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Running on Empty
Gem isn't an active kind of girl; she's more prone to sprawling on the sofa with a glass of wine. But Gem also has a massive crush on Cole Parker, and he's never going to notice her while she's on her couch. Last time they met, she almost took him out in a kickboxing class with her clumsy moves. She’s the last person he’d be interested in.
When her best friend Kimber convinces her that running shoes are the way to Cole Parker's heart, Gem's thrown for a loop. Gem doesn't run, never has, and can't picture herself hitting the trails. But Cole might be the very reason she's willing to lace up. Can Gem, a certified couch-potato, move her body past the front door and capture Cole's heart in the process?
When her best friend Kimber convinces her that running shoes are the way to Cole Parker's heart, Gem's thrown for a loop. Gem doesn't run, never has, and can't picture herself hitting the trails. But Cole might be the very reason she's willing to lace up. Can Gem, a certified couch-potato, move her body past the front door and capture Cole's heart in the process?
113 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2013
25 people want to read
About the author
Ava Catori
88 books105 followersI have a passion for storytelling. I write in a conversational tone that is often described as fun and easy. I love my characters to be easy to identify with and feel down to earth. Most of my characters have a girl-next-door feel.
This Jersey girl is happily married to a patient man who has the ability to sustain long hours of rambling thoughts spilling from me non-stop. With the company of my two dogs, I set my writing schedule around their inability to coordinate their potty breaks. :)
This Jersey girl is happily married to a patient man who has the ability to sustain long hours of rambling thoughts spilling from me non-stop. With the company of my two dogs, I set my writing schedule around their inability to coordinate their potty breaks. :)
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 20, 2013
Running on Empty: Love on the Run buy Ava Catori is a 2013 release, published by Ava Caroti Books. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a short story/novella falling into the contemporary romance/ chick lit category.
Gemma "Gem" is in a rut. Her roommate and good friend Kimber is determined to get Gem up off the couch and into some physical activity. The lure of running into Cole Parker, a physical fitness enthusiast, is just the motivation Gem needs. She buys some workout clothes and begins challenging herself to run further and faster each day.
Finally, she runs into Cole. After a few brief encounters, Gem and Cole finally begin seeing each other socially. But, things are not easy for Gem. She has it really bad for Cole, while Cole is not in any hurry to pursue a serious relationship, putting the two of them at odds. Gem wants a hint of commitment from Cole and Cole just wants things to stay status quo.
Kimber also plays a role in Gem's life as a coach and best friend and motivator. Kimber also has her fair share of romantic ups and downs.
The best part of the story was the challenges Gem faced and her "never give up" mentality even when she had to be reminded by Kimber to keep on keeping on.
The relationships however, left me feeling unfulfilled. Gem's determination often faltered when she was around Cole. We can all relate to this. There is one guy that no matter what, our hormones get in the way of our common sense, and for Gem, Cole was that guy.
I thought Cole was just too wishy washy. He's hot, then cold. Gem did everything she could to make a relationship that was stable and secure, but Cole kept Gem at arm's length. I was thinking the whole time that Gem could do better. I just don't like guys like Cole. If they can't make up their minds then maybe it's time to think about moving on before you invest too much of your time with someone that is indecisive. Of course, Cole comes around and compromises with Gem and the two are certain to have a future, but it does seem like it will still be a battle for Gem. I get the feeling she will have to drag Cole kicking and screaming all the way.
Overall, there were good and bad points in the book and there was nothing wrong with the writing. The story moved along at a good pace, the dialogue was real, and the women were easy to relate to.
Overall this one is a C.
This is a short story/novella falling into the contemporary romance/ chick lit category.
Gemma "Gem" is in a rut. Her roommate and good friend Kimber is determined to get Gem up off the couch and into some physical activity. The lure of running into Cole Parker, a physical fitness enthusiast, is just the motivation Gem needs. She buys some workout clothes and begins challenging herself to run further and faster each day.
Finally, she runs into Cole. After a few brief encounters, Gem and Cole finally begin seeing each other socially. But, things are not easy for Gem. She has it really bad for Cole, while Cole is not in any hurry to pursue a serious relationship, putting the two of them at odds. Gem wants a hint of commitment from Cole and Cole just wants things to stay status quo.
Kimber also plays a role in Gem's life as a coach and best friend and motivator. Kimber also has her fair share of romantic ups and downs.
The best part of the story was the challenges Gem faced and her "never give up" mentality even when she had to be reminded by Kimber to keep on keeping on.
The relationships however, left me feeling unfulfilled. Gem's determination often faltered when she was around Cole. We can all relate to this. There is one guy that no matter what, our hormones get in the way of our common sense, and for Gem, Cole was that guy.
I thought Cole was just too wishy washy. He's hot, then cold. Gem did everything she could to make a relationship that was stable and secure, but Cole kept Gem at arm's length. I was thinking the whole time that Gem could do better. I just don't like guys like Cole. If they can't make up their minds then maybe it's time to think about moving on before you invest too much of your time with someone that is indecisive. Of course, Cole comes around and compromises with Gem and the two are certain to have a future, but it does seem like it will still be a battle for Gem. I get the feeling she will have to drag Cole kicking and screaming all the way.
Overall, there were good and bad points in the book and there was nothing wrong with the writing. The story moved along at a good pace, the dialogue was real, and the women were easy to relate to.
Overall this one is a C.
August 8, 2013
**Copy kindly provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I so wanted to like this book and for the first 40-50% of the book I was into the story for the most part. But somewhere around 50-60% I totally lost interest and got bored. I know the title is "Running on Empty" but they spent way to much time talking about actual running. I also felt almost nothing for any of the characters. There were only two moments in the entire book that evoked any type of emotion and that was after their first kiss and when she went after the turkeys. Totally disappointed in the lack of sexual tension, angst, and humor. And the few sex scenes were super lame and lackluster.
I so wanted to like this book and for the first 40-50% of the book I was into the story for the most part. But somewhere around 50-60% I totally lost interest and got bored. I know the title is "Running on Empty" but they spent way to much time talking about actual running. I also felt almost nothing for any of the characters. There were only two moments in the entire book that evoked any type of emotion and that was after their first kiss and when she went after the turkeys. Totally disappointed in the lack of sexual tension, angst, and humor. And the few sex scenes were super lame and lackluster.
January 18, 2015
This book is your basic chick lit. There's nothing fantastic or gripping about it. If you're looking for a mind numbing way to pass an hour, read this. But if you want a story with substance, don't bother. Gem, the main character is whiny, clingy and never really described. Kimber, the best friend, was more likeable than Gem. Gem over reacts to things Cole says or does, and seemed toco overly insecure. Cole on the other hand seemed like an awesome guy. He was strong, trying to do right by Gem and sadly misunderstood. The story doesn't have much substance, just your average feel good HEA. There's so much conversation between Kimber and Gem, BFF bitch fests, that you lost sight of what the story is really about. Again, nothing that kept me hooked or wanting more. If you want to waste time, then by all means, go ahead and read this. If you want something good, I have plenty other recommendations other than this book.
September 23, 2013
I am just not sure where Ava Catori was heading with this novella. Funny enough for a book whose subplot is running; the pacing was uneven. There were also some confusing changes of voice that didn't add to the pacing issues. The main character is interesting, if a bit stalkerish; Ms. Catori makes no excuses for her main character's obsessive stalking of the male lead, but I would have wished for a bit less creep factor. I didn't hate the book, I just didn't like the premise - I know that women make themselves over in order to "catch" their men, but I didn't need to read about it. This one just wasn't for me.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2013
This book has left me shaking my head. Maybe it's just me, maybe it's that the whole story is only through Gems POV , except for a few paragraphs in Kimbers POV. I just didn't feel the connection between Gem and Cole. Gem was very needy, very pushy, completely insecure, and a little bitchy. I never felt like Cole was on board with anything. I didn't feel his love or connection to Gem. It never came across as he wanted her as much she wanted him. Even at the end it felt like he was just going through the motions. This book just didn't do it for me ....
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
February 10, 2014
Running On Empty is written in the first person telling the heroine's story of her romance and the parallel story of her training for a half marathon. The story line was original, but slow at times.
I had problems empathizing with the characters. The heroine was a rather immature and insecure person, while the Hero was just average and at times a boor. I just couldn't enjoy reading about their relationship.
If you are a runner you might find the book more enjoyable than I did.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
I had problems empathizing with the characters. The heroine was a rather immature and insecure person, while the Hero was just average and at times a boor. I just couldn't enjoy reading about their relationship.
If you are a runner you might find the book more enjoyable than I did.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
August 3, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this, although mostly negative. It was difficult reading this as the protagonist was disturbingly stalkerish. I know people tend to get curious about that special someone when they like them, but her behavior was overstepping the boundaries. She was also too... reckless? Impulsive, maybe. And has a mouth with no filter. Her guy also lacked the quality that appealed to me.
I'm not hating, but it's just not for me. Even that 1 star seems a bit too much.
I'm not hating, but it's just not for me. Even that 1 star seems a bit too much.
October 1, 2013
I didn't like Gem or Cole. Gem was way too insecure and clingy. I couldn't believe anyone would want to stay with her. She just seemed like she was younger than she was. Cole was boring and never seemed invested. I'm didn't buy the relationship. In real life, I don't think it would have lasted.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews