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What Not to Say When You're Running Away
An alternate title/cover for this ASIN can be found here.
A whole stadium of fans watched Sara turn down her boyfriend’s marriage proposal. Now Sara Jensen is ready to run away to the safety of her tiny community college and her quirky, but caring roommates. She meets a guy on her first day back, and sparks fly until she realizes his unfortunate family connections—her recent ex and new love interest are brothers.
(Author's note: This is an LDS novel, meaning that there will be terms and situations common to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints/Mormons. Regardless, the book doesn't take itself too seriously and I think it would be a fun read for anyone looking for a PG romance.)
A whole stadium of fans watched Sara turn down her boyfriend’s marriage proposal. Now Sara Jensen is ready to run away to the safety of her tiny community college and her quirky, but caring roommates. She meets a guy on her first day back, and sparks fly until she realizes his unfortunate family connections—her recent ex and new love interest are brothers.
(Author's note: This is an LDS novel, meaning that there will be terms and situations common to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints/Mormons. Regardless, the book doesn't take itself too seriously and I think it would be a fun read for anyone looking for a PG romance.)
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2013
29 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
50 books510 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 4, 2019
2.5 stars RTC
June 21, 2013
'Her mind was churning over why she was going out of her way to spend time with Matt again. It was undoing everything she'd accomplished by dating Eric. She'd built an impressive castle wall and then lowered the drawbridge.'
MY OPINION
I was given a free Kindle copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. So, I'm going to be as honest as I can, and say that while I enjoyed the book, It's not up there on my list of favourites. The story was nice, it was lighthearted and fun, but it was also quite slow. It's good that Matt and Sara didn't instantly fall in love, like in some books. I enjoyed that they didn't put all of their feelings out in the open within the first few chapters; it's nice when the characters hold something back sometimes. But while we're waiting to see if they get together, there's not really a lot else going on. I mean, some of the other characters are meeting people, dating, going out to parties, playing pranks on each other, but other than that, the characters don't seem to be doing anything else.
Most of the story involves Sara going to her classes, going to Church, babysitting, and going out running. Occasionally she'll go to a College dance or a game night with other students, but sometimes I got a little bored and felt like there wasn't a lot going on. That being said, I liked the fact that the Romance moved slowly. I liked that it was clean, obviously being religious, Matt and Sara don't believe in sex before marriage; this isn't communicated in the book, but didn't need to be. It's obvious that they're both devoted to their religion, and since the only thoughts they have about each other is about kissing, we know that they're sticking to their principles and values, and I thought this was nice for a Romance novel. Most Romance novels have sex within the first chapter or two, and while there is definitely a market for it, and I do read books with sex in them, I enjoyed reading one that's different. I liked that Sara wasn't about to jump into bed with Matt after knowing him for a few weeks, she clearly has respect for herself, for him, and for their religion.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to read and review it. I'm only giving it three stars, because I felt that maybe something more could happen as well as what was going on between Matt and Sara. The book also needs to be checked over, there are a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes that need to be corrected, but this didn't take away from the story.
THE AUTHOR
I'm really grateful to the Author, Rachel Johns, who gave me a copy of this in exchange for a review. Rachel is a new Author, who writes LDS Fiction, also known as Mormon Fiction. If you're looking for a clean read, among all of the Erotic books that are fashionable now, then I recommend this book. Although it's religious themed, it's still enjoyable for those of you that aren't religious, and well worth a read.
MY OPINION
I was given a free Kindle copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. So, I'm going to be as honest as I can, and say that while I enjoyed the book, It's not up there on my list of favourites. The story was nice, it was lighthearted and fun, but it was also quite slow. It's good that Matt and Sara didn't instantly fall in love, like in some books. I enjoyed that they didn't put all of their feelings out in the open within the first few chapters; it's nice when the characters hold something back sometimes. But while we're waiting to see if they get together, there's not really a lot else going on. I mean, some of the other characters are meeting people, dating, going out to parties, playing pranks on each other, but other than that, the characters don't seem to be doing anything else.
Most of the story involves Sara going to her classes, going to Church, babysitting, and going out running. Occasionally she'll go to a College dance or a game night with other students, but sometimes I got a little bored and felt like there wasn't a lot going on. That being said, I liked the fact that the Romance moved slowly. I liked that it was clean, obviously being religious, Matt and Sara don't believe in sex before marriage; this isn't communicated in the book, but didn't need to be. It's obvious that they're both devoted to their religion, and since the only thoughts they have about each other is about kissing, we know that they're sticking to their principles and values, and I thought this was nice for a Romance novel. Most Romance novels have sex within the first chapter or two, and while there is definitely a market for it, and I do read books with sex in them, I enjoyed reading one that's different. I liked that Sara wasn't about to jump into bed with Matt after knowing him for a few weeks, she clearly has respect for herself, for him, and for their religion.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to read and review it. I'm only giving it three stars, because I felt that maybe something more could happen as well as what was going on between Matt and Sara. The book also needs to be checked over, there are a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes that need to be corrected, but this didn't take away from the story.
