Sierra Kent doesn’t do love. While she embraces the quaintness of her home town Love and delights in matchmaking her clients through her Internet dating agency Love Byte, she doesn’t trust her intuition when it comes to the one emotion that has repeatedly let her down.
City-slick Marc Fairley, CEO of LA's premier acquisition company, doesn’t have time for Love. From the minute he enters the kitschy town he can’t wait to hotfoot back to LA with his deranged mother in tow. Instead, he gets roped into the town's Love Fest hoopla, investigates the shady farmer his mom is engaged to, berates his butler for a mad crush on a brash Aussie waitress, and finds himself falling for the brazen red-head who continually baits him. His life couldn't get any crazier. Until he discovers in exacting revenge on his father and achieving his lifelong goals, he may lose the one thing he values most...
Can Sierra and Marc create enough sparks to send Love up in flames? And prove that winning isn’t everything in the love stakes, it’s how you play the game.
USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.
She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
Parts of this story were well written, interesting, and fun. But other parts were poorly written, repetitive, and ridiculous. For example, there were at least three instances of "all ready" instead of "already," which makes that error seem less like a typo and more like ignorance. And some of the analogies were taken way too far, like this one: "If there had been sparks flying between them yesterday it was nothing on what could happen if he fanned the flames. He could stand the heat but could she? She had a smart mouth yet he had a sneaking suspicion once he turned up the heat she'd definitely be running from the kitchen." A bit overcooked, that one.
But what really bothered me... SPOILERS
What really bothered me was Marc's whole premise for coming to Love in the first place. OK, sure, he's worried about his mom, but his one-track "she's being ripped off Hank and assisted by Sierra, despite the fact that I can see that these are both good, honest people" is just ridiculous. He goes to visit his mom and treats her like some runaway kid who has called home, sobbing, wanting to be rescued from some deadbeat. Practically the first thing he says to her is "Get your things and we can talk on the way back to LA." I mean, come on! It's so over the top. I know there needs to be some sort of conflict in order to have a story, but it shouldn't be so absurd.
“Cupid’s Dating Tips for the Enlightened Male – Acknowledge you don’t look like George Clooney – and get over it.”
All's fair in love...and matchmaking! At least that is what Marc Fairley is thinking as he rolls into Love, California. And, Marc, upon meeting Sierra the match making guru of Love Bytes, just as the reader does, finds out that it just ain’t so.
I thought this was a great book. As well as being a wonderful romance story for the leading characters, there was romance in the air for everyone, even the butler it seems.
“Belle picked up her handbag. “With my luck lately I’d settle for a Martian.” “I hear it’s not the size of the antenna that’s important, it’s the way the Martian wiggles it.”
The author was so descript in describing the town of Love, that the reader was able to be transported and immersed in the little town. You felt as though you were riding in the car, walking along hilly paths, fishing in a stream, and attending the annual Love Fest with the characters.
“Sierra came across an old Post-it note where Belle had scribbled “GOLF” and stuck it to the bottom of the drawer. Her friend’s motto of “Guaranteed Orgasmic Laid-back Fun” hadn’t steered Belle wrong…”
The book held many characters within its pages; each one, well developed and entertaining. I enjoyed the humorous “Cupid’s Dating Tips for the Enlightened Male” at the beginning of the chapters. I also like when the female character holds her own, and in this book, Sierra gives as good as she takes. The author also did an outstanding job with the bantering dialogue between all of the characters.
“Has there been much talk about Sierra and me:” Hank cast out. “Pardon my bluntness, but a man can’t fart around here without someone running behind to fan it.” Marc laughed so loud a flock of geese took flight.”
For me, I found similarities between the book and the movie, Pretty Woman. I felt like I was reading about Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. There is a sleezy Scully who works for Marc Fairley, and the butler reminded me of the Concierge from the hotel (whom I loved). Then, there’s Flo – picture Mel’s Diner here, and the best friend, Belle. All were great supporting characters.
