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Love at First Sight #2
Batter of Wits
Life lessons from Grace Buchanan: If you're going to fall in love with the town golden boy, make sure he's single first.
Don’t worry, when Grace moves into town from LA, she doesn’t kick off Green Valley’s greatest love triangle, but she does make quite an entrance. When her car breaks down just inside the city limits, the knight in shining pickup truck is Tucker Haywood—tall, handsome, full of southern charm, and a giant pain in Grace’s butt.
She’s not even sure why he bugs her so much, he just does. In fact, she can’t stop thinking about why he’s so irritating, until she realizes that she just plain can’t stop thinking about him.
Tucker can’t stop thinking about Grace either, because the moment her combat-boot clad feet prop up on the dashboard of his truck, she’s like a blonde bombshell wrecking ball in his perfectly constructed life.
Turns out the bad girl and the golden boy have a lot more in common than they think, and that delicious discovery will rock Green Valley in a way that no one saw coming.
Don’t worry, when Grace moves into town from LA, she doesn’t kick off Green Valley’s greatest love triangle, but she does make quite an entrance. When her car breaks down just inside the city limits, the knight in shining pickup truck is Tucker Haywood—tall, handsome, full of southern charm, and a giant pain in Grace’s butt.
She’s not even sure why he bugs her so much, he just does. In fact, she can’t stop thinking about why he’s so irritating, until she realizes that she just plain can’t stop thinking about him.
Tucker can’t stop thinking about Grace either, because the moment her combat-boot clad feet prop up on the dashboard of his truck, she’s like a blonde bombshell wrecking ball in his perfectly constructed life.
Turns out the bad girl and the golden boy have a lot more in common than they think, and that delicious discovery will rock Green Valley in a way that no one saw coming.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2020
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4516 people want to read
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May 6, 2020
''I want to taste that smile, Angry Girl''
The Buchanan curse strikes again, this time with a slight twist. If you read Baking Me Crazy you know the Buchanan family is known for their love curse - once they meet THE one, it's love at first sight and a forever kind of thing. There's a rule though, the curse only applies to our beloved town of Green Valley Tennessee.
Grace is the only woman born in the Buchanan family in generations, and she doesn't really believe in curses... That's until she sees Tucker for the first time, and it's not love what she is feeling, but hatred.
But don't worry, this is not really an enemies-to-lovers, because soon enough that feeling is replaced for something way more lovey-dovey. The issue is... Tucker has a girlfriend, his whole life was planned out for him and he's been drowning in his responsibilities. He's lost and bored, but there's something about Grace that he can't stop thinking about, will he have enough courage to turn his life upside down and choose a path without a safety net?
One thing that I have to say about Tucker and Grace is that they had SCORCHING chemistry, their banter and connection was amazing. But, because Tucker's previous relationship was so long and the switch to being infatuated with Grace was so quick I never really believed he was as in love with her as she was with him. Even with the amazing grand gesture at the end, I wish we would have gotten an epilogue that was a year or more into the future so that we could know that they made it, that he was still as invested in their relationship as Grace was.
I really do think that he had a bond with Grace and appreciated her. But, it seemed like she was the answer to this shiny new life he was pursuing, and I just needed more from them.
What we do get from the epilogue is a POV from Grace's twin brother Grady, and although I was pretty much expecting a possible relationship with THAT character, I wasn't a fan...
ps: just to clarify that there's no cheating in this book.
ps2: Maxine Barton was epic in this, LOVED her character.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review ❤️
Download your copy TODAY or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30wAA1J
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2NDSL0j
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/37cWWrV
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2vab3Qz
Audio on Author's Direct: https://bit.ly/2KlA2V8
Audio on iTunes: https://apple.co/2KjwF14
Audio on Google Play: https://bit.ly/3cALuZb
Audio on Kobo: https://bit.ly/3btKxlc
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ueXOh5
The Buchanan curse strikes again, this time with a slight twist. If you read Baking Me Crazy you know the Buchanan family is known for their love curse - once they meet THE one, it's love at first sight and a forever kind of thing. There's a rule though, the curse only applies to our beloved town of Green Valley Tennessee.
Grace is the only woman born in the Buchanan family in generations, and she doesn't really believe in curses... That's until she sees Tucker for the first time, and it's not love what she is feeling, but hatred.
But don't worry, this is not really an enemies-to-lovers, because soon enough that feeling is replaced for something way more lovey-dovey. The issue is... Tucker has a girlfriend, his whole life was planned out for him and he's been drowning in his responsibilities. He's lost and bored, but there's something about Grace that he can't stop thinking about, will he have enough courage to turn his life upside down and choose a path without a safety net?
One thing that I have to say about Tucker and Grace is that they had SCORCHING chemistry, their banter and connection was amazing. But, because Tucker's previous relationship was so long and the switch to being infatuated with Grace was so quick I never really believed he was as in love with her as she was with him. Even with the amazing grand gesture at the end, I wish we would have gotten an epilogue that was a year or more into the future so that we could know that they made it, that he was still as invested in their relationship as Grace was.
I really do think that he had a bond with Grace and appreciated her. But, it seemed like she was the answer to this shiny new life he was pursuing, and I just needed more from them.
What we do get from the epilogue is a POV from Grace's twin brother Grady, and although I was pretty much expecting a possible relationship with THAT character, I wasn't a fan...
ps: just to clarify that there's no cheating in this book.
ps2: Maxine Barton was epic in this, LOVED her character.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review ❤️
Download your copy TODAY or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30wAA1J
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2NDSL0j
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/37cWWrV
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2vab3Qz
Audio on Author's Direct: https://bit.ly/2KlA2V8
Audio on iTunes: https://apple.co/2KjwF14
Audio on Google Play: https://bit.ly/3cALuZb
Audio on Kobo: https://bit.ly/3btKxlc
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ueXOh5
Want to read
May 14, 2020
** NOW AVAILABLE IN KU **
FOLKS! Batter of Wits by Karla Sorensen is now available for FREE in Kindle Unlimited! You don't want to miss this one...
** LINKS **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30wAA1J
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2NDSL0j
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/37cWWrV
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2vab3Qz
** AUDIO LINKS **
Author’s Direct: https://bit.ly/2KlA2V8
Apple: https://apple.co/2KjwF14
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3cALuZb
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3btKxlc
** BLURB **
Hate at first sight couldn’t possibly exist, right?
That’s what Grace Buchanan thought, before her useless car stranded her on the side of a deserted road just inside the Green Valley city limits.
When Tucker Haywood—tall and handsome and full of southern charm— shows up to help, her reaction to him is the strongest thing she’s ever felt in her life, and it makes no freaking sense.
It doesn’t make much sense to Tucker either. Not why she hates him, or why he finds her so intriguing. He knows well enough that Grace is moving to Green Valley for a fresh start, not to distract him when he’s got no room for something like her in his life.
The complications between them are endless, but that doesn’t stop her definitely not love-at-first-sight feelings from changing into something else entirely.
Grace and Tucker are about to learn the hard way that in Green Valley, hating someone has never tasted so sweet.
‘Batter of Wits’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #5 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
May 9, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
He could talk a snake into crutches, if he put his mind to it.
Don't you get all high and mighty, Francine. If I had legs like hers, I'd work the pole too.
My brother smiled wide, and if his thick skull had a window in it, I would've seen the wheels spinning.
It was as if her brain was built with subtitles, because her facial expressions were so clear, so obvious, everything she was thinking played across that face as if someone was typing them in all-capped, bold letters.
This man would need a lobotomy to get over his anger with me.
She snatched the book from Maxine’s hand. “Ladies,” she said with a smile. “This one is mine.” The cover caught the light, a half-naked man clutching a scantily clad woman to his brawny chest. Maxine rolled her eyes. “Who do you think is fighting you over it, Ruby?” “You’d want it too if you read the last one. There was a scene in a ship that had me in hot flashes for a solid week.”… Ruby looked down at her book, and I snapped another picture, the rapturous expression on her gently wrinkled face had me grinning.
Shame didn’t go down easily when you tried to swallow it…
My Review:
Oh, happy, day! Another cleverly penned and sassy Smartypants Romance book to savor, smirk, and giggle snort over. I am a new disciple of Ms. Sorensen having only read her previous contribution to this witty series with Baking Me Crazy, and I am totally enamored with her after reading this snarky yet sweet and deliciously entertaining tale. I adore her highly amusing and seamless style of snappy banter, indomitable biddies, quirky characters, and shrewdly irreverent insights. My burgeoning TBR now includes her entire backlist and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
He could talk a snake into crutches, if he put his mind to it.
Don't you get all high and mighty, Francine. If I had legs like hers, I'd work the pole too.
My brother smiled wide, and if his thick skull had a window in it, I would've seen the wheels spinning.
It was as if her brain was built with subtitles, because her facial expressions were so clear, so obvious, everything she was thinking played across that face as if someone was typing them in all-capped, bold letters.
This man would need a lobotomy to get over his anger with me.
She snatched the book from Maxine’s hand. “Ladies,” she said with a smile. “This one is mine.” The cover caught the light, a half-naked man clutching a scantily clad woman to his brawny chest. Maxine rolled her eyes. “Who do you think is fighting you over it, Ruby?” “You’d want it too if you read the last one. There was a scene in a ship that had me in hot flashes for a solid week.”… Ruby looked down at her book, and I snapped another picture, the rapturous expression on her gently wrinkled face had me grinning.
Shame didn’t go down easily when you tried to swallow it…
My Review:
Oh, happy, day! Another cleverly penned and sassy Smartypants Romance book to savor, smirk, and giggle snort over. I am a new disciple of Ms. Sorensen having only read her previous contribution to this witty series with Baking Me Crazy, and I am totally enamored with her after reading this snarky yet sweet and deliciously entertaining tale. I adore her highly amusing and seamless style of snappy banter, indomitable biddies, quirky characters, and shrewdly irreverent insights. My burgeoning TBR now includes her entire backlist and I can’t wait to see what she does next.
May 2, 2020
this book ...
very sweet & cute!!
almost five stars read!!
very sweet & cute!!
almost five stars read!!
May 12, 2020
"...the first time Grace thawed to me, the first time I saw a crack in that shield. And it made me want to pry it loose and see what was underneath. I should have known then that I would've done anything, sacrificed anything to have her in my life."
The story of the Buchanans and their family love curse (from Baking Me Crazy) continues in this book!
Batter of Wits is a hate-to-love story about Grace Buchanan and Tucker Haywood. Grace moves to Green Valley with his brother Grady after living with their mom in LA basically all their life. She hated her job there so she's kind of finding her place in Green Valley. She's tough as hell but she's got a big heart. On the other hand, Tucker was born and raised in the town. He's been living his life as if it's all been planned for him — including his job and relationship. No one close to him notices how miserable he feels, but Grace does.
I really love both characters separately, I think they have amazing personalities and there's something relatable about them both. As for their relationship, they have amazing chemistry together!! I do wish there was a little bit more development, though. I feel like they quickly got together just as they were becoming good friends but that didn't really stop me from loving this. (I don't want to spoil what happens so I'll just say that Grace and Tucker's conversation in chapter 12 is EVERYTHING. Oh my heart.)
The small town feel this book gave me is extra special. I love how the side characters also gave so much life to the story and the way Karla Sorensen describes the town. I'm also so sold on Grady already, he's so protective and loyal to Grace. I think it's so funny how he's trying to avoid getting victimized by the Buchanan curse so I'm looking forward to see how that backfires on him haha
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Now FREE on Kindle Unlimited! https://amzn.to/30wAA1J
Want to read
May 14, 2020** NOW AVAILABLE IN KU **
Exciting times, people! ‘Batter of Wits’ by Karla Sorensen is now available in Kindle Unlimited!! You can pick up your copy today for FREE! Woot woot!
** LINKS **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30wAA1J
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2NDSL0j
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/37cWWrV
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2vab3Qz
** AUDIO LINKS **
Author’s Direct: https://bit.ly/2KlA2V8
Apple: https://apple.co/2KjwF14
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3cALuZb
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3btKxlc
Coming to Kindle Unlimited on April 27th!
** BLURB **
Hate at first sight couldn’t possibly exist, right?
That’s what Grace Buchanan thought, before her useless car stranded her on the side of a deserted road just inside the Green Valley city limits.
When Tucker Haywood—tall and handsome and full of southern charm— shows up to help, her reaction to him is the strongest thing she’s ever felt in her life, and it makes no freaking sense.
It doesn’t make much sense to Tucker either. Not why she hates him, or why he finds her so intriguing. He knows well enough that Grace is moving to Green Valley for a fresh start, not to distract him when he’s got no room for something like her in his life.
The complications between them are endless, but that doesn’t stop her definitely not love-at-first-sight feelings from changing into something else entirely.
Grace and Tucker are about to learn the hard way that in Green Valley, hating someone has never tasted so sweet.
‘Batter of Wits’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #5 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
April 22, 2020
This series is part of the Smartypants romance series which is based in Green Valley of the Winston brothers series by Penny Reid.
This set of books has one of the couple suffering from the Buchanan curse, where the member of the family recognises his or her future true love though the man or woman doesn't.
This starts with the Hero and heroine meeting and the heroine taking an instant dislike to him.
The dislike turns to insta love, due to the curse in an instant and there is no rhyme or reason for this, although the curse is a good idea, I would have liked it to be backed up by some actions from the Hero to have some logic to it.
We also learn by the end of chapter 2 that the Hero at the time of meeting the heroine has a girlfriend.
He breaks up with her by 40%, things weren't right between them but after he meets the heroine he realises his girlfriend isn't for him.
Nothing develops between the Hero and heroine until after the breakup though they do feel attraction.
But he breaks up with her one day and straight away, the next evening, shares some intimacy with the heroine.
This just feels in bad taste. And they both feel some guilt.
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine but the Hero does talk or think about his relationship with his girlfriend at times, they have been together since high school so there are references to loosing their virginity together etc.
His having a girlfriend did leave a bad taste in my mouth though it gives the impression he's not physical with her after meeting the heroine, there is a conversation about him not staying over etc.
But he was in a serious long term relationship with her, so to have it end suddenly and him pick up with the heroine seemed out of character.
There are some mentions of other previous couples and characters that could go on to have their own stories.
HEA.
This set of books has one of the couple suffering from the Buchanan curse, where the member of the family recognises his or her future true love though the man or woman doesn't.
This starts with the Hero and heroine meeting and the heroine taking an instant dislike to him.
The dislike turns to insta love, due to the curse in an instant and there is no rhyme or reason for this, although the curse is a good idea, I would have liked it to be backed up by some actions from the Hero to have some logic to it.
We also learn by the end of chapter 2 that the Hero at the time of meeting the heroine has a girlfriend.
He breaks up with her by 40%, things weren't right between them but after he meets the heroine he realises his girlfriend isn't for him.
Nothing develops between the Hero and heroine until after the breakup though they do feel attraction.
But he breaks up with her one day and straight away, the next evening, shares some intimacy with the heroine.
This just feels in bad taste. And they both feel some guilt.
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine but the Hero does talk or think about his relationship with his girlfriend at times, they have been together since high school so there are references to loosing their virginity together etc.
His having a girlfriend did leave a bad taste in my mouth though it gives the impression he's not physical with her after meeting the heroine, there is a conversation about him not staying over etc.
But he was in a serious long term relationship with her, so to have it end suddenly and him pick up with the heroine seemed out of character.
There are some mentions of other previous couples and characters that could go on to have their own stories.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
The Green Valley Chronicles has become a place I come home to for a while now. All the books I’ve read have taken me to a happy place. I have been introduced to so many great authors I can’t even with all my happy!
Okay, so I hadn’t had the chance to read the first book in this series before I got this ARC but as soon as I found out about the Buchanan curse plot point, I started at the beginning. OH THE JOY! I can’t even tell you which one I loved the best but I digress lol Let’s chat about this book!
Grace and Tucker …. You guys … what is happening?! They were pure joy even during the hate phase!! Everything from character development and growth to story layering was on point for me. I didn’t just think this story was enjoyable, I felt the joy people!
Is there anyone out there really not reading these books about these people in this town????
GET YOUR COPY RIGHT NOW!!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Okay, so I hadn’t had the chance to read the first book in this series before I got this ARC but as soon as I found out about the Buchanan curse plot point, I started at the beginning. OH THE JOY! I can’t even tell you which one I loved the best but I digress lol Let’s chat about this book!
Grace and Tucker …. You guys … what is happening?! They were pure joy even during the hate phase!! Everything from character development and growth to story layering was on point for me. I didn’t just think this story was enjoyable, I felt the joy people!
Is there anyone out there really not reading these books about these people in this town????
GET YOUR COPY RIGHT NOW!!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
Amazon CA | Amazon AU
May 7, 2020
5 STARS!
It's official!! I'm obsessed with Karla Sorensen and her writing!! A full-length standalone contemporary romance apart of the Penny Reid's Green Valley Book Universe, Batter of Wits is the second book I've read by Karla and it's my absolute favorite!
The Buchanan Curse is at it again and this time, Grace is the next victim. Grace also happens to be Levi Buchanan's cousin. Levi is the hero from Karla's first novel written in the Donner Bakery Series/Green Valley Book Universe, Baking Me Crazy. After being stranded in the middle of nowhere on the back roads of Tennessee, one comment from Tucker Haywood makes Grace Buchanan turn feral mad. Now, Grace is usually nice to strangers but for some reason she cannot stop herself from feeling a strong sense of disdain towards Tucker, nor can she resist blurting out rude comment after comment.
Poor Tucker. Being a southern gentlemen, Tucker stops to aide the woman stranded on the side of the road... not thinking of how she'll turn his world upside down. He doesn't even realize what hit him. You guys, Tucker is so dreamy and sweet with a sexy accent–literally a perfect hero.
I could NOT get enough of this book! It's such a fun read with some hilarious hate-to-love banter. I especially loved this couple pairing and the fact that Tucker calls Grace, Angry Girl 😍 #SWOON. Through Grace, Tucker learns that it's okay to take risks and Grace is able to find her niche' in the small-town of Green Valley.
Batter of Wits is such a heartfelt, angsty, and swoon worthy novel. I laughed, I even shed a tear (or two), and I finished this novel feeling extremely giddy! I cannot wait to see what Karla has in store in the future books!!
* This edit was taken from the author's page.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
It's official!! I'm obsessed with Karla Sorensen and her writing!! A full-length standalone contemporary romance apart of the Penny Reid's Green Valley Book Universe, Batter of Wits is the second book I've read by Karla and it's my absolute favorite!
The Buchanan Curse is at it again and this time, Grace is the next victim. Grace also happens to be Levi Buchanan's cousin. Levi is the hero from Karla's first novel written in the Donner Bakery Series/Green Valley Book Universe, Baking Me Crazy. After being stranded in the middle of nowhere on the back roads of Tennessee, one comment from Tucker Haywood makes Grace Buchanan turn feral mad. Now, Grace is usually nice to strangers but for some reason she cannot stop herself from feeling a strong sense of disdain towards Tucker, nor can she resist blurting out rude comment after comment.
Poor Tucker. Being a southern gentlemen, Tucker stops to aide the woman stranded on the side of the road... not thinking of how she'll turn his world upside down. He doesn't even realize what hit him. You guys, Tucker is so dreamy and sweet with a sexy accent–literally a perfect hero.
I could NOT get enough of this book! It's such a fun read with some hilarious hate-to-love banter. I especially loved this couple pairing and the fact that Tucker calls Grace, Angry Girl 😍 #SWOON. Through Grace, Tucker learns that it's okay to take risks and Grace is able to find her niche' in the small-town of Green Valley.
Batter of Wits is such a heartfelt, angsty, and swoon worthy novel. I laughed, I even shed a tear (or two), and I finished this novel feeling extremely giddy! I cannot wait to see what Karla has in store in the future books!!
* This edit was taken from the author's page.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
May 2, 2020
Grace Buchanan and her twin brother Grady move from LA to Green Valley to be closer to their dad and have a fresh start. Grace’s career didn’t pan out so she has nothing tying her to California. The Buchanans are known for their “curse” where everyone in the family meets their one true love in Green Valley. Grace isn’t looking for love, but instead of love at first sight she finds insta-hate with Tucker Haywood.
Tucker is a lawyer at his family’s law firm and has been dating the town’s southern belle since high school. But Tucker feels stuck—in his career and in his love life. That is until he meets newcomer to Green Valley, Grace. And for some reason, she hates his guts.
Somehow Grace and Tucker get roped into planning part of the local fair together. Even though Grace started out hating Tucker, she can’t help but feeling attracted to him. And she quickly learns that the feelings are mutual. Grace wanted nothing to do with her family’s curse, but she might not have a choice in the matter.
Batter of Wits by Karla Sorensen is book 5 in the Donner Bakery series. This was a cute enemies to lovers, small town romance. Of all the books in this series, the 2 by Karla have been my favorite. I wasn’t a huge fan of Grace’s hate for Tucker, as she had no reason to dislike him. I enjoyed Tucker’s story and seeing him break out of his family’s mold but still do what’s best for them. A cute story, but I wasn’t head over heels for it. 3.5/5 stars.
Thanks to Social Butterfly PR, Smartypants Romance and Karla Sorensen for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tucker is a lawyer at his family’s law firm and has been dating the town’s southern belle since high school. But Tucker feels stuck—in his career and in his love life. That is until he meets newcomer to Green Valley, Grace. And for some reason, she hates his guts.
Somehow Grace and Tucker get roped into planning part of the local fair together. Even though Grace started out hating Tucker, she can’t help but feeling attracted to him. And she quickly learns that the feelings are mutual. Grace wanted nothing to do with her family’s curse, but she might not have a choice in the matter.
Batter of Wits by Karla Sorensen is book 5 in the Donner Bakery series. This was a cute enemies to lovers, small town romance. Of all the books in this series, the 2 by Karla have been my favorite. I wasn’t a huge fan of Grace’s hate for Tucker, as she had no reason to dislike him. I enjoyed Tucker’s story and seeing him break out of his family’s mold but still do what’s best for them. A cute story, but I wasn’t head over heels for it. 3.5/5 stars.
Thanks to Social Butterfly PR, Smartypants Romance and Karla Sorensen for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2020
“The truth is that until the day you showed up, I’d never taken a true risk in my entire life, Grace. No matter how unhappy I might have been, I couldn’t see a future that was worth risking what I did have, all those perfectly fine things. But falling in love with you,” he said, tracing the edge of my lips, “and being apart from you, I realized that nothing else comes close to deserving that word, the only thing that does is trying to imagine life without you.”
4.25 stars.
No one is more surprised at this rating than I am.
Full disclosure, when I read the first two chapter of this, I was really thinking of dnfing it. I even put the book down for days on end, I was just not feeling it. It is no secret that I absolutely depsise the hate at first sight trope (even more than instalove), it just makes no sense to whatsoever. But I'm glad I stuck to my 25% rule and pushed through.. and I absolutely have no regrets.
As mentioned above, this book and me got off to a rocky start, but like Grace and Tucker, I just couldn't help but fall in love with it at the end.
Grace is a Buchanan, and as all Buchanan's she is cursed. Except Grace doesn't believe in the family curse.. that is unitl she meets Tucker Haywood.
Grace started as an annoying character to me, I just couldn't deal with me, her immediate hostility towards Tucker just didn't do it for me. But the more I got into the book, the more I kind of understood her and loved her. She is a great character and she has a really big heart, she is also very human, I also appreciated the fact that she wasn't a fan of how she treated Tucker herself, she just couldn't help it.
Tucker has lived in Green Valley his entire life, and has been working for his father's lawfirm for what feels like forever. His life hasn't been ideal, he was just going with the flow, a job he didn't like, a girlfriend he wasn't in love with.. then enters Grace.
Grace and Tucker honestly just made sense to me. She saw through him like no one ever has; and although their relationship didn't start in the best circumstances, there was no doubt that their feelings were real.
I ended up liking these two more than I thought I would and ended up really enjoying their story. It is not perfect, they both make mistakes; mistakes that affect their lives and each other, but they get into them with the best, albeit misguided, intentions.
Another thing I liked about this, is Grace and Grady's relationship. There is nothing I love more than healthy sibling relationships, where they care about each other inconditially and support each other through everything without hesitating to call each other on their bullshit if need be. And Grady and Grace absolutely have that!
Honestly, this book was really a surprise to me, in a really good way.
I find the whole Buchanan Curse storyline very unique and interesting. And the little plot twist in this installment just made it all the more that!
And the little sneak peek for the next book at the end of the epilogue... I'm looking forward to Grady and Magnolia's story, this one promises to be quite interesting.
*ARC provided by SocialButterfly in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2020
Check out an Excerpt HERE
***4 ‘I Like Your Crazy’ Stars***
Love at first sight is a typical trope. Hate at first sight? Not so much, but considering there is a belief that the two emotions tend to be one and the same, or at least that there is a very fine line that separates them, it was something I could definitely get behind...especially AFTER I remembered the Buchanan “curse” and then it all fell into place and I was all in and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Grace and Tucker. I really liked these two, but they took me on a bit of a ride. Both are really good people with good hearts, but they are both stuck. Grace is well aware that she’s in a limbo of sorts and is attempting to find her way. Tucker...well, he is in a denial of sorts and when you mix that in with the ‘curse’ and Green Valley as a whole, things get quite interesting.
Their journey to their HEA starts off quite rocky, and definitely gets a little more murky as things progress, but I really did like them together. The bantering was a lot of fun and there was a flow between them that worked for me. When the big roadblock pops up, well it wasn’t a surprise, it was building up from the start, and I ended up on the Team Grace side of things, but I loved the grand gesture and how everything worked out for them.
This book was a lot of fun to read, but then again being back in Green Valley is always makes for a good time. Getting a little ‘Joy’ time had me smiling as well as getting to catch up with Levi and Joss, as well as the tidbits of the Winston clan tossed into the mix. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Grady a bit better and with how that epilogue left things...well, I can’t wait to get my hands on his book.
~ Copy provided by SBPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
April 20, 2020
4 Stars!
Baking Me Crazy was one of my favorite books in the first Smartypants launch so I was so excited to receive this ARC. Grace moves from LA to Green Valley and runs into Tucker on her way. It was hate at first sight. Grace is the first female in the Buchanan family and doesn’t believe in the infamous Buchanan curse but is confused by the feelings she has for Tucker. Batter of Witts took me some time to get into. I was initially put off by Grace’s hostility and rudeness toward Tucker. However, throughout the book I grew to really like her and loved the cute romance between the two characters. They both saw each other for who they truly are and it was fun to read their connection. Batter of Witts encourages readers to take risks and open themselves up to love. Kayla Sorensen is a great writer and this second installment will not disappoint fans.
Can’t wait to read Grady’s book next!
Baking Me Crazy was one of my favorite books in the first Smartypants launch so I was so excited to receive this ARC. Grace moves from LA to Green Valley and runs into Tucker on her way. It was hate at first sight. Grace is the first female in the Buchanan family and doesn’t believe in the infamous Buchanan curse but is confused by the feelings she has for Tucker. Batter of Witts took me some time to get into. I was initially put off by Grace’s hostility and rudeness toward Tucker. However, throughout the book I grew to really like her and loved the cute romance between the two characters. They both saw each other for who they truly are and it was fun to read their connection. Batter of Witts encourages readers to take risks and open themselves up to love. Kayla Sorensen is a great writer and this second installment will not disappoint fans.
Can’t wait to read Grady’s book next!
April 15, 2020
Batter of Wits is the fifth book in the Donner Bakery series and another addition to the Smartypants Romance novels.
This is another story of the Buchanan curse and the effects it had on Grace.
Grace is trying to find a place to fit in Green Valley. She’s having some difficulties trying to adapt to small town life. She’s strong and sassy and just dances to beat of her own drum.
Tucker is a charming and handsome southern gentleman with issues of his own. He had no idea while picking up a stranger off the road that she would turn his life upside down.
Batter of Wits had me laughing and swooning. Heartfelt with just a smidge of angst. A story of finding your path and fighting for what you want.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
This is another story of the Buchanan curse and the effects it had on Grace.
Grace is trying to find a place to fit in Green Valley. She’s having some difficulties trying to adapt to small town life. She’s strong and sassy and just dances to beat of her own drum.
Tucker is a charming and handsome southern gentleman with issues of his own. He had no idea while picking up a stranger off the road that she would turn his life upside down.
Batter of Wits had me laughing and swooning. Heartfelt with just a smidge of angst. A story of finding your path and fighting for what you want.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
May 5, 2020
Oh my heart! This was perfect! I loved every word. Tucker and Grace's story had me filled with an angst-like anticipation because of the whirlwind they were in. And when I read the ending, I squealed out loud and might have even kicked my feet in total joy!
This is a book that I will re-read in the future 😊
Make sure you check out my post about this book on the blog I run with my bestie! http://www.facebook.com/twogirlswithb...
This is a book that I will re-read in the future 😊
Make sure you check out my post about this book on the blog I run with my bestie! http://www.facebook.com/twogirlswithb...
April 21, 2020
I just adored this story!! It is fun and sweet, but still deep and emotional. There is a family love curse (or is it hate curse?)
“He kissed me until I couldn’t breathe, so he gave me his breath. He kissed me until my head spun, and he was my anchor. He kissed me until my heart almost thrashed angrily from my chest, and he kept it safely in place.”
The romance is sweet, HOT, and Swoony with a capital S! Sign me up for more stories in this series and by this author!! Keep them coming!!
-5++ Stars!!!-
“He kissed me until I couldn’t breathe, so he gave me his breath. He kissed me until my head spun, and he was my anchor. He kissed me until my heart almost thrashed angrily from my chest, and he kept it safely in place.”
The romance is sweet, HOT, and Swoony with a capital S! Sign me up for more stories in this series and by this author!! Keep them coming!!
-5++ Stars!!!-
Read
March 26, 2020I can't wait for the next one!
April 28, 2022
I loved Baking me crazy, so I had high hopes for this book. Although it was a bit crazy, I liked it, it was a quick, cute read.
April 15, 2020
[I received a digital copy for an honest review]
Batter of Wits by Karla Sorenson is the newest addition to the Donner Bakery books and the Green Valley series. I read Karla Sorensen's other release in this series and loved it, so I was excited for this book and it was as great as I expected it to be.
When Grace moves back to Green Valley the first person she meets is Tucker Haywood and if you can believe it, it's hate at first sight. She can't explain it but the mere sight of him gets her blood boiling. Turns out her hate is just the prologue for her falling in love and nothing about the situation is easy. The two have to lie low when they give into their insane connection because of Tucker's relationship he ended shortly after meeting Grace. The longer they stay hidden the harder things become and lies of omission can easily pop their little bubble.
"This woman was going to be the death of me, with her big eyes and smart mouth and observant mind, and I had no desire to avert the impending fallout."
My feelings for Tucker fluctuated throughout the book. He wasn't my favorite in the beginning because I'm never a fan of a hero who starts a story already in a relationship. Then he grew on me with the little moments he shared with Grace and his physical passion with her. Yet he really goes about being with Grace the wrong way because hiding a relationship never leads to good things. His serious groveling works out in the end, and I am happy to see them together but man he should have gotten his act together earlier.
"His mouth was smiling when he kissed e, and my heart, it had never been so happy."
Grace I loved from the moment she insta-hated Tucker with her attitude and sass. I immediately connected with Grace after her first interaction with Tucker because growing up in New England people just aren't that nice to strangers. Like Grace, we would have immediately been suspicious and probably rude, so I felt a kinship to her off the bat. Her journey from hate to love gave me a little whiplash and her going along with the decision to hide her and Tuckers relationship didn't fit with her strong personality. She was open and honest and felt so deeply.
When it comes to the Green Valley series you know going in it's a little out of the ordinary. One of the main story lines that force Grace and Tucker together is the chicken festival and a kissing booth. I feel like the community of Green Valley is so established that you don't question any weird situations and just go along for the ride. Overall, I adored Batter of Wits immensely and I can not wait for Grace's brother Grady's book!
Batter of Wits by Karla Sorenson is the newest addition to the Donner Bakery books and the Green Valley series. I read Karla Sorensen's other release in this series and loved it, so I was excited for this book and it was as great as I expected it to be.
When Grace moves back to Green Valley the first person she meets is Tucker Haywood and if you can believe it, it's hate at first sight. She can't explain it but the mere sight of him gets her blood boiling. Turns out her hate is just the prologue for her falling in love and nothing about the situation is easy. The two have to lie low when they give into their insane connection because of Tucker's relationship he ended shortly after meeting Grace. The longer they stay hidden the harder things become and lies of omission can easily pop their little bubble.
"This woman was going to be the death of me, with her big eyes and smart mouth and observant mind, and I had no desire to avert the impending fallout."
My feelings for Tucker fluctuated throughout the book. He wasn't my favorite in the beginning because I'm never a fan of a hero who starts a story already in a relationship. Then he grew on me with the little moments he shared with Grace and his physical passion with her. Yet he really goes about being with Grace the wrong way because hiding a relationship never leads to good things. His serious groveling works out in the end, and I am happy to see them together but man he should have gotten his act together earlier.
"His mouth was smiling when he kissed e, and my heart, it had never been so happy."
Grace I loved from the moment she insta-hated Tucker with her attitude and sass. I immediately connected with Grace after her first interaction with Tucker because growing up in New England people just aren't that nice to strangers. Like Grace, we would have immediately been suspicious and probably rude, so I felt a kinship to her off the bat. Her journey from hate to love gave me a little whiplash and her going along with the decision to hide her and Tuckers relationship didn't fit with her strong personality. She was open and honest and felt so deeply.
When it comes to the Green Valley series you know going in it's a little out of the ordinary. One of the main story lines that force Grace and Tucker together is the chicken festival and a kissing booth. I feel like the community of Green Valley is so established that you don't question any weird situations and just go along for the ride. Overall, I adored Batter of Wits immensely and I can not wait for Grace's brother Grady's book!
April 25, 2020
“I could tell him about this crazy family curse, and if nothing else, that one secret wouldn't be hanging over us. Because the one thing I knew was that my heart was safe with Tucker Haywood.”
SO CUTE
April 21, 2020
Very original story set in Green Valley in the Smartypants series.
4.25 stars
This is said a lot, but I do think that this could be a standalone. This could be a great starting out book if you're one of the few that haven't read Penny Reid's books-or Karla Sorensen's or any of the SP books.
Grace is new to town. Tucker has lived in Green Valley his entire life.
I loved their enemies to lovers story. Grace had to deal with the Buchanan love curse.
I really enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Maxine! Oye. She'shows up, just the right amount of time. She's a feisty oldster but actually adds to the will they or won't they ? between Grace & Tucker.
Very sweet ending. Dual 1st person POV. I won this on FB, but next week, it's available in KU
4.25 stars
This is said a lot, but I do think that this could be a standalone. This could be a great starting out book if you're one of the few that haven't read Penny Reid's books-or Karla Sorensen's or any of the SP books.
Grace is new to town. Tucker has lived in Green Valley his entire life.
I loved their enemies to lovers story. Grace had to deal with the Buchanan love curse.
I really enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Maxine! Oye. She'shows up, just the right amount of time. She's a feisty oldster but actually adds to the will they or won't they ? between Grace & Tucker.
Very sweet ending. Dual 1st person POV. I won this on FB, but next week, it's available in KU
May 7, 2020
This book was really good! As usual, almost every single book I’ve read in the SmartyPants Romance series has blown me away. I also was so excited to get to see another member of the Buchanan family deal with the family curse of having a soulmate. Only the way Grace got it was weird, it was hate at first sight! Soon realizing she was truly only one of two females ever born to the family after the curse, it was interesting to see how it affected her and her life.
At first, I was a little worried about how Tucker could be the love of her life, especially when we found out just why he couldn’t have her as a distraction because of what was going on in his life.
The author handled all the issues perfectly. I even am looking forward to getting Grace’s twin brother’s story in the future hopefully. The romance was sweet and perfect, and so easy to pick up and read and read and read, and then so hard to put down if I had to! Which with all the crazy quarantine stuff, I didn’t have to do that much. Another win for this series. Although, while I get the connection to the first book in the series by this author, Baking Me Crazy, this honestly didn’t really have enough of a connection to the Bakery for me. I’ll mention something similar about the library book I’ll be reviewing soon as well!
Review first published at Lisa Loves Literature.
At first, I was a little worried about how Tucker could be the love of her life, especially when we found out just why he couldn’t have her as a distraction because of what was going on in his life.
The author handled all the issues perfectly. I even am looking forward to getting Grace’s twin brother’s story in the future hopefully. The romance was sweet and perfect, and so easy to pick up and read and read and read, and then so hard to put down if I had to! Which with all the crazy quarantine stuff, I didn’t have to do that much. Another win for this series. Although, while I get the connection to the first book in the series by this author, Baking Me Crazy, this honestly didn’t really have enough of a connection to the Bakery for me. I’ll mention something similar about the library book I’ll be reviewing soon as well!
Review first published at Lisa Loves Literature.
May 6, 2020
The Buchanan curse strikes again. Hate at first sight? Sign me up. Grace and Tucker were adorable. I didn't love the fact that he was with someone else at the beginning, but it worked out well for the story lines. Grace meets Tucker and instantly can't stand him. His voice is like needles in her ears and Tucker is fascinated with this Angry girl. He hasn't met anyone that gets this big of a reaction out of him, even his longtime girlfriend Magnolia. He knows he wants to be around Grace and he needs to end things with Maggie, but the whole town sees them as the golden couple. Grace is the new girl in town and as she realizes her feelings are deeper than hate for Tucker, she must look into the family curse and what it means for females. I love a good enemies to lovers story, but this one had much more than that. Seeing old characters in this book makes me feel like coming home.
April 16, 2020
Full review to come :)
May 5, 2020
Batter of Wits is the fifth book in the contemporary romance, Donner Bakery series by author Karla Sorensen. It is also the 22nd book in the Green Valley Universe from Smarty Pants romance. If you are new to Smartypants romance, it is a publishing line with books by several different authors, writing stories set in one of Penny Reid's universes. Many of the stories feature characters in and around the town of Green Valley. (The Winston Brothers series) I am such a big fan of this series, and if it seems intimidating, don't worry! The books can all be read as standalones, and you don't have to read any of Penny's original books to understand the world. (though you should read all of he books because she is one of my very favorite romance authors) It is perfect for new fans and old fans because we get all new story lines and characters, but we get to see plenty of character crossover.
I have missed a couple of books in the Donner Bakery series, but I really enjoyed Karla Sorenson's first book, so I knew I couldn't miss another book featuring the Buchanan family curse. Grace's family has an interesting curse placed upon them. Each of the men in his family are cursed with falling in love at first sight with the woman they are meant to be with, and then never loving another woman for the rest of their life. Grace, not being a man, gets an interesting twist on how the family curse applies to her. Oh no, she does not get to escape it. The moment Grace lays eyes on Tucker, she hates him on the spot. As soon as I saw this would be an enemies to lovers trope, I was even more sold.
I loved Grace and Tucker. I can't wait to read more books from Karla. Her sweet romance really hit the spot for me. Their story was a lot of fun and brought a big smile to my face. Even with all the hating going on, I loved the way Grace and Tucker complimented each other. They both truly seemed to "get" the other person, which is always something I love seeing in a couple. My only complaint is that there wasn't a big connection to the bakery, rather the connection here was with the Buchanan family. Levi Buchanan's story was very closely linked to the bakery and here we are linked through him. Not a big deal, but it is something I wanted to point out. Overall, if you are the in mood for a really cute, sweet and satisfying enemies to lovers romance, Batter of Wits is a great book for you to pick up, as are any of the Green Valley Universe reads. I have been enjoying them all! Bring on more Smartypants Romance!
I have missed a couple of books in the Donner Bakery series, but I really enjoyed Karla Sorenson's first book, so I knew I couldn't miss another book featuring the Buchanan family curse. Grace's family has an interesting curse placed upon them. Each of the men in his family are cursed with falling in love at first sight with the woman they are meant to be with, and then never loving another woman for the rest of their life. Grace, not being a man, gets an interesting twist on how the family curse applies to her. Oh no, she does not get to escape it. The moment Grace lays eyes on Tucker, she hates him on the spot. As soon as I saw this would be an enemies to lovers trope, I was even more sold.
I loved Grace and Tucker. I can't wait to read more books from Karla. Her sweet romance really hit the spot for me. Their story was a lot of fun and brought a big smile to my face. Even with all the hating going on, I loved the way Grace and Tucker complimented each other. They both truly seemed to "get" the other person, which is always something I love seeing in a couple. My only complaint is that there wasn't a big connection to the bakery, rather the connection here was with the Buchanan family. Levi Buchanan's story was very closely linked to the bakery and here we are linked through him. Not a big deal, but it is something I wanted to point out. Overall, if you are the in mood for a really cute, sweet and satisfying enemies to lovers romance, Batter of Wits is a great book for you to pick up, as are any of the Green Valley Universe reads. I have been enjoying them all! Bring on more Smartypants Romance!
April 25, 2020
Grace and Grady Buchanan are moving back to their dad's hometown of Green Valley, home of the Winstons and some awesome characters. As those will recall with Levi's story we learned about the Buchanan family curse where it is love at first sight if the romance begins in Green Valley. If it is elsewhere, then the love won't be right as Levi's older brother is experiencing. Grace doesn't believe in the curse, but she is about to be in for one wild ride as she soon discovers the curse is reversed for the females in the Buchanan family line. There have only been two females so far in this family line and one was five generations ago by the name of Rose Buchanan. Grace finds her diary and all becomes revealed as she learns of Rose's dilemma. Jump back to the present time and ever since she first crossed the line welcoming her to Green Valley she meets Tucker Haywood. The thing for Grace, she feels some strong emotions towards him and instantly can't stand him. For Grace, meeting Tucker was hate at first sight. Everything from his voice, actions grates on her nerves and she can't stand to be around him. Slowly that starts to change and Grace finds herself falling madly in love with Tucker. The thing though is that there is a major obstacle in the way, Tucker is engaged and he has been with the same girl since high school. Can Grace find a way to get past her feelings for Tucker or will she soon open Tucker's eyes to a fact he has been living a very unhappy life and if he stays with Magnolia, he will be miserable? Find out in Book #5 of the Donner Bakery series and I am now looking forward to the next book which is Grady's story which means it will be love at first sight for him and at the end of this book when it was revealed who his female counterpart was - I have to admit I was very surprised.
Batter of the Wits was another fabulous read in the Green Valley Smartypants Romance publications and Penny Reid should be very proud as all the authors are doing her world perfect.
Batter of the Wits was another fabulous read in the Green Valley Smartypants Romance publications and Penny Reid should be very proud as all the authors are doing her world perfect.
April 20, 2020
4.5 Stars
I'm thoroughly enjoying this second release of Smartypants romances. Like the others this one is written in the same world as Karla Sorensen's Baking Me Crazy. This is Grace's story we heard of the Buchanan love at first sight curse. She moved to Green Valley to start over she doesn't think that curse will happen to her though. But it does but more like hate at first sight.
Grace and Tucker's first meeting doesn't go well at all, the littlest things about him get on her nerves. It goes on and on until they're paired to work together for a town festival. Tucker has a long time girlfriend and a job he's not quite in love with. It's like he just follows the tide and cause it what he knows. They make each other think even if it took a while for feelings to develop. I like that Grace saw Tucker and how unhappy he was.
They had there fair share of hurdles especially since Tucker broke up with his girlfriend who is well liked. I have to note he broke up with her once an inkling of feeling started and he realized it which is great. Also Grace had to navigate her own feelings curse wise and other things. Tucker manned up and got things together. Tucker and Grace had a sweet twist on the hate at first sight trope. I can't wait for Grady's story!
I'm thoroughly enjoying this second release of Smartypants romances. Like the others this one is written in the same world as Karla Sorensen's Baking Me Crazy. This is Grace's story we heard of the Buchanan love at first sight curse. She moved to Green Valley to start over she doesn't think that curse will happen to her though. But it does but more like hate at first sight.
Grace and Tucker's first meeting doesn't go well at all, the littlest things about him get on her nerves. It goes on and on until they're paired to work together for a town festival. Tucker has a long time girlfriend and a job he's not quite in love with. It's like he just follows the tide and cause it what he knows. They make each other think even if it took a while for feelings to develop. I like that Grace saw Tucker and how unhappy he was.
They had there fair share of hurdles especially since Tucker broke up with his girlfriend who is well liked. I have to note he broke up with her once an inkling of feeling started and he realized it which is great. Also Grace had to navigate her own feelings curse wise and other things. Tucker manned up and got things together. Tucker and Grace had a sweet twist on the hate at first sight trope. I can't wait for Grady's story!
March 31, 2022
The Buchanan's have a family curse. They fall in love instantly and for life. They also never have daughters. That is until one of the wives gives birth to twins and one of them is a girl.
Since their mother and father weren't a love match, their marriage didn't last. So, mom took the twins to California, and they only visited their dad. Now Grace is headed to Green Valley just ahead of her twin brother. Along the way her car breaks down and she meets Tucker Haywood.
But, instead of the instant love, it's instant hate. Until it isn't.
A cute story set in one of my favorite small towns full of hunks with beards.
Since their mother and father weren't a love match, their marriage didn't last. So, mom took the twins to California, and they only visited their dad. Now Grace is headed to Green Valley just ahead of her twin brother. Along the way her car breaks down and she meets Tucker Haywood.
But, instead of the instant love, it's instant hate. Until it isn't.
A cute story set in one of my favorite small towns full of hunks with beards.
October 31, 2022
3.5 Stars
It was so nice being back in this world. The Love at First Sight series has been a success for me and I enjoyed being back in Green Valley - it's a rich small town setting with a host of great supporting characters. While Grace is new to town, and skeptical of the Buchanan family love curse, I thought how the 'curse'/instant reaction to Tucker were fun and you could immediately feel something between the two. I do think the story was a touch too fast paced for me to really get the development I wanted between the two of them, but I still had a good time.
It was so nice being back in this world. The Love at First Sight series has been a success for me and I enjoyed being back in Green Valley - it's a rich small town setting with a host of great supporting characters. While Grace is new to town, and skeptical of the Buchanan family love curse, I thought how the 'curse'/instant reaction to Tucker were fun and you could immediately feel something between the two. I do think the story was a touch too fast paced for me to really get the development I wanted between the two of them, but I still had a good time.
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