THE AUTHOR
I'm really grateful to the Author, Rachel Johns, who gave me a copy of this in exchange for a review. Rachel is a new Author, who writes LDS Fiction, also known as Mormon Fiction. If you're looking for a clean read, among all of the Erotic books that are fashionable now, then I recommend this book. Although it's religious themed, it's still enjoyable for those of you that aren't religious, and well worth a read.
August 8, 2013
This novel really pulled you into the drama of college life of roommates, classes, and dating. With a full compliment of characters, the story creates a realistic LDS college life. Though it's not preachy, there perhaps may be a bit of Mormon culture that may confuse readers unfamiliar with it. Overall, it was a fun read, though I think I preferred the side stories of the roommates and their lives and romances over the main characters. Sara, I felt was never really justified in her actions, and therefore made me frustrated with her. Jake was very puppy-like, not standing up for himself or being a overly strong or attractive personality. The storyline was almost painfully slow for me, dragging everything out. Though, again, it may have been so accurate to college life drama and silliness, that it instilled in me a gratitude that I am no longer in that situation in life, rather than wrapping me up in a wonderful situation of giddy love.
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November 1, 2013
I struggled to get into this book, primarily because the main character is so emotionally and socially stunted that I couldn't relate to her. Inexplicably, she is surrounded by people who love her despite her prickly, distant, and panicky behavior. Those long-suffering people give the book its charm, and make it worth reading.
August 1, 2013
I was happy to win this book in the first reads giveaway. Though I didn't find it to be anything unique or special, it was a cute romance story. I felt connected to the characters and I loved all of them. There were some drawbacks for me (mainly all the typos, though I keep telling myself that it is an ARC) though it could be easy to look over some of them.
What Not to Say When You're Running Away takes place at a small college in Arizona where Sara Jensen is returning for her second year with her roommates. After her relationship embarrassment over the summer with jimmy Constanello, Sara is ready to start over and have a great year. However, things get hectic when the girls befriend the boys across the street and one happens to be Jimmy's brother, Matt, who is infatuated with Sara from the start. Between prank wars and Sunday dinners, the boys and girls get closer, which immensely scares Sara, who would rather avoid getting hurt again.
This book is an LDS novel, so there are many religious references even I didn't pick up on at times. I was still able to follow along with the book,but it may be harder for others. As I mentioned, there were a lot of typos, which is a big pet peeve of mine. Other than these two main problems for me, the story was funny and romantic. I loved reading about Matt and Sara. The book was written from third person but switched perspectives from the girls to the boys, which I found to be quite interesting. I would suggest this book for anyone who likes books with romance and doesn't mind some religious references.
What Not to Say When You're Running Away takes place at a small college in Arizona where Sara Jensen is returning for her second year with her roommates. After her relationship embarrassment over the summer with jimmy Constanello, Sara is ready to start over and have a great year. However, things get hectic when the girls befriend the boys across the street and one happens to be Jimmy's brother, Matt, who is infatuated with Sara from the start. Between prank wars and Sunday dinners, the boys and girls get closer, which immensely scares Sara, who would rather avoid getting hurt again.
This book is an LDS novel, so there are many religious references even I didn't pick up on at times. I was still able to follow along with the book,but it may be harder for others. As I mentioned, there were a lot of typos, which is a big pet peeve of mine. Other than these two main problems for me, the story was funny and romantic. I loved reading about Matt and Sara. The book was written from third person but switched perspectives from the girls to the boys, which I found to be quite interesting. I would suggest this book for anyone who likes books with romance and doesn't mind some religious references.
July 11, 2013
Today I have a special review for all my LDS fiction loving friends. :) What Not to Say When You're Running Away is a fun book about a group of college kids trying to make their way though the challenges of dating and friendship while balancing work and classes.
Sara is the main character in this book and boy does that girl have some issues. Luckily she has a good and patient group of friends who help her navigate through her insecurities and hermit type tendencies. Sara makes some pretty dumb choices and hurts people but luckily she eventually learns from her mistakes and tries to do better.
Poor Matt has the patience of a saint. Seriously. I'm not sure how many guys out there would put up with all he did but it really can't be that many.
I loved the whole college vibe going on this book. It felt authentic and real. The mish mash of feelings and changing relationships were spot on for the college crowd. This book is set in Arizona, mostly Thatcher and since we spent over 5 years living in Arizona it felt a bit like coming home to me. I miss the Monsoons and Diamondback games. And you just can't beat an Arizona winter.
This was a good book. It kept me interested, if not a bit frustrated with Sara. It was squeeky clean and overall just an easy reading book. It's what I like to call brain candy as it doesn't require anything from you, it's just a good diversion.
Sara is the main character in this book and boy does that girl have some issues. Luckily she has a good and patient group of friends who help her navigate through her insecurities and hermit type tendencies. Sara makes some pretty dumb choices and hurts people but luckily she eventually learns from her mistakes and tries to do better.
Poor Matt has the patience of a saint. Seriously. I'm not sure how many guys out there would put up with all he did but it really can't be that many.
I loved the whole college vibe going on this book. It felt authentic and real. The mish mash of feelings and changing relationships were spot on for the college crowd. This book is set in Arizona, mostly Thatcher and since we spent over 5 years living in Arizona it felt a bit like coming home to me. I miss the Monsoons and Diamondback games. And you just can't beat an Arizona winter.
This was a good book. It kept me interested, if not a bit frustrated with Sara. It was squeeky clean and overall just an easy reading book. It's what I like to call brain candy as it doesn't require anything from you, it's just a good diversion.
January 19, 2018
this was a cute book that took me back almost 25 years to college life. I don't miss that time. At times you liked the main character and at times you really didn't. I could see why she did what she did at times. Sometimes the story didn't flow, and you got used to the changing point of views. And there wasn't enough details about others, Jen and Eva. Why did Eva and Jake see others? Why did Jen and her missionary see others?
February 4, 2016
Snoop cute!!! There were a lot of characters to keep track of, but very fun. Really made me wish I had had a college experience. It was also fun knowing places in the book being from AZ and all.
Moral note: A couple mild innuendos. Says I'm going to hell a few times.
Moral note: A couple mild innuendos. Says I'm going to hell a few times.
December 16, 2014
Cute book! It was overly wordy sometimes and at first being introduced to all the roommates was a little much. Poor Matt!! Why do girls do that to guys?!?
July 28, 2014
A sappy LDS romance... Fun light hearted totally clean
March 25, 2015
Clean Romance, LDS/Christian setting and references
I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked the story, but there were some elements that didn't work for me.
Over all a good read.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked the story, but there were some elements that didn't work for me.
Over all a good read.
June 15, 2015
This is a story of quirky college students. It had its moments, but generally just a fair read.
June 19, 2018
Not my favorite, but it is clean. It brought back all the memories of being a young single adult, and reminded me why I’m so glad I’m done with that stage!
September 30, 2021
Oh this was so cute! This was my first LDS romance book and I just want more now! As a convert, I loved that Sara was one.The author did a great job with character development and wrote the emotions of them well. I honestly got sick to my stomach remembering how it felt watching someone else move on. Luckily, all the sweet stuff was in there too! I definitely recommend.
June 6, 2017
This was a sweet, clean LDS romance novel. It took place in thatcher Arizona which was fun because we lived pretty close to that area for a couple of years.
April 11, 2019
Such a cute story. I was on pins and needles until the end of the book.
August 6, 2019
Enjoyable debut novel
Fun premise, good flow, realistic, made for an LDS audience but doesn't feel exclusionary- it can be enjoyed by anyone that likes sweet/ clean romance.
Fun premise, good flow, realistic, made for an LDS audience but doesn't feel exclusionary- it can be enjoyed by anyone that likes sweet/ clean romance.
December 28, 2020
A little disjointed in some spots, but still a cute story.
June 3, 2021
Didn't finish.
June 7, 2019
Okay let me just say that family reunions are going to be very awkward!! But I loved the falling for your ex's brother. I mean it was just so cute. I felt bad for Sara because of the way her ex treated her and proposed. I also felt bad for Matt because he is like the guy any girl wanted and Sara doesn't want him because of his brother. I honestly was frustrated becuase of the way that Sara was acting and avoiding guys... but what do I know. This book was a super fun, clean romance book!💚
June 17, 2013
My Review
5 STARS
The title really fits this story in many ways. This is a romantic comedy with LDS background. Not preachy just use of LDS terms. couple of scriptures. It is a funny clean story. So glad I am not dating. Both my girls are around this age though.
The characters are fun college kids going to school at Eastern Arizonia. The main 4 girl characters live in a house and across the street is the house that the guys are renting. They have a lot of activities and hang out together a lot.
The story starts out fast with drama at a singles dance. When Sara is dancing with Matt she asks, "His name" and then runs out of the building back to her room. Her friends immediately ask Matt what he did to upset their friend. Matt had no idea what happened. He just tells them he told her his name. Then Matt friends come over and join in the loud discussion. They had no idea they were living across the street from each other.
The soap opera of dating begins. They are all trying to figure out who and what they want in life at this age. Matt really liked Sara and finds out that she had dated his brother over the summer and had a bad breakup before he got home off his mission.
