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The Lange Brothers #1

The Valentine Wager

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He’s a notorious flirt, so she lays down a challenge she’s sure she’ll win.

When playboy police lieutenant Ryker Lange stops Kitt Boynton for driving on the wrong side of the road, his attraction to the feisty Irish lass is immediate. Yet, despite the sizzling chemistry between them, Kitt quickly turns him down.

Kitt has moved to River’s Edge for a fresh start and is ready to focus on her new marketing job at her cousins’ winery. She’s done with players, and vows she won’t let the local sexy cop distract her, but Kitt, a flirt herself, is definitely tempted. To keep her sanity as she prepares for several Valentine-themed winery events, she and Ryker make a for the next three weeks, neither of them can flirt with the other.

The game starts out lighthearted, but when the town takes sides, Ryker and Kitt must choose between winning a wager or finding lasting love.

238 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2022

26 people are currently reading
197 people want to read

About the author

Nan Reinhardt

24 books965 followers
Nan Reinhardt is a writer of romantic fiction for women in their prime. Yeah, women still fall in love and have sex, even after 45! Imagine! She is also a wife, a mom, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. She’s been an antiques dealer, a bank teller, a stay-at-home mom, a secretary, and for the last 17 years, she’s earned her living as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader.

But writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. She can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t writing—she wrote her first romance novel at the age of ten, a love story between the most sophisticated person she knew at the time, her older sister (who was in high school and had a driver’s license!) and a member of Herman’s Hermits. If you remember who they are, you are Nan’s audience! She’s still writing romance, but now from the viewpoint of a wiser, slightly rumpled, menopausal woman who believes that love never ages, women only grow more interesting, and everybody needs a little sexy romance.
Her first novel Rule Number One is available at Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com. The other two, Once More From the Top and Sex and the Widow Miles — the first novels in the Women of Willow Bay series, are available exclusively at Amazon.
Visit Nan’s website: www.nanreinhardt.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornanrei...
Twitter: @NanReinhardt
Talk to Nan at: nanleigh1@gmail.com

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5 stars
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13 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Bree Hill.
1,040 reviews579 followers
February 2, 2022
I love an hilarious first chapter and The Valentine Wager delivered on that. This book was a really fun small town romance but didn’t skimp out on some serious issues at the same time.
I love that the love interests basically make a bet to Not flirt with one another which of course makes things even more crazy intense between them.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
February 10, 2022
3.5 stars

The Valentine Wager is the first book in Nan Reinhardt’s Lange Brothers series. Set in River’s Edge, this is a sweet romance that starts off when police lieutenant Ryker Lange pulls over Kitt Boynton driving on the wrong side of the road. New to the U.S. from her native Ireland, Kitt is embarrassed to realize she forgot which side of the road to drive on. Smitten from the first minute Ryker resolves to get to know Kitt, but fresh off a bad break-up that led to her move she wants nothing to do with him.

I enjoyed this book, for me it moved a too slowly for a good part but I did enjoy getting to know these characters as they work through a bet to not flirt with one another before the town’s Valentine’s dance and just be buddies. That was comical especially when the town was all invested in the outcome. I appreciated that Kitt began to realize there was more to Ryker than his playboy reputation and that Ryker realized he could appreciate the women in town on a deeper level than his go-to flirting standby.

If you enjoy sweet, small town romance with a varied cast of characters then check out The Valentine Wager.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Shelagh.
1,808 reviews25 followers
January 26, 2022
Opposites attract in this light and entertaining romance when Kitt Boynton, newly arrived from Ireland, is pulled over by Lieutenant Ryker Lange after he received reports of a car driving on the wrong side of the road. Both Kitt and Rye feel the instant attraction and the flirting gets under way immediately.
While neither can stop thinking about the other, Kitt has sworn off men after discovering her ex was happily married with children and Rye has a reputation when it comes to women. A wager that they remain firmly in the friend zone in the three weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day has Rye questioning his behaviour with women and Kitt learning that love will always find a way.
These two were lovely characters and their supporting cast of characters are equally appealing. If you’ve read the Four Irish Brothers books then you’ll be familiar with quite a few of the characters in this one. This was an was and enjoyable story to read.
Profile Image for Deborah Blake.
Author 81 books1,792 followers
February 17, 2022
A charming romance set at a vineyard, with an Irish heroine. Lots of fun family and friends. I love that the romance was believable and appealing. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,923 reviews217 followers
July 16, 2022
This sweet and funny romance has two worlds colliding, all in the name of love.

Kitt has made the journey from Ireland to help her cousins in their winery and escape a broken heart and relationship back home. It doesn't help that during her first few days, she is pulled over by Lieutenant Ryker Lange for driving on the wrong side of the road. I have to admit that was funny because I imagine that would be me in Ireland and not remembering that the right of way is not the same as in the US. However, sparks flew during that initial meeting, or maybe it was just irritation? Either way, it sets up the story for a romance between these two.

Ryker has a reputation as a playboy, and we find out later in the story why that is and how it all came about. We also learn more about the heartbreak that Kitt endured in Ireland. Both have some baggage to deal with, and jumping into any sort of relationship is not a good idea. This is how the wager came about - to be only friends with no flirting or any sort of romantic endeavors by either party. Be friends and get to know one another first. I have to say it is a smart wager, but will they be able to keep their hands off one another? Will they get to know one another as friends first?

This story is entertaining, and I loved the banter between these two. There is also a bad situation for the two boys that Ryker knows as their big brother. It will break your heart, but it gives the story even more depth and brings Ryker and Kitt closer together. The people in this town are comical, and apparently, in the early months of the year, there isn't much else to do in town other than stick their noses into other people's business. But that is what makes a small town great; they care for each other.

This is a fun read, and we give it 4 paws up.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,746 reviews29 followers
February 3, 2022
I received this arc of The Valentine Wager from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in Nan Reinhardt’s new series, The Lange Brothers. As the book opens we meet Kitt Boynton, newly arrived from Ireland, to help her cousins at the Four Irish Brothers Winery. A police officer pulls her over as he suspects she is driving under the influence. Kitt was driving on the wrong side of the road and she has a opened bottle of wine in the front seat. Police lieutenant Ryker and Kitt exchange questions and information. She proves her sobriety and explains to him her circumstances and tells him who her family is.

Ryker has a reputation in Rivers Edge, Indiana for being a player. He grew up on the wrong side of town and was continuously picked on for his situation. He has 2 brothers and his mother, all first responders in their town. We learn that Kitt left her home and. family in Ireland after she realizes her steady boyfriend is actually married with children. She is determined to stay away from men and not get involved in any other relationships. When she and Ryker meet, both notice they have chemistry but both make the choice to ignore it. Kitt because of her cheating former boyfriend and Ryker because he has never had a relationship or experienced feelings onward any woman he was with.

Kitt is a marketing specialist and has plans to promote the winery by planning different events and enhancing their social media presence. Ryker, along with several other guys signs up for her Valentine card and wine event. He gets jealous of the attention Kitt gives to them. After some teasing, Kitt and Ryker make a wager. He wanted to take her to the Valentine dance but she tells him she only wants to be buddies. For the month before the dance, neither can flirt with the other or they lose the wager. This ends up being very difficult for both of them as they end up fighting their feelings. We learn more about each of their backgrounds and see them interact with their families.

There is a lot of angst and the reader wonders what will happen with their relationship. This is a wonderful book. I am happy to return to Rivers Edge and see the characters we met in the previous books. Nan has written a terrific first book in the series. We were introduced to Ryker’s brothers and I look forward to reading their stories soon. This is another 5 star book that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Barb Lie.
2,087 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2022
The Valentine Wager by Nan Reinhardt is the first book in her The Lange Brothers series. This is a spinoff from The Four Irish Brothers Winery series. Kitt Boynton, our heroine, has recently moved to River’s Edge from Ireland, to be the marketing manager for her cousins at their winery. Kitt had a bad experience with her ex-boyfriend, who was married, and she has sworn off men.

Ryker Lange, our hero, is a police lieutenant, and when he sees Kitt driving on the wrong side of the road (she still is used to driving on the other side), he pulls her over. Ryker, who is a playboy, is immediately attracted to the beautiful Kitt, but she brushes him off. Ryker, despite his family and friends warning him to stay away from Kitt, as he has never allowed himself to get serious, thereby hurting many women along the way; but he is determined to win Kitt over.

They both feel their sizzling chemistry, but Kitt recognizes that Ryker is a player, and constantly ignores his attempts. As she helps prepare for the winery Valentine events, Kitt is fun to be with, and most of the townsfolk love her friendliness; though they both like to flirt, they make a bet. For the next three weeks, neither of them can flirt with each other, and just become friends. Who will win that bet? Now the town has begun to place bets as to who will win.

Kitt having been badly hurt previously, tries to convince Ryker to be friends, and hang around together with their friends; even though she does feel the attraction to him. Ryker plays the friendship card, but finds himself falling hard for Kitt; and when his family and friends tell him how he breaks other women’s hearts, he tries to change.

This was my first book by Reinhardt, and I really did enjoy meeting all the wonderful secondary characters that were part of the previous series (Sam, Conor, Sean, Mac, Tierney, Brendan, just to name a few). What follows is a sweet wonderful romance between a great couple in Kitt and Ryker. Will they remain friends or open their hearts to love? Who will win the Valentine Wager? You will have to read this book to find out.

The Valentine Wager was very well written by Nan Reinhardt, and I look forward to reading the next book in this fun series. If you enjoy pure romances, wonderful couple, and great secondary characters, then you need to read The Valentine Wager.

Barb
The Reading Cafe
1,647 reviews29 followers
February 1, 2022
The Valentine Wager by Nan Reinhardt
He’s a notorious flirt, so she lays down a challenge she’s sure she’ll win.
When playboy police lieutenant Ryker Lange stops Kitt Boynton for driving on the wrong side of the road, his attraction to the feisty Irish lass is immediate. Yet, despite the sizzling chemistry between them, Kitt quickly turns him down.
Kitt has moved to River’s Edge for a fresh start and is ready to focus on her new marketing job at her cousins’ winery. She’s done with players, and vows she won’t let the local sexy cop distract her, but Kitt, a flirt herself, is definitely tempted.
To keep her sanity as she prepares for several Valentine-themed winery events, she and Ryker make a bet: for the next three weeks, neither of them can flirt with the other.
This is Ryker Lange and Kitt Boynton's story.
Lieutenant Ryker Lange couldn’t remember when he’d enjoyed a traffic stop more, particularly since he hadn’t made one in a while.
First of all, Kathleen Eleanor Boynton was undoubtedly one of the most strikingly beautiful women he’d ever seen.
And he’d seen a lot of very pretty women in his thirty-three years on the planet.
Kitt Boynton scowled as the driver heading right for her veered off to his own lane before laying on his horn and making a terribly rude gesture.
The second time it had happened in as many kilometers… er, miles on the road down to the center of town.
“Eejit!” she shouted and returned the gesture. Closed up in the car as she was, there was no way he heard it; nonetheless, it felt good to release her frustration.
The Valentine Wager by Nan Reinhardt is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Nan Reinhardt.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.


Profile Image for Fleur.
3,753 reviews31 followers
February 9, 2022
Solid 4.5 star
This was an absolute hoot of a read where player Lieutenant aka Left-tenant Ryker finally gets rebuffed by a women when Kitt cousin to the Flaherty's arrives in town from Island with hopes of getting a work Visa and working with her cousins at their winery. Kitt is well and truly over men after what happened back home so as much as she likes Ryker he is a no go zone, only he hasn't got the message and how I laughed when they were at the bar and the wager to be friends was born with in put from their friends in regards to the rules. So get settled in as you will get plenty of belly laughs as well as a bit of heartbreak, reality checks for both Kitt and Ryker, new friends and two people who deserve a partner that is all in if only they can break down the walls stopping them from being together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura D.
1,119 reviews
February 10, 2022
I loved this story. What's not to like about an Irish lass and a playboy police officer and their meet cute. Kitt has come to River's Edge Indiana from Ireland for a fresh start. She left home broken hearted and determined stay away from men. She is helping out at her cousins winery until her work visa comes through. Ryker is born and bred River's Edge. He has a reputation for being a playboy but when he meets Kitt he just gets a different vibe. She makes him imagine things he has never thought of about relationships. He is determined to convince her to go on a date. She offers a Valentine wager. When they start spending time together as "just friends" they have to decide between the wager and the town gossip or their hearts. Cute story.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews366 followers
February 1, 2022
Betting on Love . . .

Moving back from Ireland, Kitt Boynton joined her cousins at River’s Edge, Indiana, to work at their winery business. Kitt wants nothing more to do with romance. So when Lieutenant Ryker Lange stops Kitt for driving on the wrong side of the road, he asks her to submit to a breathalyzer since she has a case of wine in the back seat, and he is amused when she asks about making one phone call.

The two of them have a strong attraction to each other, so they make a bet about which one will make the first flirty move over a 3-week period. Even the town gets in on it, supporting and cheering for their favorite. Which becomes more important? Winning the bet? Or making the first move toward a loving relationship?
Profile Image for Janine.
1,090 reviews27 followers
January 19, 2022
A bet that leads to romance.

When Kitt Boynton left Ireland to stay with her cousins in River’s Edge, Indiana, and help out at their winery, she was nursing a broken heart. She was done with men. But when Kitt met Lieutenant Ryker Lange, in one of the sweetest meet-cutes I have read in a long time, she couldn’t get him out of her mind. Rye fell in love at first sight. With the heated chemistry between Kitt and Rye, it seems most of the town is betting on who will make the first move when they finally give in to the temptation.

This is the first book in a new series, that is a spin-off of one of my favorite series, Four Irish Brothers Winery. Along with meeting the new characters, I was excited to catch up with characters that I already came to love. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. The Lange brothers seem to be gearing up to be some characters I won’t be able to get enough of.
3,580 reviews41 followers
January 19, 2022
If you have read this author’s series, Four Irish Brothers Winery, you’ll recognize the location of this one, River’s Edge.
On her way into town, Irish lass Kitt/Kathleen Boynton, cousin of the Flaherty brothers, is stopped by police Lt Ryker Lange. She’s new in town and determined to help market the cousins’ wines, as well as hopeful get for a start in life.
From the moment playboy Ryker meets Kitt , he’s smitten and the banter between the two begins. But Kitt has been hurt by love once before, and is skiddish. Right now, doing a good job and getting her visa are top priority.
While a wager is made between them, we get a chance to understand the characters better. Both have been hurt in the past and are very protective of their hearts. Should they take a chance once again at love or will protecting their hearts keep them away from finding their HEA?
All in all, it was a cute, easy read to be enjoyed in an afternoon of leisure.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.


4,182 reviews21 followers
February 2, 2022
The Valentine Wager is the first of a new 2022 series titled The Lange Brothers by Nan Reinhardt. Ryker Lange may be a police lieutenant but he also has the reputation of being a playboy. Newly arrived from Ireland Kitt Boynton may still be acclimating her driving skills her in the US but she knows the heartache of falling for a player. Not again. However, when stopped by Ryker for a driving violation the attraction is instant and hot. Hence the wager to no flirting for the three weeks.

These are two likable characters who have the community joining into the game by taking sides. I did too wanting both to win. The only way would be a close look at past behavior and a growth mindset. A lighthearted holidays read where everyone can win. Just the kind of story I love with characters who deserve to find lasting love.

An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3,221 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2022
"Like most of life, love happens whether you want it to or not." Kitt is looking for a fresh start after her last disastrous relationship. She didn't figure on meeting Ryker. They're hilarious together, especially their very first meeting during a traffic stop. And the chemistry is just oozing out their pores. She doesn't need a man in her life, though, and they enter a wager to keep each other in the friend zone. I loved seeing the Flaherty brothers (Kitt's cousins) and their families - a shameless plug to advise that you really need to read the Four Irish Brothers Winery book series. I loved seeing Ryker squirm - he's a hopeless flirt and struggles to remember that they're just friends. I want to be like Kitt when I grow up - she doesn't take crap from anyone. I'm so glad to be back reading in River's Edge, and truly looking forward to more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danielle Doelle.
21 reviews
January 28, 2022
I have to admit I am a sucker for a hero that gets hit hard for the heroine and then admits it! The town playboy, a bet, and a cheating ex are all tropes that could have gone wrong in this sweet Valentine's Day themed love story, BUT they go incredibly right. Add in the fact that the heroine set real boundaries and the hero worked hard and did his best to be both honest and abide by those boundaries? It gave me all the good feels that only a healthy relationship can. Plus anytime spent in the vivid setting of River's Edge makes the story that much more vibrant. I also LOVED that there was a map before the contents! I love being able to see and chart where the characters are as well as the landmarks of the town. Now THAT is something that is not done enough in contemporary novels!

All in all do NOT MISS OUT!
Profile Image for Roseann Brooks.
Author 6 books3 followers
February 1, 2022
Author Nan Reinhardt’s twist on the “let’s make a bet” theme is refreshing. It’s a pleasure to watch the heroine and hero struggle to fight their attraction to each other. A good romance invites the reader to like the characters, and this book had me routing for both Ry and Kitt to win the Valentine wager together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.3k reviews8 followers
February 2, 2022
The first book in the Lange Brothers series a story that held my interest from cover to cover. Lieutenant Ryker Lange and Kathleen Boynton meet when he pulls her over, she is from Ireland and is driving on the wrong side of the road. I loved seeing this story come together with a bet that is made. I would recommend. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,615 reviews9 followers
January 30, 2022
What a great start to this new series. This book was everything I needed. It made me laugh, it made me smile and it even helped me forget real life for a while. The first time Ryker and Kitt meet is unforgettable. The chemistry between them is hot! Both are not looking for a relationship so instead they make a wager. Question in who will give in first? I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Debra  M..
276 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2022
A great 5 star read ,I honestly didn't want it to end.Kitt came to America to work for her cousins at the 4 Brothers Winery in River's Edge,Indiana from County Wexford ,Ireland along with her sassy attitude and Irish accent giving Lt.Ryker Lange a run for his money on a wager he just might lose on this Irish Lass.
896 reviews
January 4, 2022
What a lighthearted read! I enjoyed the flirting between Ryker and Kitt immensely, their romance made my day. Gave me an entry for my gratitude jottings.
I volunteered to review the advance copy of this book given me by the publisher.
158 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2021
I just experienced a long-awaited trip back to River’s Edge, Indiana… thanks to an ARC of Nan Reinhardt’s upcoming The Valentine Wager. This is her second series set in the heartwarming river town that blessed us with her The Four Irish Brothers Winery series. It’s Wintertime and blustery cold on the river, but good company abounds at the winery, Mac’s diner, and all of the places we love. The characters that we love are here too… Conor and Sam, Megan and Sean, Mac and Carly, Aidan and Holly, Tierney and Brendan, and many other townspeople. You will also meet Josh and Caleb, two very special brothers. This story focuses on Kathleen Eleanor Boynton, known as Kitt, who is a Flaherty cousin from the “old country”, who has come across the pond to help promote the winery, and Lieutenant Ryker Lange, known as Rye, who attracts women without even trying. The policeman’s exploits are legendary in the local gossip mill.

From the instant that Kitt and Rye meet, both are thrown askew. Both have hurtful pasts hidden deep. Should they be lovers? Should they be only friends? A dumb challenge involving them and the upcoming winery Valentine Day’s event occurs. Will hearts be broken? Will hearts survive? Will two hearts be intertwined forever? This is book #1 in a new Nan Reinhardt series set in River’s Edge, one of the three fictional settings that I never want to stop reading. The Valentine Wager is another incredible story by Nan Reinhardt, one of my very favorite authors.
6,559 reviews27 followers
February 2, 2022
This looks like the start of a new series and if this book is any indication it is going to be a great fun relaxing series

There is an instant connection between police officer Lieutenant Ryker Lange and Kitt Boynton when he pulls the recent transplant from Ireland over for driving on the wrong side of the road There is only one problem Ryker has a reputation with the woman never treating connections as serious and Kitt doesn't trust lover after finding out her boyfriend was a married man with a family They make a pact to only be friends but the connection between them may break down all their walls Can they have a future You will have to read to see
Profile Image for SOMDReigel.
1,133 reviews
December 28, 2021
“You’re the one”
I really enjoyed this story. There is definite chemistry but a wager is at stake. I thought Ryker attempting to treat Kitt as one of the guys was super fun. Kitt is determined to stay away from romance but can’t help but be won over by Ryker. I enjoyed all the characters and am looking forward to more books in the series featuring Ryker’s brothers.
Profile Image for Paula Pugh.
2,319 reviews11 followers
December 27, 2021
Oh how I loved this sweet and endearing story of love in bloom but held back by a wager. Kitt and Ryker have sparks aplenty. Kitt challenges Ryker to just be friends because she does not believe in a player like Ryker can do it. Who’s in more for a surprise: Kitt or Ryker?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sandy James.
Author 39 books271 followers
January 28, 2022
Such a sweet story! I love this author's voice so much!
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews218 followers
February 4, 2022
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I cannot wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
Profile Image for Liz Flaherty.
Author 75 books352 followers
October 19, 2021
What a great new series for Nan Reinhardt. We get to go back to River's Edge. I was lucky enough to get a pre-release read of this story and am so excited about the Langes!
Profile Image for MK.
1,640 reviews22 followers
April 11, 2022
I liked this book a lot. Great characters, easy to read, lots of laugh out moments. A Valentine Wager between the flirt of the town known as Lt. Ryker Lange and Kitt Boynton is hilarious to say the least. She’s come to Rivers Edge to help her cousins with marketing of there winery. She’s also wanting a new start. She wants nothing to do with any kind of relationship at all. She’s been there down that, and has been hurt. When there little wager starts off innocently enough, and with the town making sure nothing happens between them-well let’s just say sparks fly anyways.

Let me say that I was looking forward to reading the second book but now finding out how much the print copy is I’m so disgusted. I paid $9.99 for this book. The second is now priced at $16.99 are you kidding me. This is crazy to say the least. I could understand if the page count was different, but it’s not. What are we going to have to pay for the third book if we want the print $23? It’s price gauging. Plain and simple. You find an author you like, and this is the way they treat there readers by charging so much.

I won’t buy the rest in this series. I loved her series The Four Irish Brothers Winery I bought all those in paperback and not one did I pay $16.99 for those.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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