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Kowalski Family #9
Falling for Max
Max Crawford has reached the point in life where he's starting to think about settling down. Unfortunately, he's always been a little awkward when it comes to social interactions, and working from home doesn't help. He spends so much time alone, painting beautiful, historically accurate model trains that half of Whitford has begun to joke that he may be a serial killer. Not exactly prime husband material.
Tori Burns has found happiness in Maine, thanks in large part to her shifts at the Trailside Diner. She likes the work, and she loves the local gossip. When shy, geeky Max Crawford becomes a regular, she's intrigued. When she finds out he's in the market for a wife, she's fascinated…and determined to help.
Molding Max into every woman's dream turns out to be much easier than expected. But has Tori's plan worked a little too well? As she turns his comfortable life all sorts of upside down, she'll have to find a way to show just how she's fallen for him…the real him.
Tori Burns has found happiness in Maine, thanks in large part to her shifts at the Trailside Diner. She likes the work, and she loves the local gossip. When shy, geeky Max Crawford becomes a regular, she's intrigued. When she finds out he's in the market for a wife, she's fascinated…and determined to help.
Molding Max into every woman's dream turns out to be much easier than expected. But has Tori's plan worked a little too well? As she turns his comfortable life all sorts of upside down, she'll have to find a way to show just how she's fallen for him…the real him.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
147 people are currently reading
2582 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Stacey
141 books2,641 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets when she’s not riding her ATV. She loves mud, books, football & watching way too much TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
August 6, 2014
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Quick summary
Town recluse Max Crawford is ready to meet someone, fall in love and get married. When he goes to the town diner for lunch (suggested starting place to meet people), part-time waitress Tori Burns immediately bonds with him and decides to help him with his plan. Neither one of them saw it coming when they fell for each other.
The issues
Max initially thought Tori might be too young for him (she wasn't). Tori has sworn off love and marriage after her parents' ugly divorce and aftermath, thinking she'd probably end up being like her mother (wrong...no one could be that nasty).
What works!
Max is glorious in all his geekdom and honesty. Tori is a natural who immediately recognizes his assets and brings out the best in him. As the setup is for her to prepare and coach him for other women, their relationship developed from acquaintances to friends and ultimately to lovers. It was fun with some great dialogue between them. It was sweet and romantic and when it morphed to friends with benefits, it got even better.
What missed
The ending. It just felt rushed after a really strong lead-in. Everything was pretty finally tuned and I was waiting for this magical crescendo that just never came. A short epilogue might have sealed the deal for me.
One more thing...
Some may find Tori's logic about relationships to be without foundation but I've certainly seen this in adult children of divorce, especially when they're forced to be in the middle of such acrimony between two people they love. It rang authentic.
The bottom line
This is a sweet story with a really good romance involving two interesting people. We get glimpses of some of the Kowalski clan but the focus was really on Max and Tori. I just wish the ending had been more...something. In spite of that, I really enjoyed the book overall.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Quick summary
Town recluse Max Crawford is ready to meet someone, fall in love and get married. When he goes to the town diner for lunch (suggested starting place to meet people), part-time waitress Tori Burns immediately bonds with him and decides to help him with his plan. Neither one of them saw it coming when they fell for each other.
The issues
Max initially thought Tori might be too young for him (she wasn't). Tori has sworn off love and marriage after her parents' ugly divorce and aftermath, thinking she'd probably end up being like her mother (wrong...no one could be that nasty).
What works!
Max is glorious in all his geekdom and honesty. Tori is a natural who immediately recognizes his assets and brings out the best in him. As the setup is for her to prepare and coach him for other women, their relationship developed from acquaintances to friends and ultimately to lovers. It was fun with some great dialogue between them. It was sweet and romantic and when it morphed to friends with benefits, it got even better.
What missed
The ending. It just felt rushed after a really strong lead-in. Everything was pretty finally tuned and I was waiting for this magical crescendo that just never came. A short epilogue might have sealed the deal for me.
One more thing...
Some may find Tori's logic about relationships to be without foundation but I've certainly seen this in adult children of divorce, especially when they're forced to be in the middle of such acrimony between two people they love. It rang authentic.
The bottom line
This is a sweet story with a really good romance involving two interesting people. We get glimpses of some of the Kowalski clan but the focus was really on Max and Tori. I just wish the ending had been more...something. In spite of that, I really enjoyed the book overall.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
April 13, 2015
Read this over the weekend and LOVED it. The hero was a little quirky and utterly adorable.
June 18, 2014
I enjoyed all but the last 50 pages.
The author has a nice writing style. I enjoyed the characters, what they did, and the relationship development which is important! But things toward the end ruined it. The worst problem was the separation. Most romance novels have this, but it’s not required. Give me an interesting separation – or give me none.
And then the get-together-ending was too quick.
Another thing bothered me because it was not logical (also in the last 50 pages). Tori works full-time as a graphic artist. She gets a part-time job as a waitress at a diner – for some balance in her life. One of the diner employees quits, so the owner asks Tori to work full-time until the owner can hire a replacement. What? It’s a waitress job. High school teens could do that. Move the evening waitress to the day, and get a high schooler for the evening. Why does no one suggest this? Instead Tori is asked to cut back on her full-time business? To be a waitress? I don’t want to buy that.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 275 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: moderate. Number os sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day Whitford, Maine. Copyright 2014. Genre: contemporary romance.
The author has a nice writing style. I enjoyed the characters, what they did, and the relationship development which is important! But things toward the end ruined it. The worst problem was the separation. Most romance novels have this, but it’s not required. Give me an interesting separation – or give me none.
And then the get-together-ending was too quick.
Another thing bothered me because it was not logical (also in the last 50 pages). Tori works full-time as a graphic artist. She gets a part-time job as a waitress at a diner – for some balance in her life. One of the diner employees quits, so the owner asks Tori to work full-time until the owner can hire a replacement. What? It’s a waitress job. High school teens could do that. Move the evening waitress to the day, and get a high schooler for the evening. Why does no one suggest this? Instead Tori is asked to cut back on her full-time business? To be a waitress? I don’t want to buy that.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 275 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: moderate. Number os sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day Whitford, Maine. Copyright 2014. Genre: contemporary romance.
January 21, 2023
5+ Max Stars
This book has my favourite trope: A high IQ (but totally clueless) guy, with flawed social skills reluctantly befriends a girl with a fractured past or personal dilemma and slowly (the slow burn is a must) falls in love with her.
There aren't that many books/authors who do this well. Not many can live up to the brilliance of Penny Reid's Beard Science,' but when this trope is done well, I swear I just can't get enough! (Reid's 'Dating-ish', 'Love Hacked' and Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project' are other great examples.)
And so is Falling for Max.
I came across Falling for Max almost NINE years ago now (wow'!) and even after all this time (and four reads later), I still love it!
It's a sweet, easy read about a socially inept artist who marks off his monthly goals on a checklist, taped to his fridge, and keeps his life neat, orderly and perfectly organised. Now that his best friends are all married and having babies, Max decides his next goal is to find a girlfriend. Someone he can marry down the track. At 34 years old he has a great job, substantial savings, a great housecwith a big screen television, friends who come over to watch the game and he's learned to cook. It's time, right?
Instead, he befriends Tori. And Toru is dead-set against love, marriage and anything else that comes with emotional vulnerability. But she's friendly and smart and has offered to help him talk to women and find his parfect match.
Set in a small town filled with great characters, both Max and Tori need to overcome some real, emotional obstacles (no mere miscommunications-that-are-solved-in-one-paragraph scenarios here!)
Anyway, I loved it. It's one of my favourite comfort reads when I'm in a book slump. And if you know of any other books that have a similar trope - let me know!
This book has my favourite trope: A high IQ (but totally clueless) guy, with flawed social skills reluctantly befriends a girl with a fractured past or personal dilemma and slowly (the slow burn is a must) falls in love with her.
There aren't that many books/authors who do this well. Not many can live up to the brilliance of Penny Reid's Beard Science,' but when this trope is done well, I swear I just can't get enough! (Reid's 'Dating-ish', 'Love Hacked' and Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project' are other great examples.)
And so is Falling for Max.
I came across Falling for Max almost NINE years ago now (wow'!) and even after all this time (and four reads later), I still love it!
It's a sweet, easy read about a socially inept artist who marks off his monthly goals on a checklist, taped to his fridge, and keeps his life neat, orderly and perfectly organised. Now that his best friends are all married and having babies, Max decides his next goal is to find a girlfriend. Someone he can marry down the track. At 34 years old he has a great job, substantial savings, a great housecwith a big screen television, friends who come over to watch the game and he's learned to cook. It's time, right?
Instead, he befriends Tori. And Toru is dead-set against love, marriage and anything else that comes with emotional vulnerability. But she's friendly and smart and has offered to help him talk to women and find his parfect match.
Set in a small town filled with great characters, both Max and Tori need to overcome some real, emotional obstacles (no mere miscommunications-that-are-solved-in-one-paragraph scenarios here!)
Anyway, I loved it. It's one of my favourite comfort reads when I'm in a book slump. And if you know of any other books that have a similar trope - let me know!
July 31, 2014
Solid 3 stars for me. It was better than the previous few, but I still didn't love it.
Max was good for me. I liked his quirks and as a loner myself, I could really relate to his struggles to get involved in the town.
As for Tori, not much relating to her. It bugs me a little when characters avoid relationships because of examples set by others. Tori’s parents unexpected and ugly divorce has made her say no to relationships because she doesn’t want end up hurting when things go bad.
So Tori helps Max find his comfort zone around others and sets Max loose on the town, but after a few tries, Max realizes he’s been dating the wrong woman.
Now, he just has to convince Tori, she can trust love.
Max was good for me. I liked his quirks and as a loner myself, I could really relate to his struggles to get involved in the town.
As for Tori, not much relating to her. It bugs me a little when characters avoid relationships because of examples set by others. Tori’s parents unexpected and ugly divorce has made her say no to relationships because she doesn’t want end up hurting when things go bad.
So Tori helps Max find his comfort zone around others and sets Max loose on the town, but after a few tries, Max realizes he’s been dating the wrong woman.
Now, he just has to convince Tori, she can trust love.
July 29, 2014
The latest rumor about Max Crawford in the town of Whitford is that he just might be a serial killer, what with his mysterious locked up basement and all. No one really believes it, but they know so little about him that they settle for gossip.
Tori Burns is a part time waitress at Whitford’s Trailside Diner. When Max decides it’s time to start looking for a wife, his first step is to be more social, and going to Trailside is where he starts. He and Tori hit it off, but Tori’s only interested in being friends. Her parents’ bitter divorce has left her convinced that love is not worth taking a chance on for her. Still, she’s willing to help Max, who is a little awkward socially, practice his dating skills. Now they just have to ignore the chemistry between them and find some eligible bachelorettes in Whitford.
This latest book in the Kowalski Family series was another winner for me. I enjoyed so much about this story! The Kowalskis appear as secondary characters, but don’t overwhelm the main plot.
Max and Tori are great characters. They each have personal obstacles to overcome. Max is never said to be on the autism spectrum, but that would be my guess about him. Social situations can be challenging for him. He’s very literal and very focused. He’s looking for a wife, and Tori sees right away that he needs someone who will appreciate his differences and not see them as drawbacks.
Tori comes with a lot of baggage from her parents’ divorce. She’d always thought they had a loving marriage. So when it fell apart and they became extremely angry and bitter she was shocked. Even more surprised when she found herself in the middle of an emotional tug of war between them. It got bad enough that she moved to Whitford to put some physical distance between herself and her parents. Aside from her baggage, Tori’s an interesting woman. She designs book covers and websites, working from her apartment. She works part time at the diner to indulge her social side. She also enjoys being with her cousin, the young chef at Trailside.
Besides the characters and the low conflict plot (my favorite!) Shannon Stacey’s trademark humor is in abundance. There were so many lines that had me laughing. Here’s an example I love! Tori and Max are practicing small talk. She starts:
“I like to play Bingo.”
He didn’t even hesitate. “That’s wonderful. How many cats do you have?”
As much as I enjoyed their dialog, I also appreciated how things worked when they were not getting along, too. They weren’t perfect. Their reactions were realistic, and it takes growth on both their parts to come through it. It was a joy to read!
I’d highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy small town contemporary romance, and readers who like low conflict romance. While it’s part of the Kowalski series, it would stand alone fine, too. That said, I’m really enjoying the series and looking forward to reading more about Gavin on his quest to become a big deal chef!
Tori Burns is a part time waitress at Whitford’s Trailside Diner. When Max decides it’s time to start looking for a wife, his first step is to be more social, and going to Trailside is where he starts. He and Tori hit it off, but Tori’s only interested in being friends. Her parents’ bitter divorce has left her convinced that love is not worth taking a chance on for her. Still, she’s willing to help Max, who is a little awkward socially, practice his dating skills. Now they just have to ignore the chemistry between them and find some eligible bachelorettes in Whitford.
This latest book in the Kowalski Family series was another winner for me. I enjoyed so much about this story! The Kowalskis appear as secondary characters, but don’t overwhelm the main plot.
Max and Tori are great characters. They each have personal obstacles to overcome. Max is never said to be on the autism spectrum, but that would be my guess about him. Social situations can be challenging for him. He’s very literal and very focused. He’s looking for a wife, and Tori sees right away that he needs someone who will appreciate his differences and not see them as drawbacks.
Tori comes with a lot of baggage from her parents’ divorce. She’d always thought they had a loving marriage. So when it fell apart and they became extremely angry and bitter she was shocked. Even more surprised when she found herself in the middle of an emotional tug of war between them. It got bad enough that she moved to Whitford to put some physical distance between herself and her parents. Aside from her baggage, Tori’s an interesting woman. She designs book covers and websites, working from her apartment. She works part time at the diner to indulge her social side. She also enjoys being with her cousin, the young chef at Trailside.
Besides the characters and the low conflict plot (my favorite!) Shannon Stacey’s trademark humor is in abundance. There were so many lines that had me laughing. Here’s an example I love! Tori and Max are practicing small talk. She starts:
“I like to play Bingo.”
He didn’t even hesitate. “That’s wonderful. How many cats do you have?”
As much as I enjoyed their dialog, I also appreciated how things worked when they were not getting along, too. They weren’t perfect. Their reactions were realistic, and it takes growth on both their parts to come through it. It was a joy to read!
I’d highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy small town contemporary romance, and readers who like low conflict romance. While it’s part of the Kowalski series, it would stand alone fine, too. That said, I’m really enjoying the series and looking forward to reading more about Gavin on his quest to become a big deal chef!
April 2, 2015
I am nursing a major book hangover today after staying up far too late to finish Stacey's latest Kowalski book. Oh goodness, Max was just SO endearing, and the way that Tori seemed to understand him without pitying him was wonderful to read. It's never actually spelled out, but Max seems to be somewhere on the autism spectrum. He is very literal about things and needs time to process events and decide on his reaction. I thought Stacey did an amazing job of showing his thought processes, and he just leapt off the page as a character. I loved that Tori understood him and pulled him a bit out of his comfort zone, but did not try to "fix" him as if there was something inherently wrong with his personality.
Some of Max and Tori's conversations had me laughing out loud. Also, this is a rare romance cover and title that is perfect for the story. That scene actually happens, yay!
Max is so different from the other Kowalski series heroes. I was pleasantly surprised at this new direction, and my only qualm was that the ending was a bit rushed.
Very highly recommended.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Some of Max and Tori's conversations had me laughing out loud. Also, this is a rare romance cover and title that is perfect for the story. That scene actually happens, yay!
Max is so different from the other Kowalski series heroes. I was pleasantly surprised at this new direction, and my only qualm was that the ending was a bit rushed.
Very highly recommended.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2019
Awesome
Adored this book. So glad Tori got her story, she was always such a great character and Max turned out to be truly adorable. This one has great writing and characters. Don't miss it, I highly recommend it!
Adored this book. So glad Tori got her story, she was always such a great character and Max turned out to be truly adorable. This one has great writing and characters. Don't miss it, I highly recommend it!
June 22, 2015
Falling for Max is the final tale from Whitford, Maine, and I have to say I’m sad my amazing run of fabulous audiobooks has come to a conclusion. I wasn’t sure I’d appreciate Max’s story, since both the hero (Max) and heroine, Tori, have always been background characters. But let me tell you, Max and Tori were a breath of fresh air! I loved their quirks, and their romance is both sweet and passionate!
Max Crawford is a fixture to the sports fans of Whitford - a bachelor with a big screen TV and large, leather couches, the men (and Katie Davis) of Whitford watch all the big games at Max’s place. But no one really knows Max. He’s an introvert who works from home and rarely goes into town. Then one day Max realizes he’s lonely, as decides it’s time to find a wife, so he heads to the Trailside Diner to meet more of the locals. Meanwhile, Tori Burns moved to Whitford after her parents put her squarely in the middle of their messy divorce. She works part time at the diner, where she befriends the newly sociable, yet highly awkward Max. Finding out his mission, Tori agrees to help Max find a wife.
Max and Tori are simply cute together. Each knows they want different things in life, but as they spend more time together “practicing” dating and eventually falling into bed together, they grow to be best friends and more. While Max recognizes the budding relationship for what it is, and will do what he needs to to bring Tori around, Tori lies to herself, trying to convince herself that they are only friends. Tori’s parents really messed her up, and her fears of a long-term relationship are justifiable.
While the romance is on the slow side, it is fitting. Watching their friendship grow and then develop into more is rewarding. Although at the 68% mark of the audiobook, I was more than ready for some action! But in the end, I really enjoyed Falling for Max. The story is about overcoming the past to allow love into the present. It was rewarding and sweet. Max and Tori are a perfect couple and I enjoyed their story more than I thought I would. I learned to love both characters and found them insanely adorable together.
Rating: A-
Narration: A (see earlier reviews of this series for commentary on the narration)
Max Crawford is a fixture to the sports fans of Whitford - a bachelor with a big screen TV and large, leather couches, the men (and Katie Davis) of Whitford watch all the big games at Max’s place. But no one really knows Max. He’s an introvert who works from home and rarely goes into town. Then one day Max realizes he’s lonely, as decides it’s time to find a wife, so he heads to the Trailside Diner to meet more of the locals. Meanwhile, Tori Burns moved to Whitford after her parents put her squarely in the middle of their messy divorce. She works part time at the diner, where she befriends the newly sociable, yet highly awkward Max. Finding out his mission, Tori agrees to help Max find a wife.
Max and Tori are simply cute together. Each knows they want different things in life, but as they spend more time together “practicing” dating and eventually falling into bed together, they grow to be best friends and more. While Max recognizes the budding relationship for what it is, and will do what he needs to to bring Tori around, Tori lies to herself, trying to convince herself that they are only friends. Tori’s parents really messed her up, and her fears of a long-term relationship are justifiable.
While the romance is on the slow side, it is fitting. Watching their friendship grow and then develop into more is rewarding. Although at the 68% mark of the audiobook, I was more than ready for some action! But in the end, I really enjoyed Falling for Max. The story is about overcoming the past to allow love into the present. It was rewarding and sweet. Max and Tori are a perfect couple and I enjoyed their story more than I thought I would. I learned to love both characters and found them insanely adorable together.
Rating: A-
Narration: A (see earlier reviews of this series for commentary on the narration)
August 3, 2014
4.5 stars - On Max's to do list this month, "Get married." Scratch that. "Get a girlfriend." Scratch that. "Go on a date." So the first step for Max (after getting out of the house) is to start having lunch at the local diner so he can actually meet a woman to ask on a date. But the reclusive Max has no social skills and when part-time waitress Tori sees Max crash and burn when he is just trying to make small talk and Tori finds out about his 'mission', she decides to help remake Max by helping him to develop social skills and letting him practice them on her.
This is my first foray into author Stacey's Kowalski Family series, and though it is pretty clear that there are tons of cameos for past pairs, I think Max and Tori's story stood alone just fine. I really liked this strangers to friends to lovers story. I just loved the 'odd duck' Max and I liked how Tori's observational skills serve her well in socializing him. And despite his quirks, and their very different personalities, I had no difficulty believing that they could fall for each other and I really liked that the thing that truly won them their HEA was that they developed a friendship first and cared enough about each other at the end to deal head on with some speed bumps in their romance.
So, I really enjoyed this story and just may have to go back and search out some of the other stories.
ARC via netgalley
This is my first foray into author Stacey's Kowalski Family series, and though it is pretty clear that there are tons of cameos for past pairs, I think Max and Tori's story stood alone just fine. I really liked this strangers to friends to lovers story. I just loved the 'odd duck' Max and I liked how Tori's observational skills serve her well in socializing him. And despite his quirks, and their very different personalities, I had no difficulty believing that they could fall for each other and I really liked that the thing that truly won them their HEA was that they developed a friendship first and cared enough about each other at the end to deal head on with some speed bumps in their romance.
So, I really enjoyed this story and just may have to go back and search out some of the other stories.
ARC via netgalley
August 29, 2015
Max Crawford moved to Whitford several years ago, but really doesn't know a lot of people in the town. With the exception of his Sunday afternoon sports gatherings, he doesn't interact with the community members. But now he is getting lonely and wants to find a wife and start a family. Max decides he needs a girlfriend and begins visiting the Trailside Diner where everyone gathers for meals. Waitress Tori Burns overhears Max trying to strike up a conversation with a woman at the diner. She feels sorry for him. He's shy and a little awkward. When she finds out that Max is in the market for a wife, Tori is determined to help him find a date.
Max and Tori become friends as she drills him on topics of conversation and takes him on practice dates. She even lines up a woman for him to ask out. Her outlook on marriage is not good after witnessing her parents’ marriage implode. She believes that marriage is not for her, but is willing to help anyone else along the path to matrimony. But Max is quickly learning that Tori is the woman for him. He doesn't feel the pressure of being someone he is not around her. Now he has to convince Tori that they can be more than friends.
This is the last book in Shannon Stacey's Kowalski family series and it's another good one. I've been intrigued by Max since he was introduced. I'm glad he got his own book and think it was a great ending to a very entertaining series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Max and Tori become friends as she drills him on topics of conversation and takes him on practice dates. She even lines up a woman for him to ask out. Her outlook on marriage is not good after witnessing her parents’ marriage implode. She believes that marriage is not for her, but is willing to help anyone else along the path to matrimony. But Max is quickly learning that Tori is the woman for him. He doesn't feel the pressure of being someone he is not around her. Now he has to convince Tori that they can be more than friends.
This is the last book in Shannon Stacey's Kowalski family series and it's another good one. I've been intrigued by Max since he was introduced. I'm glad he got his own book and think it was a great ending to a very entertaining series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
August 3, 2014
3.8/5 stars
A solid Shannon Stacey novel. I really enjoyed this story, but I do still prefer the original Kowalski trilogy. I love how she refers back to past characters, because I do miss them. But Max and were a solid pair. I loved how he could funny and witty, but also literal and troubled about basic human emotions. It was fun to see him grow. However, I wasn't a big fan of Tori. Tori was perfect for Max, but her issue didn't seem...reasonable to me [?] I just couldn't relate to her, and I guess it's because I have parents who are still married, albeit, their relationship is far from perfect. I just don't get her reasoning behind not outwardly expressing her feelings for Max, especially when she was inwardly expressing. Other than that, I really enjoyed Shannon Stacey's latest novel. She has become a favorite of mine ever since reading her first novel, and I can't wait to read more about these characters in future novels.
A solid Shannon Stacey novel. I really enjoyed this story, but I do still prefer the original Kowalski trilogy. I love how she refers back to past characters, because I do miss them. But Max and were a solid pair. I loved how he could funny and witty, but also literal and troubled about basic human emotions. It was fun to see him grow. However, I wasn't a big fan of Tori. Tori was perfect for Max, but her issue didn't seem...reasonable to me [?] I just couldn't relate to her, and I guess it's because I have parents who are still married, albeit, their relationship is far from perfect. I just don't get her reasoning behind not outwardly expressing her feelings for Max, especially when she was inwardly expressing. Other than that, I really enjoyed Shannon Stacey's latest novel. She has become a favorite of mine ever since reading her first novel, and I can't wait to read more about these characters in future novels.
March 17, 2015
I love stories with nerdy heroes. This hero, Max, is nerdy and not real assured with women but he is confident in other areas of his life. That is what keeps him from being a loser that romance readers would not care about. He really seems to fall somewhere lightly on the aspergers spectrum. This is a new type of hero that we are seeing more of recently. Is that because of the success of The Big Bang Theory? The heroine was a bit more problematic for me. She seems to be a bit unrealistic or overboard in her reaction to her parents' divorce. Not that I'm saying that an adult couldn't be so adversely affected but just that I didn't particularly care for my heroine being quite so adamant in her negative opinion of marriage.
Still of course it all worked out but I felt that the ending was shortchanged and too short.
Still of course it all worked out but I felt that the ending was shortchanged and too short.
August 3, 2014
I have all this series and am disappointed with this one, still live all the characters from other books, this just fell flat for me, his character might as well been Spock from Star Trek. I just didn't feel it...it was like that term ..vanilla....it was ok but just meh for me :(
January 20, 2023
Un friends to lovers que sonaba más interesante de lo que luego fue.
Max Crawford es tan raro que hasta algunos piensan que puede ser un asesino en serie. Ahora quiere casarse y su amiga Tori Burns decide ayudarlo en su búsqueda de esposa. Ella no se ve como candidata porque no cree en el amor ni en el matrimonio. Regalo de sus padres, que la meten en sus líos de divorciados.
Sí, planteamiento muy visto y predecible, pero si te lo cuentan bien, funciona. Aquí no logré conectar, me pareció lento y aburrido.
Max y Tori son simpáticos, sí, mas no me impliqué en su historia. Era como ver enamorarse a dos amigos, me alegro por ellos, pero no me interesan sus intimidades.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog, en inglés. Me gustó tan poco que ni siquiera hice una en español.
Max Crawford es tan raro que hasta algunos piensan que puede ser un asesino en serie. Ahora quiere casarse y su amiga Tori Burns decide ayudarlo en su búsqueda de esposa. Ella no se ve como candidata porque no cree en el amor ni en el matrimonio. Regalo de sus padres, que la meten en sus líos de divorciados.
Sí, planteamiento muy visto y predecible, pero si te lo cuentan bien, funciona. Aquí no logré conectar, me pareció lento y aburrido.
Max y Tori son simpáticos, sí, mas no me impliqué en su historia. Era como ver enamorarse a dos amigos, me alegro por ellos, pero no me interesan sus intimidades.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog, en inglés. Me gustó tan poco que ni siquiera hice una en español.
April 19, 2017
This was sweet. I loved Max with his almost-social-anxiety and tendencies to be rather nerdish. I think Tori's situation was a bit overdone, although it's probably more common in real life than not. Unfortunately this isn't the kind of literary fiction where the situation can be worked out in a more plausible way - it's entertainment and as we're rooting for her to get past her issues, we're happy when she does no matter how little time and effort it took.
I do wish there had been an epilogue. I think it's just that I've gotten used to those and I like a peek into the future of the relationship. But the ending was good.
Lauren Fortgang is brilliant on the audio. She's such a pleasure to hear as a narrator. She just does it all right.
I do wish there had been an epilogue. I think it's just that I've gotten used to those and I like a peek into the future of the relationship. But the ending was good.
Lauren Fortgang is brilliant on the audio. She's such a pleasure to hear as a narrator. She just does it all right.
Read
October 1, 2017DNF @ 25%.
Book source: Purchased
Book source: Purchased
August 12, 2014
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-fallin...
Oh, the Kowalskis. I so love this family and the small town that revolves around them.
Falling for Max is the ninth book in the Kowalski series by Shannon Stacey and features Max Crawford and Tori Burns. If you are familiar with this series you will most definitely remember Max as the mysterious, much gossiped about man in the small town of Whitford, Maine. Even while hosting the weekly game day and making a few friends there’s not a lot of people who seem to know much about him. In face there’s been rumors floated about that he might be a serial killer or make porn movies. What exactly does he do in that basement of his? Turns out Max is just a socially awkward “odd duck” who doesn’t do well in situations where he’s meeting new people. Especially women. But Max has finally decided that it’s time to settle down and have a family. But first he has to find a wife. Or maybe a girlfriend. Ok, ok, he just wants to find himself a date. Which leads us to Tori…
Tori Burns a graphic designer who has settled into Whitford mostly to avoid her divorced parents and all the drama they keep putting her in the middle of. She also happens to work part-time at the Trailside diner. She knows of Max, but because she’s not a sports fan hasn’t really become good friends with him. She’s a little surprised to see him stop in one evening for dinner, but he seems nice and they strike up a conversation where Max reveals his plans to find himself a date. Of course, Tori comes up with the big plan that she is going to help him. Help him how? By giving him advice and guidance as he’s trying to find himself a companion.
I pretty much adored Max from page one. He’s shy, quiet, has no idea what to do in most social situations, over thinks almost everything and has a slightly off sense of humor. It’s going to take a special kind of woman to “get” Max. That would be Tori. Tori is out-going and definitely not awkward, but she understands Max as soon as she meets him. They just click. Of course, this being a romance book, their friendship blossoms into much more the more time they spend together. They have a beautiful slow burn romance and it’s not too long before Max realizes that Tori is the woman for him. He just needs to figure out how to get around her crippling fear of love and marriage and get her to realize how good they could be together.
If Max was my favorite part of this story than Tori was my least favorite. Well, at least Tori’s issues anyway. While I understand divorce affects adult children in different ways, some more harsh than others, I really didn’t get Tori’s overwhelming fear. This is the main conflict in this book and really the only thing that keeps this couple from finding their happily ever after. I went from adoring their friendship and loving how that friendship slowly builds into a nice intimacy to being pissed at Tori for running away. She does resolve her feelings, but the way she does it and the abrupt ending left me not entirely believing in her turn around and their HEA. I really would have liked a little more page spent on this couple finally coming together as a couple. Maybe an epilogue showing them at a later date happy and settled? I’m not exactly sure, but I do know I wish there had been more at the end.
I have to wonder if this is the end of this series now that all the Kowalskis and their friends have found love. I kind of hope not, it’s going to be hard to say goodbye. Final Grade- B-
Favorite Quote:
“Undo that button,” she pleaded.
“You’re rushing me.”
“You’re killing me.”
His chuckle vibrated against her skin. “I thought my attention to detail was one of the things you liked about me.”
“Bigger picture, Max. Let’s think bigger picture. Like the fact you still have your pants on.”
He sighed and moved back up her body. Looking down at her, he smiled a wicked smile “You made me lose my place. Now I have to start over.”
Oh, the Kowalskis. I so love this family and the small town that revolves around them.
Falling for Max is the ninth book in the Kowalski series by Shannon Stacey and features Max Crawford and Tori Burns. If you are familiar with this series you will most definitely remember Max as the mysterious, much gossiped about man in the small town of Whitford, Maine. Even while hosting the weekly game day and making a few friends there’s not a lot of people who seem to know much about him. In face there’s been rumors floated about that he might be a serial killer or make porn movies. What exactly does he do in that basement of his? Turns out Max is just a socially awkward “odd duck” who doesn’t do well in situations where he’s meeting new people. Especially women. But Max has finally decided that it’s time to settle down and have a family. But first he has to find a wife. Or maybe a girlfriend. Ok, ok, he just wants to find himself a date. Which leads us to Tori…
Tori Burns a graphic designer who has settled into Whitford mostly to avoid her divorced parents and all the drama they keep putting her in the middle of. She also happens to work part-time at the Trailside diner. She knows of Max, but because she’s not a sports fan hasn’t really become good friends with him. She’s a little surprised to see him stop in one evening for dinner, but he seems nice and they strike up a conversation where Max reveals his plans to find himself a date. Of course, Tori comes up with the big plan that she is going to help him. Help him how? By giving him advice and guidance as he’s trying to find himself a companion.
I pretty much adored Max from page one. He’s shy, quiet, has no idea what to do in most social situations, over thinks almost everything and has a slightly off sense of humor. It’s going to take a special kind of woman to “get” Max. That would be Tori. Tori is out-going and definitely not awkward, but she understands Max as soon as she meets him. They just click. Of course, this being a romance book, their friendship blossoms into much more the more time they spend together. They have a beautiful slow burn romance and it’s not too long before Max realizes that Tori is the woman for him. He just needs to figure out how to get around her crippling fear of love and marriage and get her to realize how good they could be together.
If Max was my favorite part of this story than Tori was my least favorite. Well, at least Tori’s issues anyway. While I understand divorce affects adult children in different ways, some more harsh than others, I really didn’t get Tori’s overwhelming fear. This is the main conflict in this book and really the only thing that keeps this couple from finding their happily ever after. I went from adoring their friendship and loving how that friendship slowly builds into a nice intimacy to being pissed at Tori for running away. She does resolve her feelings, but the way she does it and the abrupt ending left me not entirely believing in her turn around and their HEA. I really would have liked a little more page spent on this couple finally coming together as a couple. Maybe an epilogue showing them at a later date happy and settled? I’m not exactly sure, but I do know I wish there had been more at the end.
I have to wonder if this is the end of this series now that all the Kowalskis and their friends have found love. I kind of hope not, it’s going to be hard to say goodbye. Final Grade- B-
Favorite Quote:
“Undo that button,” she pleaded.
“You’re rushing me.”
“You’re killing me.”
His chuckle vibrated against her skin. “I thought my attention to detail was one of the things you liked about me.”
“Bigger picture, Max. Let’s think bigger picture. Like the fact you still have your pants on.”
He sighed and moved back up her body. Looking down at her, he smiled a wicked smile “You made me lose my place. Now I have to start over.”
July 29, 2014
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chick
What an adorable story! Falling for Max is the ninth book in Shannon Stacey’s cute Kowalski Family series. These books are filled with a very strong family and friends unit. You feel welcome into their fold every time you crack open a book. We have followed each and every Kowalski fall in love and with the past few books we are witnessing close family friends doing the same. This time around we follow the mysterious Max as he meets his ultimate mate in Tori.
At this point in the series, the mystery of ‘who and what is Max’ is a little less of a mystery since we find out what he does for a living in a previous book. It’s not nearly as malevolent as people of Whitford imagined it to be. Up until that moment, the joke was he was a serial killer since he works in his basement which is equipped with a security system and mostly keeps to himself. But not all of the small town residence know his job by the beginning of this installment so the jokes and speculations are still flying when this books starts off. I loved how, even though he’s shy and awkward, Max is able to go with the flow and even show a strong sense of humor when it comes to the rumors about him and his life.
That is one thing that surprised me about Max – his humor! What a wonderful sense of humor he has. And when he gets together with Tori, their banter is awesome. Tori is funny in her own right so they really do match up well there.
The premise of this book is a simple one: Max is feeling lonely and decides he needs to find a wife. He tries his hardest but he really is a bit gauche. He is so cute! Tori notices Max’s failure at talking to the opposite sex one day while working at the diner. She offers to help Max to feel more at ease talking to women. I have to say, I love this type of story. I love the shy and awkward man seeking the help of a friend. I love when they grow closer and then even closer only to eventually find out that they are perfect for each other and not for anyone else. It’s not a new idea but it’s one I enjoy when done well. And Shannon does it well in this book.
Max and Tori really are well suited and the chemistry is instant. I love how Max was a bit of a geek but not a computer geek like we see more and more in books these days. He was lovable and kind and very smart. If not a little stupid when it came to women. And Tori, watching her ‘get’ Max completely. Loved that.
We see all of your usual suspects from past books in this latest installment which is always nice. The way Shannon writes all of the residents of this small town makes you hope you see them all in each and every book and when you do, it’s like icing on the cake.
This is a book nine but you could get away with jumping right in with this one. Of course you won’t feel any excitement over seeing past characters but the main story is strong enough to stand without the past books. But if you like sweet contemporary romance books with light humor and wonderful happy endings then be sure to read the entire series. Books three, six and nine are my favorites.
All in all, Falling for Max was exactly what I hope a book by Shannon Stacey will be: sweet, light and fun. I really enjoyed watching Max grow more comfortable in his own skin. Tori doesn’t change him but she makes that he feels good and that was a great point for me. No one should have to change too much of themselves in order to find love and that that was the moral-of-sorts of this story made it all the better for me. I will be re-reading this book in the near future, I’m sure as it put a big smile on my face over and over.
4.5 stars
What an adorable story! Falling for Max is the ninth book in Shannon Stacey’s cute Kowalski Family series. These books are filled with a very strong family and friends unit. You feel welcome into their fold every time you crack open a book. We have followed each and every Kowalski fall in love and with the past few books we are witnessing close family friends doing the same. This time around we follow the mysterious Max as he meets his ultimate mate in Tori.
At this point in the series, the mystery of ‘who and what is Max’ is a little less of a mystery since we find out what he does for a living in a previous book. It’s not nearly as malevolent as people of Whitford imagined it to be. Up until that moment, the joke was he was a serial killer since he works in his basement which is equipped with a security system and mostly keeps to himself. But not all of the small town residence know his job by the beginning of this installment so the jokes and speculations are still flying when this books starts off. I loved how, even though he’s shy and awkward, Max is able to go with the flow and even show a strong sense of humor when it comes to the rumors about him and his life.
That is one thing that surprised me about Max – his humor! What a wonderful sense of humor he has. And when he gets together with Tori, their banter is awesome. Tori is funny in her own right so they really do match up well there.
The premise of this book is a simple one: Max is feeling lonely and decides he needs to find a wife. He tries his hardest but he really is a bit gauche. He is so cute! Tori notices Max’s failure at talking to the opposite sex one day while working at the diner. She offers to help Max to feel more at ease talking to women. I have to say, I love this type of story. I love the shy and awkward man seeking the help of a friend. I love when they grow closer and then even closer only to eventually find out that they are perfect for each other and not for anyone else. It’s not a new idea but it’s one I enjoy when done well. And Shannon does it well in this book.
Max and Tori really are well suited and the chemistry is instant. I love how Max was a bit of a geek but not a computer geek like we see more and more in books these days. He was lovable and kind and very smart. If not a little stupid when it came to women. And Tori, watching her ‘get’ Max completely. Loved that.
We see all of your usual suspects from past books in this latest installment which is always nice. The way Shannon writes all of the residents of this small town makes you hope you see them all in each and every book and when you do, it’s like icing on the cake.
This is a book nine but you could get away with jumping right in with this one. Of course you won’t feel any excitement over seeing past characters but the main story is strong enough to stand without the past books. But if you like sweet contemporary romance books with light humor and wonderful happy endings then be sure to read the entire series. Books three, six and nine are my favorites.
All in all, Falling for Max was exactly what I hope a book by Shannon Stacey will be: sweet, light and fun. I really enjoyed watching Max grow more comfortable in his own skin. Tori doesn’t change him but she makes that he feels good and that was a great point for me. No one should have to change too much of themselves in order to find love and that that was the moral-of-sorts of this story made it all the better for me. I will be re-reading this book in the near future, I’m sure as it put a big smile on my face over and over.
4.5 stars
January 30, 2015
Really fun conclusion to the Kowalski series. I have been waiting for Max's story and it did not disappoint me at all. He has been an intriguing character from the beginning, with the mystery of what he does for a living and why he has a security system for his basement. He doesn't really socialize, except for having "the guys" over on Sundays to watch sports on his big screen television. But after seven years of living in Whitford, he realizes that he's a bit lonely and that maybe it's time to do something about it. The problem is, he's not sure what. He's okay talking to guys about sports, but talking to women is really hard. So he heads to the local diner, just to test the waters.
Tori has settled in to Whitford quite nicely. She has her graphic arts business she runs from home, and her part time hours at the diner for fun. She loves talking to people and hearing all about what is happening around town. She's intrigued by Max when he starts coming into the diner. He may be shy and geeky, but he's also pretty sexy. And when she witnesses his awkward attempt to talk to a woman there, she takes pity on him. He's in the market for a relationship that could lead to marriage, and that's the last thing she wants, but she's more than willing to dispense aid and advice. I really liked the way that she didn't try to change who he was, just to help him get more comfortable around other people.
I just loved Max. He has a tendency to take things that are said pretty literally, and he is sometimes painfully honest. He's quite happy to accept Tori's help with her "practice dates" and flash cards and her willingness to work with who he is. He's a nice guy at heart who tries very hard not to do anything that would cause someone else pain. I loved seeing him take all of Tori's advice and actually apply it successfully on the couple of dates he went on. But a funny thing happened on his way to dating success - he started to fall for the teacher.
I loved the way that Tori saw past Max's awkwardness to the nice guy that he is. She can see that he's going to need a special kind of woman who can deal with both his intensity and his shyness. Tori doesn't see herself as being that woman, because he is looking for a wife and she refuses to consider marrying. Her parents divorced after twenty-five years of marriage and have turned into nasty people who have no trouble putting her in the middle of their battles. She has a fear of falling in love with a man and then turning around and becoming like her mother, so she won't allow herself the chance.
Because Tori is helping Max with his dating issues, they start out by becoming friends. Max is comfortable with Tori and has no trouble talking to her. Some of their conversations are pretty funny, when he takes something that she says literally and then has to adjust his thinking to get what she meant. Tori enjoys teasing him, but she's never mean about it. It was fun to see their relationship develop without either of them being aware that that's what was happening. Everyone else could see what was happening before they did. Though Tori panics when Max finally tells her how he feels, he has the patience to understand and wait for her. The ending was sweet and perfect for the two of them.
I loved seeing the interest that everyone had in getting to know Max and helping him along the way. No one had really believed the serial killer thing, but everyone was interested in knowing more about him. The more he became part of the community, the easier he found it to talk to people. I enjoyed seeing Rose give him advice and even tease him a little about the serial killer rep. Even Josh got into the act when Max and Tori were having their problems.
Tori has settled in to Whitford quite nicely. She has her graphic arts business she runs from home, and her part time hours at the diner for fun. She loves talking to people and hearing all about what is happening around town. She's intrigued by Max when he starts coming into the diner. He may be shy and geeky, but he's also pretty sexy. And when she witnesses his awkward attempt to talk to a woman there, she takes pity on him. He's in the market for a relationship that could lead to marriage, and that's the last thing she wants, but she's more than willing to dispense aid and advice. I really liked the way that she didn't try to change who he was, just to help him get more comfortable around other people.
I just loved Max. He has a tendency to take things that are said pretty literally, and he is sometimes painfully honest. He's quite happy to accept Tori's help with her "practice dates" and flash cards and her willingness to work with who he is. He's a nice guy at heart who tries very hard not to do anything that would cause someone else pain. I loved seeing him take all of Tori's advice and actually apply it successfully on the couple of dates he went on. But a funny thing happened on his way to dating success - he started to fall for the teacher.
I loved the way that Tori saw past Max's awkwardness to the nice guy that he is. She can see that he's going to need a special kind of woman who can deal with both his intensity and his shyness. Tori doesn't see herself as being that woman, because he is looking for a wife and she refuses to consider marrying. Her parents divorced after twenty-five years of marriage and have turned into nasty people who have no trouble putting her in the middle of their battles. She has a fear of falling in love with a man and then turning around and becoming like her mother, so she won't allow herself the chance.
