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New York #2
Madly
An impulsive trip to New York City, a heartthrob from London, and a scandalous to-do list turn a small-town girl’s life upside down in this sultry romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Truly and About Last Night.
Allie Fredericks isn’t supposed to be in Manhattan, hiding in the darkest corner of a hip bar, spying on her own mother—who’s flirting with a man who’s definitely not Allie’s father. Allie’s supposed to be in Wisconsin, planning her parents’ milestone anniversary party. Then Winston Chamberlain walks through the door, with his tailored suit, British accent, and gorgeous eyes, and Allie’s strange mission goes truly sideways.
Winston doesn’t do messy. But after a pretty stranger ropes him into her ridiculous family drama with a fake kiss that gets a little too real, he finds out that messy can be fun. Maybe even a little addicting. And as the night grows longer, Allie and Winston make a list of other wild things they could do together—and what seems like a mismatch leads to a genuine connection. But can their relationship survive as their real lives implode just outside the bedroom door?
Allie Fredericks isn’t supposed to be in Manhattan, hiding in the darkest corner of a hip bar, spying on her own mother—who’s flirting with a man who’s definitely not Allie’s father. Allie’s supposed to be in Wisconsin, planning her parents’ milestone anniversary party. Then Winston Chamberlain walks through the door, with his tailored suit, British accent, and gorgeous eyes, and Allie’s strange mission goes truly sideways.
Winston doesn’t do messy. But after a pretty stranger ropes him into her ridiculous family drama with a fake kiss that gets a little too real, he finds out that messy can be fun. Maybe even a little addicting. And as the night grows longer, Allie and Winston make a list of other wild things they could do together—and what seems like a mismatch leads to a genuine connection. But can their relationship survive as their real lives implode just outside the bedroom door?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2017
About the author
Ruthie Knox
45 books1,335 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestseller RUTHIE KNOX has published over a dozen contemporary romance novels to wide acclaim. A four-time RITA finalist and RT Reviewers Choice Award winner (writing as ROBIN YORK), she’s received positive review in Publisher’s Weekly, starred reviews in Library Journal, and six nods as a Library Journal best book of the year. Her novel Truly (Random House Loveswept) got over five million reads when serialized on Wattpad, and her subrights have been sold in audio, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Brazil.
Ruthie lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her wife. She co-writes contemporary romance with Annie Mare as MAE MARVEL and mystery as Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare.
Ruthie lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her wife. She co-writes contemporary romance with Annie Mare as MAE MARVEL and mystery as Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
April 9, 2017
3 stars!
Madly is a standalone sequel of Ruthie Knox's two previous works. It's a story about 26-year old Allie Fredericks (May's sister in Truly) and 40-year old Winston Chamberlain (Nev's older brother in About Last Night), two unlikeable characters in their origins.
Two strangers with opposite personalities meet at a Packers bar in a serendipitous moment. Allie is spying on her mother, and Winston was sitting alone in the bar. She needed someone to make sure her mother doesn't see her, and Winston was the closest one near her. He helped her spy on her mom, and the two spent the night getting to know each other.
Allie proves to be a mediocre spy when they lose sight of her mother and the man she might possibly be having an affair with. She flew to New York without much of a plan, and so she doesn't have a place to stay. Winston offers his apartment, and the two spend the night getting to know each other, drinking tea and making their own lists.
As Allie tries to figure out how to fix her family, Winston tries to figure out how to be a good father to his almost eighteen-year-old daughter.
My love and dislike (hate is too strong a word for this situation) for the characters are perfectly balanced.I loved Winston as much as I disliked Allie. While Winston showed a lot of growth compared with how he was in About Last Night, I can't say the same about Allie. She frustrated me. I saw her as a selfish, self-centered girl who couldn't be bothered. For me, she does things for herself in the guise of doing it for others. She liked to escape when it's too hard for her, never mind that it might be hard for others, too.
She's aware it's probably hurting or affecting other people, but her feelings are more important. A lot of pity party going on, too. I really didn't like her. I don't think she deserves Winston. I have a lot of feelings about this haha
So why did I still give this 3 stars?
The writing was engaging and a lot of parts entertaining. Mostly involving characters like Winston, his driver, assistant, daughter, and family. Plus when Allie's not pissing me off, she and Winston have some amusing and sweet moments that made me giggle or smile. Their sex bucket list was a favorite. Anything with involving Winston's stiffness *wink wink* is a yes. I really like that man.
Winston won me over. I loved his stiff, English properness, and his care for his daughter and Allie. After his fallout with his brother and divorce with his wife, he's had a lot of time to reflect on his past actions and what he's been doing with his life.
Madly is a standalone novel told in the third POV, but in alternating perspectives of the two leads. Despite my reservations and frustrations with the female lead, I still enjoyed the book. If you enjoy opposites attract romances with an age gap on the side, you might enjoy Madly.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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Madly is a standalone sequel of Ruthie Knox's two previous works. It's a story about 26-year old Allie Fredericks (May's sister in Truly) and 40-year old Winston Chamberlain (Nev's older brother in About Last Night), two unlikeable characters in their origins.
Two strangers with opposite personalities meet at a Packers bar in a serendipitous moment. Allie is spying on her mother, and Winston was sitting alone in the bar. She needed someone to make sure her mother doesn't see her, and Winston was the closest one near her. He helped her spy on her mom, and the two spent the night getting to know each other.
Allie proves to be a mediocre spy when they lose sight of her mother and the man she might possibly be having an affair with. She flew to New York without much of a plan, and so she doesn't have a place to stay. Winston offers his apartment, and the two spend the night getting to know each other, drinking tea and making their own lists.
As Allie tries to figure out how to fix her family, Winston tries to figure out how to be a good father to his almost eighteen-year-old daughter.
My love and dislike (hate is too strong a word for this situation) for the characters are perfectly balanced.I loved Winston as much as I disliked Allie. While Winston showed a lot of growth compared with how he was in About Last Night, I can't say the same about Allie. She frustrated me. I saw her as a selfish, self-centered girl who couldn't be bothered. For me, she does things for herself in the guise of doing it for others. She liked to escape when it's too hard for her, never mind that it might be hard for others, too.
She didn't care that she had to explain three times to her sister why she wasn't going to ride with them. She didn' care that the real answer was, Because I don't want to, because I give up, because this sucks and I hate it.
She's aware it's probably hurting or affecting other people, but her feelings are more important. A lot of pity party going on, too. I really didn't like her. I don't think she deserves Winston. I have a lot of feelings about this haha
So why did I still give this 3 stars?
The writing was engaging and a lot of parts entertaining. Mostly involving characters like Winston, his driver, assistant, daughter, and family. Plus when Allie's not pissing me off, she and Winston have some amusing and sweet moments that made me giggle or smile. Their sex bucket list was a favorite. Anything with involving Winston's stiffness *wink wink* is a yes. I really like that man.
Winston won me over. I loved his stiff, English properness, and his care for his daughter and Allie. After his fallout with his brother and divorce with his wife, he's had a lot of time to reflect on his past actions and what he's been doing with his life.
Madly is a standalone novel told in the third POV, but in alternating perspectives of the two leads. Despite my reservations and frustrations with the female lead, I still enjoyed the book. If you enjoy opposites attract romances with an age gap on the side, you might enjoy Madly.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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February 14, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Ruthie Knox, and she charmed me again with the second book in her New York series.
If you liked Truly, you will probably enjoy Madly as well. It had the same vibe, the same strangers-meeting-with-intense-chemistry thing, and had a steady pace for easy reading. Sure, the plot is far-fetched to the point of unbelievable, but I was so into the characters that I didn't even mind that much.
This is an opposites-attract story, which is a favorite theme of mine in romance. Allie is a bit of a misunderstood, zany free-spirit, and Winston is buttoned-up and polished moneyed shine. They played off each other, and their chemistry was intense. I loved their sex to-do list, and I found them to have a refreshing raw-ness as a couple. I think that they could have communicated a bit more, but I enjoyed them a great deal together.
What struck me most about the story was how readable and interesting it was. We learn a lot about each character, even the secondary characters, and not everything is as it seems. It isn't a high angst or dramatic story, but it makes a big impact all the same. Plus, it takes place in my neck of the woods, so bonus points for that.
A must-read for all fans of Ruthie Knox, Madly did not disappoint!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
If you liked Truly, you will probably enjoy Madly as well. It had the same vibe, the same strangers-meeting-with-intense-chemistry thing, and had a steady pace for easy reading. Sure, the plot is far-fetched to the point of unbelievable, but I was so into the characters that I didn't even mind that much.
This is an opposites-attract story, which is a favorite theme of mine in romance. Allie is a bit of a misunderstood, zany free-spirit, and Winston is buttoned-up and polished moneyed shine. They played off each other, and their chemistry was intense. I loved their sex to-do list, and I found them to have a refreshing raw-ness as a couple. I think that they could have communicated a bit more, but I enjoyed them a great deal together.
