a long way to go, because he lost her due to his demons.
I loved that Grace didn't give in straight away and he really had to work for it all.
Kinny was such a sweetheart and she melted my heart with her action in the end. 🥺
This was a sweet, small town, single dad, sunshine/grumpy, emotional, trauma, laugh out loud, cry my heart out, wonderful families, So much love and steam.
Great entertaining read. Like all of Erika's books I highly recommend it.
June 21, 2023
What do you do when a woman that you just might have feeling for is engaged to your best friend but you find her running away from her wedding? You be the gentleman that you are and offer a place to stay and get her life back in order. What could go wrong? A few days and she will be gone and that's that. MS. Kelly delivers just that storyline in Truly, Madly, Deeply, which is one book that will have your complete attention right from the start. She has a way of having her characters wiggle right into your heart.
Well, that is exactly what Jamie Dupree thought about helping out Grace Giordano. She is one woman that gets his blood boiling in more ways than one. Jamie has his pro hockey team and his daughter to worry about so letting in Grace is out of the question. Grace just wants to bake, bake and bake because that is her happy place. A few days turn into a whole summer and living so close to Jamie has her body and heart wanting him but he seems to have a wall around him. His past seems to haunt him to the point that he is unable or feels that he is not worthy of happiness. Can grace show him that he is? Will Grace being there break down the walls that he has built? When the heart wins what will happen? Can this push/pull relationship actually work? The sexual tension is off the charts and so thick you can cut it. Add in a strong-willed and sweet little girl, Kinsley and you have a wonderful story that will have you smiling all day.
Ms. Kelly always gives us characters that are so relatable and loving. She writes such beautiful stories, with such emotion and detail that you fall in love with them. I highly recommend picking up Truly, Madly, Deeply and enjoy Jamie and Grace's story. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Well, that is exactly what Jamie Dupree thought about helping out Grace Giordano. She is one woman that gets his blood boiling in more ways than one. Jamie has his pro hockey team and his daughter to worry about so letting in Grace is out of the question. Grace just wants to bake, bake and bake because that is her happy place. A few days turn into a whole summer and living so close to Jamie has her body and heart wanting him but he seems to have a wall around him. His past seems to haunt him to the point that he is unable or feels that he is not worthy of happiness. Can grace show him that he is? Will Grace being there break down the walls that he has built? When the heart wins what will happen? Can this push/pull relationship actually work? The sexual tension is off the charts and so thick you can cut it. Add in a strong-willed and sweet little girl, Kinsley and you have a wonderful story that will have you smiling all day.
Ms. Kelly always gives us characters that are so relatable and loving. She writes such beautiful stories, with such emotion and detail that you fall in love with them. I highly recommend picking up Truly, Madly, Deeply and enjoy Jamie and Grace's story. I promise you will not be disappointed.
September 20, 2023
Grace Giordano is about to get married, when she hears her mother telling the cellist that there must be a mistake, the money is in her account. Grace interrupts and tries paying from her account only to find it only has only one hundred dollars in it, same as her mother's. Checking further she finds it was her fiancé Ian who took the money. She had a hundred and fifty thousand dollars in that account, and it's gone. Her mother had fifteen thousand that is also gone, all taken by Ian.
Livid she storms the room where he was with the groomsmen and orders everyone out. Ian tries to explain but, in the process, he manages to admit he's done it before. He's only borrowed the money and will pay it back. Ian had betrayed everyone's trust, and Grace can't even look at him let alone marry him.
As she's running away, she runs into Jamie Dupree, he's been sent by Ian to find her. When he hears what happened he takes her bag and her to the airport. He's taking her to his ranch where she can have a cabin to think about her future.
On the plane he's texting his mother when Ian sends a text to him.
Grace is a baker who within her family's bakery structure is stifled. She also bakes when she's stressed. When Jamie stops at the grocery for her to pick up supplies for the cabin he doesn't pay attention to what she buys.
He's more than a little surprised when his ranch manager tells him the hands were woken by her music. He finds her singing and baking.
From the cabin to a temporary food truck as the singing baker, to meeting the singer she can emulate to a relationship with Jamie this book is so much fun.
I think I'll have to read the rest of this series since this is the book I started with.
Livid she storms the room where he was with the groomsmen and orders everyone out. Ian tries to explain but, in the process, he manages to admit he's done it before. He's only borrowed the money and will pay it back. Ian had betrayed everyone's trust, and Grace can't even look at him let alone marry him.
As she's running away, she runs into Jamie Dupree, he's been sent by Ian to find her. When he hears what happened he takes her bag and her to the airport. He's taking her to his ranch where she can have a cabin to think about her future.
On the plane he's texting his mother when Ian sends a text to him.
Grace is a baker who within her family's bakery structure is stifled. She also bakes when she's stressed. When Jamie stops at the grocery for her to pick up supplies for the cabin he doesn't pay attention to what she buys.
He's more than a little surprised when his ranch manager tells him the hands were woken by her music. He finds her singing and baking.
From the cabin to a temporary food truck as the singing baker, to meeting the singer she can emulate to a relationship with Jamie this book is so much fun.
I think I'll have to read the rest of this series since this is the book I started with.
June 15, 2023
I couldn’t put this down!!
Truly, Madly, Deeply is truly an incredible read! I fell madly in love with Jamie and his love for his daughter. I became deeply immersed in the story from the first page. What’s not to love about a runaway bride making her escape from the wedding with the help of one of the groomsmen? Especially if he is a broody, locked down, always-in-control man with the heart of a lion. I knew there would be joy in watching Jamie fall as his walls are torn down by the effervescent Grace Giordano. She is strong, capable, and willing to do what needs to be done to be happy.
Erika Kelly has created one of the best places to live on earth in Calamity Falls, WY. I want to live there! I love the people and their quirkiness and endearing qualities! They love and care for each other, and It’s always fabulous to see characters from previous books in the series making the world more real. Some of my favorite scenes are between Jamie and his daughter, Kinsley. She’s so precocious, I couldn’t help but chuckle at her antics. It showed the soft and loving side of Jamie I couldn’t wait to come out. I always know this author’s stories are going to make me smile, laugh, feel heartbroken, and be restored. There were so many beautiful and heartfelt moments along with those touching scenes and a few plot twists I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed being introduced to the Giordano family and I hope to see more of them in Calamity Falls. Truly, Madly, Deeply is a perfect addition to the Calamity Falls Series. I’m really looking forward to reading Booker’s story! I received an arc of this book from Grey’s Promotions, and this is my honest review.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is truly an incredible read! I fell madly in love with Jamie and his love for his daughter. I became deeply immersed in the story from the first page. What’s not to love about a runaway bride making her escape from the wedding with the help of one of the groomsmen? Especially if he is a broody, locked down, always-in-control man with the heart of a lion. I knew there would be joy in watching Jamie fall as his walls are torn down by the effervescent Grace Giordano. She is strong, capable, and willing to do what needs to be done to be happy.
Erika Kelly has created one of the best places to live on earth in Calamity Falls, WY. I want to live there! I love the people and their quirkiness and endearing qualities! They love and care for each other, and It’s always fabulous to see characters from previous books in the series making the world more real. Some of my favorite scenes are between Jamie and his daughter, Kinsley. She’s so precocious, I couldn’t help but chuckle at her antics. It showed the soft and loving side of Jamie I couldn’t wait to come out. I always know this author’s stories are going to make me smile, laugh, feel heartbroken, and be restored. There were so many beautiful and heartfelt moments along with those touching scenes and a few plot twists I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed being introduced to the Giordano family and I hope to see more of them in Calamity Falls. Truly, Madly, Deeply is a perfect addition to the Calamity Falls Series. I’m really looking forward to reading Booker’s story! I received an arc of this book from Grey’s Promotions, and this is my honest review.
June 22, 2023
"You're more one-percenter than you are Hallmark Hero."
Calamity Falls yet again weaves its magic as another outsider falls under its spells, Erika Kelly once more gives us wonderful characters and, wonderful memories as you continue to fall Truly, Madly, and Deeply for this series.
On the day Grace was suppose to marry her fiance he dropped a bomb shell that seees Grace taking up the offer from her fiances friend and single dad Jamie Dupree to go back home with him to Calamity Falls and stay in one of his cabins while she sorts her life out, as soon as Grace steps foot into her cabin she feels a peace she hasn't felt in a long time, and gets her bakery jucies flowing, finally allowing her to make her dream come true of baking decrative cakes, her growing attraction to Jamie couldn't come out a worse time nor her growing love for his young daughter, but Jamie who was once a carefree hockey goaler living live on the edge now turned hockey club owner is nothing like he used to be, living well within the lines to the point he is projecting his overly cautiousness on his daughter, but the more time he spends with Grace the more she is chipping away at the barrier he has placed around him, their is no denying the chemistry between the pair and the attraction blows hot, but both have a lot of baggage they need to get through for them to get the epic HEA that only Calamity Falls can deliver.
"All I have to do is look at you, and the world stops. I can't think. I can't breathe. I don't know what it is, but you get under my skin."
June 10, 2023
A Calamity Falls Romance
Grace Giordano was getting ready to walk down the aisle and marry the guy she had been with for the last 15 yrs, only to find out he had stolen money not only from her but her parents. As she was running out the front door she literally ran into the hard body of Jaime Dupree, one of the groomsmen.
Ten years prior Jaime had been a hockey goalie until a BASE jumping accident where his friend got hurt and couldn't play anymore and Jaime stopped doing extreme adventures. When his former coach passed away and left him a hockey team he stopped playing. And he found out he had a daughter who is now 6 yrs old and is his whole world.
Grace wanted out and away from her town, family and ex fiance so Jaime took her to Wyoming where she could stay in one of his cabins on his working ranch. She was only gonna to be there a few days so no big deal.
But things changed and Grace got a chance to run a food truck during the town's annual music festival and she decided to stay the whole summer and make money to pay her parents back for the wedding. She always wanted to be a baker and make wonderful pastries but in the family business she never had the chance. She became known as the Singing Baker and her pastries were a hit and she was fulfilling a dream and a passion she has.
Jaime has been pretty closed off but the more time that is spent around Grace the walls start to come down. They have chemistry but is it enough? He still is haunted by what happened to his friend. What happens when the festival is over?
4.5 stars
Grace Giordano was getting ready to walk down the aisle and marry the guy she had been with for the last 15 yrs, only to find out he had stolen money not only from her but her parents. As she was running out the front door she literally ran into the hard body of Jaime Dupree, one of the groomsmen.
Ten years prior Jaime had been a hockey goalie until a BASE jumping accident where his friend got hurt and couldn't play anymore and Jaime stopped doing extreme adventures. When his former coach passed away and left him a hockey team he stopped playing. And he found out he had a daughter who is now 6 yrs old and is his whole world.
Grace wanted out and away from her town, family and ex fiance so Jaime took her to Wyoming where she could stay in one of his cabins on his working ranch. She was only gonna to be there a few days so no big deal.
But things changed and Grace got a chance to run a food truck during the town's annual music festival and she decided to stay the whole summer and make money to pay her parents back for the wedding. She always wanted to be a baker and make wonderful pastries but in the family business she never had the chance. She became known as the Singing Baker and her pastries were a hit and she was fulfilling a dream and a passion she has.
Jaime has been pretty closed off but the more time that is spent around Grace the walls start to come down. They have chemistry but is it enough? He still is haunted by what happened to his friend. What happens when the festival is over?
4.5 stars
June 21, 2023
Truly, Madly, Deeply is Book 12 in the Calamity Falls series by Erika Kelly, featuring an entertaining grumpy/sunshine, single dad, sport’s romance with Grace and Jaime. When Grace pulls a runaway bride maneuver, Jaime, a groomsman, offers her a place to stay on his ranch for a few days. His life is complicated enough. Surely he can resist one singing baker and her delicious treats, until she leaves town. Sometimes fate has other plans, but Jaime needs to let go of some emotional baggage from the past before he can build a stable relationship.
This was my first book in this series, and I’ve been missing out! The world building was great with a town full of compelling characters, witty banter, authentic emotions, and that great small town camaraderie. Grace was strong and feisty, but also compassionate and loving. My heart hurt for Jaime, even though I wanted to shake him at times!😂 And the chemistry between them was so hot, it practically melted my iPad!🥵 For me, though, little Kinny stole the show and my heart! She was so well written!! I had no trouble at all enjoying this book without reading the others, although I want to read them now!😉 There are a couple characters that left me with questions, so I am excited for the next installment!!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NewRelease #Bookish #ContemporaryRomance #SportsRomance #SmallTownRomance #Friendstolovers #GrumpySunshine #TragicPast #AlphaHero #SportsRomance #RunawayBride #SingleParentRomance #GreysPromo #ReadNow #bookrecs #bookreview #arcreview
This was my first book in this series, and I’ve been missing out! The world building was great with a town full of compelling characters, witty banter, authentic emotions, and that great small town camaraderie. Grace was strong and feisty, but also compassionate and loving. My heart hurt for Jaime, even though I wanted to shake him at times!😂 And the chemistry between them was so hot, it practically melted my iPad!🥵 For me, though, little Kinny stole the show and my heart! She was so well written!! I had no trouble at all enjoying this book without reading the others, although I want to read them now!😉 There are a couple characters that left me with questions, so I am excited for the next installment!!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NewRelease #Bookish #ContemporaryRomance #SportsRomance #SmallTownRomance #Friendstolovers #GrumpySunshine #TragicPast #AlphaHero #SportsRomance #RunawayBride #SingleParentRomance #GreysPromo #ReadNow #bookrecs #bookreview #arcreview
June 27, 2023
“There’s nothing more real than my passion for you, my love for my daughter, and the promise I’ll make to love and protect you and to let both my girls fly.”
Grace Giordano discovers her childhood sweetheart and fiancé betray minutes before their wedding. Needing to get away and think, she ran from her wedding. Running out of the church and into her fiancé friend and groomsman Jaime Dupree was lucky. His offer of a guest house on his ranch gave her the space she needed to think.
For years Jaime felt guilty for his friend’s accident and didn’t think he deserved to have happiness himself. He dedicated his life to raising his daughter and running his professional hockey team. Getting to know and spending time with Grace had him craving more but his guilt had him pushing her away. Can Grace break through his walls and help him overcome his guilt?
Truly, Madly, Deeply is the twelfth book in A Calamity Falls Small Town series. I was not very familiar with the author, so this was a standalone book for me. I had no problems reading it even though couples from previous books were side characters. The author did a great job filling the reader into anything they needed to know. The book was beautifully written, and the main characters had many layers that were slowly revealed. This was a journey of soul-searching, guilt, healing, and slow-burning romance. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more by the author in the future.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 30, 2024
I was a little bit disappointed if I’m honest, I enjoyed the book but didn’t love it like I wanted too.
After Hailey found out 10 minutes before her walking down the aisle that her fiancée emptied her and her parents bank accounts she flees with his groomsman and they have a natural chemistry neither has ever felt. After a night together he ends any further entanglement however there bond is too strong, and they seem to seek each other out, the banter they have is infectious and added to the story, his precarious daughter is sweet and gets into mischief without even trying.
I loved how strong the characters were and I loved the connection between them.
Now for the negatives
I can’t believe we’ve got to book 3 in the series and only just find out Jamie has a 6yr old daughter.
In book one when the four friends caught up I’d have thought that would have come up, or in book two when Cole became guardian and parent to two little girls. ( one the same age so they could have done play dates with the kids.)
Each book has inconsistencies within the storyline from each other which is very frustrating, The author, editors etc should be able to pick these up rather than the reader!!!
Not one seemed to recall the plots!!!
EG book two - a player reaches out to the Renegade team and Booker is his agent, in book three he’s a free agent not Bookers client.
Booker wasn’t even in book three which was disappointing as we didn’t get to know him in anyway to encourage us want to read book four which is about Booker.
After Hailey found out 10 minutes before her walking down the aisle that her fiancée emptied her and her parents bank accounts she flees with his groomsman and they have a natural chemistry neither has ever felt. After a night together he ends any further entanglement however there bond is too strong, and they seem to seek each other out, the banter they have is infectious and added to the story, his precarious daughter is sweet and gets into mischief without even trying.
I loved how strong the characters were and I loved the connection between them.
Now for the negatives
I can’t believe we’ve got to book 3 in the series and only just find out Jamie has a 6yr old daughter.
In book one when the four friends caught up I’d have thought that would have come up, or in book two when Cole became guardian and parent to two little girls. ( one the same age so they could have done play dates with the kids.)
Each book has inconsistencies within the storyline from each other which is very frustrating, The author, editors etc should be able to pick these up rather than the reader!!!
Not one seemed to recall the plots!!!
EG book two - a player reaches out to the Renegade team and Booker is his agent, in book three he’s a free agent not Bookers client.
Booker wasn’t even in book three which was disappointing as we didn’t get to know him in anyway to encourage us want to read book four which is about Booker.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews