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Calamity Jayne #7
Calamity Jayne and the Trouble with Tandems
What's the hardest part of learning to ride a tandem?
The pavement.
It's late July, and Tressa Jayne Turner's summer is as sizzling as Ranger Rick Townsend! But is Tressa in love or lust with the hot ranger? There's not time to find out as Tressa's boss at the Gazette, Stan Rodgers, wants his Ace Cub Reporter to cover TribRide—the state's ginormous bicycle ride across the state—but not from the sidelines. This assignment is a little more...hands on. Hands on the handlebars, that is. Not only that, but Tressa's ticket to ride is on a bicycle built for two! And at the tandem's helm? Sleazy rival reporter Drew Van Vleet, aka, "the missing link."
Could things get any worse? You decide. Tressa's parents are on the outs. Her sister is on the warpath. Van Vleet's insisting on a Star Trek theme. And Tressa is the number one suspect in a series of SO-not-funny pranks targeting reality TV star Keelie Keller. Talk about strange new worlds! Tressa is about to go where no "Calamity" has gone before—and where the ultimate wedgie is bound to be the least of this uneasy rider's worries! Hang on, folks. It's gonna be a bumpy ride. (I am a Vulcan. I feel no pain.)
The pavement.
It's late July, and Tressa Jayne Turner's summer is as sizzling as Ranger Rick Townsend! But is Tressa in love or lust with the hot ranger? There's not time to find out as Tressa's boss at the Gazette, Stan Rodgers, wants his Ace Cub Reporter to cover TribRide—the state's ginormous bicycle ride across the state—but not from the sidelines. This assignment is a little more...hands on. Hands on the handlebars, that is. Not only that, but Tressa's ticket to ride is on a bicycle built for two! And at the tandem's helm? Sleazy rival reporter Drew Van Vleet, aka, "the missing link."
Could things get any worse? You decide. Tressa's parents are on the outs. Her sister is on the warpath. Van Vleet's insisting on a Star Trek theme. And Tressa is the number one suspect in a series of SO-not-funny pranks targeting reality TV star Keelie Keller. Talk about strange new worlds! Tressa is about to go where no "Calamity" has gone before—and where the ultimate wedgie is bound to be the least of this uneasy rider's worries! Hang on, folks. It's gonna be a bumpy ride. (I am a Vulcan. I feel no pain.)
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2014
44 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 16, 2015
I was so excited to see a new Calamity Jayne book awhile back as it has been quite a hiatus. I certainly hope this is not the last one because I really enjoy this series. This one was a wild ride but I loved every minute of it. If you liked the others in this series I don't think you will be disappointed by this installment.
*follow up* I checked the authors website and it appears there is a new Jayne book due to be released this month! Woot!
*follow up* I checked the authors website and it appears there is a new Jayne book due to be released this month! Woot!
December 12, 2015
Another great Calamity Jayne mystery! One more to read and I am caught up. Then I will be awaiting the next one!
September 10, 2017
This has always been one of my favorite series. I thought it ended years ago with "Anchors Aweigh" (now titled "Highjinks on the High Seas"). I guess something happened with the original publisher as now the series has been relaunched with new cover art through Gemma Halliday Publishing and ... there are TWO NEW BOOKS! I was freaking out when I saw this and wish I'd known sooner. It's been years since I read the last one under the original publisher but I was able to get pulled right back in. I love, love, LOVE Tressa! She is one of the funniest characters I have ever read and these books guarantee a good laugh. This entry involved one heck of a who-dunnit as well. I thought I had the culprit pegged from the start but Ms. Bacus was pretty clever when crafting this story. I finished pretty quickly as per usual, I could not put it down, and now I'm off to the next one! I RECOMMEND THIS SERIES TO EVERYONE WITH A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR WHO LIKES TO LAUGH!
May 7, 2018
Not quite as simply as riding a bike
Loved it. Her boss has teamed her up with her rival to cover the annual bike race. There are two main problems, she hasn't ridden a bike in years and they are going to be on a tandem! When things start going wrong for the reality star that is also "riding" in the race, her name is constantly in the frame. Can she clear herself and find out what is really happening? Wonderful storyline that is as amusing as the previous books and the romance kicks up a notch. For a fun, light, easy, amusing read you really can't do better.
Loved it. Her boss has teamed her up with her rival to cover the annual bike race. There are two main problems, she hasn't ridden a bike in years and they are going to be on a tandem! When things start going wrong for the reality star that is also "riding" in the race, her name is constantly in the frame. Can she clear herself and find out what is really happening? Wonderful storyline that is as amusing as the previous books and the romance kicks up a notch. For a fun, light, easy, amusing read you really can't do better.
December 31, 2024
Calamity is off on a tandem bike for a cross country race through Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi. The first bad news is her partner will be Drew Van Vleet, her arch rival. Then on the first day she runs afoul of the reality show celeb guest rider, Keelie Keller. Tressa Jayne needs to find the real stalker before Keelie's fans shut down Uncle Frank's ice cream business. And of course she needs to figure out what to do about Ranger Rick. Is it time to get serious? Does he want to get serious? A funny cozy mystery.
March 10, 2019
Book 7 Calamity Jayne Mystery
What were the bosses of two different newspapers thinking putting two writers who don't like each other to take a tandem on a ride across Iowa with other bike riders. Tessa a movie star and entourage gave Calamity trouble. Take a grueling ride with Calamity and read this book. Lots going on in this story
What were the bosses of two different newspapers thinking putting two writers who don't like each other to take a tandem on a ride across Iowa with other bike riders. Tessa a movie star and entourage gave Calamity trouble. Take a grueling ride with Calamity and read this book. Lots going on in this story
November 27, 2020
This book was just okay. I liked the series at the beginning, but haven't read any of them for awhile, and I just found that this one had too many of the 'suspend your disbelief' situations, which made the story less cohesive than it could have been. That said, though, there were funny parts of the story that made me laugh out loud.
December 6, 2021
This has been a fun series and this book upped the hijinks a bit and also had a more complex mystery that I only partially figured out before all was revealed.
There was also the standard off beat humor and a bit more character growth. A very enjoyable read.
There was also the standard off beat humor and a bit more character growth. A very enjoyable read.
September 5, 2017
Another fun, funny ride with Calamity and gang. Kinda skipped around a bit in the middle and could have been more thorough in some parts, but a good read, nonetheless.
April 22, 2025
Loved it. It's funny, exciting, full of romantic tension and a mystery to solve. And I could relate. I endured riding on a tandem in several centennial parades when I was a teenager.
July 30, 2014
This is the seventh book in the Calamity Jayne series, but it is the first book that I’ve had the opportunity to read. I really enjoyed the story and liked the fact that I did not have to read any of the prior books before I read this one. But now, I want to read the entire series from the beginning. I think you will like all of the “Star Trek” references whether you are a fan or not. Just be prepared to laugh out loud on occasion. This is a must read for anyone who is looking to escape into a really good mystery and enjoys the kind of characters that cause you to laugh out loud quite often.
Tressa Jayne Turner is a reported for the Gazette, and her boss wants her to cover the state’s bicycle ride. TribeRide is no ordinary bike ride. It’s the biggest bicycle ride across the state in the middle of the summer, and he wants her to cover it as a participant. The biggest surprise is that the bicycle is built for two. How hard can it be? Oh yeah, and the person who is her riding partner and controlling the tandem is her rival, Drew Van Vleet. And Drew has decided that they will be dressed in “Star Trek” uniforms while riding. Yeah!
The heat and Drew are not the only things Tressa has to worry about. Her parents are having issues, her sister is not happy, and she’s not too sure where things stand with her and Ranger Rick Townsend. What else could happen? She will find out because someone is playing cruel pranks on reality star Keelie Keller, and everyone is pointing the finger at Tressa as the culprit since she and Keelie don’t get along. Can she and Keelie work together to find the real culprit? Or will them working together put both of their lives in danger?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Tressa Jayne Turner is a reported for the Gazette, and her boss wants her to cover the state’s bicycle ride. TribeRide is no ordinary bike ride. It’s the biggest bicycle ride across the state in the middle of the summer, and he wants her to cover it as a participant. The biggest surprise is that the bicycle is built for two. How hard can it be? Oh yeah, and the person who is her riding partner and controlling the tandem is her rival, Drew Van Vleet. And Drew has decided that they will be dressed in “Star Trek” uniforms while riding. Yeah!
The heat and Drew are not the only things Tressa has to worry about. Her parents are having issues, her sister is not happy, and she’s not too sure where things stand with her and Ranger Rick Townsend. What else could happen? She will find out because someone is playing cruel pranks on reality star Keelie Keller, and everyone is pointing the finger at Tressa as the culprit since she and Keelie don’t get along. Can she and Keelie work together to find the real culprit? Or will them working together put both of their lives in danger?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2014
Ah, what a treat this book was! It was fun and familiar, and I’m thrilled the author picked this series back up again! And the price, I felt, was just right too. $3.99 (at the time of this review) for a decent sized adventure! When I first saw the cover, I had my reservations, thinking that maybe the author had started writing a Calamity Jayne young adult series or something, but I was pleased once I read the blurb to realize it is indeed for grown-ups. Hooray!
I’m not sure what it is about this series I like so much. Calamity is, I admit, somewhat juvenile in her humor but for some reason I just sit back and enjoy the ride anyways. I also get a bit frustrated with her glacial relationship with the hunky Rick. I’d like to see more development, yet if I understand correctly the author is having Tressa slow things down some. After they finally-FINALLY hooked up (in the disaster of a book-volume 6), now they are going to back up a bit and ‘court’ one another?? All I can say is Rick must have the patience of a saint! Tressa says she doesn’t feel like she knows Rick, but from reading previous volumes I felt she did, so that frustrates me a bit. However we all know a slow burn romance really hooks the readers, so I’m assuming that’s the point of this. Get the characters together too soon, and the chemistry is gone!
I enjoyed just reading up on my favorite gang, loved the biking drama and numerous geeky references to Star Trek throughout. And of course, I’m DYING to know about Manny-can’t wait for those five questions! Fun series, great installment, can’t wait for more! Everybody lookout, Calamity Jayne is back!
I’m not sure what it is about this series I like so much. Calamity is, I admit, somewhat juvenile in her humor but for some reason I just sit back and enjoy the ride anyways. I also get a bit frustrated with her glacial relationship with the hunky Rick. I’d like to see more development, yet if I understand correctly the author is having Tressa slow things down some. After they finally-FINALLY hooked up (in the disaster of a book-volume 6), now they are going to back up a bit and ‘court’ one another?? All I can say is Rick must have the patience of a saint! Tressa says she doesn’t feel like she knows Rick, but from reading previous volumes I felt she did, so that frustrates me a bit. However we all know a slow burn romance really hooks the readers, so I’m assuming that’s the point of this. Get the characters together too soon, and the chemistry is gone!
I enjoyed just reading up on my favorite gang, loved the biking drama and numerous geeky references to Star Trek throughout. And of course, I’m DYING to know about Manny-can’t wait for those five questions! Fun series, great installment, can’t wait for more! Everybody lookout, Calamity Jayne is back!
September 22, 2014
Calamity Jayne is back!!! Yay! I was so disappointed that the series was ending with the last book, but thank you Kathleen Bacus for finding a way to keep Tressa alive!
The Trouble with Tandems picks up shortly after the end of Hijinks on the High Seas (if you haven't read it, you should to really follow along with this book--it was originally named Anchors Aweigh). Tressa is growing up and becoming more of an adult, but trouble just follows along behind her. Or, better yet, those around her cause trouble and she is right in the middle of it and doesn't just let every little thing slide because she wants to figure everything out.
Tressa is given an assignment by her editor to not just follow the huge bicycle race across Iowa, but to actually ride in it--on a tandem bike with her nemesis, Drew, from the rival paper. Her editor set her up and everyone has bets on how long she will last on the bike. Tressa is determined to keep going even when everything goes haywire!
This whole series is a fun read. As I started reading this book I worried that Tressa would turn into too much of Stephanie Plum (indecisive with men and leading them all on), but she has the quirkiness of Stephanie without being a complete idiot. Her character is actually growing and wanting to be an adult.
This is one series that I really, really, really enjoy. I love the characters and am so happy to see more from them. I hope that we will get to see more of Tressa, Rick, and all the other quirky characters.
The Trouble with Tandems picks up shortly after the end of Hijinks on the High Seas (if you haven't read it, you should to really follow along with this book--it was originally named Anchors Aweigh). Tressa is growing up and becoming more of an adult, but trouble just follows along behind her. Or, better yet, those around her cause trouble and she is right in the middle of it and doesn't just let every little thing slide because she wants to figure everything out.
Tressa is given an assignment by her editor to not just follow the huge bicycle race across Iowa, but to actually ride in it--on a tandem bike with her nemesis, Drew, from the rival paper. Her editor set her up and everyone has bets on how long she will last on the bike. Tressa is determined to keep going even when everything goes haywire!
This whole series is a fun read. As I started reading this book I worried that Tressa would turn into too much of Stephanie Plum (indecisive with men and leading them all on), but she has the quirkiness of Stephanie without being a complete idiot. Her character is actually growing and wanting to be an adult.
This is one series that I really, really, really enjoy. I love the characters and am so happy to see more from them. I hope that we will get to see more of Tressa, Rick, and all the other quirky characters.
July 15, 2014
I received and ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When I first started reading this series I didn't really think much about it since the protagonist, Tressa, is pretty much a moron, and not because she's a blonde, although her blonde jokes during the book are pretty funny. No one can get into that amount of trouble and still be breathing. I liked the first few books, but since she was acting like a jackass working out whether she wanted a relationship with Ranger Rick, (the answer is YES!), and getting into crazy situations where she should most likely have been killed or severely maimed by now, they seemed just ok. This book on the other hand made her seem a lot more mature, even though there hasn't been much time in between the previous 6 books. Tressa may still be insecure about her burgeoning relationship with Ranger Rick, but she eventually grows a pair and tells him what she wants. She's still a moron, in the how is she still breathing department, but at least she's funny! The waterslide scene, had me cracking up by the way.
When I first started reading this series I didn't really think much about it since the protagonist, Tressa, is pretty much a moron, and not because she's a blonde, although her blonde jokes during the book are pretty funny. No one can get into that amount of trouble and still be breathing. I liked the first few books, but since she was acting like a jackass working out whether she wanted a relationship with Ranger Rick, (the answer is YES!), and getting into crazy situations where she should most likely have been killed or severely maimed by now, they seemed just ok. This book on the other hand made her seem a lot more mature, even though there hasn't been much time in between the previous 6 books. Tressa may still be insecure about her burgeoning relationship with Ranger Rick, but she eventually grows a pair and tells him what she wants. She's still a moron, in the how is she still breathing department, but at least she's funny! The waterslide scene, had me cracking up by the way.
August 9, 2017
I think I've read the entire series thus far. Each one has a slightly different twist. The relationships continue to grow, the mysteries are slightly different, but the characters are the same: witty, goofy, and relatable.
In this iteration of Tressa Turner's adventures, she has been signed up by her newspaper boss to tandem bike across Iowa with her number one competitor - Drew Van Vleet from the New Holland News. Everyone is certain this will be a disaster, just like nearly everything Tressa is involved with. Just having returned from her sea cruise (which ended with a night with Townsend), Tressa is more than ready to escape her hometown (and acquire that bonus she's promised if she finishes). Chaos and hilarity ensue, as expected.
I was worried that Rick and Tressa would have another story where they dance around their feelings for one another, but I was pleasantly surprised (and, yes, somewhat relieved) to read that they took a large step forward.
These books are pretty easy reads, but they continue to be entertaining, which is why I return to them.
In this iteration of Tressa Turner's adventures, she has been signed up by her newspaper boss to tandem bike across Iowa with her number one competitor - Drew Van Vleet from the New Holland News. Everyone is certain this will be a disaster, just like nearly everything Tressa is involved with. Just having returned from her sea cruise (which ended with a night with Townsend), Tressa is more than ready to escape her hometown (and acquire that bonus she's promised if she finishes). Chaos and hilarity ensue, as expected.
I was worried that Rick and Tressa would have another story where they dance around their feelings for one another, but I was pleasantly surprised (and, yes, somewhat relieved) to read that they took a large step forward.
These books are pretty easy reads, but they continue to be entertaining, which is why I return to them.
July 23, 2014
It took me three days to read this book due to the tiny people who roam my house on a daily basis. However I also want to savor this book since it has been six years since she wrote a Calamity Jayne book and boy it was AWESOME!!
I laughed so hard I think tears rolled down my cheeks. If you loved the other Calamity Jayne books you will love this one. Everyone is in it and I was grateful the author developed certain charterers even more namely the perfect sister Taylor and I have to admit you find yourself liking Taylor just as much as Tressa. The author pushes the story forward including the Romance between Tressa and Rick. Thankful she didn't do what I find most authors doing which is holding the character back from growing instead she let the Tressa mature.
The story has a sweet sub story between Tressa's parents that I think leaves an awesome message for any couple who feels things are not where they should be.
I laughed so hard I think tears rolled down my cheeks. If you loved the other Calamity Jayne books you will love this one. Everyone is in it and I was grateful the author developed certain charterers even more namely the perfect sister Taylor and I have to admit you find yourself liking Taylor just as much as Tressa. The author pushes the story forward including the Romance between Tressa and Rick. Thankful she didn't do what I find most authors doing which is holding the character back from growing instead she let the Tressa mature.
The story has a sweet sub story between Tressa's parents that I think leaves an awesome message for any couple who feels things are not where they should be.
July 16, 2014
Very funny book with non-stop hijinks. Our favorite reporter is coerced into participating in a long distance bicycle race on a tandem bike. Her partner on the tandem bike is a reporter for the competing newspaper that has gotten the better of her in the past. This strange pairing was set up by their managing editors. Of course, lots of wagering was involved regarding Tressa's ability to complete the race.
A reality star and her entourage create the setting for a real mystery and allow Tressa an important role as both villain and heroine.
This was by far the best book in the series. It has allowed Tressa to grow and mature, as well as allowing her relationship with Rick to mature.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A reality star and her entourage create the setting for a real mystery and allow Tressa an important role as both villain and heroine.
This was by far the best book in the series. It has allowed Tressa to grow and mature, as well as allowing her relationship with Rick to mature.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2014
I think this is my favorite of the series! It's so funny and entertaining! The mystery aspect kept me guessing throughout the book, and I was partially right with my suspicions; however there were added twists that really made it interesting. I think Tressa matured a little in this installment as well, although I don't see how she is still alive and not more traumatized with everything that happened to her (in this book & others)! I really enjoyed this one and laughed out loud several times!! Loved it!!
March 24, 2016
I was so excited after reading the last book, but the second I started reading this one, I wanted to hit Jayne over the head. However after reading further, I realized that we aren't back two steps after all. Jayne really has grown as a character, just as her relationships have. I was quite proud of her. Now for the mystery, I definitely knew there was something suspicious with the right people, though I couldn't put together who is at fault for what and why I am suspicious of them, if they are the criminal etc. In other words, the mystery did keep me guessing.
January 19, 2015
Fantastic book! I am so glad the author decided to write another one (and am hoping that there is more to come since she didn't ask Manny the questions!!)!! I can't think of another series that makes me laugh so much! There was a little bit at the end where it's naming the people involved and you're like, 'really? EVERYONE did it??' but then you think it's reality tv and yes everyone is involved. This book contains a little bit of everything and it is just wonderful! I definitely recommend it!!
July 21, 2014
My first book in the series - but plan to go back and play catch up. This is the first in the series that I've read - even though I discovered it is the 7th. As much as I enjoyed getting to know the heroine and the rest of the cast of characters, you can just bet I'll be getting the earlier books to read. And I anticipate that more in this series will be written - because they deserve to be. What a fun story. Keep them comin', Ms. Bacus.
July 24, 2014
I love the Calamity Jane series because it is a light read that has me laughing out loud all throughout the book. in this book, Tressa has to ride a tandem bike in a week-long bike ride, through Iowa, in the hottest part of summer and with her rival at another local paper. I feel her pain! The water slide scene was hysterical!
I had been waiting for another book in this series, and it was well worth the wait. I hope there will be another Calamity Jane book.
I had been waiting for another book in this series, and it was well worth the wait. I hope there will be another Calamity Jane book.
August 8, 2014
This has been a fantastic series. I love the way Calamity talks to the reader as she tells her story! What a fun element to the story. Kathleen packs a lot of emotion into her characters. They are full of strength as well as flaws, and this makes them very real. You laugh, cry and scream with Calamity as she fights her way through her life. I look forward to reading more about this great cast.
August 12, 2014
Here we go again. How can Tressa survive a week with Drew.
Here we go again. How can Tressa survive a week with Drew.
if there is anyone Tressa Turner can't stand it is Drew. so why would here boss make her rides bicycle built for two across Iowa. can she do it and what will get in her way? Very good and you sure won't know the villain.
Here we go again. How can Tressa survive a week with Drew.
if there is anyone Tressa Turner can't stand it is Drew. so why would here boss make her rides bicycle built for two across Iowa. can she do it and what will get in her way? Very good and you sure won't know the villain.
August 31, 2014
Another great book, this is a wonderful series and I love to follow Jane's adventures. Tressa Jayne is always good for a laugh, for getting into trouble and keeping you guessing.
In this book Tressa and Ranger Rick are trying to work on their relationship as a couple. Very funny and well worth the read.
In this book Tressa and Ranger Rick are trying to work on their relationship as a couple. Very funny and well worth the read.
March 9, 2016
Calamity on a bike
Take mess of road on a bicycle made for two, your worst enemy at the helm, add a reality show celebrity cast, and Tressa and friends. The laughter a d pranks go throughout the ride. Who will make it to the finish line alive. Great book read the entire series from start to finish. This author is fantastic.
Take mess of road on a bicycle made for two, your worst enemy at the helm, add a reality show celebrity cast, and Tressa and friends. The laughter a d pranks go throughout the ride. Who will make it to the finish line alive. Great book read the entire series from start to finish. This author is fantastic.
July 23, 2014
another winner in this series,this time around she is putting her pedal to the metal and of course caos ensues.These books are a light read for the beach in the hot weather,just dn't be surprised if the people next to you are giving you funny looks for laughing out loud!
March 18, 2015
This book had me laughing from beginning to end. Just like this entire series. Her being still so nervous around "Ranger" is almost annoying though. I think that could move a little farther forward at this point.
October 3, 2014
One of the best Calamity Jayne books so far!! I know she won't end up with Manny but I want someone just as witty and fun to swoop him up and make him happy forte rest of his life!!
August 25, 2014
If you like your cozy mysteries with a little zany added, the Calamity Jayne series is for you! Very entertaining, great cast of characters - fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews