The Jane Thing

Meet Cute Book Club #2

by Tracy Broemmer

When my best friend asks me to put her brother up at my place for a while, I’m totally on board. After all, I practically grew up in Chloe and Gideon’s house, so I used to kind of know him. Those childhood memories don’t compare to the real Gideon Reece when he shows up ready to be my temporary roommate. He’s grown into a smoking hot guy complete with tattoos, rakish-looking hair, and a face that looks like art. Too bad he’s a pompous jerk.

My sister’s best friend is going to drive me crazy before my stay here is over. She’s prettier than I remember, but she’s all sunshine and chatter, like she thinks we’re going to be besties while I’m here. Spoiler alert: we’re not. I’m here to secure a job and find a place to live, and in the meantime, I have no interest in palling around with Skye Stafford.

Then why did I kiss her? Probably the same reason I can’t get her off my mind. She’s completely different from any woman I’ve ever known, and to my regret, I can’t get enough of her. I have to keep my hands to myself, because I’d never forgive myself if I came between Chloe and Skye.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2022

Reviews

[TMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I did enjoy this book a lot, despite my 4-star rating. One star was merely taken off, because I found the heroine a bit too...out there..for my sanity to enjoy at times.

But I loved Skye and Gideon together regardless. And his...many interesting adventures.

I loved how they took adventures, read together (the shock of characters reading books in books never goes away when I see it happen), and just I guess enjoy each other's company.

Although a lot different to each other, you can tell something will definitely happen between them.

And what did happen was a wonderful book I got - highlighting their chemistry/romance well, intriguing dialogues, and a lot of other interesting things happening on the side as well.

Ah, I will definitely look forward to another Tracy B's novel for sure, real soon.

Until the next read,

-TMR

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye will do anything for her best friend Chloe and that includes letting Gideon, her brother, stay with her until he can find his own accommodations. The one thing she hadn’t expected was the attraction she would feel for this sexy man who was determined to distance himself from her.

The Skye that Gideon meets now is not the Skye that he remembers, and he is attracted to the woman she has become. It would be easier to keep his distance for all parties, including his sister, but that is proving to be easier said than done.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Skye and Gideon unfold as they got to know each other before they acted on their feelings. Between the misunderstandings and the hurt feelings they definitely had their challenges but that only made what they had that much better.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye is Gideon's sister, Chloe's best friend, and when Chloe asked Skye to allow Gideon to stay with her temporarily, Skye of course agreed. However, Skye never thought Gideon would be so hot when he showed up because he was a lot different when they were kids. Gideon didn't expect Skye to look like she does either, so both were shocked at the other, however, they had instant chemistry. The story had all the making of the perfect read, but Gideon just didn't quite do it for me as I felt like he was a real jerk for much of the story. I started to warm up to him finally when he really killed every bit of goodwill with his questionable decisions that really hurt Skye, so I didn't end up loving him. I didn't actively hate him by the end but I need to fall in love with the hero for the perfect story but that's just me, and everyone is different so don't go by my opinion here. Please just decide for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons because I'm really a fan of this author! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is a well written story where the characters pull you into their story from the start. They are strong, creative, supportive characters that bring the story to life on each page. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed and look forward to reading more from them. There is great growth of the plot and the characters throughout the story. This made the story easy and entertaining to read. I also enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. They are great together and I found myself hoping they made it to the end. I really enjoyed what they brought to the story. They had me coming back for more. This isa fast paced story that is hard to put down. It made my after for sure. I highly recommend this book.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 Star Review The Jane Thing (Meet Cute Book Club #2) by Tracy Broemmer

Tracy Broemmer is a relatively new author to me but what I have read I have enjoyed. The Jane Thing was well written with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in.

This is Gideon Reece and Skye Stafford’s friends to lovers’ slow burn romance which ticked a number of boxes for me. The writing was strong, the characters engaging and I found them easy to like. .

When her brother needs a place to stay, Chloe asks her best friend Skye if he can use her spare room. Sparks ignite as these friends realize that the attraction that sizzles is mutual. The chemistry between them builds and it was entertaining to watch the relationship develop.
On paper these two should not work but in my opinion they were well suited. I really felt for Skye as her insecurities almost destroyed her chance at happiness, convinced that Gideon could not be interested in her. I really like how Gideon stepped up to show Skye that she was beautiful, inside and out.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book it was cute sexy and charming. It was Gideon and Skyes story. It had action intrigue attraction emotions drama humor romance and love. It was a feel good enemies to lovers opposite attracts kinda story that I enjoyed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mel Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Louis Love story with heart

Tracy Broemmer weaves an incredibly sweet and swoony romance set in St Louis that will have you smiling. Gideon in need of a place to stay crashes at his sister’s best friend’s apartment.

The attraction with Skye is immediate despite them both knowing the risk. Their journey is filled with so many sweet moments as Gideon falls for the first time in his life. What a joy to peek in on these perfectly crafted moments. The Jane thing is anything but ordinary. 5stars

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute best friend's brother story. It was funny and entertaining, even if at times I felt like hitting Gideon upside the head.

[Kia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING – 5

RECOMMENDED: YES for lovers of independent heroine, unique secure Hero, best friend’s sibling

First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was new to me

BOOK:
- Cover adequately reflects the story
- Genre/troupe: contemporary romance
- 1st person alternating POV

Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
• Writing Quality: 5 stars
• Story ingredient: 4 stars
• Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars
• Plot strength: 4 stars
• Steam Level 5 – open door and high on steam

Notes/Opinion (personal):
This was a quick read for me (admittedly, I’m a fast reader). I enjoyed our somewhat quirky Hero. He definitely appealed in that he was secure and mostly happy with his individuality, not bending to meet expectations. Our heroine was expected in a strong, young thirty-something character. For me, Gideon definitely stole the show, however.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. It started out really good and I was interested in the characters and their interactions to see where it would go. Even if Gideon seemed a little too stand-offish, I got it. The plot was interesting, and had some unique differences from similar roommate romance type of stories. As well as the whole best friend’s brother aspect to the story even had different aspects from what you usually read. The story felt a little slowed down or off to me about halfway through, and so I kind of sped-read the last half. While it wasn’t bad, in the end it wasn’t one that blew me away. There were some things the characters did that seemed out of character for how they’d been introduced and built up at the beginning for their personalities, and that just bugged me a bit. It was good enough though that I was able to finish, and wouldn’t be completely opposed to reading another book by this author in the future.

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Tracy Broemmer is an author that I had not read before so when I started reading her latest novel, The Jane Thing, I will admit I didn’t have high hopes for a new, never done before, best-friend’s-sibling-romance. My plan was to read it as fast as possible to get on to other books. So, the first couple of chapters were fine and I could see that Ms. Broemmer had skillfully established the “slow burn” approach to Gideon and Skye’s (the protagonists’) relationship, setting up along the way a tale of two people missing the joy of sharing their lives with a partner. Gideon’s sister Chloe is Skye’s best friend. Gideon needs a place to stay for a while until he can sort out a job and find a place of his own. Chloe asks Skye to put him up in her spare bedroom until he can get situated, as usual, looking out for her younger brother. Skye remembers Gideon as an awkward, shy, and isolating person who never seemed to leave his room during his developmental years. But of course, everyone grows and changes, and the man at her door, sorry, the gorgeous, tall, muscular, extremely handsome and hot man at her door bore no resemblance to the Gideon she last saw years before. And her heart pounds and she cannot think straight, and then they inadvertently touch, which results in an unusually strong reaction. Suffice it to say that what started slow takes a very steamy turbo-charged turn into hyperspace! The plot, although somewhat predictable, is handled with such care and attention to detail that the reader immediately can see the layers of their life experiences covering them as the chapters progress. Gideon is not exactly shy or insecure about women, or anything else for that matter. He exudes a confidence that borders on arrogance and although Skye does her best to try to resist him, neither can ignore their need or chemistry. As the saying goes, the devil is in the detail and The Jane Thing is ripe with details that show two people in desperate need of each other to share their lives together. Read this story…

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon and Skye may have seemed like an unlikely duo, but they sure were perfect for each other. When she’s asked to give her best friend’s brother a temporary place to stay, Skye isn’t sure what to expect. It certainly isn’t Gideon. A man who is as effortlessly hot as he is intense and a tad snobby. But Skye can’t help wondering what it would be like to be his, even if just for a little while. And Gideon is trying so hard not to see Skye for the beautiful woman she is, but he just can’t stop. The only question is where they go from here. Is it a fling, or is it forever?

Gideon and his unintentional mind games frustrated me a few times. He did sort of bait Skye at times, and he also made sure she knew just how fabulous she was in every way. But when his sister hit town, Gideon let the one person who seems to really SEE him face the music alone. And he doesn’t stop the missteps there. Oh, no. He breaks hearts and friendships and confidence. And Skye absolutely broke my heart with her certainty that she’s a plain Jane and Gideon would never truly want her.

It’s a good thing they both pull their heads out of certain places in time to save it all. Skye and her bravery in facing the guy who shattered her was exactly what Gideon needed to push him back into the game of winning and holding her heart. And the best part is that there wasn’t much drama beyond their own insecurities and the mess that Chloe caused with her careless words. This story is proof that opposites sometimes are the best partners and fixing hurts can build a solid future for anyone willing to actually communicate and bare their own hearts for another.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye wasn't sure what she was expecting when she said her best friend Chloe's brother Gideon could stay with her. He certainly could be her twin they look so much alike. It's his whole demeanor that throws her off. Why she was expecting him to have Chloe's vibrant personality she has no idea. He isn't anything like her in that respect.

Gideon is a composer, although he plays just about any instrument and has made his living playing around the country. He's come to St. Louis for a job interview and staying with her will only be temporary until he settles. The Hep Cat could be his if he finds it to be a good fit. They have all types of vinyl, rent and sell instruments, give lessons and rent out practice space. The owner, Wamba, is going to visit his children and grandchildren out in the desert and if he likes it there, he's going to move. Life hasn't been the same for him here since his wife passed.

They pretty much work out a schedule that fits them. He stays late at the music store most nights.

Skye gets a bit miffed when he takes her favorite reading spot, but she doesn't say anything so how could he know. Her huffing and puffing won't magically give him that information.

There's an intense attraction between these two as well, and when that leads to more things really get interesting and very hot.

Things do get complicated when Gideon's sister comes to visit and that leads to something I didn't really see coming.

This is a fun read, with sightseeing, dates, tears and kindle melting heat.

[Kathy Wideman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. They can be read as stand-alone books. Each book is written by a different author. This is the first book by Tracy that I have read. I enjoyed this book. Skye is doing her best friend a favor. She is letting her younger brother stay with her while he decides on a job. She never spent time with him while they were younger. Now he is a hot man and Skye can’t help but notice. Gideon is surprised by his sister’s best friend. Skye is a lot like his sister but he certainly doesn’t feel sisterly feeling for her. After spending time together, they can’t fight their feelings anymore. They both think it is a fling. But they both want more than a fling. Neither thinks they other feels that way about them though. Gideon never stay anywhere overly long, he is nomadic. Skye works at a bank and wants a family eventually. The two seem so different but Skye sees him in a way not even his sister sees him. Could they have something more than a fling? I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, romantic, and a bit emotional. This book was a quick read for me. The story line is fairly quick as well. I enjoyed how Skye saw Gideon more than anyone. Saw what he was battling with how he wanted to live and how his family wanted him to live. Skye accepted him just how he was not how she thought he could be or what he could do. Great job Tracy.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Meet Cute Book Club series, a wonderfully fun and charming series from what I've seen so far. Skye agrees to let her best friend's brother, Gideon, crash with her for awhile while he tries to get a job and find a place to live. Skye definitely didn't expect Gideon to be so hot and Gideon didn't remember Skye being so pretty. And they couldn't be more opposites, with him the grumpy, broody type and her all sunshine and smiles. As much as her chattiness gets on his nerves, he can't seem to stay away from her, even though that would be best for all. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and grow as their feelings and attraction for each other became stronger. I especially liked how Gideon helped Skye overcome her insecurities by showing her she was beautiful both on the inside and the outside.
This was a fun and cute opposites attract story with endearing and well-developed characters. The story grabbed my attention from the start and kept my interest all the through and I became invested in Skye and Gideon's story. This is such a fun and entertaining series, I can't wait to read the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, the random comments: 1. Call it conditioning, but when I saw the title, I thought Jane Austen would somehow factor into things. 2. As a Canadian, I feel the obligation to note that 'Jane' by Bare Naked Ladies was missing from the playlist.

I liked the characters and thought the story was engaging. I had a couple of questions about details, but they did not detract from my enjoyment of this book.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Update: On further reflection, there was one thing I didn't like about the book. Gideon's sexual history and the fact he's been with multiple partners is kind of used as proof that he is an adult and not the kid his dad and sister seem to act like he is. I don't know, it seems like an immature tactic and I don't know if the whole manwhore thing fits with the rest of his character. Also, Skye uses it as proof to Chloe that she doesn't know him as well as she thought she did-- it's not Skye's place to reveal how Gideon lost his virginity or tell Chloe about the few partners she knows about, and yet that's exactly what Skye does.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two were both adorable and extremely frustrating. Don't you just love/hate the fact that you as the reader know that they love each other but both of them are to scared to say it. It hits you in the feels, doesn't it? This book hits you in the feels like that.

Gideon is a bit of an ass but I kind of liked it. I also really hated it so there is that, haha. Skye is a sweet pea and I think she is great for Gideon. They work well together and I loved reading their HEA. I think that I would have liked to have read about Gideon opening up more to Skye but at the same time, it's implied that that happens over time in the background.

I would have liked to have met more of the book club ladies and learned more about that dynamic but I think, if I read book 1 (which I haven't because it wasn't on Booksprout) and any subsequent books in this series, I will gain more knowledge.

I would recommend this book and I would like to read others in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t previously read anything from this author, so I didn’t have any particular expectations going in. However, the emotion in this book caught me a little off guard. It started with a lighter vibe, almost a playful enemies-to-lovers thing, but then went a lot deeper than I had expected it would. The connection between Skye and Gideon was undeniable. You can feel that initial awkwardness radiating from the pages. Once they take that final step to come together, it’s like electricity crackles from them. I loved Skye and her methodical approach. It’s so similar to mine that it was easy for me to “get” her. My heart broke for Gideon at the way members of his family undervalued his talents. I adored their ending, yet a part of me wishes we could have seen a little further forward into their future. The author may have been new to me at the beginning of this book, but I think I’ve found my next one-click binge. And now I can’t wait to see what else this series brings us.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Indie Pen PR.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, funny and "feel good" story.
Gideon is Skye's BFF younger brother. Even though she and Chloe practically grew up together, Skye never really got to know Gideon, who kept to himself while growing up. As a favour to Chloe, she's willing to let Gideon stay in her spare bedroom while he's interviewing for a position in St. Louis. After an awkward start, it seems that Skye and Gideon have more in common than they thought possible (The "Jane" thing) . Skye sees Gideon as much more than just a quiet, Introvert person who is obsessed with music. He's passionate, intense and sexy.
For the first time in his life, Gideon feels like he can actually stay put in one place, with one woman. Even though he detests routine, he likes the routines he and Skye had created. But then Chloe comes for a visit and everything goes to hell...
This is a lovely story that made me both laugh and tear up and I enjoyed reading it.

[Gwendolyn Leeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jane Thing (Meet Cute Book Club #2) by Tracy Broemmer I enjoyed this book very much!!
Skye Stafford’s best friend Chloe Reece asks if Skye can put her brother Gideon up at her place for a while. Of course Skye agrees as she practically lived at their house when they were growing up. But Skye isn’t prepared for the incredibly hot and gorgeous man Gideon has grown into.
Skye isn’t quite the same as Gideon remembers either, she’s prettier than he remembers and is all sunshine and chatter as if they are going to be besties but Gideon has no intention of that happening he is there to get a job and a place to live but then doesn’t understand why he kissed Skye and what is going to happen now. Definitely recommend reading this book!! Tracy Broemmer is on my list for new authors. I received the Advanced Readers Copy for my honest review.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only the second book I have read by this author and I’m still wondering why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now. If you love slow burn, friends to lovers this book should certainly be on your TBR list. The Jane Thing is book two in the series of stand-alone’s by various authors and it’s a great addition to the Meet Cute Book Club.
This is Gideon Reece and Skye Stafford’s friends to lovers journey. When Gideon needs a place to stay his sister asks her best friend Skye if he could crash in her spare room and what follows is an entertaining, witty, slow burn romance.
This book ticked my boxes, it has easy to relate to characters, it’s witty but what took this book to another level was the way Gideon chipped away at Skye’s insecurities as he proved to her that she was worthy of love and happiness.

[Kate Carley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Skye Stafford agrees to host Gideon Reece—her best friend’s little brother—until he can find a place to live, she doesn’t expect a smoking hot chemistry between them. Living with a virtual stranger can be awkward in the best of conditions, but add in a little steam and things are going to get interesting! Especially when Gideon’s big sister shows up.

The Jane Thing by Tracy Broemmer is book #2 in the Meet Cute Book Club Series. I loved the characters in this story and the easy banter they shared. I was intrigued with the storyline of Gideon’s new job in the city and Skye’s book club. Ms. Broemmer did a wonderful job incorporating the Meet Cute Book Club into this story in a unique and playful way. I highly recommend The Jane Thing!

~Kate Carley, author of Just for a Moment

[JLBBM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book by new to me author Tracy Broemmer. It’s the second book on the Meet Cute Book Club series, each book by a different author. Gideon is new in town and staying with his sister’s best friend Skye until he can get his own place. Although they’ve know each other since they were kids they didn’t really interact, so now are virtually strangers. They are also opposites, He’s a vagabond moving from town to town and job to job, and she has a steady career in a bank and is looking for her happily ever after. What can go wrong, or right, in this scenario? This book has everything a romance story should have, cute main characters, mutual attraction, sexy times, misunderstandings, heartbreak and that happily ever after.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Jane Thing' has an odd title; figuring that out is part of the fun. Gideon is Chloe's brother. Chloe and Syke have been friends forever, and Skye remembers Gideon as a weird younger brother, but when he stays with her temporarily, he looks great but still barely talks. Over time, they develop an odd friendship, begin talking to each other and find many things in common. They also find that their attraction is mutual and ultimately act on it. There are complications, as always, but after he walks out and goes silent, Chloe comforts Skye and starts to understand her brother as a grown man rather than the kid in need of protection. I loved when Skye goes to his business, calls him out on his a**holery, and then drives away. What happens after that is for you to find out!
Well written and lots of fun to read.
I received an ARC from the author/publisher and left this review voluntarily.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye is doing her friend Chloe a favor, putting her brother Gideon up for a short time while he gets his life figured out in St Louis. She doesn't anticipate being attracted to him, or the electricity that sparks when he touches her. She certainly doesn't anticipate falling in love with him. When Chloe finds out, sparks of a different kind fly, and it may mean having to give him up.
The emotional connection between the broody and dark musician Hero and our more conservative and traditional heroine is palpable. She is the first person to really see him, and when he realizes he is in love with her, it's a beautiful thing. HEA guaranteed, this is a fantastic summer read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Favor for a Friend . . .

Skye Stafford agrees to a favor for her friend Chloe by giving her brother Gideon Reece a place to stay until he can get settled and get a job. She knew him back when they were kids, but was not expecting the grown up hot man who arrived to be her roommate.

Gideon is likewise surprised at the attractive young woman who was his sister’s best friend. And without their really being fully aware of it, the two of them begin to fall in love. When Chloe sees what is going on, will she flip out on them? Will she demand they stand back and give each other up? Or will they realize that they are adults and able to make their own choices now and friends/siblings do not get a say in the person they choose to love?

[Jennifer Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the first book I have read by this author and I think I love her writing a little more every time I read something new by her. Tracy writes a great story and her writing seems so effortless, her characters are well developed and come to life on the pages. I've never been left feeling disappointed or like something is missing and this story is told so well, you'll feel like you've been pulled into the pages and are experiencing Skye and Gideon's story in real life instead of just reading it. If you've never read any of her previous books this is a great place to start. I actually snorted out loud at some of Skye's thoughts. There is also no need to read all of the books in the meet cute book club series. This is book 2 but can be read as a complete stand alone.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Meet Cute Book Club series. I'm one for a best friend's brother romance. It was intriguing because Skye and Gideon become temporary roommates. Skye is all sunshine to Gideon's broody side. This one took me a bit to get into, but once I did I couldn't put it down. I really appreciated how Skye truly saw Gideon like no one else has. You could tell how much of an impact it had on Gideon. Gideon had me skeptical of him at first, but after getting into his head I better understood where he was coming from. This book really end up being a real cute story with plenty of heart. I loved how Gideon felt the music and he is so much more than even his family sees. Great addition to the series.

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skylar (Skye) Stafford and Chloe Reece have been best friends since they were teens. When Chloe’s little brother, Gideon Reece moves to St. Louis, Skye offers her guest bedroom until he gets established.

While Skye has known Reece as long as Chloe, she has never gotten to really know him and thinks he’s quiet. But as they spend time together in the apartment they slowly develop a friendship of sorts over their love of books.

Eventually more develops between the two but Skye's relationship with Chole along with Gideon’s past history with women come between Skye and Gideon

There is a happy ending, and the best friend relationship is repaired as well.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read Tracy Broemmer before and this book did not disappoint. Skye was asked by her best friend to let her twin brother stay in her guest room until he got a job. He is a little strange, but hot too. They don't interact much as he is not much of a talker. But when they finally do get together, she learns alot about him that even his sister doesn't know. The two main characters needed to communicate better, but it worked for them. I liked how Gideon was finding his own with Wamba and the store. Very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.