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The Dysfunctional Test
A Top 10 Read by USA Today HEA and Readers Choice Finalist!
You are cordially challenged to a test of true love.
Growing up in her large, crazy Serbian family, Camryn Covic became an expert at shutting down her emotions in order to maintain her sanity. But when she loses her apartment, her job and her boyfriend all in one day, she hits her breaking point. Worse, if her family finds out she's single again , her sister's upcoming wedding will be a disaster. The bride-to-be has a plan, though. A plan that involves an old friend, a pretend relationship...and the probability of ending up in a padded cell. This time for real.
Troy Lanske agreed to the crazy plan only because, when he was a lonely foster child, Camryn was his lifeline. But she isn't the idealistic girl he remembers. She's become so jaded that she doesn't even believe in love anymore. He sets out to restore her faith in happily-ever-afters, but his plan backfires when the fake relationship begins to feel all too real. Falling for the one woman he can't have could mean losing more than just his honorary family. He could lose everything.
* Contains a Playgirl-material hero and a woman who thinks she couldn't be any more wrong for him. Enter one "Big Fat Overly Romantic Serbian Family". Sit back and watch the magic happen. Enjoy!
You are cordially challenged to a test of true love.
Growing up in her large, crazy Serbian family, Camryn Covic became an expert at shutting down her emotions in order to maintain her sanity. But when she loses her apartment, her job and her boyfriend all in one day, she hits her breaking point. Worse, if her family finds out she's single again , her sister's upcoming wedding will be a disaster. The bride-to-be has a plan, though. A plan that involves an old friend, a pretend relationship...and the probability of ending up in a padded cell. This time for real.
Troy Lanske agreed to the crazy plan only because, when he was a lonely foster child, Camryn was his lifeline. But she isn't the idealistic girl he remembers. She's become so jaded that she doesn't even believe in love anymore. He sets out to restore her faith in happily-ever-afters, but his plan backfires when the fake relationship begins to feel all too real. Falling for the one woman he can't have could mean losing more than just his honorary family. He could lose everything.
* Contains a Playgirl-material hero and a woman who thinks she couldn't be any more wrong for him. Enter one "Big Fat Overly Romantic Serbian Family". Sit back and watch the magic happen. Enjoy!
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2013
44 people are currently reading
2858 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Moran
61 books1,328 followersKelly Moran is an international bestselling author of enchanting ever-afters. She gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there's always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself.
She is a RITA® Finalist, RONE Award-Winner, Catherine Award-Winner, Reader's Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, Book Excellence Award Finalist, Amor Book Award-Winner, and landed on the "Must Read" & "10 Best Reads" lists in USA Today's Lifestyle section. She is a former Romance Writers of America® member, where she was an Award of Excellence Finalist. Her books have foreign translation rights in Germany (where she is a Spiegel Bestseller), France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, and the Netherlands. She also writes horror as Kelly Covic. In 2024, she founded her own publishing company for fiction called Rowan Prose Publishing.
Her interests include: scary movies, all kinds of art, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet coffee junkie and chocoholic. Tell no one. She's originally from Wisconsin, but she resides in South Carolina with her significant other, her three sons, their wily dogs, a bearded dragon, tree frogs, and their sassy cats. She loves hearing from her readers.
Visit her website for up-to-date book news and where to follow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
November 28, 2013
This was so not what I expected. A light hearted yet emotional and somewhat serious romance that left me with a huge smile on my face. Camryn comes from a loud and crazy family. She's always felt like the black sheep, the outcast, the ugly one. With her younger, beautiful sister's wedding coming up, the fact that she had quite possibly the worst day imaginable, what with getting dumped, evicted and 'let go' all in the span of a few hours, she's pretty low on the self esteem totem pole. When her sister comes up with the most insane plan to fake a date to the wedding in order to stave off her meddling family, she reluctantly agrees. Enter Troy. Lifelong friend and adopted son / brother, he's got some deep seated issues of his own. But he agrees to help Cam because he sees her like no one else does, and she has been there for him from the beginning. This was such a great romance about two people who have serious issues with self image, feelings of being unwanted and not good enough and wondering if they'll ever find love. I couldn't put it down. I started it this morning and just finished and I can't help but feel like this is a book that will stay with me forever. My heart broke for Camryn and how she viewed herself and how she felt her family viewed her. I even shed a few tears. I absolutely loved Troy and how even though he had his own self doubts, he knew how much Cam was worth and went to great lengths to get her to see herself how he saw her. As beautiful, funny, smart and worth it. And through all this Troy found his own happiness. With the added benefit of some pretty sweet and hot love (that means sex) scenes, a crazy ass family who had me simultaneously wanting to punch them and laugh my ass off, a 3 year old niece who absolutely stole the show she was so darn cute and funny, and a hea that left me still smiling as I write this, I'd say this book was a huge hit! I laughed, I cried, I got pissed, and I swooned. I don't think there's much else I can say to express how great this book was! Oh, and the grammar and dialogue was perfect! :D Now I must go find more books by Ms. Moran since I am now a huge fan!
September 24, 2013
There are very few books to register on my epic "Rob Roy" cry scale - the blotchy-faced-glad-the-kids-aren't-here-to-be-humiliated bawl fest. I bought this book because of the cute cover and intriguing blurb - she begs an old friend for a pity date to attend her sister's wedding. I thought it would be a fun, funny read on my day off. Don't get me wrong - it is. The niece's mispronunciations are cosmic, and the extended family is beyond strange, of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" proportions.
But it's so much more than that.
I read this book in one sitting. Burnt the coffee. Never saw the mailman deliver even though the dog usually announces. Never heard the dog - and she's a Chow who sounds like a T-Rex-sized rage-monster when the mailman shows up. Because I got lost in this book. Completely.
Camryn and Troy are believably REAL. They're real people with personal issues people can relate to and identify with. Scars and fears and insecurities. Everything starts out with the "One Big Lie" to fake it and fool the family. Only pretend becomes terrifyingly real, and to see two wounded souls open up and LIVE again - because of the other person - was humbling and moving. I laughed and cried(and really hated Grandma a time or two) and was pissed at the perfect ending because it was OVER and the next page was BLANK! I will probably reread this book again a few hundred times - if only to hear Emily butcher the word "popcorn."
This book is a gem. PLEASE go get your own copy - you'll own a true treasure!
But it's so much more than that.
I read this book in one sitting. Burnt the coffee. Never saw the mailman deliver even though the dog usually announces. Never heard the dog - and she's a Chow who sounds like a T-Rex-sized rage-monster when the mailman shows up. Because I got lost in this book. Completely.
Camryn and Troy are believably REAL. They're real people with personal issues people can relate to and identify with. Scars and fears and insecurities. Everything starts out with the "One Big Lie" to fake it and fool the family. Only pretend becomes terrifyingly real, and to see two wounded souls open up and LIVE again - because of the other person - was humbling and moving. I laughed and cried(and really hated Grandma a time or two) and was pissed at the perfect ending because it was OVER and the next page was BLANK! I will probably reread this book again a few hundred times - if only to hear Emily butcher the word "popcorn."
This book is a gem. PLEASE go get your own copy - you'll own a true treasure!
September 3, 2013
This book was fantastic! I have nothing bad to say about it. I pride myself on being very honest when it comes to critiquing someone's work because to be dishonest does not help the author at all. Troy and Cam are the ultimate love story. They fought for their love! Which makes this book such a personal one because we all have been in their shoes. The story is witty, funny, quirky, heartfelt, and honest. You will relate and you will cry, BUT you will also root for Troy and Cam as two people who are trying to find their way, to rediscover themselves, and connect the dots. Read, read, read and then read again. This story is worth a second read. There are many things that we can learn from this story. One being the fact that we are not perfect, no matter how we try to be. And it is OKAY to be vulnerable, because it is in this act that you find your true self and you grow.
Great job KELLY MORAN!!!!
Great job KELLY MORAN!!!!
August 22, 2013
I laughed, I cried, and I sighed all the way through. Once I read the first page, I couldn't put it down. At first I wasn't sure if I liked Troy's tactics to loosen Camryn up, but it soon became clear that his heart was in the right place. In the process, he opens up as well. Two broken people helping each other heal despite a lot of crazy interference. This is a definite re-read.
November 27, 2013
Loved this book! Kelly Moran has given readers a look into a crazy large family with great humor, yet behind the insanity are strong bonds and love for one another. The romance is woven in beautifully. She has us rooting for these two people to grow as individuals as well as in their own relationship. I enjoyed this to the very last drop, truly laughed out loud several time and would highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys romantic comedies.
November 24, 2013
OMG!!! What a great book! Couldn't put it down. I actually stayed up until 4 a.m. to finish it. The author really pulled you into the lives of her characters, making you feel every single emotion, fear, disappointment. I laughed and cried throughout the whole thing, sometimes at the same time. I would most definitely read anything else this author wrote. Just awesome!
September 27, 2013
The Dysfunctional Test was laugh out loud, hysterically funny. When I wasn't falling out of my chair from laughter I was grinning ear to ear like a goof ball checking all around me to make sure my husband and kids were not looking at me. This book made me a fan for life of Kelly's.
Camryn 'Cam' Covic comes from a very, in your face, Serbian family. To her, everything she does gets held up to a microscope. When Cam loses her apartment, her boyfriend, and her job all in the same day she soon realizes that all eyes will be on her because wouldn't you know she was supposed to bring her boyfriend to her sister Heather's wedding. Just when she thought things couldn't possibly get any worse for her, her sister Heather hatches a scheme meant to help Cam get through her wedding, but what actually ends up happening even Cam couldn't predict.
Troy Lanske has been part of the Covic family since he was a young boy. With an abusive father, living with Camryn's family was not only an necessity but gave Troy the family he longed for. When Cam divulges her plan, Troy is taken aback by the very idea. When he was a Foster Child Cam's family was his life line but, if not for Cam herself, he wouldn't have gotten through it nearly as well. Now, Troy feels it's his turn to repay Cam back for all she has done for him even, though in the back of his mind, he feels he will lose her family forever.
What Cam and Troy set out to do ends up being a comedy of errors and missteps that will leave you gasping for breathe from laughing. I LOVE a book that can unexpectedly make me laugh so hard my sides hurt and that is exactly what Kelly's book did for me. Don't get me wrong, there were some very sweet and tender moments well placed in this story and it has you believing in Happily Ever After as you are laughing your butt off and smiling ear to ear. On a scale from 1-10 I give The Dysfunctional Test a SUPER HUGE 20. Yes, yes it is off my scale BUT Kelly book is just that PHENOMENALLY AWESOME. If you LOVE funny romances, bickering family members, unexpected love, or just an out and out FABULOUS story then this book is for you. I encourage EVERYONE 16+* to pick up a copy of The Dysfunctional Test and get lost in Camryn and Troy's wild and crazy ride.
Camryn 'Cam' Covic comes from a very, in your face, Serbian family. To her, everything she does gets held up to a microscope. When Cam loses her apartment, her boyfriend, and her job all in the same day she soon realizes that all eyes will be on her because wouldn't you know she was supposed to bring her boyfriend to her sister Heather's wedding. Just when she thought things couldn't possibly get any worse for her, her sister Heather hatches a scheme meant to help Cam get through her wedding, but what actually ends up happening even Cam couldn't predict.
Troy Lanske has been part of the Covic family since he was a young boy. With an abusive father, living with Camryn's family was not only an necessity but gave Troy the family he longed for. When Cam divulges her plan, Troy is taken aback by the very idea. When he was a Foster Child Cam's family was his life line but, if not for Cam herself, he wouldn't have gotten through it nearly as well. Now, Troy feels it's his turn to repay Cam back for all she has done for him even, though in the back of his mind, he feels he will lose her family forever.
What Cam and Troy set out to do ends up being a comedy of errors and missteps that will leave you gasping for breathe from laughing. I LOVE a book that can unexpectedly make me laugh so hard my sides hurt and that is exactly what Kelly's book did for me. Don't get me wrong, there were some very sweet and tender moments well placed in this story and it has you believing in Happily Ever After as you are laughing your butt off and smiling ear to ear. On a scale from 1-10 I give The Dysfunctional Test a SUPER HUGE 20. Yes, yes it is off my scale BUT Kelly book is just that PHENOMENALLY AWESOME. If you LOVE funny romances, bickering family members, unexpected love, or just an out and out FABULOUS story then this book is for you. I encourage EVERYONE 16+* to pick up a copy of The Dysfunctional Test and get lost in Camryn and Troy's wild and crazy ride.
September 27, 2013
Camryn Covic just lost her apartment, her job AND her boyfriend all in one day. Now she has to break the news to her family that she has no date for her sister's wedding.
Already the butt of many jokes by her large Serbian family, Cam is dreading what this announcement will cause. Her sister, Heather, is worried Cam's reveal will ruin her wedding and hatches a plan to save her day and Cam any further embarrassment by suggesting Cam pretend someone else is her boyfriend. Not knowing who to choose, Heather suggests none other than Troy Lanske, a long-time, close friend of the family and their brother, Fisher's best friend.
Cam is hesitant at first, thinking the family will never believe that a guy like Troy would ever consider dating a girl like her, but not knowing what else to do, decides to try it, telling Troy they can "break up" after the wedding.
From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book. I felt so bad for Cam, having to put up with insults from her family over everything. Seeing Troy try to loosen her up and teach her to enjoy life a little more was fun, and I was rooting for them to fall in love with each turn of the page. From Nana all the way to Fisher's little daughter, Emily, the Covic family is quite the cast of characters. With all their quirkiness, they put the "fun" in dysfunctional!
Kelly Moran has written a novel worthy of "best seller" status and I could really see this book as a big screen romantic comedy.
Fresh, funny and romantic, The Dysfunctional Test will have you laughing and smiling until the very last page!
NOTE: This review was originally posted at Night Owl Reviews http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
Already the butt of many jokes by her large Serbian family, Cam is dreading what this announcement will cause. Her sister, Heather, is worried Cam's reveal will ruin her wedding and hatches a plan to save her day and Cam any further embarrassment by suggesting Cam pretend someone else is her boyfriend. Not knowing who to choose, Heather suggests none other than Troy Lanske, a long-time, close friend of the family and their brother, Fisher's best friend.
Cam is hesitant at first, thinking the family will never believe that a guy like Troy would ever consider dating a girl like her, but not knowing what else to do, decides to try it, telling Troy they can "break up" after the wedding.
From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book. I felt so bad for Cam, having to put up with insults from her family over everything. Seeing Troy try to loosen her up and teach her to enjoy life a little more was fun, and I was rooting for them to fall in love with each turn of the page. From Nana all the way to Fisher's little daughter, Emily, the Covic family is quite the cast of characters. With all their quirkiness, they put the "fun" in dysfunctional!
Kelly Moran has written a novel worthy of "best seller" status and I could really see this book as a big screen romantic comedy.
Fresh, funny and romantic, The Dysfunctional Test will have you laughing and smiling until the very last page!
NOTE: This review was originally posted at Night Owl Reviews http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
November 22, 2013
Emily bounded over and climbed into Cam's lap. "The lights do look pretty," she whispered to Cam. "Is everyone going to fall in love now? 'Cause of the romantic?"
"Romance, you mean?" Camryn grinned at her niece, and Troy's pulse beat hard. He hadn't seen her smile like that ever. Before now, there was always a pause before she smiled, as if needing to tell herself to do the act.
The last time I rooted this hard for a couple, I was reading Kristan Higgins' The Best Man, which turned out to be one of my favorite books of the year. Moran's The Dysfunctional Test, which also celebrates the friends-to-lovers theme, is nudging into place right next to it. I absolutely fell in love with this story.
Why don't you hire someone? An escort or something."
Camryn gave her sister the best "shut-up" face she had in reserve. "Someone's been watching too much Lifetime again."
"I'm serious. Hire someone to be Maxwell, then explain the breakup later. You never brought him home. No one knows what he looks like."
Camryn didn't know what was sadder, the fact her sister thought the only way she could get a wedding date was to hire one, or that late last night she'd thought up the same crazy idea.
Poor Camryn has been conditioned to believe she's inferior, in almost every way, and her family carelessly reinforces that belief whenever they're around. To defend herself, she pretends a remoteness that protects her feelings but is slowly eroding her soul. (Her use of visualization as a coping mechanism is simultaneously funny, creative and sad.)
No one would believe they were a couple. Men like him didn't date women like her. It went against the balance of nature. The world would implode.
One more thing her family would blame her for.
When Troy realizes the ever-protective Camryn could use some protection from her own clueless family, he steps right up. After all, when he was ten and arrived as a scared and damaged child needing foster care, she was there for him, again and again. What else can he do but return the favor? Only, their pretend affair becomes less of a good deed and more of a hardship when he finds himself falling in love. And Camryn is returning the favor, swapping her cynicism for optimism as she dares to imagine her own happy ever after with Troy.
Getting to this point in the story takes time - excruciating, tantalizing, delicious time - which is one of the things I love most about this book. The author allows the relationship the time it needs to morph from friendship into love. She doesn't make it easy for her characters and well she shouldn't, considering all that Camryn and Troy have against them-their individual insecurities, the negative programming they've been exposed to for years, the time they've spent together as "brother and sister." Camryn believes her family will never accept that Troy might consider her desirable, while Troy is afraid that loving Camryn as anything but a sister will turn his foster family against him.
What prevents all of this angst from tipping into overload? The author's phenomenal sense of humor. (Trust me, never again will you be able to say the word "popcorn" without giggling.) The opening tries a tad too hard but it doesn't take long for the pace to even out, allowing the narrative to crackle with energy and fun. Each chapter opens with a hilarious Life Lesson According to Camryn - check out three of my favorites:
Family trees full of nuts have nothing on me. My family is temperamental. Half temper, half mental.
Running late counts as exercise.
What happens in Vegas never happens to me.
See what I mean? The Dysfunctional Test is a whole lot of sexy, snarky, heart-tugging fun you really need to experience for yourself. There's even a bonus at the end of the story - several Serbian recipes you'll find nearly as irresistible as Camryn and Troy. Talk about a happy ending!
"Romance, you mean?" Camryn grinned at her niece, and Troy's pulse beat hard. He hadn't seen her smile like that ever. Before now, there was always a pause before she smiled, as if needing to tell herself to do the act.
The last time I rooted this hard for a couple, I was reading Kristan Higgins' The Best Man, which turned out to be one of my favorite books of the year. Moran's The Dysfunctional Test, which also celebrates the friends-to-lovers theme, is nudging into place right next to it. I absolutely fell in love with this story.
Why don't you hire someone? An escort or something."
Camryn gave her sister the best "shut-up" face she had in reserve. "Someone's been watching too much Lifetime again."
"I'm serious. Hire someone to be Maxwell, then explain the breakup later. You never brought him home. No one knows what he looks like."
Camryn didn't know what was sadder, the fact her sister thought the only way she could get a wedding date was to hire one, or that late last night she'd thought up the same crazy idea.
Poor Camryn has been conditioned to believe she's inferior, in almost every way, and her family carelessly reinforces that belief whenever they're around. To defend herself, she pretends a remoteness that protects her feelings but is slowly eroding her soul. (Her use of visualization as a coping mechanism is simultaneously funny, creative and sad.)
No one would believe they were a couple. Men like him didn't date women like her. It went against the balance of nature. The world would implode.
One more thing her family would blame her for.
When Troy realizes the ever-protective Camryn could use some protection from her own clueless family, he steps right up. After all, when he was ten and arrived as a scared and damaged child needing foster care, she was there for him, again and again. What else can he do but return the favor? Only, their pretend affair becomes less of a good deed and more of a hardship when he finds himself falling in love. And Camryn is returning the favor, swapping her cynicism for optimism as she dares to imagine her own happy ever after with Troy.
Getting to this point in the story takes time - excruciating, tantalizing, delicious time - which is one of the things I love most about this book. The author allows the relationship the time it needs to morph from friendship into love. She doesn't make it easy for her characters and well she shouldn't, considering all that Camryn and Troy have against them-their individual insecurities, the negative programming they've been exposed to for years, the time they've spent together as "brother and sister." Camryn believes her family will never accept that Troy might consider her desirable, while Troy is afraid that loving Camryn as anything but a sister will turn his foster family against him.
What prevents all of this angst from tipping into overload? The author's phenomenal sense of humor. (Trust me, never again will you be able to say the word "popcorn" without giggling.) The opening tries a tad too hard but it doesn't take long for the pace to even out, allowing the narrative to crackle with energy and fun. Each chapter opens with a hilarious Life Lesson According to Camryn - check out three of my favorites:
Family trees full of nuts have nothing on me. My family is temperamental. Half temper, half mental.
Running late counts as exercise.
What happens in Vegas never happens to me.
See what I mean? The Dysfunctional Test is a whole lot of sexy, snarky, heart-tugging fun you really need to experience for yourself. There's even a bonus at the end of the story - several Serbian recipes you'll find nearly as irresistible as Camryn and Troy. Talk about a happy ending!
September 16, 2013
Camryn Covic comes from a large extended ethnic family. She is having a bad day. He boyfriend has been sleeping with her boss and is dumping her. Her boss has the guy now and fires her and to top it off her apartment is going condo and she can’t afford to buy in. Jobless and homeless she is resigned to moving back in with her family until she can find a new job. Her younger sister is getting married and her family is expecting her to bring her boyfriend. Her single status at her sister's upcoming wedding will be fodder for disaster. The bride-to-be convinces Cam to ask Troy, an old friend, to pretend to be her boyfriend for the wedding. She is shocked when he agrees. They are total opposites. She is uptight and always in control and he is a laid back ladies man. But when it comes down to it they have a history and they truly “get” one another. Troy wants to remind Cam that love and magic are possible but can he do it without falling for the one woman he shouldn't want?
This is one seriously funny book. At first I wanted to slap Cam for allowing herself to feel the way she did about herself. But once I met the family I understood better. I loved Troy from the start. Kelly Moran wrote this one from the heart. You can feel the love she has for these characters and you can’t help but love them too.
I like to thank Ms. Moran for giving me a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is one seriously funny book. At first I wanted to slap Cam for allowing herself to feel the way she did about herself. But once I met the family I understood better. I loved Troy from the start. Kelly Moran wrote this one from the heart. You can feel the love she has for these characters and you can’t help but love them too.
I like to thank Ms. Moran for giving me a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2013
Kelly is fantastic in her ability to have me fall right into the lives of her characters and want to continue living in their home.
The Dysfunctional Test also let me fall in love again with love and romance in a magical way. Love at first sight definitely exists but it needs to be trusted, recognized and wanted all at the same time.
The comical adventure of a prude finding passion is a must read for any woman who chooses to live within expectations versus desire. With Camryn going on a journey to discover she's actually simply Cam who just may be more than one sided.
Go on her journey to understand that each part of your personality has a past and each experience in life has different meanings.
Enjoy,
Sarah Butland
author of Arm Farm, Sending You Sammy and Brain Tales - Volume One
The Dysfunctional Test also let me fall in love again with love and romance in a magical way. Love at first sight definitely exists but it needs to be trusted, recognized and wanted all at the same time.
The comical adventure of a prude finding passion is a must read for any woman who chooses to live within expectations versus desire. With Camryn going on a journey to discover she's actually simply Cam who just may be more than one sided.
Go on her journey to understand that each part of your personality has a past and each experience in life has different meanings.
Enjoy,
Sarah Butland
author of Arm Farm, Sending You Sammy and Brain Tales - Volume One
March 13, 2014
Amazing. Just read it!
You don't really need to read more, but just in case...
This is a fantastic book! It's so well written that I cried. I can't imagine anyone not relating to Camryn's feelings in some way. The oldest child of a Serbian family, Camryn has learned to hide her true feelings in order to cope with them. When she ends up with Troy, a family friend, as her pretend date for a family wedding, he sets out to make her experience life again rather than hiding from it. Everyone who has ever felt inadequate would want a lover like Troy, who sees through the mask to Camryn's true self and helps her find herself again.
I don't often review books, this one I would recommend to everyone. If I could I'd give it more than 5 stars.
You don't really need to read more, but just in case...
This is a fantastic book! It's so well written that I cried. I can't imagine anyone not relating to Camryn's feelings in some way. The oldest child of a Serbian family, Camryn has learned to hide her true feelings in order to cope with them. When she ends up with Troy, a family friend, as her pretend date for a family wedding, he sets out to make her experience life again rather than hiding from it. Everyone who has ever felt inadequate would want a lover like Troy, who sees through the mask to Camryn's true self and helps her find herself again.
I don't often review books, this one I would recommend to everyone. If I could I'd give it more than 5 stars.
December 4, 2013
4.5 stars!
This is a story about family and love that had me laughing out loud and crying big tears throughout. Ms. Moran creates exceptional characters that you fall in love with as you go on their journey.
Camryn Covic has had a bad day and to top it off she is about to spend a week with her crazy family as her sister Heather is getting married. Cam recently lost her job, her apartment and boyfriend, a man who called her a robot and tells her she is unworthy. Ouch! Her sister does not want her to come to the wedding without anyone and wants her to ask Troy, a man who is not only her brother Fisher's best friend but he also used to live with their family as a foster child during his teenage years.
Troy agrees to the ruse, and their acting gets high points as they get the family to believe they have been dating for a year. They explain that they were not sure about the relationship so kept it quiet. The family is big and loud and as much as they love each other, they do say things that can be cruel at times. All her life, Cam has tried to be invisible while her siblings got the attention, most think she does not have a sense of humor and Troy even tells Emily, her niece, that Cam has lost her smile. Troy is on a mission, during the week of the wedding he plans to check off a list of things he thinks Cam needs to experience.
What a wonderful story! I started reading this book thinking it was going to show this big crazy family with a bit of romance for the hero and heroine. It was so much more, it is the emotional story of Cam and Troy, two broken people who heal each other and find love along the way. Troy is a true hero, a bit tortured as he had a heck of a childhood but the things he is doing to help Cam find herself again is amazing and I loved him right away. And in turn Cam is helping Troy realize that he is someone, and I cried when they talked about the past and how she made him feel when he was a teen. The little matchbox truck...
Complete review: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Review sent for an honest review
This is a story about family and love that had me laughing out loud and crying big tears throughout. Ms. Moran creates exceptional characters that you fall in love with as you go on their journey.
Camryn Covic has had a bad day and to top it off she is about to spend a week with her crazy family as her sister Heather is getting married. Cam recently lost her job, her apartment and boyfriend, a man who called her a robot and tells her she is unworthy. Ouch! Her sister does not want her to come to the wedding without anyone and wants her to ask Troy, a man who is not only her brother Fisher's best friend but he also used to live with their family as a foster child during his teenage years.
Troy agrees to the ruse, and their acting gets high points as they get the family to believe they have been dating for a year. They explain that they were not sure about the relationship so kept it quiet. The family is big and loud and as much as they love each other, they do say things that can be cruel at times. All her life, Cam has tried to be invisible while her siblings got the attention, most think she does not have a sense of humor and Troy even tells Emily, her niece, that Cam has lost her smile. Troy is on a mission, during the week of the wedding he plans to check off a list of things he thinks Cam needs to experience.
What a wonderful story! I started reading this book thinking it was going to show this big crazy family with a bit of romance for the hero and heroine. It was so much more, it is the emotional story of Cam and Troy, two broken people who heal each other and find love along the way. Troy is a true hero, a bit tortured as he had a heck of a childhood but the things he is doing to help Cam find herself again is amazing and I loved him right away. And in turn Cam is helping Troy realize that he is someone, and I cried when they talked about the past and how she made him feel when he was a teen. The little matchbox truck...
Complete review: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Review sent for an honest review
October 31, 2013
This book is hilarious! I absolutely loved it! I laughed, cried and made a fool of my self when people were around! This is a great read! I will definitely be reading this again and making sure I tell everyone about it!
April 16, 2014
The Dysfunctional Test by Kelly Moran
Funny, October 30, 2013
This book is great!! It's funny and heart warming. Wonderful read. If you are looking for funny romance this is your book
March 9, 2014
Where do I even begin for this book. I was hooked from page one. Camryn and Troy have that relationship you where you get all giddy when they start to realize things and then get all mad when they want to act against it or try to prevent it. I absolutely loved this book.
A little more in depth look into my mind and this book. For the characters I felt they were all really well defined. Camryn definitely came off to me as someone who is a bit uptight and never strayed from what she defined as normal or her routine. Troy was definitely a bit more relaxed and enjoyed life. His struggles from his childhood and how they affect him at present age came off nicely. You could always feel the sexual tension and love both Troy and Camryn had for each other but were scared to admit it. Camryn's family was really funny to watch how they did things. There was something for each member you could probably point out and find in your own family. They were a grade A normal psycho family..................................
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A little more in depth look into my mind and this book. For the characters I felt they were all really well defined. Camryn definitely came off to me as someone who is a bit uptight and never strayed from what she defined as normal or her routine. Troy was definitely a bit more relaxed and enjoyed life. His struggles from his childhood and how they affect him at present age came off nicely. You could always feel the sexual tension and love both Troy and Camryn had for each other but were scared to admit it. Camryn's family was really funny to watch how they did things. There was something for each member you could probably point out and find in your own family. They were a grade A normal psycho family..................................
TO READ THE REST OF THIS REVIEW AND IN ITS FULL ENTIRETY PLEASE VISIT:
http://endofstorynextbook.blogspot.co...
January 25, 2014
I don't read too many contemporary romances, but this one looked good, so I tried it. This is very much of a Cinderella story, only there aren't any truly wicked step-sisters, etc. The conflicts making Camryn's life so unhappy are caused in part by her own self-image and her family's perception of her. She's the Ugly Duckling who needs her childhood friend Troy's help to bloom into a swan.
The family is hilarious, including the niece's mispronunciations at crucial moments. Anyone who has a large family prone to misunderstandings and poor communication skills can identify with the Covic family. Plus, Troy and Camryn's romance seems true and not forced even if their 'deceptive wedding date' is a plot situation contrived to throw them together. Nonetheless, the characters are well developed and the backstory works to cement their relationship.
The family is hilarious, including the niece's mispronunciations at crucial moments. Anyone who has a large family prone to misunderstandings and poor communication skills can identify with the Covic family. Plus, Troy and Camryn's romance seems true and not forced even if their 'deceptive wedding date' is a plot situation contrived to throw them together. Nonetheless, the characters are well developed and the backstory works to cement their relationship.
January 7, 2014
4.5
Super funny and sweet. Had a few things that bugged me but not enough to knock it down to 4 stars :)
Super funny and sweet. Had a few things that bugged me but not enough to knock it down to 4 stars :)
February 8, 2014
I loved this book! I can't believe I waited so long to read it. Review coming soon.
March 17, 2014
This book is delightful. A family from hell, food that stinks up the house, but tastes good, a daughter who doesn't want to be like the rest of the family, a test devised by sisters young in their lives to only settle for someone that can handle their dysfunctional family.
And that's just the beginning. We discover why Cam appears to be, as her ex, cheating, boyfriend a cold fish, and what a hunk of a foster son sees in her when they start a 'pretend romance' to keep her family happy.
Wonderful romp, a great way to spend a cold evening, or a warm day at the beach.
And that's just the beginning. We discover why Cam appears to be, as her ex, cheating, boyfriend a cold fish, and what a hunk of a foster son sees in her when they start a 'pretend romance' to keep her family happy.
Wonderful romp, a great way to spend a cold evening, or a warm day at the beach.
March 13, 2014
First off no spoilers in this review, just a do you want a book to make you laugh out loud, cry as if heartbroken, want to throttle somebody for saying something mean & unnecessary, breathe a sigh of relief when things just start to get better, then you MUST read this book.
Camryn comes from a dysfunctional but loving Serbian family, who over the years have accidentally given Camryn increased feelings of low self esteem because her siblings appeared to need more attention but Camryn was the one who always seemed able to handle what life threw at her or so her family thought but then in one day she loses her apartment, her long term boyfriend & is " let go " from her job the one thing that seems to keep her grounded.
Can things get any worse you lose three things in the space of under 24 hours no way you think, well don't forget this is Camryn's family & her sister, Heather, is getting married & she's already a mass of nerves as Justin comes from a wealthy family( self made) & is nervous of anything going wrong to upset the careful plans her future mother- in- law has helped her do with the wedding. So of all the crazy hare- brained things Heather can think of to "save the day" is to ask their brother's best friend & family foster brother over the years, Troy, to step in & pretend to be Camryn's boyfriend for the weekend.
Can this possibly go wrong, he knows the family, everybody knows Troy, especially the women as he's a bit of a ladies man but this man who considers the Covic's his only real family doesn't hesitate to step in & help out, my goodness it's a small price to pay for all this crazy family did for him as as a child.
From page one I could relate to the family, admit it we all have those one or two family members who make us cringe when in unfamiliar company, but how is Camryn going to pull off a fake relationship, keep a smile on her face for her sister's special day when her world has crashed around her. She does what she's always done..... coped! But Troy has other plans he wants people to see Camryn how he does & make her see she needs to lighten up. Will the wedding go okay or will this crazy family just be too much for Justin's family & will Troy's plan spoil everything....... A brilliant read from start to finish can't wait to read the next book.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author but it no way affects my review I highly recommend this book to anybody.
Camryn comes from a dysfunctional but loving Serbian family, who over the years have accidentally given Camryn increased feelings of low self esteem because her siblings appeared to need more attention but Camryn was the one who always seemed able to handle what life threw at her or so her family thought but then in one day she loses her apartment, her long term boyfriend & is " let go " from her job the one thing that seems to keep her grounded.
Can things get any worse you lose three things in the space of under 24 hours no way you think, well don't forget this is Camryn's family & her sister, Heather, is getting married & she's already a mass of nerves as Justin comes from a wealthy family( self made) & is nervous of anything going wrong to upset the careful plans her future mother- in- law has helped her do with the wedding. So of all the crazy hare- brained things Heather can think of to "save the day" is to ask their brother's best friend & family foster brother over the years, Troy, to step in & pretend to be Camryn's boyfriend for the weekend.
Can this possibly go wrong, he knows the family, everybody knows Troy, especially the women as he's a bit of a ladies man but this man who considers the Covic's his only real family doesn't hesitate to step in & help out, my goodness it's a small price to pay for all this crazy family did for him as as a child.
From page one I could relate to the family, admit it we all have those one or two family members who make us cringe when in unfamiliar company, but how is Camryn going to pull off a fake relationship, keep a smile on her face for her sister's special day when her world has crashed around her. She does what she's always done..... coped! But Troy has other plans he wants people to see Camryn how he does & make her see she needs to lighten up. Will the wedding go okay or will this crazy family just be too much for Justin's family & will Troy's plan spoil everything....... A brilliant read from start to finish can't wait to read the next book.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author but it no way affects my review I highly recommend this book to anybody.
April 2, 2014
The Dysfunctional Test was for me, a very heartfelt, funny, and emotional read.
Sometimes while reading this I wanted to laugh, cry, and smack someone, all at once!
I felt such a connection to Cam and all of her feelings of never fitting in, and her feeling that she was inferior to her beautiful sister.
Then there was Troy her friend/foster brother/pretend fiancé. When he opened up about his past, and when he stood up for Cam, I thought my heart might explode.
Having been a foster parent, and seeing life from that point of view, I cried buckets at what he'd been through.
It has taken me awhile to write this review because this book so powerfully overwhelmed me, I at times wondered if the very talented Author Kelly Moran had seen into my very soul.
While I very much recommend this book, please note that you will most assuredly laugh, and you may cry. But whether or not anyone else has the deep emotional reaction I had, I don't know, I guess it depends on the reader.
I know that I will read this book again, because I very much love Kelly's writing style.
Sometimes while reading this I wanted to laugh, cry, and smack someone, all at once!
I felt such a connection to Cam and all of her feelings of never fitting in, and her feeling that she was inferior to her beautiful sister.
Then there was Troy her friend/foster brother/pretend fiancé. When he opened up about his past, and when he stood up for Cam, I thought my heart might explode.
Having been a foster parent, and seeing life from that point of view, I cried buckets at what he'd been through.
It has taken me awhile to write this review because this book so powerfully overwhelmed me, I at times wondered if the very talented Author Kelly Moran had seen into my very soul.
While I very much recommend this book, please note that you will most assuredly laugh, and you may cry. But whether or not anyone else has the deep emotional reaction I had, I don't know, I guess it depends on the reader.
I know that I will read this book again, because I very much love Kelly's writing style.
February 8, 2014
What's a girl to do when her world falls apart? Camryn Covic has lost her boyfriend, her apartment and her job and has to go to her sister's wedding. How can she face her crazy Serbian family when they all look at her like she's the odd woman out? The one in her family who isn't the prettiest, the funniest. After years of feelings of inadequacy she has learned to block the feelings from showing. But in her mind, they rage. Then her sister comes up with a plan to have an "adopted" family member escort Camryn to the wedding as her boyfriend. Troy is the man who is devil may care. Always open for a good time, but with Camryn he faces things in his past that only Camryn knows.
This was a great love story. The feelings between Troy and Camryn were real and so full of love. I laughed and sniffled along with the both of them. Kelly wrote an emotional and real story of two people who filled in the void for each other, whether they knew it or not. Wonderful story!
This was a great love story. The feelings between Troy and Camryn were real and so full of love. I laughed and sniffled along with the both of them. Kelly wrote an emotional and real story of two people who filled in the void for each other, whether they knew it or not. Wonderful story!
March 7, 2014
Kelly Moran has written a very enjoyable read that you will not be able to put down until you are finished.
It moved along at a great pace, has amazing characters and a story that will keep you interested from beginning to end.
I cannot wait to read more from this fantastic author in the future.
It moved along at a great pace, has amazing characters and a story that will keep you interested from beginning to end.
I cannot wait to read more from this fantastic author in the future.
October 20, 2013
4.5 stars. Loved it!!
October 31, 2013
Cute story! It was a fun and flirty read!
I really liked Camryn and Troy. Great chemistry!
I really liked Camryn and Troy. Great chemistry!
March 20, 2014
Romantic comedy at its best. I loved the characters and was instantly drawn to them. Kelly Moran had me laughing out loud. I've never had a book do that before. It's a wonderful book. I didn't want it to end. I recommend this book to everyone.
March 12, 2014
I highly recommend this one, but be prepared to read all day and all night until it's finished! I just couldn't put it down, it was a wonderful book.
There's the crazy-funny family members that have you laughing so hard you have to pause the reading, the love and romance, those 'awww' moments that we swoon over, the heartache and tears. It was all there. You'll fall in love with these characters for sure.
There's the crazy-funny family members that have you laughing so hard you have to pause the reading, the love and romance, those 'awww' moments that we swoon over, the heartache and tears. It was all there. You'll fall in love with these characters for sure.
May 8, 2014
I thought this book was awesome it flowed through very well.I think the characters where believable and the story actually made you laugh as well as there where some hot sex scenes.
May 12, 2014
I have at least one hundred romance titles on my kindle waiting to be read and when vacation time arrived, The Dysfunctional Test was number one on my list. I made the right choice. I don't give many five star reviews but this story merits all five. This is the first title I’ve read by Kelly Moran, but it won’t be the last. Coming from a large family, I loved the chaos of the Covic’s interactions. Quirky, charming and fun, the diverse cast of characters were a great backdrop to the blooming romance between Cam and Troy. Ms. Moran moved the couple’s relationship from friendship to love with perfect pacing while making me laugh, cry and cheer. Well done.
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