What struck me most about the story was how readable and interesting it was. We learn a lot about each character, even the secondary characters, and not everything is as it seems. It isn't a high angst or dramatic story, but it makes a big impact all the same. Plus, it takes place in my neck of the woods, so bonus points for that.
A must-read for all fans of Ruthie Knox, Madly did not disappoint!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
April 13, 2017
Madly has been a long time addition to my tbr, and I was glad to finally have the opportunity to have Allie’s story told. If you have read Truly, you’ll remember Allie as the flighty younger of May. It isn’t necessary to read Truly first, but I would recommend revisiting it for the enjoyment factor alone.
Along with Truly, About Last Night was another novel of Ruthie Knox I very much enjoyed. Why is that relevant you ask? Well, our male protagonist is none other than Winston Chamberlain, brother to Nev. As excited as I was to realise this, I worried it would be quite the challenge to change a previous opinion on two somewhat unlikeable characters.
The introduction to both story and characters soon quashed any hesitations I may have had. It’s an unconventional “meeting” to say the least. Allie is on a covert operation having followed her mother from Wisconsin to a New York bar. Her amateur skills of espionage require a diversion which involves the nearest person to her - who happens to be Winston.
Although Allie’s mission is never far from her mind, her diversion with Winston becomes a new focus. I wouldn’t like to describe Winston as stuffy, but it’s certainly a word that comes to mind. It’s adorable how much Allie helps to loosen him up. There is a guilt they both carry and the author did a great job in conjuring my empathy for them both.
Madly is romantically serendipitous, whilst being a fun quirky read. It was a pleasure to see the worlds collide and I look forward to the next novel in the series.
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April 1, 2017I gave up at around 29% so no rating.
I normally love this author's books but somehow I can't seem to connect with the story and the characters.
Will try again in the future. Maybe it was just my horrible book funk getting the best of me. Who knows?
ARC provided for a review
I normally love this author's books but somehow I can't seem to connect with the story and the characters.
Will try again in the future. Maybe it was just my horrible book funk getting the best of me. Who knows?
ARC provided for a review
March 16, 2017
3 Spy vs Spy Stars
* * *
Oh,what is it with Children trying to manage their Parents...and Parents, doing the same to their children...
We have Allie who sees her mother living this other life in NYC. She is compelled to find out what exactly is happening....and in this endeavor learns more about herself, life and love.
Winston is the man who is there trying to see what is happening with his 18 year old daughter...He assists Allie with her self discovery and he is wonderful... Along the way, he too discovers who he is, what this new woman means to him and what a HEA is...
A gifted copy was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * *
Oh,what is it with Children trying to manage their Parents...and Parents, doing the same to their children...
We have Allie who sees her mother living this other life in NYC. She is compelled to find out what exactly is happening....and in this endeavor learns more about herself, life and love.
Winston is the man who is there trying to see what is happening with his 18 year old daughter...He assists Allie with her self discovery and he is wonderful... Along the way, he too discovers who he is, what this new woman means to him and what a HEA is...
A gifted copy was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 30, 2019
Great buddy read w/ Whiskey Here
Ruthie Knox rarely disappoints me. In general, that was probably the case here too but not for the usual reasons. Her writing was actually pretty incredible, making you feel depths of emotion I only have gotten in her NA prior to reading this. In this book there were such odd dynamics I was having trouble getting past them. And great writing can't solve plot holes, especially where the characters don't connect or develop in a satisfactory way. Winston was decidedly middle-aged. Recovering from terrible mistakes in his life, and in walks quirky dresser Allie. In a sense, he treats her with the amusement and attitude that he would use to humor his 19 year old daughter-awfully paternal, and in a sense, she totally deserves. In fact, all the women in this novel acted 14 at any given point.
Allie was incredibly self-absorbed, and I was never convinced of any regard on her part for Winston other than the fact that he was 'there.' for lack of a better term. It is not that I couldn't feel their connection, their instalust -- that was ok, it was the underlying development of the relationship that felt really murky and out of place. How they get from point a to b just felt really confusing and rather unconvincing. And everything, just everything revolved around Allie.
The ending was brutally sloppy, and I don't trust this HEA. In the end, this is just fine even though I loved some of the concepts and discussions, it wasn't delivered within the arms of a satisfying romance.
Ruthie Knox rarely disappoints me. In general, that was probably the case here too but not for the usual reasons. Her writing was actually pretty incredible, making you feel depths of emotion I only have gotten in her NA prior to reading this. In this book there were such odd dynamics I was having trouble getting past them. And great writing can't solve plot holes, especially where the characters don't connect or develop in a satisfactory way. Winston was decidedly middle-aged. Recovering from terrible mistakes in his life, and in walks quirky dresser Allie. In a sense, he treats her with the amusement and attitude that he would use to humor his 19 year old daughter-awfully paternal, and in a sense, she totally deserves. In fact, all the women in this novel acted 14 at any given point.
Allie was incredibly self-absorbed, and I was never convinced of any regard on her part for Winston other than the fact that he was 'there.' for lack of a better term. It is not that I couldn't feel their connection, their instalust -- that was ok, it was the underlying development of the relationship that felt really murky and out of place. How they get from point a to b just felt really confusing and rather unconvincing. And everything, just everything revolved around Allie.
The ending was brutally sloppy, and I don't trust this HEA. In the end, this is just fine even though I loved some of the concepts and discussions, it wasn't delivered within the arms of a satisfying romance.
February 22, 2017
A wonderful romance with such a love twist into a Happily Ever After for every kind of love: sister love, brother love, father-adult child love, romantic love.
Ruthie Knox is one of my favorite writers. Her characters are complex and engaging with quirks, flaws, and beauty of the soul. The plots have all these little details which are grand.
Here we get New York City, a dip into the art world, and business. Mainly, we get the heartache of divorce and family with the hope of change and love.
I loved Truely (I am going to read it again) and I love this story of the sister.
Our heroine is a (well I won't tell you her age cause that is a fun part of the story) impulsive and clever woman who comes to New York on a mission.
The hero is older, British and and open to her adventure. He lets the light in. He is the older not so nice brother from another wonderful Knox romance About Last Night.(which I will be rereading
too).
There is a wonderful mystery in this book and so achey family dynamics. The psychological aspects of the story are superb but you will stay for the love between Winston and Allie...the acceptance....the passion.
It is hot and it is real. It is great and will leave you happy.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
Ruthie Knox is one of my favorite writers. Her characters are complex and engaging with quirks, flaws, and beauty of the soul. The plots have all these little details which are grand.
Here we get New York City, a dip into the art world, and business. Mainly, we get the heartache of divorce and family with the hope of change and love.
I loved Truely (I am going to read it again) and I love this story of the sister.
Our heroine is a (well I won't tell you her age cause that is a fun part of the story) impulsive and clever woman who comes to New York on a mission.
The hero is older, British and and open to her adventure. He lets the light in. He is the older not so nice brother from another wonderful Knox romance About Last Night.(which I will be rereading
too).
There is a wonderful mystery in this book and so achey family dynamics. The psychological aspects of the story are superb but you will stay for the love between Winston and Allie...the acceptance....the passion.
It is hot and it is real. It is great and will leave you happy.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
January 16, 2020
Calling it quits at 50%. I cannot summon the energy to read more. Their fast-forward relationship was unbelievable and awkward. Where May and Ben moved slow and delicious like Ben’s honey these two had a manic pace that was pointless and non-sensual. Big disappointment.
March 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
POSSIBLE SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ TRULY (BOOK 1)!!!!
This is Allie's story, May's sister from book 1. This book shows us a whole different side of Allie we didn't see in book 1. The business side. Turns out Allie's not as flighty and impulsive when it comes to her finances and that impressed me! But she still has that impulsive side, and that is what brings her to NY, on a mission to uncover a family secret. And that is where she meets Winston.... actually in the same bar May met Ben.
I don't know, I struggled with parts of this book. I felt like I was in London, but the scene was set in NY. It had to be because of Winston Chamberlain........the posh Londoner businessman (and divorced). He was so prim and proper it was scary! Lol. And the hardest thing for a while was trying to figure out his age.....he had an 18-year old daughter going to school in NY, his main reason for being there when he'd rather be in London. So yeah, I wasn't sure about the age difference for a while into the book.
I did like it. Loved the ending! Looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ TRULY (BOOK 1)!!!!
This is Allie's story, May's sister from book 1. This book shows us a whole different side of Allie we didn't see in book 1. The business side. Turns out Allie's not as flighty and impulsive when it comes to her finances and that impressed me! But she still has that impulsive side, and that is what brings her to NY, on a mission to uncover a family secret. And that is where she meets Winston.... actually in the same bar May met Ben.
I don't know, I struggled with parts of this book. I felt like I was in London, but the scene was set in NY. It had to be because of Winston Chamberlain........the posh Londoner businessman (and divorced). He was so prim and proper it was scary! Lol. And the hardest thing for a while was trying to figure out his age.....he had an 18-year old daughter going to school in NY, his main reason for being there when he'd rather be in London. So yeah, I wasn't sure about the age difference for a while into the book.
I did like it. Loved the ending! Looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
June 19, 2017
Publication Date: March 14, 2017
This was such a fantastic read!
I loved this book and it's complex, unique characters and relationships, the storyline, and the writing.
I love this author.
Synopsis
Allie Fredericks isn’t supposed to be in Manhattan, hiding in the darkest corner of a hip bar, spying on her own mother—who’s flirting with a man who’s definitely not Allie’s father. Allie’s supposed to be in Wisconsin, planning her parents’ milestone anniversary party. Then Winston Chamberlain walks through the door, with his tailored suit, British accent, and gorgeous eyes, and Allie’s strange mission goes truly sideways.
Winston doesn’t do messy. But after a pretty stranger ropes him into her ridiculous family drama with a fake kiss that gets a little too real, he finds out that messy can be fun. Maybe even a little addicting. And as the night grows longer, Allie and Winston make a list of other wild things they could do together—and what seems like a mismatch leads to a genuine connection. But can their relationship survive as their real lives implode just outside the bedroom door?
"A copy of this book has been provided by Loveswept Publishing in exchange for an honest review"
This was such a fantastic read!
I loved this book and it's complex, unique characters and relationships, the storyline, and the writing.
I love this author.
Synopsis
Allie Fredericks isn’t supposed to be in Manhattan, hiding in the darkest corner of a hip bar, spying on her own mother—who’s flirting with a man who’s definitely not Allie’s father. Allie’s supposed to be in Wisconsin, planning her parents’ milestone anniversary party. Then Winston Chamberlain walks through the door, with his tailored suit, British accent, and gorgeous eyes, and Allie’s strange mission goes truly sideways.
Winston doesn’t do messy. But after a pretty stranger ropes him into her ridiculous family drama with a fake kiss that gets a little too real, he finds out that messy can be fun. Maybe even a little addicting. And as the night grows longer, Allie and Winston make a list of other wild things they could do together—and what seems like a mismatch leads to a genuine connection. But can their relationship survive as their real lives implode just outside the bedroom door?
"A copy of this book has been provided by Loveswept Publishing in exchange for an honest review"
January 21, 2017
It's been a very long time since a book has kept me up reading till 3am. I'm SO HAPPY that Ruthie Knox has a new book out. I've really missed her writing & reading her books. She had such a flawless, fluidity to her writing, her characters & her story telling.
Madly is a sequel to About Last Night & is the 2nd book in her New York series (Truly was the first). This book can totally be read as a standalone but, I recommend reading the other books in order to get the full experience & to see the other characters mentioned in this book.
Allie is in NY to spy on her mother who's been living a "double life" sort to speak & Allie wants to find out why her parents don't talk about it. Winston is a single dad from London & meets Allie as she's attempting to spy on her mother. Along the way Allie finds a lot of stuff out about herself, her parents & what she really wants out of life. Winston is there to help Allie & she helps him find himself & realize there's more to life than how he's been living it.
These 2 have such an emotional & sexual connection & it's off the charts HOT! Not only is it fan yourself HOT because holy moly it's super HOT but, there's also such a deep connection with Allie & Winston that as a reader you can feel it too.
I really hope we see more books from Ruthie Knox sooner rather than later!
Madly is a sequel to About Last Night & is the 2nd book in her New York series (Truly was the first). This book can totally be read as a standalone but, I recommend reading the other books in order to get the full experience & to see the other characters mentioned in this book.
Allie is in NY to spy on her mother who's been living a "double life" sort to speak & Allie wants to find out why her parents don't talk about it. Winston is a single dad from London & meets Allie as she's attempting to spy on her mother. Along the way Allie finds a lot of stuff out about herself, her parents & what she really wants out of life. Winston is there to help Allie & she helps him find himself & realize there's more to life than how he's been living it.
These 2 have such an emotional & sexual connection & it's off the charts HOT! Not only is it fan yourself HOT because holy moly it's super HOT but, there's also such a deep connection with Allie & Winston that as a reader you can feel it too.
I really hope we see more books from Ruthie Knox sooner rather than later!
February 24, 2017
The second book in the New York series by Ruthie Knox. Allie Fredericks is in New York to spy on her mother. While spying on her in a local bar, Allie meets Winston Chamberlain. Allie uses Winston to prevent her mother from discovering her. They develop a little friendship that includes benefits.
I really hesitate to call this a romance. Yes, it does have the requirements of a romance but it was more of a journey of discovery for both Allie and Winston. Winston was introduced in About Last Night, a book unrelated to this series. And one I have surprisingly already read. But you don't have to have read it to enjoy this book. Anyway, Allie is from Wisconsin and has reasons to believe her mother is cheating on her father. She has a few misguided beliefs that she can "fix" the situation and all will be fine. Winston came to New York to be with his daughter while she attends college.
The story runs at a good pace. The characters were likable and real. I did feel the ending left you with wanting more but overall I really enjoyed this book.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really hesitate to call this a romance. Yes, it does have the requirements of a romance but it was more of a journey of discovery for both Allie and Winston. Winston was introduced in About Last Night, a book unrelated to this series. And one I have surprisingly already read. But you don't have to have read it to enjoy this book. Anyway, Allie is from Wisconsin and has reasons to believe her mother is cheating on her father. She has a few misguided beliefs that she can "fix" the situation and all will be fine. Winston came to New York to be with his daughter while she attends college.
The story runs at a good pace. The characters were likable and real. I did feel the ending left you with wanting more but overall I really enjoyed this book.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2021
this was delightfully addicting to read!!
with some family drama in the storyline, and charming romance
I really enjoyed the writing..
with some family drama in the storyline, and charming romance
I really enjoyed the writing..
October 14, 2018
Pretty good over all. Not a very intense romance as there was a lot happening that didn't directly concern the H/h's feeling for each other. Enjoyable characters.
March 24, 2017
Madly by Ruthie Knox is the second book in her New York series, and one I’ve been anticipating for a while. The two main characters have been introduced previously in other stories by the author and are not a pairing I would have ever guessed would happen, but the result is a delightful mix of British charm and American bravado in an emotional and sexy romance.
Winston Chamberlain doesn’t quite know how he ended up where he is now – in New York, divorced, barely keeping up with his college-attending daughter whom he followed to America. Long workaholic days keep him from thinking overly much about where his decidedly dismal life is headed. Stepping into a pub one day changes all that in one fell swoop.
Allie Fredericks is on a mission. She’s followed her midwestern mother from Wisconsin all the way to New York and is determined to discover once and for all where her mother disappears to periodically for weeks at a time, and why. Her worst fears are that she’s having a long term affair, a belief reinforced by the knowledge that she’s not the biological child of her father but of an artist known as Justice. With a little ingenuity (and inappropriate password use) she’s tracked her mom and Justice to a bar and is keeping a covert eye on them out of sight until the tall, handsome Brit walks into the bar and impedes her view. Just like that, Winston is drawn into Allie’s spy game. One thing leads to another and a sexy fling ensues while Allie tries to find out what her mom is up to. But New York isn’t home for either of them. When the adventure is over, is their time together destined to become just a bittersweet memory?
I loved this story! Allie’s impetuous decision to follow her mother to New York has real life consequences. Having previously left a groom at the altar, a man who continues to insinuate himself into her life back home to her dismay (he’s a nice guy, everyone says so!), and now planning a wedding anniversary party for her parents that might not happen, she’s in a bit of panic. Winston, drawn into her spy game, becomes a steadying influence for her. She ends up staying at the apartment he’d gotten for his daughter Bea (who insists on living at her college dorm). Two strangers, they have a surprisingly easy camaraderie that results in sharing some intimate secrets, and this leads to a list – yes, that kind of list (wink, wink). With no vested interest in the outcome of each others lives (at least at first), they can confide anything to each other without fear of reprisal or condemnation. I really enjoyed watching them open up to each other, both sexually and emotionally.
While Winston and Allie are growing closer, there are significant happenings going on in their family relationships. Winston’s struggles to be a worthy father to Bea and a better brother to Nev (whose relationship to his partner Cath he almost destroyed) are noteworthy. He really wasn’t that nice of a guy before, and only since his divorce and move to New York has he come to grips with the mistakes he’s made. Allie is not at all a woman he would have ever considered dating before, but her refreshing candor and zest for life draw him in.
Allie has her own challenges, her relationship with her sister May fraught with tension and resulting in several emotional scenes. Her confusion and worry over her mother’s actions, and the knowledge that her father is not related to her biologically lead her to make several decisions that aren’t necessarily the right ones, though it’s only in her trying to fix everything and make everyone else happy that she realizes how miserable she is. The author has a wonderful way of drawing you into her characters and making you feel invested in the outcome of everyone’s lives, not just the main couple.
There are some surprising twists and turns in the second half of this delightful story, and some tears, laughter, and joy when all’s said and done. Everyone gets a happy ending, including Winston and Allie. Madly is a delightful romp exploring family and friendship and love in Ruthie Knox’s unmatched style.
This review is also posted at https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Winston Chamberlain doesn’t quite know how he ended up where he is now – in New York, divorced, barely keeping up with his college-attending daughter whom he followed to America. Long workaholic days keep him from thinking overly much about where his decidedly dismal life is headed. Stepping into a pub one day changes all that in one fell swoop.
Allie Fredericks is on a mission. She’s followed her midwestern mother from Wisconsin all the way to New York and is determined to discover once and for all where her mother disappears to periodically for weeks at a time, and why. Her worst fears are that she’s having a long term affair, a belief reinforced by the knowledge that she’s not the biological child of her father but of an artist known as Justice. With a little ingenuity (and inappropriate password use) she’s tracked her mom and Justice to a bar and is keeping a covert eye on them out of sight until the tall, handsome Brit walks into the bar and impedes her view. Just like that, Winston is drawn into Allie’s spy game. One thing leads to another and a sexy fling ensues while Allie tries to find out what her mom is up to. But New York isn’t home for either of them. When the adventure is over, is their time together destined to become just a bittersweet memory?
I loved this story! Allie’s impetuous decision to follow her mother to New York has real life consequences. Having previously left a groom at the altar, a man who continues to insinuate himself into her life back home to her dismay (he’s a nice guy, everyone says so!), and now planning a wedding anniversary party for her parents that might not happen, she’s in a bit of panic. Winston, drawn into her spy game, becomes a steadying influence for her. She ends up staying at the apartment he’d gotten for his daughter Bea (who insists on living at her college dorm). Two strangers, they have a surprisingly easy camaraderie that results in sharing some intimate secrets, and this leads to a list – yes, that kind of list (wink, wink). With no vested interest in the outcome of each others lives (at least at first), they can confide anything to each other without fear of reprisal or condemnation. I really enjoyed watching them open up to each other, both sexually and emotionally.
While Winston and Allie are growing closer, there are significant happenings going on in their family relationships. Winston’s struggles to be a worthy father to Bea and a better brother to Nev (whose relationship to his partner Cath he almost destroyed) are noteworthy. He really wasn’t that nice of a guy before, and only since his divorce and move to New York has he come to grips with the mistakes he’s made. Allie is not at all a woman he would have ever considered dating before, but her refreshing candor and zest for life draw him in.
Allie has her own challenges, her relationship with her sister May fraught with tension and resulting in several emotional scenes. Her confusion and worry over her mother’s actions, and the knowledge that her father is not related to her biologically lead her to make several decisions that aren’t necessarily the right ones, though it’s only in her trying to fix everything and make everyone else happy that she realizes how miserable she is. The author has a wonderful way of drawing you into her characters and making you feel invested in the outcome of everyone’s lives, not just the main couple.
There are some surprising twists and turns in the second half of this delightful story, and some tears, laughter, and joy when all’s said and done. Everyone gets a happy ending, including Winston and Allie. Madly is a delightful romp exploring family and friendship and love in Ruthie Knox’s unmatched style.
This review is also posted at https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
January 30, 2019
I did a buddy read for this which can be found here: Madly Buddy Read
My comments, quotes, and thoughts can more fully be found there.
If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be, exhausted. I liked it with its raw, oof, delve into emotions, but also all those emotions of anger, hurt, and pain, exhausted the hell out of me. These were not perfect characters and at times I wanted understanding and forgiveness for teenage actions, still bothering now adults, to play a bigger part.
The romance lacked a bit for me, it moved pretty quick and I just didn't feel the story threads were there to support it.
This was very much about family dynamics, pain, and human connectivity, putting your own wants and desires on people, and secret desires versus what the world/people tell you what kind of and how you should live your life.
Deep oof stuff at times but I'm exhausted.
My comments, quotes, and thoughts can more fully be found there.
If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be, exhausted. I liked it with its raw, oof, delve into emotions, but also all those emotions of anger, hurt, and pain, exhausted the hell out of me. These were not perfect characters and at times I wanted understanding and forgiveness for teenage actions, still bothering now adults, to play a bigger part.
The romance lacked a bit for me, it moved pretty quick and I just didn't feel the story threads were there to support it.
This was very much about family dynamics, pain, and human connectivity, putting your own wants and desires on people, and secret desires versus what the world/people tell you what kind of and how you should live your life.
Deep oof stuff at times but I'm exhausted.
April 8, 2017
This book was a little underwhelming. I enjoyed it, but it didn't have the same spark as Knox's previous stories. The characters were interesting and dynamic, but in such a short book it felt unnecessarily crowded at times. The love story was okay, but it came across as cheap at times with the two main characters focused on a more physical relationship, which meant a lot of potential intimacy was lost. It was sweet enough to keep enjoying, but it wasn't one of my favourites, unfortunately. Still, I'm super excited that Knox is writing and publishing her stories again!!
March 19, 2017
The hero and heroine (unlikeable characters from previous books) didn't win me over, although many reviewers were wowed. Likewise, romance was lacking. The mystery plot within was interesting but simply not enough to make it nearly as good as my favorite, About Last Night.
March 13, 2017
I gave
Madly
an A at
All About Romance
.
Because my love affair with contemporary romance started with About Last Night, a novel linked to this one, I had a special place in my heart for Madly even before I started reading it. While it features my favorite romantic trope – opposites falling in love – it’s also a story of redemption and self-discovery. Thoughtful, moving, charming and delightful, you’ll swoon over this wonderful love story. Madly is the second book in the New York series, and features characters from two previous books by Ms. Knox: About Last Night (him), and Truly (her). I recommend reading them both for context, but you can still enjoy Madly as a standalone.
Allie Fredericks is convinced her mother is having an affair. For as long as she can remember, her mom has disappeared from the family home for days at a time only to reappear acting as if she’d never left. The family never discusses where her mom goes or who she’s with, but Allie is convinced she’s meeting a man. Fed up with the mystery and with her mother missing again, she hacks into her mom’s credit card account and uses it to track her down to New York City.
As the story opens, Allie is hidden in a dark corner of a bar, watching her mother flirt with a man Allie doesn’t know. She’s worrying about how to convince her mom to leave when she spots a well-dressed, handsome stranger enter the bar. In the midst of ogling him, she belatedly notices her mom turning her way. Allie asks the handsome stranger to hide her from view, but when her mom walks in their direction, she impulsively asks him to kiss her instead. Much to her surprise, the handsome stranger doesn’t miss a beat and with an amused expression, he leans in for a kiss.
Winston Chamberlain was trying to get out of the rain when he ducked into a bar and found himself kissing a complete stranger. He doesn’t regret it, but he’s curious about his attractive new friend. After fetching them both drinks, he listens as Allie tells him a bit about herself, admitting she’s spying on the woman at the bar. Allie’s vague about why she’s spying, so Winston keeps a secret of his own. He knows the man at the bar with her mom. He’s the artist, Justice, famed for both his massive, surprise art installations and his anonymity; Winston is his financial manager.
Though Winston is attracted to his much younger new friend, he’s suspicious (maybe she’s trying to corner Justice?), so he offers to help her with the intention of doing some spying of his own. One drink leads to another, and the two find themselves getting to know and like one another. When Allie’s mom and her date leave, neither Winston or Allie notices right away. Plans in tatters, alone in Manhattan without a place to stay, Allie’s ready to call it a night and find a hotel. But Winston isn’t as ready to say goodbye, and invites her to stay in the empty furnished flat he rents for his daughter. She agrees and Winston escorts her up.
I expected a big kissing/sex scene to follow once they were alone in the apartment, but Ms. Knox surprised me. Instead of acting on the attraction they clearly feel, Allie and Winston keep talking and revealing their innermost secrets. After Allie confesses why she was really spying on her mom, Winston volunteers his own sad history. Discovering they’ve both been less than honest in their past failed relationships (and having no one to blame but themselves) and vowing to be different, they end up writing a top ten list of things to try – things they’ve never admitted they wanted or needed, before Allie returns home to Wisconsin. Ms. Knox only shares snapshots of the list, but the back-and-forth and their internal PoVs as they add items is delightfully awkward and fascinating. Every item has special meaning and I loved listening to Allie and Winston rationalize how and why she/he included it. The list isn’t quite what I expected, but it’s sexy in its own way. Allie and Winston are intimate (sort of!) before parting ways, but a word of warning – it’s a torturous wait for them to finally consummate their ‘fling’ (they have lots of other things to try first!).
Allie is a bit of a surprise as the story progresses. In Truly, we knew her as the impulsive sister who jilted a fiancé at the altar, and that definitely colored my perception of her when Madly began. In truth, she’s an enormously intelligent and driven woman who’s been underestimated and misunderstood most of her life. I liked her – and the way in which Ms. Knox continues to reveal layers and interesting bits and pieces about her as the story progresses – very much. I also loved Winston. British, significantly older, but not necessarily wiser, Winston blames himself for the failure of his first marriage, his inability to form new relationships or undertake new adventures, and he worries about whether he’s a good father to his college-age daughter. His vulnerability is refreshing, as is his gentle, tender and patient regard for Allie (except when he’s lusting after her). These two are opposites in so many ways – she’s loud, he’s quiet; she dresses in daring outfits, he favors conservative suits; she’s emotional, he’s reserved… but they fit just right together. They also have tremendous chemistry. I loved Winston’s PoV best, though my favorite line comes from Allie’s:
The top ten list and Allie’s temporary residency in Winston’s extra apartment provide the excuse for them to continue to spend time together. Despite knowing Allie plans to return to Wisconsin and that she views their affair as a fling, Winston falls hard. Allie does too – though she fights it (for reasons you’ll have to discover on your own). The affair is physically and emotionally fulfilling, and contrary to their original intent, it moves way beyond a fling for both of them not long after they write their list.
Though the evolution of Allie and Winston’s relationship is the main focus of Madly, there are a lot of other intriguing plot lines. Secondary characters – Winston’s daughter and estranged brother, Allie’s sister and her husband, also play significant roles in the story (I have my own guess about who might be featured in book three). Still, though the other characters and story-lines are compelling, my favorite parts are when Allie and Winston were together. His calm persona and dry sense of humor are a nice counterpoint to Allie’s youthful exuberance.
The premise of Madly – two complete strangers meeting and falling for each other while spying on another couple at a bar, and then devising a top ten romantic/sexual ‘to do’ list ...
Read the rest of my review for All About Romance here .
____________________________________________________________
One of my first (and most favorite) romance novels is About Last Night by Ruthie Knox.
Several years ago I finished reading the Outlander series and decided I only wanted to read romance novels FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. An Outlander fansite I followed, That's Normal, included a book recommendation section by one of their writers (Bekah - thank you!). Her list was/is terrific & I highly recommend you check it out. But more importantly, she included Ruthie Knox (who also writes NA as Robin York) on her list.
Though I enjoyed the Outlander books (well, Jamie), About Last Night is where my love affair with romance novels began and it endures today.
So, I love Ruthie Knox. I loved About Last Night (which is linked to this story). And I love Madly. Madly! You'll swoon over Winston and Allie and their list and their romance & just fall head over heels for this novel. It's a love letter to romance novels.
My full review for All About Romance is to come...
Because my love affair with contemporary romance started with About Last Night, a novel linked to this one, I had a special place in my heart for Madly even before I started reading it. While it features my favorite romantic trope – opposites falling in love – it’s also a story of redemption and self-discovery. Thoughtful, moving, charming and delightful, you’ll swoon over this wonderful love story. Madly is the second book in the New York series, and features characters from two previous books by Ms. Knox: About Last Night (him), and Truly (her). I recommend reading them both for context, but you can still enjoy Madly as a standalone.
Allie Fredericks is convinced her mother is having an affair. For as long as she can remember, her mom has disappeared from the family home for days at a time only to reappear acting as if she’d never left. The family never discusses where her mom goes or who she’s with, but Allie is convinced she’s meeting a man. Fed up with the mystery and with her mother missing again, she hacks into her mom’s credit card account and uses it to track her down to New York City.
As the story opens, Allie is hidden in a dark corner of a bar, watching her mother flirt with a man Allie doesn’t know. She’s worrying about how to convince her mom to leave when she spots a well-dressed, handsome stranger enter the bar. In the midst of ogling him, she belatedly notices her mom turning her way. Allie asks the handsome stranger to hide her from view, but when her mom walks in their direction, she impulsively asks him to kiss her instead. Much to her surprise, the handsome stranger doesn’t miss a beat and with an amused expression, he leans in for a kiss.
Winston Chamberlain was trying to get out of the rain when he ducked into a bar and found himself kissing a complete stranger. He doesn’t regret it, but he’s curious about his attractive new friend. After fetching them both drinks, he listens as Allie tells him a bit about herself, admitting she’s spying on the woman at the bar. Allie’s vague about why she’s spying, so Winston keeps a secret of his own. He knows the man at the bar with her mom. He’s the artist, Justice, famed for both his massive, surprise art installations and his anonymity; Winston is his financial manager.
Though Winston is attracted to his much younger new friend, he’s suspicious (maybe she’s trying to corner Justice?), so he offers to help her with the intention of doing some spying of his own. One drink leads to another, and the two find themselves getting to know and like one another. When Allie’s mom and her date leave, neither Winston or Allie notices right away. Plans in tatters, alone in Manhattan without a place to stay, Allie’s ready to call it a night and find a hotel. But Winston isn’t as ready to say goodbye, and invites her to stay in the empty furnished flat he rents for his daughter. She agrees and Winston escorts her up.
I expected a big kissing/sex scene to follow once they were alone in the apartment, but Ms. Knox surprised me. Instead of acting on the attraction they clearly feel, Allie and Winston keep talking and revealing their innermost secrets. After Allie confesses why she was really spying on her mom, Winston volunteers his own sad history. Discovering they’ve both been less than honest in their past failed relationships (and having no one to blame but themselves) and vowing to be different, they end up writing a top ten list of things to try – things they’ve never admitted they wanted or needed, before Allie returns home to Wisconsin. Ms. Knox only shares snapshots of the list, but the back-and-forth and their internal PoVs as they add items is delightfully awkward and fascinating. Every item has special meaning and I loved listening to Allie and Winston rationalize how and why she/he included it. The list isn’t quite what I expected, but it’s sexy in its own way. Allie and Winston are intimate (sort of!) before parting ways, but a word of warning – it’s a torturous wait for them to finally consummate their ‘fling’ (they have lots of other things to try first!).
Allie is a bit of a surprise as the story progresses. In Truly, we knew her as the impulsive sister who jilted a fiancé at the altar, and that definitely colored my perception of her when Madly began. In truth, she’s an enormously intelligent and driven woman who’s been underestimated and misunderstood most of her life. I liked her – and the way in which Ms. Knox continues to reveal layers and interesting bits and pieces about her as the story progresses – very much. I also loved Winston. British, significantly older, but not necessarily wiser, Winston blames himself for the failure of his first marriage, his inability to form new relationships or undertake new adventures, and he worries about whether he’s a good father to his college-age daughter. His vulnerability is refreshing, as is his gentle, tender and patient regard for Allie (except when he’s lusting after her). These two are opposites in so many ways – she’s loud, he’s quiet; she dresses in daring outfits, he favors conservative suits; she’s emotional, he’s reserved… but they fit just right together. They also have tremendous chemistry. I loved Winston’s PoV best, though my favorite line comes from Allie’s:
…and there was Winston – she zoomed her eyes over him, but not fast enough to keep from noticing that his socks were some kind of thin purple silk trouser sock situation, because he was the sexiest man in the universe.
The top ten list and Allie’s temporary residency in Winston’s extra apartment provide the excuse for them to continue to spend time together. Despite knowing Allie plans to return to Wisconsin and that she views their affair as a fling, Winston falls hard. Allie does too – though she fights it (for reasons you’ll have to discover on your own). The affair is physically and emotionally fulfilling, and contrary to their original intent, it moves way beyond a fling for both of them not long after they write their list.
Though the evolution of Allie and Winston’s relationship is the main focus of Madly, there are a lot of other intriguing plot lines. Secondary characters – Winston’s daughter and estranged brother, Allie’s sister and her husband, also play significant roles in the story (I have my own guess about who might be featured in book three). Still, though the other characters and story-lines are compelling, my favorite parts are when Allie and Winston were together. His calm persona and dry sense of humor are a nice counterpoint to Allie’s youthful exuberance.
The premise of Madly – two complete strangers meeting and falling for each other while spying on another couple at a bar, and then devising a top ten romantic/sexual ‘to do’ list ...
Read the rest of my review for All About Romance here .
____________________________________________________________
One of my first (and most favorite) romance novels is About Last Night by Ruthie Knox.
Several years ago I finished reading the Outlander series and decided I only wanted to read romance novels FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. An Outlander fansite I followed, That's Normal, included a book recommendation section by one of their writers (Bekah - thank you!). Her list was/is terrific & I highly recommend you check it out. But more importantly, she included Ruthie Knox (who also writes NA as Robin York) on her list.
Though I enjoyed the Outlander books (well, Jamie), About Last Night is where my love affair with romance novels began and it endures today.
So, I love Ruthie Knox. I loved About Last Night (which is linked to this story). And I love Madly. Madly! You'll swoon over Winston and Allie and their list and their romance & just fall head over heels for this novel. It's a love letter to romance novels.
My full review for All About Romance is to come...
March 13, 2017
Madly
Ruthie Knox
Only 2.5 Stars for me
Ruthie Knox
Only 2.5 Stars for me
August 12, 2017
I waited for what seemed like a long time for the sequel to Ruthie Knox's book,
. I loved Truly and May&Ben are in Madly, which was great. I actually wanted a little more of them together in the sequel.
Maybe my expectations were way too high. Madly was superbly written (as usual) and it had complex, interesting characters. But it was heavy on the family angst and didn't have enough steam or romance IMO. I loved both parts of the couple separately, but their chemistry and relationship seemed to be missing something. I felt that Winston and Allie could be more successful as friends. Their "list," although a cute idea, made the romance side of things things seem a bit robotic.
I liked the story but it literally took me weeks to finish. It's probably just me though! This author's books usually work for me and I have many on my favorites shelf. The family drama and the characters being mad all the time seemed stressful so I just didnt love it.
I will definitely read the next one, though, and anything else by this author!
Maybe my expectations were way too high. Madly was superbly written (as usual) and it had complex, interesting characters. But it was heavy on the family angst and didn't have enough steam or romance IMO. I loved both parts of the couple separately, but their chemistry and relationship seemed to be missing something. I felt that Winston and Allie could be more successful as friends. Their "list," although a cute idea, made the romance side of things things seem a bit robotic.
I liked the story but it literally took me weeks to finish. It's probably just me though! This author's books usually work for me and I have many on my favorites shelf. The family drama and the characters being mad all the time seemed stressful so I just didnt love it.
I will definitely read the next one, though, and anything else by this author!
March 14, 2017
Ruthie Fox’s Madly is a charming and entertaining book with an interesting and original story. It kept me guessing and smiling until the end. Winston is a buttoned-up, divorced Brit who runs into the zany, free-spirited Allie at a bar in New York. She’s taken an unexpected trip to the city from Wisconsin to spy on her mother, whom she believes is cheating on her father. She and Winston end up hitting it off, and her hasty trip takes her life in directions she never anticipated.
Both Allie and Winston bring something to the table, and they are opposites who truly compliment each other in their own unique ways. They make a hilarious and sexy bedroom to-do list that was very fun to watch them complete; they had great chemistry. I loved how Winston interacted with his college-aged daughter and how his character developed. There is a cast of great secondary characters that add depth to the story. Madly is an unexpected treat.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Both Allie and Winston bring something to the table, and they are opposites who truly compliment each other in their own unique ways. They make a hilarious and sexy bedroom to-do list that was very fun to watch them complete; they had great chemistry. I loved how Winston interacted with his college-aged daughter and how his character developed. There is a cast of great secondary characters that add depth to the story. Madly is an unexpected treat.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
February 7, 2017
4.5 stars!! I'm so excited for new Ruthie Knox!!! Loved this!!
April 11, 2017
Allie is from Wisconsin, and a bit of an impulsive extrovert: with a huge problem. See, since she was little, her mother would disappear every so often without reason, and there was never any explanation. So, wild, determined and sixteen, she snooped and discovered a piece of a family secret – and has been operating under half-understood assumptions for the last number of years. Now with a recent episode as a runaway bride, she’s upped her snoop on her mother game, and has added tracking, tracing and now following her mother on her latest disappearance. To New York.
A sudden need to have an accomplice and someone to hide behind brings her into Winston’s company. A divorced Brit working in his family’s US branch of the financial management company, he’s there desperately trying to be the father he thinks that his daughter, now in university needs. A bit of a control freak – he’s busy living up to an ideal that he thinks he should meet, one that is not realistic or particularly helpful when you think of personal interactions. And, unfortunately for him, that particular stick has been lodged in his butt for years.
Oh this was fun- and completely and totally unexpected! Sometimes you think you have a clue as to what will be the outcome – but Allie was full of surprises, contradictions and just plain insouciant glee, causing a not insignificant merry chase for those around her. With secondary characters, several twist from the supposed heartbreak of her father due to her mother’s disappearance, her ex who never heard the word boundary, her sister and husband, her father, Winston’s PA and brother, his driver and the curious concept of the “mailman” this is a wonderful story that is sure to keep you reading through to the end, only to want another.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher viia NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
A sudden need to have an accomplice and someone to hide behind brings her into Winston’s company. A divorced Brit working in his family’s US branch of the financial management company, he’s there desperately trying to be the father he thinks that his daughter, now in university needs. A bit of a control freak – he’s busy living up to an ideal that he thinks he should meet, one that is not realistic or particularly helpful when you think of personal interactions. And, unfortunately for him, that particular stick has been lodged in his butt for years.
Oh this was fun- and completely and totally unexpected! Sometimes you think you have a clue as to what will be the outcome – but Allie was full of surprises, contradictions and just plain insouciant glee, causing a not insignificant merry chase for those around her. With secondary characters, several twist from the supposed heartbreak of her father due to her mother’s disappearance, her ex who never heard the word boundary, her sister and husband, her father, Winston’s PA and brother, his driver and the curious concept of the “mailman” this is a wonderful story that is sure to keep you reading through to the end, only to want another.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher viia NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
January 31, 2017
I was generously provided a NetGalley ARC for my honest review.
What a charming little story this turned out to be. While reading it, I thought "This is a 3-star read." Then I thought, no 3.5 stars. By the end, it definitely is a 4 star read for me.
First, let me say, I absolutely loved Winston. I mean serious book-boyfriend adore this man. He is kind and gentle and smart and suave and mannered and thoughtful...and I could go on. If he showed up on my front doorstep, I'd be ushering my husband out the back door!!
This story had so many facets - finding your tribe, falling apart and coming back together, healing, loving without needing to control another person, loving with acceptance of the other person and allowing them the space they need to be who they are, within a family or within a romantic relationship.
There wasn't huge drama or angst - this book was just simple, sweet, insightful...with quite a little bit of steaminess thrown into the mix!!
What a charming little story this turned out to be. While reading it, I thought "This is a 3-star read." Then I thought, no 3.5 stars. By the end, it definitely is a 4 star read for me.
First, let me say, I absolutely loved Winston. I mean serious book-boyfriend adore this man. He is kind and gentle and smart and suave and mannered and thoughtful...and I could go on. If he showed up on my front doorstep, I'd be ushering my husband out the back door!!
This story had so many facets - finding your tribe, falling apart and coming back together, healing, loving without needing to control another person, loving with acceptance of the other person and allowing them the space they need to be who they are, within a family or within a romantic relationship.
There wasn't huge drama or angst - this book was just simple, sweet, insightful...with quite a little bit of steaminess thrown into the mix!!
March 12, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
Madly is the follow up to two of Ruthie Knox’s best contemporary romances, not that all of her books aren’t utterly marvelous.
But this second book in her New York series pairs the sister of the heroine in the first book, Truly, with the brother of the hero from her award-winning About Last Night. And this surprising couple may look oh-so-wrong on paper but they are oh-so-right in this book.
Allie Fredericks comes to New York on a whim. And not a very good whim, at that. She finds herself at Pulvermacher’s, the Green Bay Packers-themed bar in New York City, watching her mother seem to flirt with a stranger. A stranger that Allie knows is her, well, let’s call him bio-dad. He’s not the man who raised her, but he’s definitely her sperm donor.
It looks like Allie’s mom has bailed on her father just days before their 30th wedding anniversary to have a fling, or something, with her on again, off again New York lover. And somehow Allie believes that this problem is hers to fix. Now that she knows she’s the proverbial cuckoo in her family’s Wisconsin nest, she can’t stop herself from thinking that everything that appears wrong with her family is all her fault, and all her responsibility to fix.
Winston Chamberlain is in Pulvermacher’s to meet his investment client, Justin Olejniczak, better known to the art world as the mysterious performance artist Justice. (Think Chilhuly but handsomer and with cloth). The very straight-laced Winston finds himself at loose ends when he walks in to discover his client talking very seriously with a woman at the bar.
And that’s when Allie ropes Winston into helping her spy on her mother. And all the straight-laces that have been tying Winston’s life into very uncomfortable knots all start coming loose. At once.
It turns out that they both need someone with whom they can be their authentic selves. Winston used to be as devil-may-care as Allie seems to be, or as his brother Neville (see About Last Night for the glorious deets) now is. But Winston shoehorned himself into all the responsibilities he thought he was supposed to take on, and somewhere along the way built a career but lost his wife and his daughter. The marriage is long over, but the daughter is here in New York, and he still has a chance to salvage that relationship.
Allie, on the other hand, seems footloose and fancy free. She seems like a creative spirit who dresses in vintage clothes and never quite takes responsibility for much of anything. But her real self is not merely responsible, but actually an extremely savvy and successful businesswoman. A woman that no one seems to see behind the out-there outfits.
They are absolutely perfect for each other. And they are the absolutely perfect people to help each other find the way out of their respective conundrums. If only Allie doesn’t crash and burn all of her relationships with her family on the way to that happy ending.
Escape Rating A: This was the perfect book for me on a weekend where I was laid up with both a cold and a bruised leg. I was feeling out of sorts in so many possible directions, and Ruthie took me away to her New York for a whirlwind tour.
Like so many of the author’s previous stories, this is a romance between two people who simply shouldn’t work together, but absolutely do. It just takes them a while to recognize it.
Winston seriously needs a “do-over” in his life. He has become so good at being serious and responsible, that he’s lost track of the person he really is. His obligations and his career have become a straight-jacket that never fit, it’s just that nearing 40, he’s finally come to recognize that it isn’t working for him. At the same time, all those years he spent being the perfect everything are a part of who he is. He needs to find a blend if he’s to keep his relationship with his now adult daughter.
This is a case where the age difference between the hero and heroine works well. Allie is in her mid-20s, but she also isn’t typical. Her artistic and free-spirited manner and clothing make her seem as if she is young and irresponsible, but that’s only on the surface, much as Winston’s ultra-responsibility is. She is also a very savvy, responsible and successful businesswoman. She needs someone who appreciates both sides of who she really is. But because she is a conflict-avoider, people often see her as less, particularly her douchebag ex-fiancee.
The lesson that the pain is the same whether you talk about it or not is one that we all need to learn.
I also loved the resolution of Allie’s family issues. Nothing, of course, is exactly as it seems. But it seems the way it does to Allie because there are so many secrets, and no one is dealing with them. Like many children, even as adults we think that we are responsible for the problems between our parents, even when we’re not. Perhaps especially when we’re not. The way that this particular aspect of the plot resolved was a big part of the winning formula of this story.
Although Madly uses characters from both About Last Night and Truly, I don’t think it is absolutely necessary to read either or both of those antecedents to enjoy Madly. However, they are both absolutely fantastic contemporary romances, and definitely worth reading. Or re-reading.
Excuse me, I’m off to read About Last Night for the third (or maybe fifth) time.
Madly is the follow up to two of Ruthie Knox’s best contemporary romances, not that all of her books aren’t utterly marvelous.
But this second book in her New York series pairs the sister of the heroine in the first book, Truly, with the brother of the hero from her award-winning About Last Night. And this surprising couple may look oh-so-wrong on paper but they are oh-so-right in this book.
Allie Fredericks comes to New York on a whim. And not a very good whim, at that. She finds herself at Pulvermacher’s, the Green Bay Packers-themed bar in New York City, watching her mother seem to flirt with a stranger. A stranger that Allie knows is her, well, let’s call him bio-dad. He’s not the man who raised her, but he’s definitely her sperm donor.
It looks like Allie’s mom has bailed on her father just days before their 30th wedding anniversary to have a fling, or something, with her on again, off again New York lover. And somehow Allie believes that this problem is hers to fix. Now that she knows she’s the proverbial cuckoo in her family’s Wisconsin nest, she can’t stop herself from thinking that everything that appears wrong with her family is all her fault, and all her responsibility to fix.
Winston Chamberlain is in Pulvermacher’s to meet his investment client, Justin Olejniczak, better known to the art world as the mysterious performance artist Justice. (Think Chilhuly but handsomer and with cloth). The very straight-laced Winston finds himself at loose ends when he walks in to discover his client talking very seriously with a woman at the bar.
And that’s when Allie ropes Winston into helping her spy on her mother. And all the straight-laces that have been tying Winston’s life into very uncomfortable knots all start coming loose. At once.
It turns out that they both need someone with whom they can be their authentic selves. Winston used to be as devil-may-care as Allie seems to be, or as his brother Neville (see About Last Night for the glorious deets) now is. But Winston shoehorned himself into all the responsibilities he thought he was supposed to take on, and somewhere along the way built a career but lost his wife and his daughter. The marriage is long over, but the daughter is here in New York, and he still has a chance to salvage that relationship.
Allie, on the other hand, seems footloose and fancy free. She seems like a creative spirit who dresses in vintage clothes and never quite takes responsibility for much of anything. But her real self is not merely responsible, but actually an extremely savvy and successful businesswoman. A woman that no one seems to see behind the out-there outfits.
They are absolutely perfect for each other. And they are the absolutely perfect people to help each other find the way out of their respective conundrums. If only Allie doesn’t crash and burn all of her relationships with her family on the way to that happy ending.
Escape Rating A: This was the perfect book for me on a weekend where I was laid up with both a cold and a bruised leg. I was feeling out of sorts in so many possible directions, and Ruthie took me away to her New York for a whirlwind tour.
Like so many of the author’s previous stories, this is a romance between two people who simply shouldn’t work together, but absolutely do. It just takes them a while to recognize it.
Winston seriously needs a “do-over” in his life. He has become so good at being serious and responsible, that he’s lost track of the person he really is. His obligations and his career have become a straight-jacket that never fit, it’s just that nearing 40, he’s finally come to recognize that it isn’t working for him. At the same time, all those years he spent being the perfect everything are a part of who he is. He needs to find a blend if he’s to keep his relationship with his now adult daughter.
This is a case where the age difference between the hero and heroine works well. Allie is in her mid-20s, but she also isn’t typical. Her artistic and free-spirited manner and clothing make her seem as if she is young and irresponsible, but that’s only on the surface, much as Winston’s ultra-responsibility is. She is also a very savvy, responsible and successful businesswoman. She needs someone who appreciates both sides of who she really is. But because she is a conflict-avoider, people often see her as less, particularly her douchebag ex-fiancee.
The lesson that the pain is the same whether you talk about it or not is one that we all need to learn.
I also loved the resolution of Allie’s family issues. Nothing, of course, is exactly as it seems. But it seems the way it does to Allie because there are so many secrets, and no one is dealing with them. Like many children, even as adults we think that we are responsible for the problems between our parents, even when we’re not. Perhaps especially when we’re not. The way that this particular aspect of the plot resolved was a big part of the winning formula of this story.
Although Madly uses characters from both About Last Night and Truly, I don’t think it is absolutely necessary to read either or both of those antecedents to enjoy Madly. However, they are both absolutely fantastic contemporary romances, and definitely worth reading. Or re-reading.
Excuse me, I’m off to read About Last Night for the third (or maybe fifth) time.
March 16, 2017
3.5 stars
March 20, 2017
Loved, loved it! It had everything I enjoy in contemporary romance.
Full review also posted on Ellie Reads all the books.
Ruthie Knox is one of my favourite authors of contemporary romance. I have enjoyed most of her previous books but somehow I missed that she started a new series. I haven't read Truly yet but after I finished Madly which I absolutely loved, the first thing I did was to go on Amazon an get it :)
Madly is exactly the kind of contemporary romance I like to read - life-like complex characters, struggling with life and love, discovering themselves, making mistakes and growing up as people. And the romance part was just perfect - a bit whimsical, both characters acting simultaneously slow and fast, cautious and daring.
The heroine, Allie, is fabulous in my opinion and I feel there is a lack of heroines like her in romance. She is young and independent and smart and financially successful. She doesn't depend on no man and doesn't need a man in her life to support her, take care of her. She needs and finds a partner, someone who appreciates and loves her with all her contradictions and complexity - being smart and beautiful, young and rich, self-confident but also desperately trying to keep her family together, hungry for the love and approval of her loved ones, deeply involved (albeit, often misguidedly) with their lives.
Winston was an interesting character as well. He has just turned 40, divorced, re-evaluating his life. He appeared stuffy and distant, too set in his ways, deeply unhappy and lost. he was not prepared for Allie and all the possibilities she brought with her. And it took him some time to grasp it and take a chance on being happy, on falling in love, on being vulnerable and honest with himself and the peole in his life he cares about.
I liked how Allie and Winston challenged each other, how they opened up to one another. The game of the list of sexual dares that want to try was an interesting and effective way to bring them together in raw honesty. Their romance was a curious mix of daring and hesitation, of I-don't-need-this-in-my-life-right-now and This-is-so-exciting-and-new-and-perfect-for-me.
The story explored different family relationships, between sibling, between parents and children, withing the romantic couples themselves. in all their complexity and dysfunction. And I liked where the author went with all of them. Through them she built a compelling picture of the characters' lives - complex, interwoven, changing and evolving.
I have only one minor quibble with the story and this has to do with Allie's mum and her relationship with her dad and her artistic career. I was surprised with the development of this plotline and I am not sure how to take it. On the one hand she is presented as a strong woman, one that balanced having a family and a suitable way to express her creativity. She is someone who hasn't sacrificed her dreams but have found an alternative way to pursue them. On the other hand, I felt her behaviour was deceptive to her family, keeping a secret like that, leading a double life. This didn't sit very well with me. I'd say it is a matter of personal preference and not a weakness of the story itself. Other readers may not feel like that about it, so don't let this minor issue of mine stop you from taking a chance on this wonderfully complex romance.
Madly it's a beautiful and compelling modern day love story that fans of contemporary romance would greatly enjoy.
Full review also posted on Ellie Reads all the books.
Ruthie Knox is one of my favourite authors of contemporary romance. I have enjoyed most of her previous books but somehow I missed that she started a new series. I haven't read Truly yet but after I finished Madly which I absolutely loved, the first thing I did was to go on Amazon an get it :)
Madly is exactly the kind of contemporary romance I like to read - life-like complex characters, struggling with life and love, discovering themselves, making mistakes and growing up as people. And the romance part was just perfect - a bit whimsical, both characters acting simultaneously slow and fast, cautious and daring.
The heroine, Allie, is fabulous in my opinion and I feel there is a lack of heroines like her in romance. She is young and independent and smart and financially successful. She doesn't depend on no man and doesn't need a man in her life to support her, take care of her. She needs and finds a partner, someone who appreciates and loves her with all her contradictions and complexity - being smart and beautiful, young and rich, self-confident but also desperately trying to keep her family together, hungry for the love and approval of her loved ones, deeply involved (albeit, often misguidedly) with their lives.
Winston was an interesting character as well. He has just turned 40, divorced, re-evaluating his life. He appeared stuffy and distant, too set in his ways, deeply unhappy and lost. he was not prepared for Allie and all the possibilities she brought with her. And it took him some time to grasp it and take a chance on being happy, on falling in love, on being vulnerable and honest with himself and the peole in his life he cares about.
I liked how Allie and Winston challenged each other, how they opened up to one another. The game of the list of sexual dares that want to try was an interesting and effective way to bring them together in raw honesty. Their romance was a curious mix of daring and hesitation, of I-don't-need-this-in-my-life-right-now and This-is-so-exciting-and-new-and-perfect-for-me.
The story explored different family relationships, between sibling, between parents and children, withing the romantic couples themselves. in all their complexity and dysfunction. And I liked where the author went with all of them. Through them she built a compelling picture of the characters' lives - complex, interwoven, changing and evolving.
I have only one minor quibble with the story and this has to do with Allie's mum and her relationship with her dad and her artistic career. I was surprised with the development of this plotline and I am not sure how to take it. On the one hand she is presented as a strong woman, one that balanced having a family and a suitable way to express her creativity. She is someone who hasn't sacrificed her dreams but have found an alternative way to pursue them. On the other hand, I felt her behaviour was deceptive to her family, keeping a secret like that, leading a double life. This didn't sit very well with me. I'd say it is a matter of personal preference and not a weakness of the story itself. Other readers may not feel like that about it, so don't let this minor issue of mine stop you from taking a chance on this wonderfully complex romance.
Madly it's a beautiful and compelling modern day love story that fans of contemporary romance would greatly enjoy.
March 15, 2017
2.5 stars. It was okay......
This novel didn't really grab me like the first one in this series did (Truly). Allie, the h in this book, was the sister of May, the h from Truly. Now in this second book, Allie has come from Wisconsin to New York, like May did in the first book. But for me the plot of this one was pretty iffy. Supposedly, at the start Allie is acting out being a 'spy' (trench coat and all -ugh) and has followed her mother to New York to check out her mother's secret life. I felt a bit like Allie was a kindergarten kid!
In fact through quite a lot of the book, Allie is not very likeable (to this reader, at least). She is depicted as mixed-up and kooky and loveably zany, but it just didn't come across successfully for me. The 'mixed-up' stuff was OK but got a bit tedious after a while. There were a lot of heavy, analytical, philosophical discussions between characters as they tried to sort out their lives. But I started to feel like I didn't care that much.
Allie's zany retro fashion sense didn't work for me either. Some of her outfits (a Grecian 'toga'?) just sounded too ridiculous to me. With each new outfit of hers I started feeling a mental eyeroll coming on.
Winston was nice, but he didn't have anything like the sexy charisma of Ben from the first book. Sadly he also got a little overanalysed during the book, and his issues with his mixed-up relationships with his ex-wife and daughter started to bore me. After a while I was skimming some of the long, deep conversations. It's not that I don't like reading about characters getting their problems sorted. I guess I wasn't invested enough in either he or Allie to care that much. :-/
The other problem I had in the book stemmed from the first book. In 'Madly', the revelations about Allie and May's mother and her 'other life' just didn't convince or ring true to me. I just could not see the Wisconsin mom from 'Truly' in the character depicted in this book, especially near the end of 'Madly'. I think for it to work (for readers of both books, anyway) there needed to be more groundwork for this character's real personality in the first book. So for me, the whole plot felt like a stretch. And overall I just got a bit sick of Allie's immature behaviour and lack of self-awareness.
Because I loved 'Truly', and will no doubt read it again some time in the future, I will probably buy the third book, 'Completely' when it comes out. But I don't think I'll be bothering with this one again.
This novel didn't really grab me like the first one in this series did (Truly). Allie, the h in this book, was the sister of May, the h from Truly. Now in this second book, Allie has come from Wisconsin to New York, like May did in the first book. But for me the plot of this one was pretty iffy. Supposedly, at the start Allie is acting out being a 'spy' (trench coat and all -ugh) and has followed her mother to New York to check out her mother's secret life. I felt a bit like Allie was a kindergarten kid!
In fact through quite a lot of the book, Allie is not very likeable (to this reader, at least). She is depicted as mixed-up and kooky and loveably zany, but it just didn't come across successfully for me. The 'mixed-up' stuff was OK but got a bit tedious after a while. There were a lot of heavy, analytical, philosophical discussions between characters as they tried to sort out their lives. But I started to feel like I didn't care that much.
Allie's zany retro fashion sense didn't work for me either. Some of her outfits (a Grecian 'toga'?) just sounded too ridiculous to me. With each new outfit of hers I started feeling a mental eyeroll coming on.
Winston was nice, but he didn't have anything like the sexy charisma of Ben from the first book. Sadly he also got a little overanalysed during the book, and his issues with his mixed-up relationships with his ex-wife and daughter started to bore me. After a while I was skimming some of the long, deep conversations. It's not that I don't like reading about characters getting their problems sorted. I guess I wasn't invested enough in either he or Allie to care that much. :-/
The other problem I had in the book stemmed from the first book. In 'Madly', the revelations about Allie and May's mother and her 'other life' just didn't convince or ring true to me. I just could not see the Wisconsin mom from 'Truly' in the character depicted in this book, especially near the end of 'Madly'. I think for it to work (for readers of both books, anyway) there needed to be more groundwork for this character's real personality in the first book. So for me, the whole plot felt like a stretch. And overall I just got a bit sick of Allie's immature behaviour and lack of self-awareness.
Because I loved 'Truly', and will no doubt read it again some time in the future, I will probably buy the third book, 'Completely' when it comes out. But I don't think I'll be bothering with this one again.
March 30, 2017
As with Truly, Madly was yet another crack-worthy story from Ruthie Knox. Again, she has crafted a couple that not only has intense chemistry together, but also work incredibly well emotionally.
The heroine here, Allie, is May’s sister who we also happen to meet in Truly. I liked her as much as I liked her older sister. Worried that her mother is about to abandon her family, Allie runs after her to New York City to try to talk some sense into her. On her first night, she happens to encounter a handsome stranger, who helps her out of a difficult situation. I thought it took real guts from Allie to actually go after her mom to a foreign city. She was smart, motivated, and just a big ball of emotions, basically completely endearing. We get to see major growth on Allie’s part in this book, and I thought her character development was absolutely fantastic. Winston too, I almost immediately fell in love with – funny isn’t how much I despise insta-love, but have no qualms falling in insta-love with book characters? He was kind, a little quiet and a truly loving father. He’s one of those heroes that makes you a little bitter because you know that in the real world, it’s going to be difficult to find someone like him.
His relationship with Allie was gorgeously written. They obviously had lots of steamy chemistry between them, that’s heightened thanks to a sexy to-do list that they come with together, but for me, the best part about their romance was how much they talked with each other about anything and everything. It’s so rare to find couples in books that communicate before taking off their clothes, so reading the dynamic that Allie and Winston had was exhilarating. I don’t know why, but part of me has vehemently been opposed to reading romances with age-gaps, but this year, I’ve become a complete sucker for them, so that was another aspect I really loved about Madly. I will say that if I had to compare the two, I most definitely preferred Truly, only because there were times when I felt like the romance got side-lined by Allie’s mom’s story. Again, we have the NYC setting that Ruthie Knox absolutely brought to life. I also have to briefly mention Winston’s daughter, who I adored. She’s a quirky, passionate and loving college student who added another layer of complexity to the story, but was never an obstacle to Allie and Winston’s relationship. In fact, she grows a kinship with Allie and it was great!
Madly is another hit by Ruthie Knox that is compelling and wholly worth the read. I’ll be sure to pick up her backlog while I wait for the next book in this series, Completely, to be out.
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