Because Tori is helping Max with his dating issues, they start out by becoming friends. Max is comfortable with Tori and has no trouble talking to her. Some of their conversations are pretty funny, when he takes something that she says literally and then has to adjust his thinking to get what she meant. Tori enjoys teasing him, but she's never mean about it. It was fun to see their relationship develop without either of them being aware that that's what was happening. Everyone else could see what was happening before they did. Though Tori panics when Max finally tells her how he feels, he has the patience to understand and wait for her. The ending was sweet and perfect for the two of them.
I loved seeing the interest that everyone had in getting to know Max and helping him along the way. No one had really believed the serial killer thing, but everyone was interested in knowing more about him. The more he became part of the community, the easier he found it to talk to people. I enjoyed seeing Rose give him advice and even tease him a little about the serial killer rep. Even Josh got into the act when Max and Tori were having their problems.
March 1, 2017
This is Max and Tori's story. We know Tori as a waitress at the diner. She is totally convinced she will never fall in love because of her parents' nasty divorce. They have always put her in the middle of their hatred and it has poisoned her against a long term relationship. But when she overhears Max 'crash and burn' at the diner while trying to talk to a girl, she offers to help him. He has very little in the way of social skills, shy but sexy. He accepts her offer and they develop a plan to get him a date. It works, but the sparks fly between the two of them instead. The conflict occurs, of course, when he admits he loves her and Tori can't handle it. She finally sees the light, after getting help from friends. And their story is comes to a very satisfying HEA on, literally, the last page. A very abrupt ending, but not in a bad way. I think that's why I didn't really miss the lack of an epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2015
LOVED this book! The last in the Kowalski series :( I'm still waiting on book #7 then I'll be lost without the Kowalski family. They make you want to be a part of the family, and it amazes me how everyone of them seems to have a great body, because with Rosie constantly baking and them constantly eating, it definitely is part of the fiction of these stories, lol.
This last book however, isn't about a Kowalski, as they are supporting characters. We got a glimpse of Max when Josh and Katie fell in love, as they spent their Sundays on his couch watching football, along with most of the town who congregated at his home for Sunday games. Max is a bit of a mystery, as no one really knows what he does for a living and he rarely leaves his home, after moving to their small town a few years back.
And then there's Tori, the part-time waitress at the Diner. She moved there because her Aunt and Uncle live there and she was wanting to get away from her divorcing, ever fighting parents, who still put her against each other even though she's a 27 yr. old woman.
So Max is in his early 30's and starting to get lonely. He wants to find a woman he can marry and have kids with. Josh suggests he get out of the house more, starting with maybe eating at the diner, since it's the only place in town and there is a lot of traffic in and outta the place, maybe he'd have luck there. And he takes him up on his advice and winds up meeting Tori, who is on shift at the time. When she witnesses him trying to strike up a conversation with a woman at the counter and get shot down, she feels bad for him. When he lets her in on his situation, she finds herself volunteering to help coach him as to how to talk to women and how to date a woman. She finds Max to be quiet, and most of the town gossips that he must be a serial killer or the maker of porn since he has a keypad security lock on his basement door. He's just a little bit of an odd duck, but she likes his personality and offers to help him out.
Turns out, Max's occupation is in his basement and it's far from what anybody thinks it is. He and Tori hit it off, having mock dinner dates, get togethers and she even tests him on subjects that could be coming up in a conversation on a date. The more time they spend together, the more they like each other. But Tori has made it clear, that since her parents once loved each other and now more than despise each other and pull her into their drama, she has no intentions of ever marrying or having kids if that's what a marriage can turn into.
What Max worries about is, what if it's too late? What if he already fell for his dating coach and there's no ever wanting anyone else?
A good, one day read!
This last book however, isn't about a Kowalski, as they are supporting characters. We got a glimpse of Max when Josh and Katie fell in love, as they spent their Sundays on his couch watching football, along with most of the town who congregated at his home for Sunday games. Max is a bit of a mystery, as no one really knows what he does for a living and he rarely leaves his home, after moving to their small town a few years back.
And then there's Tori, the part-time waitress at the Diner. She moved there because her Aunt and Uncle live there and she was wanting to get away from her divorcing, ever fighting parents, who still put her against each other even though she's a 27 yr. old woman.
So Max is in his early 30's and starting to get lonely. He wants to find a woman he can marry and have kids with. Josh suggests he get out of the house more, starting with maybe eating at the diner, since it's the only place in town and there is a lot of traffic in and outta the place, maybe he'd have luck there. And he takes him up on his advice and winds up meeting Tori, who is on shift at the time. When she witnesses him trying to strike up a conversation with a woman at the counter and get shot down, she feels bad for him. When he lets her in on his situation, she finds herself volunteering to help coach him as to how to talk to women and how to date a woman. She finds Max to be quiet, and most of the town gossips that he must be a serial killer or the maker of porn since he has a keypad security lock on his basement door. He's just a little bit of an odd duck, but she likes his personality and offers to help him out.
Turns out, Max's occupation is in his basement and it's far from what anybody thinks it is. He and Tori hit it off, having mock dinner dates, get togethers and she even tests him on subjects that could be coming up in a conversation on a date. The more time they spend together, the more they like each other. But Tori has made it clear, that since her parents once loved each other and now more than despise each other and pull her into their drama, she has no intentions of ever marrying or having kids if that's what a marriage can turn into.
What Max worries about is, what if it's too late? What if he already fell for his dating coach and there's no ever wanting anyone else?
A good, one day read!
December 27, 2014
I just don't know how Shannon Stacey does it. This is book nine in the Kowalski series, and I'm still loving every single word. Many times long running series start to lose their appeal at this point, but I've found the last few in this series every bit as wonderful as the first books. Falling for Max has been my "go-to" feelgood book this month. You know, the book you go back to reread when you're having a bad day. I loved this story.
Max, the guy with the great TV where the Kowalski series characters watch their sporting events, is a different sort of guy. He's not an alpha by any means. He's quiet, perhaps a bit introverted, with a great sense of humor. He's really just adorable. He decides he needs to get out and meet someone to fulfill his long term goal of finding a wife. He goes about this very precisely and with a little push goes to the diner, where he meets Tori.
He immediately "clicks" with her, and once he explains what he's doing there, Tori decides to help him find a girlfriend.And so begins the reverse "My Fair Lady", with Tori as Professor Higgins and Max in the Eliza Doolittle role. What a surprising and lovely role reversal. It really worked for me.
The growing friendship and love between Tori and Max really grabbed at my heart. Tori is very likeable and Max can't help but fall for her. She's upbeat and encouraging, except for one tiny detail, and that's her hangup about marriage. She's sworn off matrimony after experiencing her parents marriage explosion. She just can't hurt Max the way her parents hurt each other. Even though they are both falling for each other, she doesn't want to start something she wasn't going to be able to finish, and Max is looking for a wife.
It takes a while for Tori and Max to come together, and when they do, they know they aren't playing around anymore, even though they try to convince themselves it's still just "practice". But when it comes down to the "L" word, everything falls apart, leaving both Max and Tori in ruins. Lucky for Tori and Max, they have friends that help them see the light.
I loved everything about this one, but especially the friendships between Tori and Hailey, Max and Josh, Tori and Gavin. These relationships helped keep a Whitford feel to the story, and kept me loving the Kowalski series. Can't wait for whatever is coming next.
Recommended. Loved this for its sweetness, the inclusion of series characters, and mainly because I just felt really good when I got to the end.
Max, the guy with the great TV where the Kowalski series characters watch their sporting events, is a different sort of guy. He's not an alpha by any means. He's quiet, perhaps a bit introverted, with a great sense of humor. He's really just adorable. He decides he needs to get out and meet someone to fulfill his long term goal of finding a wife. He goes about this very precisely and with a little push goes to the diner, where he meets Tori.
He immediately "clicks" with her, and once he explains what he's doing there, Tori decides to help him find a girlfriend.And so begins the reverse "My Fair Lady", with Tori as Professor Higgins and Max in the Eliza Doolittle role. What a surprising and lovely role reversal. It really worked for me.
The growing friendship and love between Tori and Max really grabbed at my heart. Tori is very likeable and Max can't help but fall for her. She's upbeat and encouraging, except for one tiny detail, and that's her hangup about marriage. She's sworn off matrimony after experiencing her parents marriage explosion. She just can't hurt Max the way her parents hurt each other. Even though they are both falling for each other, she doesn't want to start something she wasn't going to be able to finish, and Max is looking for a wife.
It takes a while for Tori and Max to come together, and when they do, they know they aren't playing around anymore, even though they try to convince themselves it's still just "practice". But when it comes down to the "L" word, everything falls apart, leaving both Max and Tori in ruins. Lucky for Tori and Max, they have friends that help them see the light.
I loved everything about this one, but especially the friendships between Tori and Hailey, Max and Josh, Tori and Gavin. These relationships helped keep a Whitford feel to the story, and kept me loving the Kowalski series. Can't wait for whatever is coming next.
Recommended. Loved this for its sweetness, the inclusion of series characters, and mainly because I just felt really good when I got to the end.
August 14, 2014
Another great installment in the Kowalski series, though we have already moved away from the Kowalski family to other inhabitants of Whitford, Maine.
I have read almost all the previous books in this series and I really like the style of Ms Stacey - light romances some of which I loved, others didn't really win me over. This one falls in the category of my favourites.
I was intrigued by the blurb since I have a soft spot for awkward, shy, somewhat nerdy characters. And I found Max to be pretty wonderful, his issues made him real and rather endearing. He resented when Tori described him as adorable, but he was exactly that, in every aspect of his behaviour. Still, this didn't take away from his manliness and sex appeal.
His portrayal was fair and sounded authentic, he didn't appear childish or naive, even simple, as is sometimes the case. He was literal in his understanding of the world but he also had a sense of humour. He liked to follow a plan, but his friendship with Tori helped him become more open, flexible. He was honest and sometimes even blunt in his opinion, but he had learned to be respectful of the feelings of other people, he even managed to flirt and actually woo Tori (without either of them realizing it initially).
What I liked most about Tori was the fact that she liked Max the way he was, she didn't force him to change, to pretend to be someone else. His opening to her and to the world was a gradual process and it felt natural.
The I-am-teaching-you-how-to-be-with-someone-else trope doesn't always work well for me, but I found it fitting here. Max needed to take things slow, to get used to the new people and situations in his life and the transition from friendship to love was the natural path for him.
I felt that Tori's anti-marriage stance was a bit too much. The bad divorce of her parents (which happened recently when she was already a grown-up) affected her too much. At the same time I don't know people in similar situations in real life so I don't know how authentic her feelings and fears might be.
I liked seeing some of the couples from the previous books and their presence created the warm and noisy small-town feel which I really like in this series.
Overall, this is a cute romantic story with no major issues or drama, some awkwardness and nerdiness and a lot of fun. A recommended to read to fans of the series and to all lovers of sweet romances.
I have read almost all the previous books in this series and I really like the style of Ms Stacey - light romances some of which I loved, others didn't really win me over. This one falls in the category of my favourites.
I was intrigued by the blurb since I have a soft spot for awkward, shy, somewhat nerdy characters. And I found Max to be pretty wonderful, his issues made him real and rather endearing. He resented when Tori described him as adorable, but he was exactly that, in every aspect of his behaviour. Still, this didn't take away from his manliness and sex appeal.
His portrayal was fair and sounded authentic, he didn't appear childish or naive, even simple, as is sometimes the case. He was literal in his understanding of the world but he also had a sense of humour. He liked to follow a plan, but his friendship with Tori helped him become more open, flexible. He was honest and sometimes even blunt in his opinion, but he had learned to be respectful of the feelings of other people, he even managed to flirt and actually woo Tori (without either of them realizing it initially).
What I liked most about Tori was the fact that she liked Max the way he was, she didn't force him to change, to pretend to be someone else. His opening to her and to the world was a gradual process and it felt natural.
The I-am-teaching-you-how-to-be-with-someone-else trope doesn't always work well for me, but I found it fitting here. Max needed to take things slow, to get used to the new people and situations in his life and the transition from friendship to love was the natural path for him.
I felt that Tori's anti-marriage stance was a bit too much. The bad divorce of her parents (which happened recently when she was already a grown-up) affected her too much. At the same time I don't know people in similar situations in real life so I don't know how authentic her feelings and fears might be.
I liked seeing some of the couples from the previous books and their presence created the warm and noisy small-town feel which I really like in this series.
Overall, this is a cute romantic story with no major issues or drama, some awkwardness and nerdiness and a lot of fun. A recommended to read to fans of the series and to all lovers of sweet romances.
February 7, 2017
I love it when I haven’t read an author in awhile and then pick up one of their books in a series and am instantly reminded it has been too long. I started reading Falling For Max by Shannon Stacey and felt like I was coming home. When I scrolled through my Kindle app and found Falling For Max, I knew it was time to get back to the fun and romance that comes with one of Stacey’s books. This story features the mystery man of Whitford – Max and Tori, a relatively new resident to the community but still just as settled in as if she has lived there forever. Their romance is so different than the others in the series and I liked it. A lot.
Max has often been referred to growing up as an odd duck. He has his quirks about him, and has a secrecy that to his life that causes the town to wonder what he does for a living in his basement. Serial killer and porn star top the list of guesses. Max is like all of us though. We all have our own quirks and secrets and at the end of the day we all want to be loved. We also want to share our love with our best friend who makes us laugh. Max meets Tori. She sees Max’s first attempt at asking out a woman fail and decides she will befriend him and help him get a date. She is sincere from the beginning and truly makes his greatness shine. She doesn’t diminish the quirks, but helps him navigate the social awkwardness he feels. I love her for this. It is such a great story to read.
What makes Falling For Max so good to me is we get to watch a true friendship build from start to end. That friendship turns into something more but it’s not like the friends to lovers stories you read where people have been friends prior to the beginning of the story. Stacey does a marvelous job of playing each scene out just right and building the romance between Max and Tori. She took two people who seemed to be looking for two completely different things grow a friendship into love and respect. It felt so real that it could have been prefaced with “based on a true story.”
A bonus to any series is the presence of past heroes and heroines. Falling For Max has plenty of these for us to read about. This is another reason that that this book feels like coming home! Falling For Max is a wonderfully written story with an engaging romance, lovable characters, and a realness that inspired me as a reader. Please give it a read!
Max has often been referred to growing up as an odd duck. He has his quirks about him, and has a secrecy that to his life that causes the town to wonder what he does for a living in his basement. Serial killer and porn star top the list of guesses. Max is like all of us though. We all have our own quirks and secrets and at the end of the day we all want to be loved. We also want to share our love with our best friend who makes us laugh. Max meets Tori. She sees Max’s first attempt at asking out a woman fail and decides she will befriend him and help him get a date. She is sincere from the beginning and truly makes his greatness shine. She doesn’t diminish the quirks, but helps him navigate the social awkwardness he feels. I love her for this. It is such a great story to read.
What makes Falling For Max so good to me is we get to watch a true friendship build from start to end. That friendship turns into something more but it’s not like the friends to lovers stories you read where people have been friends prior to the beginning of the story. Stacey does a marvelous job of playing each scene out just right and building the romance between Max and Tori. She took two people who seemed to be looking for two completely different things grow a friendship into love and respect. It felt so real that it could have been prefaced with “based on a true story.”
A bonus to any series is the presence of past heroes and heroines. Falling For Max has plenty of these for us to read about. This is another reason that that this book feels like coming home! Falling For Max is a wonderfully written story with an engaging romance, lovable characters, and a realness that inspired me as a reader. Please give it a read!
July 12, 2014
Review originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
So far, this year has been all about adult romance novels for me. I’m still reading young adult and middle-grade books of various genres, but I’m just so enjoying reading these adult romances. I even picked up quite a few while I was at BEA, including Falling for Max by Shannon Stacey, the ninth book in the Kowalski Family series. I wanted to love Falling for Max, and although I liked it, I felt like something was missing.
Tori works part-time at the Whitford diner, and is also a book cover designer that she does from home. She’s very social, and a very nice person, but she is also determined to not get married after witnessing the destruction of her parents’ marriage a few years ago. Max is extremely introverted, and he can be very awkward in social situations. Max decides he wants to get married, and Tori offers to help Max be more comfortable going on dates. And . . . you can guess what happens next.
Both main characters, Tori and Max, were really interesting and likable characters, but even so, I found this story a little bland. I did find Max to be a more interesting character than Tori. He’s kind of quirky, and he has a odd career, and I could relate to his social awkwardness to a point. Tori was a fleshed out character, but I just didn’t find her as interesting.
As much as I liked Tori and Max, and wanted them to get together, I just found this story a little dry. I think there was a bit more telling, and less showing, especially the first half of the book. It was never difficult to put the book down. It’s not terrible at all, but it wasn’t particularly compelling, either.
However, Max reminded me a lot of Don from The Rosie Project, and although they definitely aren’t the same character, and they each have their own, different, issues, but there were definitely similarities. So, although I wasn’t madly in love with Falling for Max, it was a fun and enjoyable read. Not one that will stick in my memory, but I’m glad I spent the time reading it.
So far, this year has been all about adult romance novels for me. I’m still reading young adult and middle-grade books of various genres, but I’m just so enjoying reading these adult romances. I even picked up quite a few while I was at BEA, including Falling for Max by Shannon Stacey, the ninth book in the Kowalski Family series. I wanted to love Falling for Max, and although I liked it, I felt like something was missing.
Tori works part-time at the Whitford diner, and is also a book cover designer that she does from home. She’s very social, and a very nice person, but she is also determined to not get married after witnessing the destruction of her parents’ marriage a few years ago. Max is extremely introverted, and he can be very awkward in social situations. Max decides he wants to get married, and Tori offers to help Max be more comfortable going on dates. And . . . you can guess what happens next.
Both main characters, Tori and Max, were really interesting and likable characters, but even so, I found this story a little bland. I did find Max to be a more interesting character than Tori. He’s kind of quirky, and he has a odd career, and I could relate to his social awkwardness to a point. Tori was a fleshed out character, but I just didn’t find her as interesting.
As much as I liked Tori and Max, and wanted them to get together, I just found this story a little dry. I think there was a bit more telling, and less showing, especially the first half of the book. It was never difficult to put the book down. It’s not terrible at all, but it wasn’t particularly compelling, either.
However, Max reminded me a lot of Don from The Rosie Project, and although they definitely aren’t the same character, and they each have their own, different, issues, but there were definitely similarities. So, although I wasn’t madly in love with Falling for Max, it was a fun and enjoyable read. Not one that will stick in my memory, but I’m glad I spent the time reading it.
August 4, 2014
The latest in the "Kowalskis" series by Shannon Stacey. It seems like everyone in Whitford is going to get his own story as the saga still goes on after the last Kowalski (that we know of) has her happy ending two books ago. That's ok. I'm quite curious about Max the serial killer anyway so all is good and well. The title which seems to be quite unimaginative at first impression totally makes sense to me in the end. I can't help but fall for the guy. For some books now that I found this author's heroes portrayed almost exactly the same. Max is totally different, in a very endearing way (at least to me). He's socially awkward, but so so nice at heart. I love how his mind works, how he reacts to things, so endearing. Tori, the heroine, I am on the fence. I'll come to that later. The pacing of this book is better than average. I like that neither of them see one another and fall instantly in lust. I call that the easy and lazy way out for most romance authors these days. I have nothing against love at first sight both in literature and in real life, but it's so rarely done convincingly and it kinda ruins the whole book for me if I can't buy into it (my long dnf list can attest to this). In this book, the couple take their own sweet time to come to realization that they are in love. No rushing. You can see it happening yourself (not being told). This is probably what I love most about the book, apart from the hero who is so endearing. Now let's discuss the not so endearing part -- the obligatory separation period. Why? Is there a rule written somewhere that we need to have one in every romance book? Really. Is it going to be so boring if we skip that? There's one in this book near the very end and I can feel how it's so forced and contrite and it doesn't reflect well on the heroine whom I love so far until that point. All in all, I like this book. I read it from cover to cover in just a few sittings. It's much better than her last three or four books, that's for sure. I'm hopeful and will continue to be a fan. 4 endearing stars.
August 1, 2014
My Review:
I loved this book just because I loved both Max and Tori so much. Max is the recluse of this town. It's an ongoing joke within the town that his mysterious business in his locked basement is actually him committing serial killings. Max is not a naturally relaxed guy. He lives by his lists and is VERY literal about everything. He's a bit awkward, but he's decided that it's time to get married. First, he has to find someone to date which means leaving his basement. He decides the best place to do this is at the town diner, where he meets Tori.
Tori is the opposite of Max. Although she's also an artist who works out of her home, she needs people. That's why she works at the diner...for the interaction. She immediately notices Max...he's a good looking guy...and then immediately notices how bad he is with women. Tori has no intention to EVER get married. She watched her parents' marriage implode after 25 years of love and marriage. Suddenly one day instead of saying their 'I love you's' they were wishing the other would 'drop dead.' Tori will never do that to another person that she could love. But she will help Max become more natural with women and an incredible friendship follows.
I loved the way that this story progressed. Although both characters find the other attractive, they know a relationship between them would never work so they find themselves as the best of friends. This is the way friends to lovers stories should work. They are so natural together. I loved watching their relationship just naturally evolve.
I've loved all the Kowalski family stories, but this one is definitely right up there with my favorites. It was fabulous. Once again, Shannon Stacey proves that she is one of the TOP contemporary romance authors.
I loved this book just because I loved both Max and Tori so much. Max is the recluse of this town. It's an ongoing joke within the town that his mysterious business in his locked basement is actually him committing serial killings. Max is not a naturally relaxed guy. He lives by his lists and is VERY literal about everything. He's a bit awkward, but he's decided that it's time to get married. First, he has to find someone to date which means leaving his basement. He decides the best place to do this is at the town diner, where he meets Tori.
Tori is the opposite of Max. Although she's also an artist who works out of her home, she needs people. That's why she works at the diner...for the interaction. She immediately notices Max...he's a good looking guy...and then immediately notices how bad he is with women. Tori has no intention to EVER get married. She watched her parents' marriage implode after 25 years of love and marriage. Suddenly one day instead of saying their 'I love you's' they were wishing the other would 'drop dead.' Tori will never do that to another person that she could love. But she will help Max become more natural with women and an incredible friendship follows.
I loved the way that this story progressed. Although both characters find the other attractive, they know a relationship between them would never work so they find themselves as the best of friends. This is the way friends to lovers stories should work. They are so natural together. I loved watching their relationship just naturally evolve.
I've loved all the Kowalski family stories, but this one is definitely right up there with my favorites. It was fabulous. Once again, Shannon Stacey proves that she is one of the TOP contemporary romance authors.
September 15, 2014
This was a great book and I enjoyed it very much! It's basically a friends to lovers story but we get to see the whole thing develop. Max and Tori are looking for very different things in life and in love but they both seem to find what they need in each other. Tori was an interesting character, as an adult child of parents who recently went through a very bitter divorce (in fact they're still using her to snipe the other) she has definite issues when it comes to love and commitment. She's made herself a life in Whitford and she's happy but she is absolutely sure that love and marriage is not for her, she prefers no strings arrangements. Max on the other hand is looking for a wife, he's tired of his mostly solitary existence and is looking for someone who wants to be with him, and who is willing to live with his….let's call them quirks ( like you know the serial killer rumors). After watching him get shot down in the diner Tori agrees to help Max find a wife, or at least a girlfriend. She's not trying to change him (which I really liked buy the way) just help him get more comfortable in social situations. I loved watching their friendship build and watching Max’s confidence grow.
This is an excellent addition to the Kowalskis series. If you have read the previous books I'm quite sure you'll enjoy this one as well. If you haven't, you can start here just fine as the book is a stand alone but I bet you'll end up wanting to go back and read the earlier books too. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent addition to the Kowalskis series. If you have read the previous books I'm quite sure you'll enjoy this one as well. If you haven't, you can start here just fine as the book is a stand alone but I bet you'll end up wanting to go back and read the earlier books too. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2015
I loved reading about Max. I remember being introduced to him in the previous book in the series and found him very intriguing. And he was! It's so nice to read about a guy made from his own cookie cutter. I loved watching him come out of his shell with Tori's assistance. But I also loved that he was just himself. Tori didn't try to change him. She just made him more comfortable and confident in who he really was. And she liked him for who he was. On the flip side, Max also liked Tori for who she was.
Hence the friends to lovers situation. This was a nice slow burn. I loved the slow progression in their relationship. It didn't start typically, and that was a nice change. They developed a sweet friendship, causing them both to face the relationship expectations they'd held dear. They had to reconcile personal assumptions, past hurts, and negative family influences. Tori's struggle in particular was difficult at times to read simply because everyone could see how blind she was being except her. I felt it drag out a little longer than necessary, but she had to see it for herself before she could truly move on, so it still fit the storyline.
I loved the camaraderie between Max and Tori and their sweet romance. They were a really great couple, and I enjoyed their story. Max is a great guy. I only wish there was a bit more to the ending. Not necessarily an epilogue (although I do love them), but simply more to the last chapter.
Hence the friends to lovers situation. This was a nice slow burn. I loved the slow progression in their relationship. It didn't start typically, and that was a nice change. They developed a sweet friendship, causing them both to face the relationship expectations they'd held dear. They had to reconcile personal assumptions, past hurts, and negative family influences. Tori's struggle in particular was difficult at times to read simply because everyone could see how blind she was being except her. I felt it drag out a little longer than necessary, but she had to see it for herself before she could truly move on, so it still fit the storyline.
I loved the camaraderie between Max and Tori and their sweet romance. They were a really great couple, and I enjoyed their story. Max is a great guy. I only wish there was a bit more to the ending. Not necessarily an epilogue (although I do love them), but simply more to the last chapter.
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