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Gallagher & Ivy #1
So Wrong It Must Be Right
It’s all fun and games until fantasy gets real . . .
At twenty-seven, Dinah Gallagher thought she’d have it all figured out. Instead, she’s having mind-blowing online sex with a man she knows nothing about and fighting for her rightful place in the family business. Part of that battle means expanding their century-old restaurant by getting the stubborn urban farmer next door to sell them his lot.
But Carter Trask is tired of being pushed around—especially by rich families like the Gallaghers. All he has left is the little farm he’s scratched out of his grandmother’s yard. At least he can blow off steam with the anonymous woman he’s been emailing for the past eight months, who makes his every sexual fantasy come alive—even if it’s only online.
When Dinah suddenly realizes that Carter’s gardens look just like some of her mystery man’s photos, she can’t resist trying to turn her dreams into reality. Against his better judgment, Carter joins in the game. But in real life, passion has a way of becoming very complicated, very quickly. And sometimes the wrong choice can turn out to be oh so right . . .
At twenty-seven, Dinah Gallagher thought she’d have it all figured out. Instead, she’s having mind-blowing online sex with a man she knows nothing about and fighting for her rightful place in the family business. Part of that battle means expanding their century-old restaurant by getting the stubborn urban farmer next door to sell them his lot.
But Carter Trask is tired of being pushed around—especially by rich families like the Gallaghers. All he has left is the little farm he’s scratched out of his grandmother’s yard. At least he can blow off steam with the anonymous woman he’s been emailing for the past eight months, who makes his every sexual fantasy come alive—even if it’s only online.
When Dinah suddenly realizes that Carter’s gardens look just like some of her mystery man’s photos, she can’t resist trying to turn her dreams into reality. Against his better judgment, Carter joins in the game. But in real life, passion has a way of becoming very complicated, very quickly. And sometimes the wrong choice can turn out to be oh so right . . .
182 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2017
15 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Helm
305 books498 followersNicole Helm is the national bestselling author of fast-paced romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue and down-to-earth contemporary romance. Her Intrigues routinely land on the Publishers Weekly Bestseller list, and she’s received starred PW reviews for her contemporary romances. She’s written over 75 books, known for their emotional depth and happily ever afters.
Nicole also writes with Megan Crane/Caitlin Crews as Hazel Beck writing the Witchlore series, which began with SMALL TOWN, BIG MAGIC in 2022.
In her spare time, Nicole loves losing herself in genealogy research, watching Cardinals baseball, and hiking with her family. She lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons.
You can contact her via email: Nicole@nicolehelm.com
You can sign up for Nicole’s monthly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/V973n
Nicole also writes with Megan Crane/Caitlin Crews as Hazel Beck writing the Witchlore series, which began with SMALL TOWN, BIG MAGIC in 2022.
In her spare time, Nicole loves losing herself in genealogy research, watching Cardinals baseball, and hiking with her family. She lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons.
You can contact her via email: Nicole@nicolehelm.com
You can sign up for Nicole’s monthly newsletter at http://eepurl.com/V973n
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April 1, 2017DNF @20%
I know, I know. :(
*sigh
ARC provided by the publisher
I know, I know. :(
*sigh
ARC provided by the publisher
March 3, 2017
3 - "This land is mine and I ain’t selling." Stars.
Nicole Helm begins her new Gallagher & Ivy series with a couple that are literally on opposite sides of the fence.
Problem being with that is Dinah Gallagher wants to knock down the fence, as well as the house and smallholding that Carter Trask has lovingly restored since he took over his grandmothers property.
"Just because you have breasts doesn’t mean I’m more inclined to talk to you."
Finding out that Dinah has plans to level it and turn it into a Farmers Market as you would expect isn't an idea he is onboard with... Even when it turns out she is the elusive D he has been sexmailing with for the past eight months.
The blurb for this one pulled me in, as I am a sucker for a relationship that involves a lot of texting or emailing, but sadly it didn't really play much of a part of the story, what did play a huge part and which really dulled my enjoyment was the massive overdose of Gallagher family drama. I started out empathizing with Dinah, but as the story progressed she came to be a character that I felt little sympathy for.
Every word that had been amazing and beautiful still managed to pale in comparison to the reality of his mouth on hers...
I think it’s safe to say that as a reader this was a story that had potential, but the aspects of it I wanted to see more of were sorely lacking, I am not a huge fan of erroneous family drama, especially when it takes over a story-line and pushes a couples blossoming relationship into the background, and for me that was the case on this occasion.
If you like a lot of secondary drama with your romance then I would certainly not discourage you from giving this title a go, it just didn’t live up to the expectations I had of it from the blurb.
ARC generously provided in exchange for the above honest review.
Nicole Helm begins her new Gallagher & Ivy series with a couple that are literally on opposite sides of the fence.
Problem being with that is Dinah Gallagher wants to knock down the fence, as well as the house and smallholding that Carter Trask has lovingly restored since he took over his grandmothers property.
"Just because you have breasts doesn’t mean I’m more inclined to talk to you."
Finding out that Dinah has plans to level it and turn it into a Farmers Market as you would expect isn't an idea he is onboard with... Even when it turns out she is the elusive D he has been sexmailing with for the past eight months.
The blurb for this one pulled me in, as I am a sucker for a relationship that involves a lot of texting or emailing, but sadly it didn't really play much of a part of the story, what did play a huge part and which really dulled my enjoyment was the massive overdose of Gallagher family drama. I started out empathizing with Dinah, but as the story progressed she came to be a character that I felt little sympathy for.
Every word that had been amazing and beautiful still managed to pale in comparison to the reality of his mouth on hers...
I think it’s safe to say that as a reader this was a story that had potential, but the aspects of it I wanted to see more of were sorely lacking, I am not a huge fan of erroneous family drama, especially when it takes over a story-line and pushes a couples blossoming relationship into the background, and for me that was the case on this occasion.
If you like a lot of secondary drama with your romance then I would certainly not discourage you from giving this title a go, it just didn’t live up to the expectations I had of it from the blurb.
ARC generously provided in exchange for the above honest review.
March 5, 2017
This book was fantastic. I think Romancelandia needs more stories about urban farming, and revitalizing neighborhoods in cities that have seen better days.
As a resident of a Rust Belt city, I was so thrilled to see a story set in a city that isn't super popular in romance novels: St. Louis. It's not as sexy as New York, and there wasn't a billionaire in sight. Hallelujah!
This was a story about two people trying the best they can, with lots of fun steamy times in between. What Nicole Helm did in this story is something that she has done so well in all her other books: she writes imperfect characters trying to get by, with challenges and situations readers can relate to on a personal level. Yeah, relationships of all types are hard and families can be shitty. But it's how her characters handle these situations to get their shot at love is what's so great. My heart-strings were tugged! You've got to do what's right for you, and not for the expectations or your family may have placed on you.
And Helm's writing is really a cut above the rest. The phrasing, the description, the metaphors, they're all great. She's really one of my favorite writers.
I also really like Kayla's character and am really excited for her story!
As a resident of a Rust Belt city, I was so thrilled to see a story set in a city that isn't super popular in romance novels: St. Louis. It's not as sexy as New York, and there wasn't a billionaire in sight. Hallelujah!
This was a story about two people trying the best they can, with lots of fun steamy times in between. What Nicole Helm did in this story is something that she has done so well in all her other books: she writes imperfect characters trying to get by, with challenges and situations readers can relate to on a personal level. Yeah, relationships of all types are hard and families can be shitty. But it's how her characters handle these situations to get their shot at love is what's so great. My heart-strings were tugged! You've got to do what's right for you, and not for the expectations or your family may have placed on you.
And Helm's writing is really a cut above the rest. The phrasing, the description, the metaphors, they're all great. She's really one of my favorite writers.
I also really like Kayla's character and am really excited for her story!
August 7, 2022
"Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review"
4.5 stars
A really good story with a solid plot and two strong characters and Nicole Helm’s at least second bearded flannel-clad farm related hero, as charming as the first one I’ve read (Wes Stone, “All I Am”). Carter is less troubled than Wes though, but he didn’t have an easy life either.
In “So Wrong It Must Be Right” we see Helm’s ability to write a powerful story about one’s commitment to a place, a business or a farm and the choices people have to make in order to conciliate that with conflicting affections.
The hero’s love for his land is moving and his perseverance admirable. Helm’s characterization is really fine, linking the man – his body, his soul, his heart – with that particular patch of land, his family’s legacy. The same applies to the heroine and her connection to Gallagher’s Tap Room. The setting is downtown St. Louis, a city not usually portrayed in romance and this unequal struggle between a small farm and an urban environment is rather interesting.
Nicole Helm writes a hero with baggage that despite all that is supportive, understanding, able to compromise and ultimately to give up the farm he loves so much in order to keep the heroine. But all this done in a very subtle and smooth way.
Family relationships play a part in this romance too and are realistically done.
At last, it was amazing to see how Helm developed a usual plot device in romance – email sex – turning it into a sexual relationship with affections, emotions and meaning. Loved it!
I'm grateful to the publisher, Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing, the author, Nicole Helm, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
4.5 stars
A really good story with a solid plot and two strong characters and Nicole Helm’s at least second bearded flannel-clad farm related hero, as charming as the first one I’ve read (Wes Stone, “All I Am”). Carter is less troubled than Wes though, but he didn’t have an easy life either.
In “So Wrong It Must Be Right” we see Helm’s ability to write a powerful story about one’s commitment to a place, a business or a farm and the choices people have to make in order to conciliate that with conflicting affections.
The hero’s love for his land is moving and his perseverance admirable. Helm’s characterization is really fine, linking the man – his body, his soul, his heart – with that particular patch of land, his family’s legacy. The same applies to the heroine and her connection to Gallagher’s Tap Room. The setting is downtown St. Louis, a city not usually portrayed in romance and this unequal struggle between a small farm and an urban environment is rather interesting.
Nicole Helm writes a hero with baggage that despite all that is supportive, understanding, able to compromise and ultimately to give up the farm he loves so much in order to keep the heroine. But all this done in a very subtle and smooth way.
Family relationships play a part in this romance too and are realistically done.
At last, it was amazing to see how Helm developed a usual plot device in romance – email sex – turning it into a sexual relationship with affections, emotions and meaning. Loved it!
I'm grateful to the publisher, Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing, the author, Nicole Helm, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
April 25, 2017
The synopsis for this book caught my attention and I decided to give this new to me author a try and while I enjoyed some aspects of this book, others left me feeling a little flat, and some just left me confused. On opposite sides of a business deal two people figure out they have something a bit taboo and dirty in common and despite the business between them set off to fulfill their wicked fantasies. Heavy on sexual exploits (which hey, I’m totally cool with), but light on building a relationship (not too cool with), and heavy on angst (really, really not cool with) So Wrong It Must Be Right had good bones, but not enough substance making it a bit of a disappointment.
Dinah and Carter have been having an email sexual affair for 8 months and have no clue they live in the same general area, but when Dinah must confront Carter to buy his land to expand her family’s businesses she puts it together and confronts him about it which leads to them becoming sexually involved and eventually more. First off, I have no issues with the fact these two met based on a Tumblr photo and moved on to sexy emails which by the way, maybe I’m a bit slow but I still can’t figure out how they managed to reach mutual self satisfaction while emailing back and forth. Anyway, I like that they met in an unusual way and were thrown together in the flesh so to speak for a totally different reason, but I had a very hard time really liking either one of these characters and I felt like they got to the “I Love You” stage very quickly considering the only thing they’d been exchanging in the last 8 months was sexual fantasies, not getting to know you information and within a few weeks of meeting one another they were in love.
Let me just say that Dinah was stubborn, shallow and a bit too confident considering she really had no power in her family’s business and was willing to do anything to get some power. I admired her gumption, but I hated that she would ask for someone’s opinion or help and then immediately dismiss it. I appreciated what Carter had built and the reasoning behind it and that he felt strongly about staying connected to something that had belonged to his family for generations, but at times he was whiney and so pessimistic that I wanted to give him a slap upside the head. Together there was no denying their chemistry or the fact they knew exactly how to give each other what they wanted or needed sexually, but I felt the emotional connection was lacking. They’d share a bit about their lives but they never delved deep into how they were feeling with what was happening around them.
There wasn’t a single secondary character that I liked, not one. While at first I liked Dinah’s cousin, Kayla she turned into a bit of a selfish b*tch and I have nothing good to say about the others. I also felt like the big ultimatum Dinah’s grandmother gave her was contrived to create more drama between Dinah and Carter something I could have done without.
Overall, I felt there were just too many crucial elements to this book lacking making it very difficult to fully enjoy.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
April 28, 2017
Dinah Gallagher has worked her whole life for her family business, Gallagher's restaurant, and she's got plans for their future including acquiring the property next door to set up a farmer's market. But the owner, one Carter Trask, has been notoriously stubborn about selling. When she's not focussed on work, her one avenue of fun has been an online flirtation with a mystery man, someone who is as good a listener as he is at providing her some heady sexual delight. When Dinah discovers that her mystery man is none other than the man thwarting her at every turn, it's quite the conundrum. Sex is their common ground, but will it be enough to lead to a business compromise and a possible future together?
I was a bit surprised at the speed with which the 'secret identity' of the two main characters was discovered. I expected it be drawn out a bit more, but it's revealed within the first quarter of the story, making them have to deal with the obvious problems between them right from the get go. Of the two characters in this story, I've got to say that Carter was my favorite. He's a small urban farmer with convictions and despite his growing feelings for Dinah as the story progresses, he still won't abandon his principles. Dinah is harder to like, mostly because her devotion to her family business seems decidedly one sided. The only one who cares how she is doing in the company is herself, and her loyalty seems misplaced because it's not returned. It's Carter who turns out to be the most reliable person in her life, and they share some sexy scenes together, and some very emotional moments too. Dinah has to make some tough choices, and it leads to rocky times for this couple but an eventual sweet ending. I look forward to reading the next story in this series. 3.5 stars.
This review has been posted at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I was a bit surprised at the speed with which the 'secret identity' of the two main characters was discovered. I expected it be drawn out a bit more, but it's revealed within the first quarter of the story, making them have to deal with the obvious problems between them right from the get go. Of the two characters in this story, I've got to say that Carter was my favorite. He's a small urban farmer with convictions and despite his growing feelings for Dinah as the story progresses, he still won't abandon his principles. Dinah is harder to like, mostly because her devotion to her family business seems decidedly one sided. The only one who cares how she is doing in the company is herself, and her loyalty seems misplaced because it's not returned. It's Carter who turns out to be the most reliable person in her life, and they share some sexy scenes together, and some very emotional moments too. Dinah has to make some tough choices, and it leads to rocky times for this couple but an eventual sweet ending. I look forward to reading the next story in this series. 3.5 stars.
This review has been posted at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
March 31, 2017
I’ll be honest, the premise and blurb for this one caught my eye and wouldn’t let go. Who could resist a story about two people that have been engaged in an email / sexting relationship for the last months, and just happen to live next to one another? And when their face-to-face interactions are full of sparks, wholly different from the steamy email…. You’d grab that. Be honest. I know I did.
Dinah works in the family business, a restaurant, and she’s got all sorts of plans to get things moving. Wanting to expand, bring in other custom and just generally make her mark, she’s decided the small home and plot of land (with wonderful gardens) is perfect for her plans. And she sets about planning a takeover. Because, by now, with no relationship to hand, and all of the family dramas, there isn’t a huge draw for her attentions elsewhere. Once she’s run through the latest sexy emails from her mystery man, she’s got to put that energy somewhere.
Carter has spent the last while carefully renovating the small house and plot of land left to him by his grandmother. A man who isn’t afraid of hard work, and has little patience for people who think their money and position entitles them to anything, he’s really not interested when one of them in the form of Dinah, approaches with an offer to purchase his home and garden. Neither of them is quite aware that they have been sexting for months, and the sparks (and tension) are high.
And then, the premise that was so wonderfully proposed is lost to overblown and repeated family dramas that served no purpose for me but to distract. I wanted to see more of Carter’s revelations and working through his own baggage, wth and without Dinah, and she had miles to come as well – but we have drama, intermixed with some sexy hot moments on the page and in person, and it’s almost no time at all for the end.
While the writing was solid, it almost felt (as happens with some of the authors I edit for) that the characters had other ideas for their story, and the ideas that were so clever and I had hoped to see realized fully just weren’t. I was lost in the drama, much of it unneeded and unrelated to the story between Carter and Dinah that needed telling, and that experience left me knowing this wasn’t the book for me. People who enjoy extra drama and a heroine who moves from sympathetic to near unlikeable during this drama will find this more to their taste.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at < I am, Indeed
Dinah works in the family business, a restaurant, and she’s got all sorts of plans to get things moving. Wanting to expand, bring in other custom and just generally make her mark, she’s decided the small home and plot of land (with wonderful gardens) is perfect for her plans. And she sets about planning a takeover. Because, by now, with no relationship to hand, and all of the family dramas, there isn’t a huge draw for her attentions elsewhere. Once she’s run through the latest sexy emails from her mystery man, she’s got to put that energy somewhere.
Carter has spent the last while carefully renovating the small house and plot of land left to him by his grandmother. A man who isn’t afraid of hard work, and has little patience for people who think their money and position entitles them to anything, he’s really not interested when one of them in the form of Dinah, approaches with an offer to purchase his home and garden. Neither of them is quite aware that they have been sexting for months, and the sparks (and tension) are high.
And then, the premise that was so wonderfully proposed is lost to overblown and repeated family dramas that served no purpose for me but to distract. I wanted to see more of Carter’s revelations and working through his own baggage, wth and without Dinah, and she had miles to come as well – but we have drama, intermixed with some sexy hot moments on the page and in person, and it’s almost no time at all for the end.
While the writing was solid, it almost felt (as happens with some of the authors I edit for) that the characters had other ideas for their story, and the ideas that were so clever and I had hoped to see realized fully just weren’t. I was lost in the drama, much of it unneeded and unrelated to the story between Carter and Dinah that needed telling, and that experience left me knowing this wasn’t the book for me. People who enjoy extra drama and a heroine who moves from sympathetic to near unlikeable during this drama will find this more to their taste.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at < I am, Indeed
April 4, 2017
My first book by Nicole Helm, So Wrong It Must Be Right was an exciting and interesting read.
First book in the series Gallagher & Ivy, this is the story of Dinah Gallagher and Carter Trask. As the blurb suggests, Carter doesn't want to be pushed around by the likes of Gallagher.
The first meeting of Dinah and Carter was hilarious! I liked that they knew each other through mailing before actually meeting up .. and how their relationship progressed. Yes, there was a lot of family drama and bumps along the road in the relationship of D and C, but did they overcome it? Did Dinah give in to win Carter, or did Carter give up his piece of paradise to win Dinah's love? Want to know the answer? Read So Wrong it Must be Right!
Trust me, this a quick, interesting, steamy and hilarious read for most part. I loved the cover and can't wait for the next one in the series.
**I was kindly provided an eARC from Kensington Books through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
First book in the series Gallagher & Ivy, this is the story of Dinah Gallagher and Carter Trask. As the blurb suggests, Carter doesn't want to be pushed around by the likes of Gallagher.
The first meeting of Dinah and Carter was hilarious! I liked that they knew each other through mailing before actually meeting up .. and how their relationship progressed. Yes, there was a lot of family drama and bumps along the road in the relationship of D and C, but did they overcome it? Did Dinah give in to win Carter, or did Carter give up his piece of paradise to win Dinah's love? Want to know the answer? Read So Wrong it Must be Right!
Trust me, this a quick, interesting, steamy and hilarious read for most part. I loved the cover and can't wait for the next one in the series.
**I was kindly provided an eARC from Kensington Books through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2017
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected publication date is March 21st, 2017.
I am struggling to express my thoughts on this story as I normally do when a story fails to really capture me. This story was just ok for me. In order to try to explain, I will resort to my trusty system of writing lists.
Carter - I found at times throughout the story that he was a little whiny. His "nothing ever works out for me" got a little old and even if you identified with him, you didn't care after a while. Yes he was sweet and thoughtful but I had a hard time getting past his woe is me attitude
Dinah - While I loved her positive attitude and her determination, there were points throughout the story where I wanted to slap her for her failure to accept the truth. You can be motivated and confident and still deal with what life throws you instead of living in denial.
Carter & Dinah together - I had a difficult time seeing the emotional connection between the two. It appears that the majority was "written off of the page" in the email exchanges between them that the reader never sees. What the reader does see is the physical connection between the two which is sizzling from the get go, no issues there. I just prefer when there is more of an emotional connection mixed with the physical chemistry.
Supporting characters - they were almost all nasty. I don't know how I would survive if I was surrounded by so many rotten personalities!
While it seems I am being overly harsh, keep in mind that I didn't hate the story. I just struggled with some of the flaws of the characters and the priority of a physical relationship over an emotional one. It did still entertain me. There were some sizzling scenes and some real moments (towards the end) that I think readers will like. I also believe that others may identify more with the characters than I did.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! The expected publication date is March 21st, 2017.
I am struggling to express my thoughts on this story as I normally do when a story fails to really capture me. This story was just ok for me. In order to try to explain, I will resort to my trusty system of writing lists.
Carter - I found at times throughout the story that he was a little whiny. His "nothing ever works out for me" got a little old and even if you identified with him, you didn't care after a while. Yes he was sweet and thoughtful but I had a hard time getting past his woe is me attitude
Dinah - While I loved her positive attitude and her determination, there were points throughout the story where I wanted to slap her for her failure to accept the truth. You can be motivated and confident and still deal with what life throws you instead of living in denial.
Carter & Dinah together - I had a difficult time seeing the emotional connection between the two. It appears that the majority was "written off of the page" in the email exchanges between them that the reader never sees. What the reader does see is the physical connection between the two which is sizzling from the get go, no issues there. I just prefer when there is more of an emotional connection mixed with the physical chemistry.
Supporting characters - they were almost all nasty. I don't know how I would survive if I was surrounded by so many rotten personalities!
While it seems I am being overly harsh, keep in mind that I didn't hate the story. I just struggled with some of the flaws of the characters and the priority of a physical relationship over an emotional one. It did still entertain me. There were some sizzling scenes and some real moments (towards the end) that I think readers will like. I also believe that others may identify more with the characters than I did.
March 14, 2017
So Wrong It Must Be Right by Nicola Heep
Gallagher & Ivy #1
You know that photo you saw on Instagram and just had to comment on? What if the person receiving the comment sent a message back? Then, what if the two of you fell into a steamy months long very steamy email romance? Well, that is just what happened to the H/h in this story! And, boy was it steamy in emails and also later when they meet up in person ;)
Dinah Gallagher is the next in line to run the Gallagher Company IF she does everything right. She cannot see anything in life that might be more important than being in charge of Gallagher’s. She is also smart, capable, a believer in being able to accomplish anything she sets her mind to, and believes in compromise. This comes in handy when she is faced with trying to buy the land Carter Trask owns – especially when she realizes he is the man she has been emailing for months. What happens in the story includes how her dysfunctional family interacts with one another and how she comes to terms with her long held beliefs when balanced against what she truly needs and wants in the future.
I have to say I liked Carter but felt that Dinah was a bit shallow and single minded. By the end of the story my feelings shifted a bit in her favor, though. I enjoyed this introduction to a new series and look forward to reading “So Bad It Must Be Good” when it comes out – the story of Kayla (Dinah’s cousin) and whether or not she finds her HEA.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.
3.5 Stars
Gallagher & Ivy #1
You know that photo you saw on Instagram and just had to comment on? What if the person receiving the comment sent a message back? Then, what if the two of you fell into a steamy months long very steamy email romance? Well, that is just what happened to the H/h in this story! And, boy was it steamy in emails and also later when they meet up in person ;)
Dinah Gallagher is the next in line to run the Gallagher Company IF she does everything right. She cannot see anything in life that might be more important than being in charge of Gallagher’s. She is also smart, capable, a believer in being able to accomplish anything she sets her mind to, and believes in compromise. This comes in handy when she is faced with trying to buy the land Carter Trask owns – especially when she realizes he is the man she has been emailing for months. What happens in the story includes how her dysfunctional family interacts with one another and how she comes to terms with her long held beliefs when balanced against what she truly needs and wants in the future.
I have to say I liked Carter but felt that Dinah was a bit shallow and single minded. By the end of the story my feelings shifted a bit in her favor, though. I enjoyed this introduction to a new series and look forward to reading “So Bad It Must Be Good” when it comes out – the story of Kayla (Dinah’s cousin) and whether or not she finds her HEA.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.
3.5 Stars
February 1, 2017
What happens when your career is your family and your life? Dinah finds out the hard way, that it usually means giving up on happiness. Carter is trying to show her that there is more to life. But she believes that she can find a compromise for any problem that comes their way. Got to say, she is the queen of compromise. I liked the idea of small farmers in the middle of a city. And how Carter stood his ground and didn't give in.
April 30, 2017
Dinah and Carter were perfect. I loved how they figured out who each other was, and struggled to figure out how to make their chemistry and interest in each other work with real life pressures and demands. Very enjoyable read.
February 3, 2017
I enjoyed reading So Wrong It Must Be Right I found the character interaction and dynamics well written and the storyline compelling. I look forward to reading more
June 29, 2017
The blurb for this novel grabbed me from the start. I was intrigued by Dinah and Carter's (who are simply D & C to each other) email only relationship and knew that they'd eventually meet, but I didn't expect it to happen quite so early in the novel. They most certainly had great sexual chemistry, but certain aspects of their personalities and actions repeatedly had me changing my mind about these two characters, which is why I can only give this novel 3 stars.
Dinah Gallagher is obsessed with her family business, Gallagher's Tap Room, a 100-year-old restaurant, and running it has been her lifelong dream. The company wants to buy up (and already has bought up) several properties on the block, to expand their parking lot and make room for a farmer's market. But there are one or two holdouts, and Carter Trask, who turned his grandmother's small property into a farm, is one of them. Craig Gallagher, is Dinah's uncle, and the director of operations for the family business and he's been strong-arming Carter, who has vowed to hang on to this last piece of family property and never sell. Dinah believes she can accomplish what her uncle could not, so imagine her surprise when she meets Carter face-to-face and the two soon realize that D and C stand for Dinah and Carter. He won't sell out to her either, and once their relationship becomes physical and then emotional, is the point at which I started to have a problem with these characters and their situation.
First of all, how many restaurants have a Board of Directors? Dinah is beyond obsessed with this business, having pictured herself as its owner and CEO all her life. She repeatedly says that Gallagher's is her heart and her soul. Really? A restaurant? A building? She is utterly unable to see herself in any other role, even though her cousin, co-worker and best friend, Kayla, tries to get her to see that there are other possibilities, other options in life, Dinah is so dogged in her determination to win that I found her dual personalities--a businesswoman one minute and a hot sexpot the next, both confusing and irritating.
I liked Carter somewhat more, he's pretty down to earth, literally and figuratively, but he too eventually began to irritate me. While I liked his devotion to hanging on to that last piece of family property understandable, and while he was both somewhat sexy and sweet, he was also a bit of a downer, who dwelt mainly on all that he'd lost in his life--more than one family farm, his parents, his beloved grandmother, and siblings who didn't care about farming and moved on with their lives. As a romantic, sexy, and charming hero, he certainly shone, but his negativity didn't.
One of the most real characters in this novel is Kayla. While she's not a primary participant, she's often cast in the role of Dinah's friend and advisor, and she keeps trying to be the voice of reason for Dinah, and yet, when she cannot stand working at Gallagher's another minute, Dinah simply doesn't understand it and while it hurts her when Kayla leaves, Dinah is still clueless as to why Kayla would want something more out of life.
There's also a backstory that runs through this novel. Months before the novel begins, Dinah's father ran off with Uncle Craig's wife, devastating Dinah, Kayla (Craig's daughter), and Dinah's mother, who leaves for parts unknown. Uncle Craig, not a nice man to begin with, seems to feel he has to take out his anger at Dinah, who never did a thing to earn his wrath or condescension.
Make no mistake, Ms. Helm can certainly write a good novel, and I've read and enjoyed quite a few of her earlier ones. The emotions in this novel do come across to the reader, and what happens to the characters and their relationships makes for a good read. I just kept wishing that the family business in question wasn't just a restaurant, because Dinah's single-minded devotion to it just made little sense to this reader, as did its title, which had nothing to do with the story at all.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book and received no compensation for doing so. The opinions expressed are my own.
Dinah Gallagher is obsessed with her family business, Gallagher's Tap Room, a 100-year-old restaurant, and running it has been her lifelong dream. The company wants to buy up (and already has bought up) several properties on the block, to expand their parking lot and make room for a farmer's market. But there are one or two holdouts, and Carter Trask, who turned his grandmother's small property into a farm, is one of them. Craig Gallagher, is Dinah's uncle, and the director of operations for the family business and he's been strong-arming Carter, who has vowed to hang on to this last piece of family property and never sell. Dinah believes she can accomplish what her uncle could not, so imagine her surprise when she meets Carter face-to-face and the two soon realize that D and C stand for Dinah and Carter. He won't sell out to her either, and once their relationship becomes physical and then emotional, is the point at which I started to have a problem with these characters and their situation.
First of all, how many restaurants have a Board of Directors? Dinah is beyond obsessed with this business, having pictured herself as its owner and CEO all her life. She repeatedly says that Gallagher's is her heart and her soul. Really? A restaurant? A building? She is utterly unable to see herself in any other role, even though her cousin, co-worker and best friend, Kayla, tries to get her to see that there are other possibilities, other options in life, Dinah is so dogged in her determination to win that I found her dual personalities--a businesswoman one minute and a hot sexpot the next, both confusing and irritating.
I liked Carter somewhat more, he's pretty down to earth, literally and figuratively, but he too eventually began to irritate me. While I liked his devotion to hanging on to that last piece of family property understandable, and while he was both somewhat sexy and sweet, he was also a bit of a downer, who dwelt mainly on all that he'd lost in his life--more than one family farm, his parents, his beloved grandmother, and siblings who didn't care about farming and moved on with their lives. As a romantic, sexy, and charming hero, he certainly shone, but his negativity didn't.
One of the most real characters in this novel is Kayla. While she's not a primary participant, she's often cast in the role of Dinah's friend and advisor, and she keeps trying to be the voice of reason for Dinah, and yet, when she cannot stand working at Gallagher's another minute, Dinah simply doesn't understand it and while it hurts her when Kayla leaves, Dinah is still clueless as to why Kayla would want something more out of life.
There's also a backstory that runs through this novel. Months before the novel begins, Dinah's father ran off with Uncle Craig's wife, devastating Dinah, Kayla (Craig's daughter), and Dinah's mother, who leaves for parts unknown. Uncle Craig, not a nice man to begin with, seems to feel he has to take out his anger at Dinah, who never did a thing to earn his wrath or condescension.
Make no mistake, Ms. Helm can certainly write a good novel, and I've read and enjoyed quite a few of her earlier ones. The emotions in this novel do come across to the reader, and what happens to the characters and their relationships makes for a good read. I just kept wishing that the family business in question wasn't just a restaurant, because Dinah's single-minded devotion to it just made little sense to this reader, as did its title, which had nothing to do with the story at all.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book and received no compensation for doing so. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 20, 2017
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This book started out fast. I guess I expected to see more of the back and forth of email and messaging online before Dinah and Carter realized they knew each other in real life. Nope, and that’s okay. Since we see the connection they have through their online romance and know they’ve been “talking” for 8 months it all flows quite naturally. I could feel the chemistry between the hero and heroine and that’s what matters most.
I kept feeling as though I didn’t like Dinah, yet couldn’t really not like her. It was very confusing to me until Carter had some inner reflections of how she tries to hide how much of an emotional person she really is under her business-like demeanor. Dinah still annoyed me with the way she was so blind to anything outside of her tunnel vision of family and Gallaghers and being born to do a specific thing with her life, no deviations. There are some inner thoughts Dinah has toward the end that also really helped me to understand her bull-headed visions.
Carter was bull-headed in his own way. I don’t know if I forgave him that because I happened to agree with his side of things more or if he wasn’t as grating as Dinah. His back story seemed a bit muddled and hodge-podged together but became a bit more cohesive toward the end of the book. He is definitely easy to love. The way he treats Dinah, even knowing she may have to turn against him, is so sweet and makes him extremely sexy.
My favorite character is actually Dinah’s cousin, Kayla. She seems to be the most level-headed Gallagher and even tries to open Dinah’s eyes numerous times. The way Dinah somewhat dismisses her broke my heart. She is so set on her goals she can’t see she is hurting Kayla and even that her goals should maybe change. Kayla is almost the opposite of Dinah. Her eyes are wide open and she knows how to look inside herself for what it is she truly wants and needs. Plus, it seems to me that Dinah was so focused on what her own dad did to the family that it didn’t occur to her that Kayla’s mom did it, too. Plus, Kayla had to still deal with her evil father after it all happened.
Nicole Helm is a new to me author. While I wasn’t totally blown away by this book, I did really enjoy it a lot. I’ll definitely be giving more of her books a try.
This book started out fast. I guess I expected to see more of the back and forth of email and messaging online before Dinah and Carter realized they knew each other in real life. Nope, and that’s okay. Since we see the connection they have through their online romance and know they’ve been “talking” for 8 months it all flows quite naturally. I could feel the chemistry between the hero and heroine and that’s what matters most.
I kept feeling as though I didn’t like Dinah, yet couldn’t really not like her. It was very confusing to me until Carter had some inner reflections of how she tries to hide how much of an emotional person she really is under her business-like demeanor. Dinah still annoyed me with the way she was so blind to anything outside of her tunnel vision of family and Gallaghers and being born to do a specific thing with her life, no deviations. There are some inner thoughts Dinah has toward the end that also really helped me to understand her bull-headed visions.
Carter was bull-headed in his own way. I don’t know if I forgave him that because I happened to agree with his side of things more or if he wasn’t as grating as Dinah. His back story seemed a bit muddled and hodge-podged together but became a bit more cohesive toward the end of the book. He is definitely easy to love. The way he treats Dinah, even knowing she may have to turn against him, is so sweet and makes him extremely sexy.
My favorite character is actually Dinah’s cousin, Kayla. She seems to be the most level-headed Gallagher and even tries to open Dinah’s eyes numerous times. The way Dinah somewhat dismisses her broke my heart. She is so set on her goals she can’t see she is hurting Kayla and even that her goals should maybe change. Kayla is almost the opposite of Dinah. Her eyes are wide open and she knows how to look inside herself for what it is she truly wants and needs. Plus, it seems to me that Dinah was so focused on what her own dad did to the family that it didn’t occur to her that Kayla’s mom did it, too. Plus, Kayla had to still deal with her evil father after it all happened.
Nicole Helm is a new to me author. While I wasn’t totally blown away by this book, I did really enjoy it a lot. I’ll definitely be giving more of her books a try.
March 19, 2017
3.5 stars.
This book fell into two fairly distinct halves for me. The first half was sexy and enjoyable, with a hint of antagonism thrown in to keep things interesting, the second half was loaded down with so much family drama that it left me wondering why anyone cared about that stupid place.
Dinah confused me a bit. At first I was wholly on her side, ready to support her through her troubles, but her family is awful and I honestly cannot see what it is about Gallagher’s that she finds so special. The family has history there, sure, but what does she actually do all day? None of the family seems to actually interact with the staff in the taproom, or even spend time down there or do anything remotely connected to the business. It is basically just a building – which might as well be an office – and I couldn’t feel the connection she claimed she had with the place.
Carter is different. I totally understood why he wanted to protect what he had built, and not just because it was his last tangible link to his grandmother and family property. The idea of buying the place to pave it over was ridiculous from the start. Not to mention soulless.
I liked Carter and Dinah together. They have great chemistry, although it was a shame that so much of the foundations of their relationship happened in those emails that we don’t get to see anything of. They clearly have a lot in common, even if their methods and outlooks on life are so different. It's just a shame that the sexy fun side of their relationship fades away to be replaced by arguments and business-related struggles.
The relentless family drama got a bit wearing too, as did Carter’s pessimism. Dinah is working so hard to please so many people and no one is giving her a hand. There were times when I really wondered how this was going to work out, and although the ending does find a solution, I have to admit it seems shaky to me, definitely more of a happy for now rather than forever. Although since my favoured solution at one point was to torch the entire place – preferably with the uncle inside it – this way was probably better.
So overall this was a bit mixed. It started strong but sank a little beneath the weight of drama, and I didn’t particularly like any of the secondary characters. I like this author, but I’m not convinced I want to continue with this series.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
This book fell into two fairly distinct halves for me. The first half was sexy and enjoyable, with a hint of antagonism thrown in to keep things interesting, the second half was loaded down with so much family drama that it left me wondering why anyone cared about that stupid place.
Dinah confused me a bit. At first I was wholly on her side, ready to support her through her troubles, but her family is awful and I honestly cannot see what it is about Gallagher’s that she finds so special. The family has history there, sure, but what does she actually do all day? None of the family seems to actually interact with the staff in the taproom, or even spend time down there or do anything remotely connected to the business. It is basically just a building – which might as well be an office – and I couldn’t feel the connection she claimed she had with the place.
Carter is different. I totally understood why he wanted to protect what he had built, and not just because it was his last tangible link to his grandmother and family property. The idea of buying the place to pave it over was ridiculous from the start. Not to mention soulless.
I liked Carter and Dinah together. They have great chemistry, although it was a shame that so much of the foundations of their relationship happened in those emails that we don’t get to see anything of. They clearly have a lot in common, even if their methods and outlooks on life are so different. It's just a shame that the sexy fun side of their relationship fades away to be replaced by arguments and business-related struggles.
The relentless family drama got a bit wearing too, as did Carter’s pessimism. Dinah is working so hard to please so many people and no one is giving her a hand. There were times when I really wondered how this was going to work out, and although the ending does find a solution, I have to admit it seems shaky to me, definitely more of a happy for now rather than forever. Although since my favoured solution at one point was to torch the entire place – preferably with the uncle inside it – this way was probably better.
So overall this was a bit mixed. It started strong but sank a little beneath the weight of drama, and I didn’t particularly like any of the secondary characters. I like this author, but I’m not convinced I want to continue with this series.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
March 26, 2017
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
C and D have been exchanging some pretty hot, sexual fantasies via email and instant messager before Dinah Gallagher came on the scene in an effort to get Carter Trask to sell his plot of land to the Gallagher family. Little did they know, at first meeting, that they'd been exchanging those emails/ims to each other for the past 8 months. Sparks fly at first meeting and later that night when Dinah realizes why the Front Yard Farm looks so familiar. Now all bets are off as they attempt to keep the two parts of their lives separate in an effort to maintain an "us". But when family enters the picture, things get...complicated.
I really enjoyed this book! I expected it to start out a bit more slowly than it did and build up with the email traffic, but you'll get no complaints from me. This book started out hot and steamy and maintains its momentum til the end. Carter was a great character and exuded honestly and sincerity from the beginning, but it was sometimes difficult to see what Dinah was really thinking. I liked the way they worked through their problems and how Dinah ultimately acted at the end by going after what truly mattered. This was my fist Nicole Helm book, but I'll be looking for more in the future.
3.5 Stars
C and D have been exchanging some pretty hot, sexual fantasies via email and instant messager before Dinah Gallagher came on the scene in an effort to get Carter Trask to sell his plot of land to the Gallagher family. Little did they know, at first meeting, that they'd been exchanging those emails/ims to each other for the past 8 months. Sparks fly at first meeting and later that night when Dinah realizes why the Front Yard Farm looks so familiar. Now all bets are off as they attempt to keep the two parts of their lives separate in an effort to maintain an "us". But when family enters the picture, things get...complicated.
I really enjoyed this book! I expected it to start out a bit more slowly than it did and build up with the email traffic, but you'll get no complaints from me. This book started out hot and steamy and maintains its momentum til the end. Carter was a great character and exuded honestly and sincerity from the beginning, but it was sometimes difficult to see what Dinah was really thinking. I liked the way they worked through their problems and how Dinah ultimately acted at the end by going after what truly mattered. This was my fist Nicole Helm book, but I'll be looking for more in the future.
August 30, 2017
So Wrong It Must Be Right, by Nicole Helm, is the first of her books telling the story of the Gallagher family of St. Louis and the beginning of the Gallagher and Ivy series. Dinah Gallagher has her sights set on becoming the chief operating officer of Gallagher's Tap Room. The legacy is that the first born of the first born take the helm. But when her father ran away with her aunt and her uncle took charge the dynamics changed.
Now she has been charged with acquiring the property next door to the tap room, a property that has been turned into an urban farm. The handsome owner of the property, Carter Trask, is not interested in the offers being made for his property. He is tired of being pushed around and has no interest in selling out to the Gallaghers.
For Dinah this acquisition means the difference between achieving her goals and total failure. But when she realizes that the urban farm looks a whole lot like pictures her online romance has posted, she must decide what her true goals are and how to achieve them.
With shades of You've Got Mail, only a whole lot steamier, this is an interesting story of finding what you really want in life and how to garner the strength to achieve it. I did like this book and do recommend it.
June 4, 2017
I am forever eager to read anything new from Nicole & this was a whole lotta fun!! Carter & Dinah are two very strong minded people who are invested in saving what's important to them individually however moving forward in business in work is going to tricky since neither is willing to find a middle ground... there's also the added email heat that's come to life & made fantasy a HOT reality ! This was an excellent read with great heated passion & COMPRISES needed to see if merging in thought processes could lead to the HEA we all enjoy! Loved it so much!
July 30, 2017
So good!
What happens when you spend your whole life planning your career, a goal so dear to your heart that it becomes a living part of you, then you meet the one person you would consider throwing it all away for? What if your career is so tied to your family, you don't know who you are without it? Dinah had a lot to sort through, and while I got aggravated with her, I also understood why she was so torn. And Carter! He had a lot going on, but his huge heart was in the right place. So good! I can't wait to read more from this series!!
What happens when you spend your whole life planning your career, a goal so dear to your heart that it becomes a living part of you, then you meet the one person you would consider throwing it all away for? What if your career is so tied to your family, you don't know who you are without it? Dinah had a lot to sort through, and while I got aggravated with her, I also understood why she was so torn. And Carter! He had a lot going on, but his huge heart was in the right place. So good! I can't wait to read more from this series!!
August 14, 2020
Good characters
February 10, 2017
At first I was hesitant about trying a new-to-me-author. Why not stick with the tried and true authors, right? But I decided to take a chance with the start of Nicole Helm’s Gallagher and Ivy series. Before I finished the first chapter, I knew I would love it. That little risk turned out to be oh, so right.
Dina Gallagher’s life was going nothing like she’d planned. Not work or her love life. She’d spent her whole life busting her butt to prove her worth to her family business, her legacy. And for the past 8 months, her love life had consisted of emails with her mystery boyfriend, C. He was the hottest sex she’d ever had, even if it was via computer. They didn’t trade pictures or any personal info that would identify them. Just pure, harmless, sexy words. C wrote like poetry. They traded elaborate sexual fantasies but he always ended the exchange with something sweet and romantic. And as for Dinah, D could say things she’d be too afraid to say in real life. On-line there was no embarrassment or fear of rejection. At first, it had just been sex-mailing, but the last few weeks it had seemed to become more real. In spite of their exchanges being fantasy, there’d been some truthfulness there too. It seemed easy to confide in someone you’d never know.
Carter Trask was barely holding on to his legacy. His family had a history of selling out rather than fighting for their land. Sure, the money had been good, but he’d spent his life moving from one place to the next, only to have it sold. He’d inherited his grandmother’s little house in the city and had turned it into something he was proud of, Front Yard Farm. Now the Gallagher’s wanted his land for their own business venture. The Gallagher’s were rolling in money, and people with money always managed to get what they wanted. People like him were trampled in the name of progress. Well, not this time. Carter was standing his ground.
Gallagher’s wanted the little farm near their restaurant and Dina was in charge of securing the deal. But when Dina approached Front Yard Farm, she realized the place looked very familiar. This was the same place mystery man C had dubbed his “little slice of heaven” in their exchanges. Was C Carter Trask? When Dina confronted Carter, he was shocked to discover the gorgeous woman before him, the one he’d been having e-mail sex with, was a Gallagher. She wanted his farm. The last piece of himself. No matter how beautiful she was, this could not change anything. But as Carter and Dina stared at each other, remembering all they’d said and done, neither wanted to lose that fantasy. “What if we pretended the real us didn’t exist and lived out the fantasy us? Just this once.” So they attempted to keep reality and fantasy separate. During the day, they were Carter and Dina, but at night C and D were there acting out all the fantasies they’d written. Carter thought Dina was the sexiest woman he’d ever known. She was adventurous, smart, and mischievous. She was the perfect mix of everything. He felt like he belonged with her. A feeling he’d never had before. Dina thought Carter was charming. He made her feel special. She’d never been like this with a man before. It was easy to let her guard down with Carter and just be. The more they were together, the harder it was to remember they were enemies battling for a piece of land. Soon fantasy and reality began to blur and reality was a lot more complicated than the fantasy had been.
When I first read the blurb and intro to this book, I thought it would be heavy on the sexy and light on the plot. I was so wrong. While it was an extremely sexy read, it was so much more. The perfect blend of sexy and self-discovery. With its poignant character histories, rich humor, and captivating plot, this story was an exceptional read. There was so much to love about these characters. Yes, their chemistry sizzled and the erotic aspect was intense, but they also were just really likeable, relatable characters. I loved Carter’s honesty, the way he genuinely laid his feelings on the line. I loved Dina’s energy, devotion, and passion. It took her a while but she finally figured out what she wanted most in life. The secondary characters, especially Kayla, were equally strong and intriguing. I look forward to reading more of the Gallagher family. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Dina Gallagher’s life was going nothing like she’d planned. Not work or her love life. She’d spent her whole life busting her butt to prove her worth to her family business, her legacy. And for the past 8 months, her love life had consisted of emails with her mystery boyfriend, C. He was the hottest sex she’d ever had, even if it was via computer. They didn’t trade pictures or any personal info that would identify them. Just pure, harmless, sexy words. C wrote like poetry. They traded elaborate sexual fantasies but he always ended the exchange with something sweet and romantic. And as for Dinah, D could say things she’d be too afraid to say in real life. On-line there was no embarrassment or fear of rejection. At first, it had just been sex-mailing, but the last few weeks it had seemed to become more real. In spite of their exchanges being fantasy, there’d been some truthfulness there too. It seemed easy to confide in someone you’d never know.
Carter Trask was barely holding on to his legacy. His family had a history of selling out rather than fighting for their land. Sure, the money had been good, but he’d spent his life moving from one place to the next, only to have it sold. He’d inherited his grandmother’s little house in the city and had turned it into something he was proud of, Front Yard Farm. Now the Gallagher’s wanted his land for their own business venture. The Gallagher’s were rolling in money, and people with money always managed to get what they wanted. People like him were trampled in the name of progress. Well, not this time. Carter was standing his ground.
Gallagher’s wanted the little farm near their restaurant and Dina was in charge of securing the deal. But when Dina approached Front Yard Farm, she realized the place looked very familiar. This was the same place mystery man C had dubbed his “little slice of heaven” in their exchanges. Was C Carter Trask? When Dina confronted Carter, he was shocked to discover the gorgeous woman before him, the one he’d been having e-mail sex with, was a Gallagher. She wanted his farm. The last piece of himself. No matter how beautiful she was, this could not change anything. But as Carter and Dina stared at each other, remembering all they’d said and done, neither wanted to lose that fantasy. “What if we pretended the real us didn’t exist and lived out the fantasy us? Just this once.” So they attempted to keep reality and fantasy separate. During the day, they were Carter and Dina, but at night C and D were there acting out all the fantasies they’d written. Carter thought Dina was the sexiest woman he’d ever known. She was adventurous, smart, and mischievous. She was the perfect mix of everything. He felt like he belonged with her. A feeling he’d never had before. Dina thought Carter was charming. He made her feel special. She’d never been like this with a man before. It was easy to let her guard down with Carter and just be. The more they were together, the harder it was to remember they were enemies battling for a piece of land. Soon fantasy and reality began to blur and reality was a lot more complicated than the fantasy had been.
When I first read the blurb and intro to this book, I thought it would be heavy on the sexy and light on the plot. I was so wrong. While it was an extremely sexy read, it was so much more. The perfect blend of sexy and self-discovery. With its poignant character histories, rich humor, and captivating plot, this story was an exceptional read. There was so much to love about these characters. Yes, their chemistry sizzled and the erotic aspect was intense, but they also were just really likeable, relatable characters. I loved Carter’s honesty, the way he genuinely laid his feelings on the line. I loved Dina’s energy, devotion, and passion. It took her a while but she finally figured out what she wanted most in life. The secondary characters, especially Kayla, were equally strong and intriguing. I look forward to reading more of the Gallagher family. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
February 27, 2017
Nicole Helm seems to be a new romance genre: the hot farmer story. With two of her best in mind, All I Have (rival farmers hooking up) and All I Am (virgin farmer!), I was looking forward to her tale of a farmer sending secret sex emails.
But despite the steamy and tension-filled start, Carter and Dinah's romance was completely bogged down by Dinah herself. Stubborn, petulant, demanding, and childish, Dinah refuses to listen to anyone, and breaks down emotionally whenever challenged, whether by Carter, her cousin Kayla, or her grandmother. Granted, Dinah was burdened by drama involving her family's business and her dad running off with her uncle's wife. But still, this is a woman who doesn't take "No" for an answer, and then cries bitterly when she hears it anyway. By the end, I almost wished that Carter and Kayla would hook up, just to end Dinah's emotional cycling and demands. Somehow, though, an abrupt change of heart leads to an abrupt, rushed HEA for Carter and Dinah.
3.5 stars
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
"He's like every hipster fantasy I've ever had, come to life," Dinah whispered.Carter was every bit the rugged farmer fantasy, complete with sweetness and sensitivity (the guy has three sisters, natch). Key word is "fantasy", given that Carter and Dinah discover that they have been trading smoking hot secret sex emails as "C" and "D" while Dinah's family's business had been trying to squeeze Carter out of his family farm. Against their better judgment, Carter and Dinah jump into a separate sexual relationship where they can be "C" and "D" instead of Carter Trask, farmer, and Dinah Gallagher, his enemy businesswoman.
But despite the steamy and tension-filled start, Carter and Dinah's romance was completely bogged down by Dinah herself. Stubborn, petulant, demanding, and childish, Dinah refuses to listen to anyone, and breaks down emotionally whenever challenged, whether by Carter, her cousin Kayla, or her grandmother. Granted, Dinah was burdened by drama involving her family's business and her dad running off with her uncle's wife. But still, this is a woman who doesn't take "No" for an answer, and then cries bitterly when she hears it anyway. By the end, I almost wished that Carter and Kayla would hook up, just to end Dinah's emotional cycling and demands. Somehow, though, an abrupt change of heart leads to an abrupt, rushed HEA for Carter and Dinah.
3.5 stars
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
March 13, 2017
I must admit that this was a much steamier story than I thought it was going to be! Nothing wrong with that and it did have a great storyline to go along with all the sexy times. It's very well written and the characters are well developed and interesting. Dinah was slightly off-putting at times when it felt like she was just using Carter and cowing to the wishes of her Grandmother. Happily by the end she had really grown on me and I though she and Carter worked well together. Overall this was a very good book and definitely one I would recommend.
March 13, 2017
Such a fun and sexy start to their story -- anonymously email sexting for months, later find out that they're enemies: he's a farmer, and she's trying to buy his land away. They agree to one real night together anyway, but of course that turns into more. :)
I had a few issues, mainly her single-minded obsession with the family business and putting it above everything else, but overall I quite enjoyed this one and will be back for more by Helm.
Full review to go up on TBQ's Book Palace next week.
I had a few issues, mainly her single-minded obsession with the family business and putting it above everything else, but overall I quite enjoyed this one and will be back for more by Helm.
Full review to go up on TBQ's Book Palace next week.
February 24, 2017
3.75stars
So Wrong It Must Be Right is one quick interesting love story with interesting concept and full of passion and desire. Destiny has its way in this story because a month long online relationship turns out to be between enemies. The problem is the memories on hot writing are fresh, the attraction between them is palpable strong and yes it explodes and the reality is even better. I liked the unpredictable way of Diana thinking and her action. That she found a solution and compromise to save Carter farm. She is really strong character from time to time she appears stronger than Carter. I liked her determination her stubbornness and most of all I loved that she put love over stupid building. She rocked in conversation between her grandmother. Character is not typical alpha male hero he was hurt so many times that he plays on the safe card. But all in all likable and great partner for Diana they make perfect couple.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
So Wrong It Must Be Right is one quick interesting love story with interesting concept and full of passion and desire. Destiny has its way in this story because a month long online relationship turns out to be between enemies. The problem is the memories on hot writing are fresh, the attraction between them is palpable strong and yes it explodes and the reality is even better. I liked the unpredictable way of Diana thinking and her action. That she found a solution and compromise to save Carter farm. She is really strong character from time to time she appears stronger than Carter. I liked her determination her stubbornness and most of all I loved that she put love over stupid building. She rocked in conversation between her grandmother. Character is not typical alpha male hero he was hurt so many times that he plays on the safe card. But all in all likable and great partner for Diana they make perfect couple.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
September 14, 2017
Wonderful broken hero & heroine who find compromise with each other.
February 10, 2017
This is one of those stories that I like to call "erotica with a plot". Meaning there is a lot of sex taking place throughout the novel, however while the sex is a (big) part of the plot, there are other stories happening at the same time which overshadow the sexy scenes.
I very much enjoyed the chemistry between Dinah and Carter, and watching them find a balance between their "online personas" and their "real lives". I found it interesting that they could have such an open dislike for each other as Dinah and Carter, but found such an intense passion as "D & C". The Gallagher Tap House angle was also interesting and added another layer to this story.
Unfortunately, what kept me from ultimately rating this story at a higher level is the ending. It felt very rushed to me, and I wish there had been more closure between Dinah and her family. As it was, things were left very open and unfinished and that took away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Overall, I am sure this story may still appeal to those who enjoy erotica with a plot novels.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I very much enjoyed the chemistry between Dinah and Carter, and watching them find a balance between their "online personas" and their "real lives". I found it interesting that they could have such an open dislike for each other as Dinah and Carter, but found such an intense passion as "D & C". The Gallagher Tap House angle was also interesting and added another layer to this story.
Unfortunately, what kept me from ultimately rating this story at a higher level is the ending. It felt very rushed to me, and I wish there had been more closure between Dinah and her family. As it was, things were left very open and unfinished and that took away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Overall, I am sure this story may still appeal to those who enjoy erotica with a plot novels.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
February 14, 2017
So Wrong It Must Be Right is a well-rounded story with engaging characters, an interesting plot, and sex hot enough to cause a volcanic eruption.
Nicole Helm definitely knows how to keep a reader entertained and I’ll be looking forward to more of her amazing books.
Nicole Helm definitely knows how to keep a reader entertained and I’ll be looking forward to more of her amazing books.
February 6, 2017
netgalley
an ok read.
an ok read.
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