Matt really wants a chance to date Sara, but Sara just wants to be friends.
Sara goes out with one of his housemates who is Erik and only 17. Which turns into the wrong thing and causes more drama.
Rachel does a good job drawing the reader into the story and keeping their attention. I can tell she really captured the drama of college dating scene. So many like stories I hear from my girls. (okay right now I don't because one is on mission.)How girls are always feeding the guys. Of dating different people and liking someone who is dating someone else. I can see my daughter wearing prom dresses to cheer someone up or even to wear to singles dance or class.
I had a smile on while reading and just thinking about some scenes make me smile again. I would read another book by Rachel John in the future.
I was given this ebook from Rachel John yesterday and thought it looked good so I read it today. The review is how I honestly feel about the book.
Published May 18th 2013 234 pages ASIN: B00CVK63ZI
5 STARS
The title really fits this story in many ways. This is a romantic comedy with LDS background. Not preachy just use of LDS terms. couple of scriptures. It is a funny clean story. So glad I am not dating. Both my girls are around this age though.
The characters are fun college kids going to school at Eastern Arizonia. The main 4 girl characters live in a house and across the street is the house that the guys are renting. They have a lot of activities and hang out together a lot.
The story starts out fast with drama at a singles dance. When Sara is dancing with Matt she asks, "His name" and then runs out of the building back to her room. Her friends immediately ask Matt what he did to upset their friend. Matt had no idea what happened. He just tells them he told her his name. Then Matt friends come over and join in the loud discussion. They had no idea they were living across the street from each other.
The soap opera of dating begins. They are all trying to figure out who and what they want in life at this age. Matt really liked Sara and finds out that she had dated his brother over the summer and had a bad breakup before he got home off his mission.
Matt really wants a chance to date Sara, but Sara just wants to be friends.
Sara goes out with one of his housemates who is Erik and only 17. Which turns into the wrong thing and causes more drama.
Rachel does a good job drawing the reader into the story and keeping their attention. I can tell she really captured the drama of college dating scene. So many like stories I hear from my girls. (okay right now I don't because one is on mission.)How girls are always feeding the guys. Of dating different people and liking someone who is dating someone else. I can see my daughter wearing prom dresses to cheer someone up or even to wear to singles dance or class.
I had a smile on while reading and just thinking about some scenes make me smile again. I would read another book by Rachel John in the future.
I was given this ebook from Rachel John yesterday and thought it looked good so I read it today. The review is how I honestly feel about the book.
Published May 18th 2013 234 pages ASIN: B00CVK63ZI
April 14, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It was fun to get caught up in a story of an awkward couple. Sara has issues with relationships. She isn't good at them, and she doesn't really want a relationship.
Matt is the brother of an ex-boyfriend. When they meet, the attraction is there, but there is the problem that she said "no" when his brother asked her to marry him. It puts Matt in the "friend zone" immediately. The story is basically about a couple who are attracted to each other, but have a hard time getting past her relationship issues.
This book is written for the LDS reader. While religion is a huge part of the book, the main focus is on the relationship between Sara and Matt.
I would classify this as a clean romance with kissing.
Matt is the brother of an ex-boyfriend. When they meet, the attraction is there, but there is the problem that she said "no" when his brother asked her to marry him. It puts Matt in the "friend zone" immediately. The story is basically about a couple who are attracted to each other, but have a hard time getting past her relationship issues.
This book is written for the LDS reader. While religion is a huge part of the book, the main focus is on the relationship between Sara and Matt.
I would classify this as a clean romance with kissing.
August 8, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. The author really developed the characters and I felt a certain bond and attachment to them while I read. By the end I felt like I knew them. I am anxious and excited for more to come from this new author. Thanks for the cute, fun and clean romantic novel.
July 12, 2013
I read this book because I know the author!! She married a boy I grew up with. I thought it was a clever telling of single life for LDS young adults trying to make their way in school. It was funny, kept my interest and threw in some sweet romance! I just have one question... does it have any hidden truths in it Rachel??
June 10, 2013
I enjoiyed reading this story. I felt like I was right there going to college with them. It was cuite. The languae was good and no sex. In my book that is good. This book needs someone to read it and fix all the mestakes.
June 26, 2013
Super fun girlie read! Loved it!
July 12, 2013
I loved this books title and it had so much potential. But it just kind of fell flat for me. I didn't love it.
July 22, 2013
What fun one! The LDS genre is a tricky one. But, I loved the characters and apartments. The roomies and FHE stories. The love story was good and clean!
October 12, 2014
It took awhile for the characters to figure things out.
April 5, 2015
Sweet book, a little slow sometimes but otherwise good.
I liked this book. It was sweet but not overly so. It did get slow in parts. Fun, light read.
I liked this book. It was sweet but not overly so. It did get slow in parts. Fun, light read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews