Ready for Love: Ready for Romance / Ready for Marriage

Dryden Brothers #1-2

by Debbie Macomber

Ready for Romance?
At the age of fourteen, Jessica Kellerman was wildly infatuated with Evan Dryden. But that was just a teenage crush and now, almost ten years later, she's in love— truly in love—with his older brother, Damian. But everyone, including Damian, believes she's carrying a torch for Evan!

Ready for Marriage?
Mary Jo Summerhill is the woman in love with Evan. But her background's blue-collar, while Evan's is blue blood. So three years ago she got out of his life—and broke his heart. Now she needs his help. More than that, she wants his love. She wants a second chance with Evan….

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Ebooks, Anthologies

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Sierra]

Okay DEFINITELY one of my favorite books!!!!!! I almost started crying at the end of Ready for Romance... I didn't like Ready for Marriage as well.

[Ginaleen]

-One of the best love stories I've read :) -

[Sharon]

I received this book as part of a care package and gave it a go. While it is not my normal literary fare, I can see how this would be considered "just right" for readers of a certain genre.

[Sherry]

Dual, intertwined love stories of two brothers, Damian and Evan Dryden and their misadventures with the women they love. Jessica Kellerman at 14 had been desperately in love with Evan, and had gotten caught, leaving lipstick prints on his car by his older brother Damian. Now, a decade later, Damien hires Jessica to work in the family law firm. But there is a back plan, hoping that Jessica will bring Evan out of his funk after being dumped by Mary Jo Somerville who had been told that she would be a detriment with her blue collar background to Evan‘s future political aims. Damien finds himself caught in a trap of admiring Jessica while stepping aside for his younger brother.
The two Novelas, Ready for Romance and Ready for Marriage are both chaste early 1990s romances. Like other Debbie Macomber novels, the characters are well developed. The conflicted love stories are resolved happily ever after.

[Linda Timm]

Story of love and it's complications. Jessica had crush on Evan from childhood. Later falls in love with his brother , who due to love of his brother holds back on his love for Jessica. They finally get together. Mary Jo falls in love with Evan, but due to their differences in social status isn't a good match for him . His mother points that out due to the fact that Evans father is running for Senator, and Evan may have a political future ahead of him. In the end love conquers all in both situations.

[Sheila Sanchez]

This is the first book I read by Debbie Macomber and I have to say I was expecting more. It was okay, but the development of the story felt rushed and I was not able to develop an emotional connection with the characters. I am still going to read the second book in the series because I think Evan will be a lot more interesting than Damian as a character. I hope I'm right.

[Eileen Mandell]

This is a book that has 2 stories in it. I LOVED the creative way Debbie Macomber tells 2 stories that are woven together as one. It is the story of 2 brothers in the same law practice & their loyalty, friendship, family & childhood. The writing was perfect along with the characterization. Delightful story....

[Heather Bridson]

I still love these stories. The first was perfect! The second..well, harder to believe. I did enjoy the book, both stories. It is such a great getaway from reality. Well written stories, fast reads and I just love the writing style.

[Lisa]

This was 2 stories, intertwined. I loved it. I needed a good love story to transport me away. The Dryden brothers and their brooding loving ways, first with Damien and Jessica then with Mary Jo and Evan. A great book to getaway.

[Mischa Kharrazi]

The first story was pretty good! def not the best thing ive read, but I was hooked I have to admit. It did all feel too easy. But I couldn't even get through the second half. I was super bored and the story was taking situations from the first half so it was repetitive.

[Linda Baron]

typical romance

[Martha062850]

Good read. Always enjoy Debbie Macomber

[Janet]

Really cute romances. However, I felt like the characters went round and round in the second story when things could have been resolved much sooner.

[Helen Diana]

I love Debbie Macomber books! This was a quick read .

[Judy Granzin]

Enjoyed the story. Has this been made into a movie yet?

[Nancy Daniels]

Not up to her usual standard.

[Amanda Dicicco]

This was the cutest little listen. I like debbie macomber a lot.

[Christina]

j.k. Rowling

[Bev Walkling]

This book contains two stories that focus on two brothers from the Dryden family and the women who love them. Enjoyable light romantic reading.

[Treveni Nagarajan]

Damien's story was really very good. Evan's story was oh so boooooring. Mary Jo is a very irritating character.

[Laura]

I was in the mood for a romance and enjoyed this fast read.

[Mary Baker]

This book contains two novels about two brothers and the women with whom they are in love. It is a good, light, safe read that provides good escape.

[Deann Doolittle]

Always love these quick little stories

[Robert Valentino]

She has given your best friend head like to suck his dick. you know what? You can find this out by hacking through her phone.........susdhacker on ig........did a great piece. Get from him.

[Ann]

Loved these two stories about brothers who find love.

[Pattie Babbitt]

Awful. Just awful.

[Frances Mance]

Good clean romance novel.

[Garnet]

Easy read. Good follow up to a previous story. In today’s world the plot is uncomfortable as it references romance in the work place between boss and subordinate.

[S]

Only read, Ready for Love.

[Eleanor Spalding]

The stories were cute but I felt like the attitudes and conversations were from the 50's although they used computers, so I was a bit confused. Very "corny"!