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Write By Your Side
It was the story of their lives...
Ellie Chambers had always wanted to be a writer, ever since she could remember. Now she was a successful thriller author, although it had come at a price. Two prices, actually. The first was the fallout from a hastily-signed (and horrible) contract with Margo Rollings, the Publisher Who Wouldn't Die. And the second was Sam Price, her former writing partner and almost-fiance.
Sam Price had dreamed of being the next Hemingway, not the hack ghost writer behind the popular "Lottie Long" cozy mystery series. But days spent with his dad as a sought-after finish carpenter in quaint Golden Grove, Iowa gave him little time for much else. And now an unforeseen catastrophe in the form of Margo Rollings, his former publisher, has left him with the ultimate lose-lose proposition: Write another book with Ellie or face a ruined career.
Can Ellie and Sam put aside their differences in order to save their careers? Or is there something even more important between them worth saving?
Ellie Chambers had always wanted to be a writer, ever since she could remember. Now she was a successful thriller author, although it had come at a price. Two prices, actually. The first was the fallout from a hastily-signed (and horrible) contract with Margo Rollings, the Publisher Who Wouldn't Die. And the second was Sam Price, her former writing partner and almost-fiance.
Sam Price had dreamed of being the next Hemingway, not the hack ghost writer behind the popular "Lottie Long" cozy mystery series. But days spent with his dad as a sought-after finish carpenter in quaint Golden Grove, Iowa gave him little time for much else. And now an unforeseen catastrophe in the form of Margo Rollings, his former publisher, has left him with the ultimate lose-lose proposition: Write another book with Ellie or face a ruined career.
Can Ellie and Sam put aside their differences in order to save their careers? Or is there something even more important between them worth saving?
- GenresRomance
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2017
9 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Van Oss
4 books18 followersD. J. Van Oss writes sweet and sunny romantic comedies; kind of like the book version of a fresh cinnamon roll. With extra icing. "Driving Miss Crazy" is his debut novel.
When not writing you can find him working in the yard, walking the dog, or staying up too late watching BBC mysteries while eating honey peanut butter straight out of the jar.
He lives in the country suburbs of Iowa with his wife and three step-daughters. His writing partner is Jack, a pretty-boy golden retriever who grunts when you rub his ears.
When not writing you can find him working in the yard, walking the dog, or staying up too late watching BBC mysteries while eating honey peanut butter straight out of the jar.
He lives in the country suburbs of Iowa with his wife and three step-daughters. His writing partner is Jack, a pretty-boy golden retriever who grunts when you rub his ears.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 11, 2017
4.5 stars.
Ellie Chambers and Sam Price met in college, became writing partners, girlfriend & boyfriend, and ALMOST fiancé & fiancée. Each of them took a different course in their writing careers but they still live in the small town of Golden Grove, Iowa. Fast forward four years.
Ellie is now a USA Today bestselling author of the thrilling Christine Carver series, and Sam is the ghostwriter for the Lottie Long cozy mystery series by Adelaide Brooks. What started off as a temporary deal to help pay the rent when the original writer had health issues, became permanent when the octogenarian suddenly decided to retire. He also helps his dad with his business as a finish carpenter.
Sam and Ellie have hardly spoken to each other in the past four years, except to say "hi", when they're unexpectedly called into their agent's, Max, office in Chicago. Neither knows the other will be there--can you say awkward? The news is not good--the quickly-signed (and horrible) contract that Ellie and Sam, signed with Margo Rollings, the Publisher Who Wouldn't Die, has come back to haunt them. Margo has crawled out from under her rock to hold them to their original contract to write four books for her. They only wrote three Mason Shaw detective books before she closed her publishing company, but using the loophole that the company was "never legally dissolved" she wants her fourth book. She gives them three months to write it, and if they don't come through she threatens them with a $100,000 fine and ruining their reputations with their current publishers.
At first Sam and Ellie try writing the book together, but their writing styles are completely different--she uses a laptop, he writes on a pad; she likes to have a complete outline first, Sam doesn't and it just reminded them of when they were writing partners. They come up with the idea to each write a book, submit it to their agent, Max, and let him decide which one to go with. Then Sam's best friend, Archie, finds out what Margo Rollings is really after and Sam and Ellie decide to change their tactic about the book, go the revenge route and give her "a great big flop". They come up with the brilliant (and I thought hilarious) idea of "The Private Eye's Cookbook, Mason Shaw's Favorite Recipes of Murder and Mayhem". This revenge plot almost gives Max a heart attack when he finds out about it, and could either work or ruin both of their careers.
While all this is going on Sam is back to working on his literary fiction book, Lady Phoenix (named after the boat he and his dad built years ago), which he's always wanted to get published under his real name. Ellie tries to help with this and her "help" only serves to remind both of them why they broke up four years ago. Meanwhile, Sam's dad, his best friend Archie, and Ellie's assistant Ginger are trying to get these two stubborn writers to see that having to write this book together is their second chance at love. Or as Ginger put it to Ellie "maybe this could be your first chance at a second chance." which Ellie thought would make a good title for a bad country song. Lol.
I REALLY enjoyed this book because of all the funny exchanges between the characters. Sam and Archie seem to have been friends a long time and joke around a lot; the conversations between Sam and Ellie are full of witty repartee, and humorous recollections of when they were first together. I laughed out loud several times when they were coming up with ideas for the book. With lines like: "Mason Shaw is hot on the trail of a Catholic gardener who used poisoned rosary beads to infiltrate a terrorist nunnery so she could use their deep-pulse lasers to take over California." how could I not laugh? It only got worse when they decided to write the Private Eye's cookbook: "I folded the butter into the mix silently, the siren song of the vanilla extract beckoning me from the spice rack. But I knew it was only a thin mirage, a pipe dream, just like Mirna, that chorus girl from Milwaukee who said she loved me through her pepper-red lips, right before she disappeared, taking my new colander with her."
This is a lighthearted book with lots of fun conversations between the characters. The characters are all likable (except for Margo), and I think it would be so much fun to hang around them. I'm glad it all works out in the end. This is the second book in the Golden Grove Series of sweet romances. The first book is Call it Chemistry. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions of it are my own. This is a clean romance.
Ellie Chambers and Sam Price met in college, became writing partners, girlfriend & boyfriend, and ALMOST fiancé & fiancée. Each of them took a different course in their writing careers but they still live in the small town of Golden Grove, Iowa. Fast forward four years.
Ellie is now a USA Today bestselling author of the thrilling Christine Carver series, and Sam is the ghostwriter for the Lottie Long cozy mystery series by Adelaide Brooks. What started off as a temporary deal to help pay the rent when the original writer had health issues, became permanent when the octogenarian suddenly decided to retire. He also helps his dad with his business as a finish carpenter.
Sam and Ellie have hardly spoken to each other in the past four years, except to say "hi", when they're unexpectedly called into their agent's, Max, office in Chicago. Neither knows the other will be there--can you say awkward? The news is not good--the quickly-signed (and horrible) contract that Ellie and Sam, signed with Margo Rollings, the Publisher Who Wouldn't Die, has come back to haunt them. Margo has crawled out from under her rock to hold them to their original contract to write four books for her. They only wrote three Mason Shaw detective books before she closed her publishing company, but using the loophole that the company was "never legally dissolved" she wants her fourth book. She gives them three months to write it, and if they don't come through she threatens them with a $100,000 fine and ruining their reputations with their current publishers.
At first Sam and Ellie try writing the book together, but their writing styles are completely different--she uses a laptop, he writes on a pad; she likes to have a complete outline first, Sam doesn't and it just reminded them of when they were writing partners. They come up with the idea to each write a book, submit it to their agent, Max, and let him decide which one to go with. Then Sam's best friend, Archie, finds out what Margo Rollings is really after and Sam and Ellie decide to change their tactic about the book, go the revenge route and give her "a great big flop". They come up with the brilliant (and I thought hilarious) idea of "The Private Eye's Cookbook, Mason Shaw's Favorite Recipes of Murder and Mayhem". This revenge plot almost gives Max a heart attack when he finds out about it, and could either work or ruin both of their careers.
While all this is going on Sam is back to working on his literary fiction book, Lady Phoenix (named after the boat he and his dad built years ago), which he's always wanted to get published under his real name. Ellie tries to help with this and her "help" only serves to remind both of them why they broke up four years ago. Meanwhile, Sam's dad, his best friend Archie, and Ellie's assistant Ginger are trying to get these two stubborn writers to see that having to write this book together is their second chance at love. Or as Ginger put it to Ellie "maybe this could be your first chance at a second chance." which Ellie thought would make a good title for a bad country song. Lol.
I REALLY enjoyed this book because of all the funny exchanges between the characters. Sam and Archie seem to have been friends a long time and joke around a lot; the conversations between Sam and Ellie are full of witty repartee, and humorous recollections of when they were first together. I laughed out loud several times when they were coming up with ideas for the book. With lines like: "Mason Shaw is hot on the trail of a Catholic gardener who used poisoned rosary beads to infiltrate a terrorist nunnery so she could use their deep-pulse lasers to take over California." how could I not laugh? It only got worse when they decided to write the Private Eye's cookbook: "I folded the butter into the mix silently, the siren song of the vanilla extract beckoning me from the spice rack. But I knew it was only a thin mirage, a pipe dream, just like Mirna, that chorus girl from Milwaukee who said she loved me through her pepper-red lips, right before she disappeared, taking my new colander with her."
This is a lighthearted book with lots of fun conversations between the characters. The characters are all likable (except for Margo), and I think it would be so much fun to hang around them. I'm glad it all works out in the end. This is the second book in the Golden Grove Series of sweet romances. The first book is Call it Chemistry. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions of it are my own. This is a clean romance.
September 17, 2017
This was my first introduction to the works of D.J. Van Oss and the folks in the quaint town of Golden Grove, Iowa. Even though most of the story centered around six or seven characters, Van Oss excelled in giving the readers a good description of how life is in small town America.
We meet Ellie Chambers and Sam Price, a former couple who started out as writing partners and separated about 4 years prior and have not really been on speaking terms since that time. As you can imagine with both of them living in the same small town, they frequently saw each other in passing, and usually only communicated in one syllable conversations, particularly Ellie. When a snafu with their previous publishing contract throws them together again to write another book, each blames the other for the past problems that were cast aside, but not dealt with, after they separated. The gloves come off and the game is on!!
As they begin this latest venture, both too stubborn to let the other one get the easier path in writing the book, they finally realize that once again, they do make a good writing team, and decide to take the upper hand together against the former publisher. During the process, both question their previous thoughts as to why their break-up occurred. At first, each blames the other. As the story progresses, the tide turns with each becoming the other's staunch supporter.
Their friends wonder how this relationship is going to fare once the book is completed. Ellie and Sam each have their own thoughts about this too. Will love win out for them this time? Will they be able to be happy together? Pick up a copy of this delightful, quick read and find out for yourself!! You will not be disappointed.
This reader participated in the book launch for "Write By Your Side" and was provided a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for a review.
We meet Ellie Chambers and Sam Price, a former couple who started out as writing partners and separated about 4 years prior and have not really been on speaking terms since that time. As you can imagine with both of them living in the same small town, they frequently saw each other in passing, and usually only communicated in one syllable conversations, particularly Ellie. When a snafu with their previous publishing contract throws them together again to write another book, each blames the other for the past problems that were cast aside, but not dealt with, after they separated. The gloves come off and the game is on!!
As they begin this latest venture, both too stubborn to let the other one get the easier path in writing the book, they finally realize that once again, they do make a good writing team, and decide to take the upper hand together against the former publisher. During the process, both question their previous thoughts as to why their break-up occurred. At first, each blames the other. As the story progresses, the tide turns with each becoming the other's staunch supporter.
Their friends wonder how this relationship is going to fare once the book is completed. Ellie and Sam each have their own thoughts about this too. Will love win out for them this time? Will they be able to be happy together? Pick up a copy of this delightful, quick read and find out for yourself!! You will not be disappointed.
This reader participated in the book launch for "Write By Your Side" and was provided a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for a review.
September 22, 2017
This book was given to me as a gift. When I read a book whether it is given as a gift or in exchange for an honest review, the one thing that I always look for is a story that will grab my attention and keep me engaged. A story that is not predictable is always a plus. With that said, I began this journey with Ellie and Sam not knowing where we would be heading. D.J. Van Oss delivered my wishes with Write By Your Side. A clean and contemporary romance is just what the doctor ordered. The story’s pages were not lined with exaggeration or cheesy lines. Mr. Van Oss gives his readers, his audience just enough details to keep his readers engaged as well as allowing the story to flow smoothly.
His skill at drawing the readers in through fully developed characters, well thought out plot line and resolution, as well as, giving us ample setting details to bring the readers into Golden Grove. Images of the Mississippi River as Sam and Ellie set off on afternoon boat ride on the Lady Phoenix. Another thing that I loved about this story is that both main characters are writers. As a student studying the craft, this was a brilliant and great surprise. This idea intrigued even more. Intrigued to see two writers in a relationship with different tastes in other noted authors and in other genres. Seeing the reality in Sam and Ellie’s relationship and not some overly sugar-coated relationship was a relief. This ability to create characters that are not too fantastical helps the reader to connect with these characters. In saying this, I am not only speaking about Ellie and Sam, but Ginger and Archie as well, and a few of the other supporting characters. Mr. Van Oss’s word usage and humor were an added bonus to this story. Referencing Gilligan’s Island quite a few times, Cruella Deville, the sarcasm and witty dialogue between Sam and Ellie, Sam and Archie, etc.
D.J. Van Oss knows what his audience wants and has proven in my opinion that clean contemporary romance is not limited to just women. Men can enjoy reading a good romance and writing one as well, and successfully.
His skill at drawing the readers in through fully developed characters, well thought out plot line and resolution, as well as, giving us ample setting details to bring the readers into Golden Grove. Images of the Mississippi River as Sam and Ellie set off on afternoon boat ride on the Lady Phoenix. Another thing that I loved about this story is that both main characters are writers. As a student studying the craft, this was a brilliant and great surprise. This idea intrigued even more. Intrigued to see two writers in a relationship with different tastes in other noted authors and in other genres. Seeing the reality in Sam and Ellie’s relationship and not some overly sugar-coated relationship was a relief. This ability to create characters that are not too fantastical helps the reader to connect with these characters. In saying this, I am not only speaking about Ellie and Sam, but Ginger and Archie as well, and a few of the other supporting characters. Mr. Van Oss’s word usage and humor were an added bonus to this story. Referencing Gilligan’s Island quite a few times, Cruella Deville, the sarcasm and witty dialogue between Sam and Ellie, Sam and Archie, etc.
D.J. Van Oss knows what his audience wants and has proven in my opinion that clean contemporary romance is not limited to just women. Men can enjoy reading a good romance and writing one as well, and successfully.
July 16, 2019
Ellie💘Sam! Great Story & Audible Listen🎧 Enjoyable & Fun!
Write By Your Side (A Small Town Sweet Romance)
Golden Grove Series, Book 2
By: D. J. Van Oss
Narrated by: Kathleen Li
This is a sweet second chance romance! The storylines are interesting and they held my attention from start to end. The characters are likable and well developed. Sam and Ellie had dreams of becoming successful authors, they were a couple and wrote several books together. They had a contract to write 4 books with a conniving publisher, Margo Rollings but the company folded after their third book. Sadly, their relationship did not survive their differences in opinions and the pressure of success. Ellie continued writing and had several books published, Sam became a ghost writer for a well known author, never finishing his own novel. Four years later Margo Rollings contacts them telling them they owe her one book, if they do not fulfill their contract it could ruin their reputation and they would have to pay Margo $100G. So they team back up to write the novel their contract requires. I liked how it all played out, the two worked well together, got over their animosity of breaking up. They realized their issues with each other, their differences and what made them love each other in the first place. They came up with a great idea for a book, it was hysterical but their plan did not go as expected. I recommend this book for a fun and entertaining read and/or listen there is plenty of drama, humor, a tad of angst and some sweet romance. D.J. Van Oss, thank you for this great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Kathleen Li is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brought these characters to life, gave each their own voice and personality. She did a great job projecting the emotions of the characters and the drama of the story into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧
Write By Your Side (A Small Town Sweet Romance)
Golden Grove Series, Book 2
By: D. J. Van Oss
Narrated by: Kathleen Li
This is a sweet second chance romance! The storylines are interesting and they held my attention from start to end. The characters are likable and well developed. Sam and Ellie had dreams of becoming successful authors, they were a couple and wrote several books together. They had a contract to write 4 books with a conniving publisher, Margo Rollings but the company folded after their third book. Sadly, their relationship did not survive their differences in opinions and the pressure of success. Ellie continued writing and had several books published, Sam became a ghost writer for a well known author, never finishing his own novel. Four years later Margo Rollings contacts them telling them they owe her one book, if they do not fulfill their contract it could ruin their reputation and they would have to pay Margo $100G. So they team back up to write the novel their contract requires. I liked how it all played out, the two worked well together, got over their animosity of breaking up. They realized their issues with each other, their differences and what made them love each other in the first place. They came up with a great idea for a book, it was hysterical but their plan did not go as expected. I recommend this book for a fun and entertaining read and/or listen there is plenty of drama, humor, a tad of angst and some sweet romance. D.J. Van Oss, thank you for this great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Kathleen Li is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brought these characters to life, gave each their own voice and personality. She did a great job projecting the emotions of the characters and the drama of the story into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧
September 15, 2017
I have to confess that many second chance romances drive me crazy. They have some unrealistic plot about how the one crushed the heart of the other when they were in high-school and 10 years later (why always 10 years?), they are still deeply in love but unable to forgive. Ugh!
D. J. Van Oss did not do that with this story. Though Sam and Ellie were “almost engaged” before they had their falling out, and though they have spent the past 4 years avoiding each other, the author did a great job in making it all seem realistic and not childish. Kudos to him for that.
I have also read other stories about writers, but never have I learned as much about the writing process as I did here. And in an interesting way that was very natural. I never knew there was such thing as a character thesaurus!
I have come to expect a fun sense of humor in books by this author, and was not disappointed. The story was quite humorous. The idiom wars that Sam and Ellie had, as well as the book ideas they tossed about were great. It had at least a few laugh out loud moments.
The characters of Sam and Ellie had a depth that went well beyond their physical descriptions. I felt like I got to know them, their hopes, dreams and insecurities. The secondary characters were also interesting. The emotions of the characters were expressed in such a way that I felt like I was experiencing them.
All in all, this was great story and one that I can heartily recommend.
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
D. J. Van Oss did not do that with this story. Though Sam and Ellie were “almost engaged” before they had their falling out, and though they have spent the past 4 years avoiding each other, the author did a great job in making it all seem realistic and not childish. Kudos to him for that.
I have also read other stories about writers, but never have I learned as much about the writing process as I did here. And in an interesting way that was very natural. I never knew there was such thing as a character thesaurus!
I have come to expect a fun sense of humor in books by this author, and was not disappointed. The story was quite humorous. The idiom wars that Sam and Ellie had, as well as the book ideas they tossed about were great. It had at least a few laugh out loud moments.
The characters of Sam and Ellie had a depth that went well beyond their physical descriptions. I felt like I got to know them, their hopes, dreams and insecurities. The secondary characters were also interesting. The emotions of the characters were expressed in such a way that I felt like I was experiencing them.
All in all, this was great story and one that I can heartily recommend.
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
September 19, 2017
D. J. Van Oss has done it again. This is a super sweet and clean second chance romance. A lot of the second chance romances I have read have been very unrealistic but this one is much more plausible. Ellie and Sam were high school sweethearts, writing partners, and “almost engaged” when they had a huge argument and neither every apologized. Now, 4 years later, they have taken different paths as authors but both still live in the small town of Golden Grove, Iowa- even though they have barely spoken a word to each other in those 4 years. Now they are being forced to co-author one more book to fulfill the original 4 book contract. Neither want to do this and they both drag their feet but in the end they end up pulling it together and turning in a manuscript. As they work on this book, they both realize that they still have feelings for one another and aren’t sure what to do about it.
There is fantastic character development in this book. I love Ellie and Sam and feel as though we are old friends. The secondary characters in the book are also great (are Archie and Ginger going to be a sequel??). The story is told from both Ellie and Sam’s POVs and it is done very well. The plot is sweet and funny, as well as sad at some points and romantic at others. The characters and locations are described so well that I want to go visit Golden Grove, Iowa. This book is filled with literary references which is appreciated since it is about two authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and had a hard time putting it down to do anything else!
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.
There is fantastic character development in this book. I love Ellie and Sam and feel as though we are old friends. The secondary characters in the book are also great (are Archie and Ginger going to be a sequel??). The story is told from both Ellie and Sam’s POVs and it is done very well. The plot is sweet and funny, as well as sad at some points and romantic at others. The characters and locations are described so well that I want to go visit Golden Grove, Iowa. This book is filled with literary references which is appreciated since it is about two authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and had a hard time putting it down to do anything else!
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.
July 24, 2019
Write by your side is a wonderful second chance at love. DJ Van Oss has written a small town romance, with the introduction to a few characters. This book features Sam and Ellie. These two were college sweethearts, each had big dreams and together they were going to write. Their breakup was not easy, and the two lost touch, each having their own career path. Ellie is now a successful thriller writer, and Sam does ghost writing for a mystery series. But circumstances have brought them together again and they are forced to write one more book together. Will they be able to set aside their past to create a new story? This is a fun and enjoyable look at a second chance at love. These two have so much history, that at each corner, there is another memory. I love how they try to collaborate, and their final decision of what to publish! And all while building their relationship again. It's sweet and warm, just making your heart feel good.
Kathleen Li does a beautiful job with her narration. She even includes a little singing! Her voice has a warmth that feels like coming home when she narrates. It's soothing and easy to listen to. She easily switches between characters, has a good pace and gives a wonderful performance to this story.
Kathleen Li does a beautiful job with her narration. She even includes a little singing! Her voice has a warmth that feels like coming home when she narrates. It's soothing and easy to listen to. She easily switches between characters, has a good pace and gives a wonderful performance to this story.
August 22, 2019
This book was a middle of the road read for me.
The plot itself wasn't bad. Throw two writers who used to be writing partners, as well as in a relationship, back together due to the fine print in a contract. It's interesting concept. But things just got a little too muddled for me. I could have used more character growth and definitely more for the romance. So much time was spent dealing with the situation the characters were in, the romance wasn't really developed. And then all of the sudden they're engaged... it didn't work for me.
The real let down was the narration. I haven't listened to anything by Ms Li before. I appreciate that she moderated her voice to differentiate between the characters. But the pacing (or maybe editing) was just off. There weren't any sort of good breaks between scenes. I was thrown multiple times when the scene or POV changed and there wasn't a pause to help with the switch. And outside of some emotion within the dialog, the rest of the narration was too emotion-less for my tastes. I wanted more feeling.
I was given a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
The plot itself wasn't bad. Throw two writers who used to be writing partners, as well as in a relationship, back together due to the fine print in a contract. It's interesting concept. But things just got a little too muddled for me. I could have used more character growth and definitely more for the romance. So much time was spent dealing with the situation the characters were in, the romance wasn't really developed. And then all of the sudden they're engaged... it didn't work for me.
The real let down was the narration. I haven't listened to anything by Ms Li before. I appreciate that she moderated her voice to differentiate between the characters. But the pacing (or maybe editing) was just off. There weren't any sort of good breaks between scenes. I was thrown multiple times when the scene or POV changed and there wasn't a pause to help with the switch. And outside of some emotion within the dialog, the rest of the narration was too emotion-less for my tastes. I wanted more feeling.
I was given a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
September 17, 2017
This was a really fun read and I enjoyed it so much. This sweet romance was about two writers, who, because of a contract signed without careful reading of the small print, find themselves somewhat in a bad predicament. Having been together some time previously in a relationship that didn't work out, the last thing on their minds was to have to spend time together writing a book that was require by the contract.
It was really an entertaining book and it was fun to see their interactions as they found themselves spending time together that they had never intended to.
I highly recommend this very sweet romance and am happy that I was able to read it. I hadn't read this author's work previously but plan to continue doing so.
I was given an ebook copy from the author for my honest review, which I have given.
It was really an entertaining book and it was fun to see their interactions as they found themselves spending time together that they had never intended to.
I highly recommend this very sweet romance and am happy that I was able to read it. I hadn't read this author's work previously but plan to continue doing so.
I was given an ebook copy from the author for my honest review, which I have given.
September 14, 2017
I really emjoy reading stories by this author. I loved the interactions between both Ellie & Sam along with Joe, Max, Judy, Archie & Ginger. I fell in love with them all, especially poor Ginger and how she cringed and turned pale with the researching the gore she had to do for Ellie.I enjoyed how Sam & Ellie got even with the wicked witch publisher who forced them to write the last book to full fill their contract with her. The receipes were great. They thought they were writing a terrible story, but the reviews were great. I liked how in the end they won after all. Sam's father Joe was so great at how he tricked Sam & Archie when he was in the hospital. It was a terrific story ad I couldn';t put it down until I found out how it ended.
September 12, 2017
This was a pleasant read with a lot of good banter in it. Sam and Ellie pulled me and kept me reading. Because this is a clean book (no swearing and only a bit of kissing), the tension comes from whether or not Sam and Ellie want to try again. That is not my favorite trope, but Van Oss pulls it off without too much angst. It feels natural and unforced.
I enjoyed this book more than Driving Miss Crazy. This one had a better rhythm to it. It is a romcom and doesn't try to be anything else.
If you are looking for a clean read that will make you laugh, I would recommend this.
I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to write my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this book more than Driving Miss Crazy. This one had a better rhythm to it. It is a romcom and doesn't try to be anything else.
If you are looking for a clean read that will make you laugh, I would recommend this.
I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to write my honest opinion.
September 15, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. I liked the length of it; because it allowed the author to really flesh out each of the characters in the book. It also allowed the author to take the book to a satisfactory conclusion. I have read so many books that were very good; but suddenly the book abruptly ends and you often feel like there should have been more. But, not this book. At the same time it made you want to take a look at the next book in the series. Once I got started with this book I couldn't put it down.
September 16, 2017
Loved this book. The title is perfect for this story. The characters are great and in my mind I could picture what was happening. My own private movie. I was laughing out loud at parts of the new book. No spoilers here. When Sam’s dad “got” him and Archie, another LOL moment. I love my author friends, so why would I not love a story about authors and the things they have to go through to give us great books? I would like a ride on the Lady Phoenix!
I received this book early and was asked to give an honest opinion, which I have done.
I received this book early and was asked to give an honest opinion, which I have done.
September 12, 2017
This story was an emotional roller coaster for me. Ellie and Sam are so meant for each other, but unfulfilled dreams part them for 4 years until they must work together on a story to fulfill a contract with the wicked witch of the West. I wanted to throttle the couple at times. It also had me laughing and almost crying. I liked the way it played out. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
September 12, 2017
My favourite D. J. Van Oss story yet. This book had me intrigued & laughing as well as rooting for the main characters right from the beginning. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series. I loved the interactions between both Ellie & Sam along with Joe, Max, Judy, Archie & Ginger. Combine all of these fun, loving characters together & you have a truly enjoyable reading adventure ahead of you. Enjoy!
September 17, 2017
This is a fun book full of snark. I loved it. It was fun getting a glimpse into the life of an author, especially a collaboration, I've always wondered how that works. The dynamic between Sam and Ellie is great. I enjoyed the humor, spark and love. I highly suggest this great clean book about second chances.
January 21, 2018
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and I'm happy to say I enjoyed every moment of Sam and Ellie's second chance at romance. Sam and Ellie were once a power couple whose success drove them apart. Will their old contract force them back together professionally and romantically? Buy your copy now to find out!
September 12, 2017
This is the third D. J. Van Oss book I've read, and I enjoyed all of them. His style is gentle; but the plots are thick enough to keep you reading. In this one, two writers who used to write as a couple, but split up, are thrown together to write again, whether they like it or not.
September 13, 2017
I loved this book. My sister and I used to enjoy the same "light hearted gay reparte" when we were growing up. She went on to be a published author - and left me to read it all. This was a great book.
September 18, 2017
Really enjoyed seeing a little bit into the other side of books! And a romance thrown in, too!! The story was a bit drawn out at times, but I loved the twists included in the story that made up for drawing it out. Looking forward to the next one by this author.
September 19, 2017
Too much
I thought this was an excellent read. Funny, and emotional. See hints of life many of us experience. Bravo to the author!
I thought this was an excellent read. Funny, and emotional. See hints of life many of us experience. Bravo to the author!
October 7, 2017
Fun to read
It was a little slow in spots. Enjoyed the plot and the humor. Taps into creativity and research for writing.
It was a little slow in spots. Enjoyed the plot and the humor. Taps into creativity and research for writing.
July 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this light hearted and fun romance. ( it was just what I needed after finishing a rather intense Wilbur Smith book)
The characters where entertaining, and a good plot keeping the interest going throughout.
I was given this audiobook in return for an unbiased review.
The characters where entertaining, and a good plot keeping the interest going throughout.
I was given this audiobook in return for an unbiased review.
December 20, 2017
Fun and romantic story of second chances. DJ Van Oss is becoming one of my favorite authors. The writing reminds me of Tammie Dearen and her Best Women series.
July 14, 2019
6 yrs ago the writing duo of Price-Chambers ended when the skeezey publisher closed down...as did their romantic relationship. Now Ellie Chambers is a well-known author of a detective series, while Sam Price remains a ghost writer for a who-dun-it series. When their mutual agent calls them in for a meeting, they learn that the prior publisher has decided to re-open her publishing business and that the writing duo still owes her a book...or pay her $100,000 for breach of contract. Can these two former soulmates work together to accomplish this task or will egos and manipulation get in the way? Or is this the second chance that they need to rekindle their romance? While this is a good book, there were a few parts where it tended to drag...but I stuck with it and there is a cute HEA.
I accepted a complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
I accepted a complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 8, 2021
Ellie and Sam have a past. What will happen when they are forced to work together after 4 years avoiding each other? They are the cutest couple and while they did frustrate me sometimes I loved their chemistry and how they still had feelings for each other. One of the sweetest, cleanest romance books I have read. Their was angst and of course a villain. Love the title and the play on words.
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