The Husband Games by Jamie Farrell – Review & Giveaway
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository
Description:
After Natalie Castellano’s marriage imploded on the field of the Husband Games in Bliss, Illinois, the Most Married-est Town on Earth, the last job she expected to inherit was planning the fiftieth anniversary of her hometown’s unique Games. But with her mother’s unexpected passing, that’s exactly what Natalie’s doing. And the position demands that she play nice with CJ Blue, the man who ultimately caused Natalie’s marital demise.
Winning Bliss’s Husband Games and being crowned Husband of the Year was the brightest spot in CJ’s short marriage. Since his wife’s untimely death, he’s taken himself around the world, hiding from his grief. But now, family obligations have him trapped in Bliss, where he’s been invited to participate in the Games and humiliate himself in the name of closure. The whole town wants him to play. The whole town, except one. And he can’t decide what bothers him more—that Natalie doesn’t think he belongs in the Games, or that she’s right.
These two would make great enemies. But all games aside, the more they find themselves in close quarters, the harder it is to deny their mutual attraction. She’s battled Bliss’s bridal brigade, and he’s jumped out of airplanes and soared over waterfalls, but now they’re both facing the biggest risk of all: taking another chance on love.
Review:
The Husband Games is book 1 in Jamie Farrell’s Misfit Brides of Bliss series. I had the opportunity to read a previous book of Jamie’s titled Southern Fried Blues and enjoyed everything about it and her writing. So when I was asked to read The Husband Games I wasn’t passing up the chance. I just love Jamie’s writing style, her characters, the small town settings and all that goes with living in a small town. Jamie writes contemporary romances that are comical, honest, with realistic characters living in realistic situations and are just completely fun to read.
The characters in The Husband Games are well written and developed, with a cast of secondary characters that support both the main couple and the story. Every character we meet in the book adds a new layer to the story and help us to better understand both the hero and the heroine better. The secondary characters are just as fun and comical as her main couple in this one. I don’t know how many times I burst out laughing at the situations that some of her characters got themselves into in this one. I swear the comical situations in this one is one of the highlights for me, and just had me wanting to keep reading and see what was going to happen next. Any book that can keep a smile on my face, and chuckling out loud throughout it, is a winner for me.
We get to learn who both the hero – CJ and heroine-Natalie are really well. Ms. Farrell takes the time to build layer upon layer to these two characters, and they just come to life before your very eyes as you read. We get to feel the emotions and pain that both are carrying around and why. Many times I wanted to shake both CJ and Natalie silly and tell them to smarten up and grab what’s in front of them and don’t let go. However, due to their pasts that they haven’t completely come to terms with, or forgiven themselves for they can’t move on just yet. I liked how Ms. Farrell didn’t rush their romance, but instead built a very intense and hot chemistry between them that keep me wanting more from Natalie and CJ. These two make a great couple, they compliment each other nicely and seem to balance each other out even though they don’t see this at first. Their scenes together are comical at times, well others are real, serious and very emotional. Speaking of emotional, one of my favourite scenes is when CJ finally admits his feelings to Natalie. CJ brought tears to my eyes as he manned up and put everything out there to let Natalie know how he truly feels, that he loves her and needs her. It was a beautiful, emotional and heartfelt scene that Ms. Farrell wrote.
As I said earlier, I really enjoy Jamie Farrell’s writing and creativity to bring her small town stories to life. If you are a fan of contemporary romances that combine comedy and romance together then this ones for you. It won’t disappoint and I can’t wait to read the next installment of the Mistfit Brides of Bliss series.
Until next time, happy reading everyone!
Reviewed by Marcie
Copy provided by Author
Jamie is offering an e-copy of THE HUSBAND GAMES to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.
1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.
2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.
3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.
4. LIKE us on Twitter
5. LIKE us on GOODREADS
6. LIKE Jamie Farrell on FACEBOOK
7. Giveaway is open Internationally
8 Giveaway runs from September 12-16, 2014
Wonderful review Marcie. Sometimes we all need a good cry.
Wow would love to read this who doesn’t lime happy endings and a good cry!! Please enter me in the giveaway
Great review, Marcie. Sounds like something I would enjoy romance and comedy.
Terrific review, Marcie. Sounds great.
I really want to read this book. Thanks for the review, Marcie! Please enter me in the giveaway. I like TRC on goodreads and FB and also get notifications. I like the author on FB.
bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com
Very nice review. Please enter me into the giveaway? Thanks.
Great review. Sounds like something I would like to read.
Thanks for all the lovely comments every one. Good luck on the draw.
The book sounds intriguing. I love small town romance.
Wonderful review, Marcie. Looks like a fun book.
Awesome review. Definitely going to read!
Just what we all need–a romance with laughter and totally different characters. This author is new to me. I think I’d like to try her. Please count me in.
nice review!
dholcomb1 (at) aol (dot) com
Marcie, lovely review! I could use some laughter in my life!
Thanks for the review Marcie-sounds like something I would like to read.
Please enter me into the giveaway. Always have time for a little romance
Great review! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Great review Marcie. I love a book with great humor also. Would love to win this one.,
I loved the interview and look forward to reading your book. Please enter me in the contest. ringo_94@hotmail.com.
This book sounds great! Thank you for the chance to win a copy, I like you on Facebook and Twitter! caraolson24@yahoo.com
suegaluska (at) yahoo (dot) com
Already LIKED on FACEBOOK GET NOTIFICATIONS
Already LIKED on Twitter
Already LIKED on GOODREADS
Already LIKED Jamie Farrell on FACEBOOK
Thanks for the chance to win this. It sounds really funny!
This book sounds interesting and very emotional
Great review and giveaway. Love the cover!
Sounds like a great read! I also follow on Facebook.
sgibby1642@yahoo.com
Thank you for the giveaway. The story sounds so cute!
Looking forward to this book. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks!
Wonderful review. Always love a sweet romance. Please enter me into the giveaway. Thanks Reading Cafe!
Very nice review Marcie. Sounds like a wonderful story. Thanks for the giveaway ! Please enter me into the draw.
Already liked both on Facebook
Follow on Goodreads
Follow on Twitter
thank you for the great review and the opportunity to win 🙂
This looks like a great book!! I hope I win.
Oh I cannot wait to read this one, would love to win a copy!
This is such a fascinating concept for a series! I would love a copy!
I would love to win this to start my Jamie Farrell collection!!
I registered via facebook (theresa_heppner@yahoo.com)
I liked on facebook and am getting notifications 🙂
Love Jamie on facebook!!
thank you cass dot martine @ gmail dot com