“Marc struggled to consciousness, wishing the bizarre dream where Sierra was smacking him in the face with a sodden towel would vanish. As his eyes peeled open he found it wasn’t a dream and the large, wet object slapping his cheek wasn’t a towel…”Where the hell as I?” he muttered, sitting bolt upright as the dog started nibbling on his toes.”
Technically speaking, the book contained few grammatical errors, the characters were developed and likable, and the story line was entertaining and comes to a close without leaving the reader wondering what happens now. With such great characters you have to give this book a 5*.
“He stilled and she clung to him, her face buried in his shoulder, not willing to stop, not his time. “Kiss me again-“ “We’ve got company.” She raised her head, surprised by the laughter in his voice. She’d expected regret, recriminations, and excuses, not the deep rumbles making him shake. She followed his line of vision and saw Flo’s face pressed against the windowpane, her mouth a perfect O.”
Because she's a USA Today Bestselling Author, I expected a lot. I usually give a book a couple of chapters to make its case, but several things tipped me over the edge into did-not-finish territory.
The story felt nineties to me, despite the fact that it revolved around an online dating service. I can't really pinpoint why. Sorry. :(
I just finished (skimming) Rachel Gibson's Rescue Me, which was bursting with the country sayings, so maybe it was bad luck that I picked up this book next because I was already a bit sour on the small town America thing and Marsh served up the tropes I've come to expect in a rom-com set in a small town. I'd already gone ten rounds with a host of quirky characters who dress weird and have quirky names and wasn't really in the mood to encounter more.
I had a beef with plopping Love, with a population of 12,000, "one hour south of LA. LA is a HUGELY sprawling metropolis that goes on forever as anyone flying overhead at night can tell you. One hour south of downtown would be Orange County, another sprawling metropolis.
I didn't like the corny jokes that had to do with the fact that the town was named Love. "Where the hell are you?" "I'm in Love." I thought the GOLF acronym (Guaranteed Orgasmic Laid-back Fun) was forced if only because orgasms are never guaranteed, especially during a one-night-stand. And then because it spelled golf, we got more jokes that didn't quite make it to funny for me. I think maybe Marsh's sense of humor and mine just don't mesh. I can see that many other readers thought the book was hilarious. I wish I were one of them.
Sierra Kent lives in a small town called Love. Her Internet Dating service called Love Byte is one of California’s largest and best Internet dating sites. Many of her customers can attest to that including her Uncle Hank who found the love of his life when she matched him to Olivia Fairly. They are to be married on Christmas Eve. If only Sierra’s matchmaking included herself. She’s not looking for love and is happy being single because love is nothing more than a complication or so she believes until she meets him…
Marc Fairley goes to Love to find out just want’s going on with his Mother. How can she be in love with someone that she met on an online dating service and better yet, how can she be marrying said man in just a few short weeks. The man has to be a con artist and is out to take advantage of her and take her money. He’d get to the bottom of it though and talk some sense into her before it’s too late. When he visits the office of Love Byte looking for the owner, he wasn’t expecting to find the drop dead gorgeous Sierra with her designer clothes and fiery red hair. Her quick wit and smart mouth quickly had him intrigued and he couldn’t believe that he was looking forward to dishing it out with her through dinner. He’d get the scoop on his mom and this man Hang Stevens once and for all.
This book was full of quick witted characters, not just Marc and Sierra but also other characters as well. Belle, Sierra’s best friend and her references to GOLF= Guaranteed Orgasmic Laid-back Fun had me laughing out loud and Flo, Sierra’s neighbor who was almost sixty and smokes like a train. She’s an Aussie that says what she means and doesn’t take anyone’s slack. She was funny and I immediately liked her from the moment she was introduced into the story.
This was book #2 in the Looking for Love series but I didn’t realize that until I had already started reading it. It read fine as a stand-alone and I liked it enough that I will go back and read book #1 but looking at the synopsis for it, they do not look to be linked much at all other than some of the characters and the town of Love.
This is an Adult Book… please be aware and don’t read if you are underage without parental permissions. Ok I’ve said my speech & am stepping off the soapbox; let’s get to reviewing!
Source: Review copy given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
In a nut shell: cute story | loved characters | loved the “match making”
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Details: I enjoyed reading this story. I really really love Nicola's writing - her pace, characters and style are always a hit for me! This book delivers great pace, interesting characters and good story. I was laughing out loud at the interaction between several of these characters. And amazingly enough I was not feeling overwhelmed even though there is SOOO MUCH going on in this book. Seriously
......click link above to read the rest of my review......
The heroine Sierra Kent runs a matchmaking service in a town called Love but she doesn't believe in finding love herself.
She loves the quaintness of her hometown of Love and the thrills of matchmaking her clients through her Internet dating agency Love Byte, but she doesn't trust herself when it comes to the one emotion that has repeatedly let her down...falling in love.
City-boy Marc Fairley, son of Sierra's most recent client, doesn't have time for Love. He just wants to convince his mom she's making a mistake & move her back to LA. From the moment he enters the town he can't wait to run back to LA with his mother..protecting her from his idea of "her huge mistake". As well as discrediting both Sierra's business & his mom's fiance..who happens to be Sierra's "uncle". Instead, he gets roped into staying in the town, and finds that things aren't always what they seem.
Can Sierra and Marc get past their own fears & learn that love really does exist? Or will their past fears hold them back? Only one way to find out...
You have to read this book. You won't be disappointed. This story is full of "love", as well as laugh out loud action. This book is definitely worth reading. Can't wait to read more by this author.
I rate this book 4 1/2 stars Jennifer Wadkins juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Sierra's, a internet dating site owner finds herself face to face with a client's son who just so happens to be the very woman who is marrying her uncle. Marc is not very happy that his mom has used a dating site and is now marrying some crazy man she met online. He goes to a town called Love to convince his mom that this marriage is a sham and give the matchmaker a piece of his mind. Finding a fierce redhead who can dish it out they quickly discover there is an attraction that turns into a friendship and could possibly turn into something more and maybe something they want to hold on to. I really enjoyed reading the back and forth between main characters, Sierra and Marc. They are both successful people who want to keep there business first and that being together is somewhat of a problem. They know exactly what type of relationship there having and know that in the end it will be a mutual departure. The rest of the characters were all fun and entertaining. I did feel the story with Marc's father fell a little short but I still enjoyed this book. It was funny and romantic and would love to read more from Nicola Marsh.
Sierra Kent lives in the town of Love. She has a dating agency called Loved Byte. She is currently helping her friend with her wedding plans. But when the upset son shows up and is mad at her for his mom's engagement she can't prevent herself from teasing him. Marc Fairley is rich, has his own corporation and is not happy his mother fell in love with someone through a dating service. He visits the town to check on the owner of the company. When he meets Sierra, who is strong willed and funny, he is speechless. They end up going out. Some misunderstandings occured. Some secondary characters fall in love too. Nice, easy read. 3/5 Fangs cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot.com
I downloaded this book months and months ago, I read the first few chapters and although it was really sweet and quite funny in parts I lost focus on it and stopped reading it. I was looking through my kindle last week and found that I was only 25% through, curiosity and boredom made me start this book again... when I did I read the whole thing in 2 nights. There is NO real ansty drama and the book is written i a few characters POV which is refreshing.
This book is light, sweet, funny at times and an easy read. No real drama, no real 'ansty', refreshingly NO dominant alpha male type characters. Good read for the beach, pool or whilst waiting in line at the bank.
Crazy Love by Nicola Marsh is a feel-good romantic story with some really fun matchmakers.
Sierra Kent is the owner of Love Byte the most sought after Internet dating agency but while she enjoys matchmaking other people she doesn’t do love herself, for she does not trust her instincts or her emotions.
Marc Fairley is CEO of LA’s premier acquisition company LA-Corp, and he doesn’t have time for Love. All is interested in is finding the person who setup his mother with some rancher, convincing his mother that she is not in love and getting her and himself back to LA to his job.Read More...
Smoldering, workaholic man who is not interested in "love" + feisty, beautiful woman with walls built up to protect her heart = will they? Won't they? Of course they will but when?
This was a very cute and well written contemporary romance written in an easy breezy chick lit style. The characters were all very well developed and I liked that the author gave the secondary characters their own storylines as well since I often get bored reading books that focus solely on a single romance.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys books with a lot of sexual tension and build up to a somewhat predictable outcome. Very few surprises but definitely a fun read.
I was really excited when my friend Nicola Marsh's first self-pub book came out. Crazy Love is a fun, fast-paced read with a big cast of appealing small town characters supporting the main event, the sparkling romance between Sierra and Mac. The fun is balanced by some serious issues in Sierra and Mac's backgrounds that add depth without detracting from the lightness of the story. I loved the theme of a town named 'Love' and can't wait to read Belle's story when it comes out.
I would have rated this a 3.5 if I could. I loved the quirky town and characters and how easily I could picture it all. I loved Sierra and after a few pages, Marc too. I liked that more than 1 story was built into this book...now we just need to match Belle. If book 1 is set in Love also, I'll need to check that out. This was a fun read and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good romance book...
This one was cute. It was a pretty quick read and I enjoyed the characters. I did find a few times where some words were used that we don't say here in the US, like fobbed and bollocks, but it didn't stop me from reading, it just made me go "hey, we don't say that here" and keep reading. I did feel that the ending felt rushed, I would like to know more with what happened to the characters at the end, but that's just me.
Nicola Marsh sure knows how to write peppy romances and with Crazy Love she fulfils that promise yet again. While hot tycoon Marc and sexy Sierra burn up the pages with their sizzling chemistry, I also loved the mature romance between Flo and William. It's a book that will keep you smiling throughout and root for all the Crazy Lovers!
I wasn't sure what to expect at first. Love seemed a bit corny, but it wasn't as though the main characters didn't acknowledge that fact. Sierra and Marc don't necessarily hit it off at first, yet they do at the same time. The twisted week they spend together teaches them both some valuable lessons about life, love, and reality.
I didn't have many hopes for this book since it was a free book on AmazonKindle but was pleasantly surprised. It was so cute! I fell in love with Marc myself. I love a confident serious man who also has a soft side. There were a few typos I found and few phrases I didn't really understand or didn't sound right, but all in all I really enjoyed this book!
I really enjoyed this book.. def a "chick lit", but a good story, well written and really likeable characters! I also read "Lucky Love", which I had found on "kindle" (couldn't find it on here).. and I really liked it which prompted me to read this one. This author is quite refreshing! Will be checking out a few more of her books...
What a wonderful story! I love how this is a multi-arc story with couples of different ages. The arcs are blended in seamlessly and are interesting. There were a couple of twists I didn't see coming, which is always enjoyable.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I do hope it'll be available soon!
Funny funny. Even in the first chapter "...She'd auditioned most of the decent guys in town for a GOLF game and had stopped well short of a hole in one every time" GOLF Guaranteed Orgasmic Laid-back Fun. Perfect. Well done Ms Marsh again.
Cute storyline and characters with fantastic personalities! Little bit of drama and whole lotta Love! Well written story, that's entertaining, quick paced and an all-around good read! This book has made me realize that Love might be a cool place to be!
An enjoyable and fun filled witty romance- with a few secrets, lies and smexy loving moments. Enjoyabe characters - A romantic town called Love - and a place to not only fall in love but enjoy the smaller things in life ;)
Much better than the first book!! I enjoyed Sierra and Marc's story. I feel like it did leave some unanswered questions at the end though. All in all, a much better book than the first in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole premise was enchanting and I loved the humor. The only downfall was the fact that the proofreaders missed quite a few things. Looking forward to reading more of her work.