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It Had to Be #4
It Had to Be Them
Kline Grant has traveled the world for more than a decade to avoid going back home—and to make sure she doesn’t see Ben, her former fiancé. But her mother’s recent health troubles make it impossible for Kline to stay away. She plans to check on her mom, avoid Ben, and then get back on the road again. But the quirky town locals of Anderson Butte, a private little celebrity hideaway in the picturesque mountains of Colorado, have a very different plan.
Ben Anderson, the town’s handsome and beloved doctor, once broke Kline’s heart for reasons he’s never explained. When he figures out her mother’s scheme to trick her into coming home, he enlists the meddling townspeople’s help to make things right again with Kline. Then Ben plans to win her back. But as the former flames come face-to-face, old wounds ache, hurtful secrets emerge, and sparks fly with the heat between them that’s never cooled. Will the truth be enough to heal two broken hearts, or will it keep them apart forever?
Ben Anderson, the town’s handsome and beloved doctor, once broke Kline’s heart for reasons he’s never explained. When he figures out her mother’s scheme to trick her into coming home, he enlists the meddling townspeople’s help to make things right again with Kline. Then Ben plans to win her back. But as the former flames come face-to-face, old wounds ache, hurtful secrets emerge, and sparks fly with the heat between them that’s never cooled. Will the truth be enough to heal two broken hearts, or will it keep them apart forever?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2016
About the author
Tamra Baumann
14 books518 followersTamra Baumann is an award-winning author of light-hearted contemporary romance and cozy mystery. A reality-show junkie, she justifies her addiction by telling others she’s scouting for potential character material. She adamantly denies she’s actually living vicariously in their closets. Tamra resides with her real-life characters—her husband, kids, and their adorable golden doodle in the sunny Southwest. Visit her online at: www.tamrabaumann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 17, 2016
I won this from a giveaway on Goodreads. For others, I would say it will be a solid 4 star read.
For me, and maybe I am just not patient and sympathetic enough, it was a good story that gets 3-3.5 stars because the female main character caused me so much mental anguish.
I just wanted to say to them:
Kline - Grow the hell up! You are 35 and you have to let middle school go!
Ben - Stop trying to FIX everything without talking to others and tell your father to stick his nastiness where the sun doesn't shine!
For me, and maybe I am just not patient and sympathetic enough, it was a good story that gets 3-3.5 stars because the female main character caused me so much mental anguish.
I just wanted to say to them:
Kline - Grow the hell up! You are 35 and you have to let middle school go!
Ben - Stop trying to FIX everything without talking to others and tell your father to stick his nastiness where the sun doesn't shine!
October 30, 2016
4 stars
It Had to Be Them was an entertaining read.
I enjoyed watching Kline and Ben get their second chance at love. It warmed my heart how her mother, his grandmother and the town all pulled together to get Kline see how much she was missed how much she was wanted in the community.
Ben and Kline had a passionate and deep connection, even after all these years apart nothing had changed.
I was drawn in watching them fight these strong feelings, when they finally give into them I was one happy girl. They truly belonged together.
It Had to Be Them is a well written and heartwarming read, all the characters added to my enjoyment and I was very happy with how the series came to a close.
It Had to Be Them is a wonderful addition to the It Had to Be series, each book has been a solid read and I highly recommend them all.
Purchase Link ~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
*A big thank you to Montlake Romance for the advance copy.*
It Had to Be Them was an entertaining read.
I enjoyed watching Kline and Ben get their second chance at love. It warmed my heart how her mother, his grandmother and the town all pulled together to get Kline see how much she was missed how much she was wanted in the community.
Ben and Kline had a passionate and deep connection, even after all these years apart nothing had changed.
I was drawn in watching them fight these strong feelings, when they finally give into them I was one happy girl. They truly belonged together.
It Had to Be Them is a well written and heartwarming read, all the characters added to my enjoyment and I was very happy with how the series came to a close.
It Had to Be Them is a wonderful addition to the It Had to Be series, each book has been a solid read and I highly recommend them all.
Purchase Link ~ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
*A big thank you to Montlake Romance for the advance copy.*
August 18, 2016
ow, wow, wow!! I could not put this book down!! First of all I have loved this whole series and love catching up with the previous characters. In this book you have Kline Grant who comes back to town to help her sick mom and Ben Anderson who is the town doctor. Ten years ago they were engaged but broke up. They now see each other again and realize they still love each other but they both have some issues to work out. There were so many things I liked about this book. First, I always like second chance stories but this one had bullying involved that happened on a few different levels, the hero has a little quirk he deals with that is actually cute, everyone in town trying to get them back together and the meddling mom and grandma. Like all of Tamra's other books there is romance, humor, steam, complex characters and a steady paced story that makes you want to read more about the hero and heroine.
September 10, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the ARC of "It Had To Be Them" by Tamra Baumann. I enjoyed and would recommend this book as a delightful,romantic, easy fall read. The characters were likeable, and the plot was predictable,
August 24, 2016
Anderson Butte is a Mayberry type of town where the residents know everything there is to know about everyone, which isn't always a good thing. The Anderson/Grant feud has separated the families for decades but it seems that Mayor Anderson is the only one who doesn't want to see a reuniting of former engaged sweethearts Kline Grant and Ben Anderson.
Kline has been tricked into coming back to town by her mother who is faking a sickness to get her wandering daughter home. Ben's grandmother is also behind the matchmaking and both women know that these two belong together. Neither one has moved forward despite many opportunities and the meddling women know they are meant to be together.
Ben broke Klline's heart when he chose to move back home after medical school and practice medicine in Anderson Butte rather than fulfilling their dreams and traveling the world together. Kline hasn't been home since then. Thinking her mother is sick, Klline heads home and not only comes face to face with Ben but also the love that never died. Ben feels the same way. Hating that he didn't tell Kline the truth about why he had to move home, Ben- ever the protector- wanted Kline to go have her adventures and not feel trapped into moving home with him.
When the town is at odds over a new clinic. a new distillery and a endangered species needing protection, Kline throws her hat into the ring and faces off against Ben's dad in the election for mayor. Ben's dad is - to me- a royal jerk. He is nothing but mean and cruel to his own children and a tyrant to his town. While Kline does discover that the mayor has done some real good work with the school system she finds it might be hard to turn down a job as the new science teacher.
When secrets come to light and Kline finds out the town might be in on her welcoming home she has the desire to run again. Can she trust her feelings, the people of Anderson Butte and most of all, BEN?
I love the people of this town. The hometown feeling and love for the people shines through with the writing. Although a story has been written about each sibling, I am anxious to see what Tamra does with this series. Will Anderson Butte get another story making for Mayor Anderson see the light and be nice for once???
Kline has been tricked into coming back to town by her mother who is faking a sickness to get her wandering daughter home. Ben's grandmother is also behind the matchmaking and both women know that these two belong together. Neither one has moved forward despite many opportunities and the meddling women know they are meant to be together.
Ben broke Klline's heart when he chose to move back home after medical school and practice medicine in Anderson Butte rather than fulfilling their dreams and traveling the world together. Kline hasn't been home since then. Thinking her mother is sick, Klline heads home and not only comes face to face with Ben but also the love that never died. Ben feels the same way. Hating that he didn't tell Kline the truth about why he had to move home, Ben- ever the protector- wanted Kline to go have her adventures and not feel trapped into moving home with him.
When the town is at odds over a new clinic. a new distillery and a endangered species needing protection, Kline throws her hat into the ring and faces off against Ben's dad in the election for mayor. Ben's dad is - to me- a royal jerk. He is nothing but mean and cruel to his own children and a tyrant to his town. While Kline does discover that the mayor has done some real good work with the school system she finds it might be hard to turn down a job as the new science teacher.
When secrets come to light and Kline finds out the town might be in on her welcoming home she has the desire to run again. Can she trust her feelings, the people of Anderson Butte and most of all, BEN?
I love the people of this town. The hometown feeling and love for the people shines through with the writing. Although a story has been written about each sibling, I am anxious to see what Tamra does with this series. Will Anderson Butte get another story making for Mayor Anderson see the light and be nice for once???
June 25, 2018
4.5 stars
This was a slow burn for me, maybe because I haven't read books 1-3 in the series. I really enjoyed it though. It was a great blend of humor and emotion. My first book by the author, but not my last.
This was a slow burn for me, maybe because I haven't read books 1-3 in the series. I really enjoyed it though. It was a great blend of humor and emotion. My first book by the author, but not my last.
August 25, 2016
I was so happy to get this book and take another trip back to Anderson Butte. I am totally enamored with this town and folks who live in it, that I never want this series to end. Baumann has done a great job building this amazing place, where I would love to live, and creating all these wonderful characters that I would like to have as friends.
This is the last (gasp!) Anderson sibling, Ben's, story. As one of the older siblings, he had to make sacrifices in order to make sure his younger brother and sisters were cared for. One of these sacrifices was saying goodbye to the love of his life, Kline. Now, a decade later, Kline has finally returned home to check in on her "ailing" mother, and the entire town is attempting to make this a second chance love story.
This book is filled with all the stuff I love so much about this series: lots of sibling interactions, lots of hijinks in the town with its denizens, so many laughs, and a lot of really beautiful romantic stuff too. If this is the last book in the series, Baumann did a great job giving us updates on all the couples and giving us a great ending, but I am hoping there will be more.
This is the last (gasp!) Anderson sibling, Ben's, story. As one of the older siblings, he had to make sacrifices in order to make sure his younger brother and sisters were cared for. One of these sacrifices was saying goodbye to the love of his life, Kline. Now, a decade later, Kline has finally returned home to check in on her "ailing" mother, and the entire town is attempting to make this a second chance love story.
He used to tell her she was his true north. The only person he wanted to be with, especially after a bad day.
This book is filled with all the stuff I love so much about this series: lots of sibling interactions, lots of hijinks in the town with its denizens, so many laughs, and a lot of really beautiful romantic stuff too. If this is the last book in the series, Baumann did a great job giving us updates on all the couples and giving us a great ending, but I am hoping there will be more.
September 12, 2016
Arc provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, for an honest review
This is a typical small-town romance where high school sweethearts reunite. I've enjoyed reading it even if the action moves slowly – sometimes too slowly. The characters interactions are believable.
I think that a lot of the misunderstandings could be avoided and the book reduced. Still, a good read.
This is a typical small-town romance where high school sweethearts reunite. I've enjoyed reading it even if the action moves slowly – sometimes too slowly. The characters interactions are believable.
I think that a lot of the misunderstandings could be avoided and the book reduced. Still, a good read.
October 12, 2016
Moronic
I hate leaving a bad review, but this was awful. Extremely immature on the part of almost everyone in this town. I have read all the books in this series and they were okay, but this one was a no go for me. Stupidity abounded, no one could be truthful and our poor lovers couldn't find their way out of a room with one door
I hate leaving a bad review, but this was awful. Extremely immature on the part of almost everyone in this town. I have read all the books in this series and they were okay, but this one was a no go for me. Stupidity abounded, no one could be truthful and our poor lovers couldn't find their way out of a room with one door
September 7, 2016
Ben sometimes uses actions more than words, “I need you, Kline.” Needed her? Like sex? Or to help with his anxiety? His mouth landed on hers and answered that question. The kiss was hard, urgent, and downright sexy..." I really liked this book, Ben and Kline were likable characters.
April 3, 2017
This is the first time I have read a Tamra Baumann book and I was not disappointed. I am very much looking forward to reading more books written by Tamra.... especially other books in this series. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters very much.... and enjoyed the humour from some of the town folk. The real life issues addressed in the book were very moving. It did keep me guessing at what might happen next ... it was quite a twist near the end of the book. It is quite a town Anderson Butte, Colorado !!!
It was an excellent "second chances romance" for Kline Grant and Dr. Ben Anderson
Thank you again NetGalley and Montlake Romance for making this book available to me in exchange for an honest review.
(last updated 17 Oct 2016)
It was an excellent "second chances romance" for Kline Grant and Dr. Ben Anderson
Thank you again NetGalley and Montlake Romance for making this book available to me in exchange for an honest review.
(last updated 17 Oct 2016)
December 31, 2017
This was a nice light and quick read. Though the characters annoyed me at times. Kline really needs to grow up and leave the past behind.
June 8, 2017
My Musings
E hE been a most enjoyable series. This last book was great. I loved Ben and Kline. They're a great couple. This tied up everything with a pretty bow. Happy ☺reading 📚!
E hE been a most enjoyable series. This last book was great. I loved Ben and Kline. They're a great couple. This tied up everything with a pretty bow. Happy ☺reading 📚!
October 11, 2016
I really enjoyed Ben's story. He's been the conscience of his siblings for the previous stories, and I was thrilled he finally found his happily ever after. I really loved his sensitive side.
The older generation of Anderson Butte is up to their old tricks - and it brings Kline back where she belongs. Home, and to Ben. She's a strong woman, but a bit of a hot mess, and I loved her character.
I was so happy to see the mayor finally get his due, and in a way I would have never expected.
Another great visit to Anderson Butte and wonderful story about getting a second chance for a first love.
The older generation of Anderson Butte is up to their old tricks - and it brings Kline back where she belongs. Home, and to Ben. She's a strong woman, but a bit of a hot mess, and I loved her character.
I was so happy to see the mayor finally get his due, and in a way I would have never expected.
Another great visit to Anderson Butte and wonderful story about getting a second chance for a first love.
September 2, 2016
This book is apparently the fourth in a series, and I haven't read the first three. However, that didn't affect my enjoyment of the story - it worked well as a standalone, although it was clear the was a history with each of the couples. I enjoyed the other characters and will probably go back and read the first three.
This was a good, well written, second chance, small town story. It had all the requisite features: the couple meant for each other meet again many years after breaking up due to unfortunate circumstances, a small scenic town, meddlesome townspeople and gossips, and a hoard of well-meaning relatives. It has a town square and a diner where everyone meets. And a lot of baked goods. There's an ex- boyfriend who shows up, and in a delightful twist, our hero, Ben, the town doc, has a female gay best friend.
The thing that sets this book apart from most books with this theme is the inclusion of some environmental issues that help drive the plot, as well as the greedy businessman who is also the mayor and happens to be Ben's father. There's also a Hatfields and McCoys type family rivalry, and Kline's history teaching in underdeveloped countries that included a horrific stint in a prison,
So, while this follows a traditional theme, there are a plethora of variations that make this story fresh and interesting. It is well written and edited, moves at a good pace, and has enough suspense to keep the pages turning. And the opening scene is one of the best I've read!
Subjectively, while I enjoyed the book, I just didn't really like the main characters. I couldn't quite figure Kline out. The author laid out very explicitly what her issues were - she just left me cold for some reason, and as I have said, that is completely subjective. Could have that I was in a cynical mood when reading it. I also never quite got why Ben was so anxious to reestablish a relationship with her. And the reason they separated initially seemed...just odd. I couldn't buy it. But this is obviously a good story well told, and I expect most people will have a different reaction than I. I would recommend it to anyone who likes this theme and would enjoy a fresh take on it. And as noted above, I did enjoy some of the other couples and will likely read the first books in the series.
This was a good, well written, second chance, small town story. It had all the requisite features: the couple meant for each other meet again many years after breaking up due to unfortunate circumstances, a small scenic town, meddlesome townspeople and gossips, and a hoard of well-meaning relatives. It has a town square and a diner where everyone meets. And a lot of baked goods. There's an ex- boyfriend who shows up, and in a delightful twist, our hero, Ben, the town doc, has a female gay best friend.
The thing that sets this book apart from most books with this theme is the inclusion of some environmental issues that help drive the plot, as well as the greedy businessman who is also the mayor and happens to be Ben's father. There's also a Hatfields and McCoys type family rivalry, and Kline's history teaching in underdeveloped countries that included a horrific stint in a prison,
So, while this follows a traditional theme, there are a plethora of variations that make this story fresh and interesting. It is well written and edited, moves at a good pace, and has enough suspense to keep the pages turning. And the opening scene is one of the best I've read!
Subjectively, while I enjoyed the book, I just didn't really like the main characters. I couldn't quite figure Kline out. The author laid out very explicitly what her issues were - she just left me cold for some reason, and as I have said, that is completely subjective. Could have that I was in a cynical mood when reading it. I also never quite got why Ben was so anxious to reestablish a relationship with her. And the reason they separated initially seemed...just odd. I couldn't buy it. But this is obviously a good story well told, and I expect most people will have a different reaction than I. I would recommend it to anyone who likes this theme and would enjoy a fresh take on it. And as noted above, I did enjoy some of the other couples and will likely read the first books in the series.
October 11, 2016
3.5 stars.
This is a cute, easy read about second chances, family responsibilities and the positives and perils of small town romance. The characters were likeable, but with plenty normal flaws, and the way the whole town came together to try and persuade Kline to stay was adorable. It’s a nice little comfort read to escape into.
However, because it’s obvious from the start where everything is going, it does have a few pacing issues. Sometimes nothing much happens between Kline and Ben and everything feels slow, then for no apparent reason one of them (usually Ben) will completely change their mind about their relationship and things get serious fast. I suppose it added an element of surprise to the proceedings, since I was never quite sure how they would feel next, but it also felt uneven.
I did like Ben, though. He’s a touch controlling and definitely thinks he knows best, then again he’s been taking care of everyone for so long it’s not surprising. It would have been nice if he’d shared his thoughts with Kline occasionally, rather than thinking he was protecting her with his silence, but his mistakes genuinely come from a good place and his touches of anxiety made him human.
I liked Kline too, most of the time. For someone who wanted to go out and save the world, she is pretty selfish where Ben and his family are concerned. Her need to be his number one was pretty petty, but they were young, and her habit of blaming their breakup for her various issues did wear thin. However, I loved how she stood up to Ben’s father and takes a stand for things she thinks is important. If only she transfered that over to people too… Still, she’s likeable for the most part and I loved when she and Ben were together and able to forget about everything else, because they make a great team.
So it’s not perfect but definitely still enjoyable. The town of Anderson Butte is quirky and charming enough to smooth over any rough patches and the ending made me smile. If you like small town romances, and this series in particular, then you should find something here to enjoy.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
This is a cute, easy read about second chances, family responsibilities and the positives and perils of small town romance. The characters were likeable, but with plenty normal flaws, and the way the whole town came together to try and persuade Kline to stay was adorable. It’s a nice little comfort read to escape into.
However, because it’s obvious from the start where everything is going, it does have a few pacing issues. Sometimes nothing much happens between Kline and Ben and everything feels slow, then for no apparent reason one of them (usually Ben) will completely change their mind about their relationship and things get serious fast. I suppose it added an element of surprise to the proceedings, since I was never quite sure how they would feel next, but it also felt uneven.
I did like Ben, though. He’s a touch controlling and definitely thinks he knows best, then again he’s been taking care of everyone for so long it’s not surprising. It would have been nice if he’d shared his thoughts with Kline occasionally, rather than thinking he was protecting her with his silence, but his mistakes genuinely come from a good place and his touches of anxiety made him human.
I liked Kline too, most of the time. For someone who wanted to go out and save the world, she is pretty selfish where Ben and his family are concerned. Her need to be his number one was pretty petty, but they were young, and her habit of blaming their breakup for her various issues did wear thin. However, I loved how she stood up to Ben’s father and takes a stand for things she thinks is important. If only she transfered that over to people too… Still, she’s likeable for the most part and I loved when she and Ben were together and able to forget about everything else, because they make a great team.
So it’s not perfect but definitely still enjoyable. The town of Anderson Butte is quirky and charming enough to smooth over any rough patches and the ending made me smile. If you like small town romances, and this series in particular, then you should find something here to enjoy.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
October 12, 2016
Ben Anderson and Kline Grant were high school and college sweethearts until lies and miscommunication tore them apart. When Kline returns to Anderson Butte a decade later, they're thrown back together only to find out that well intentioned lies and miscommunication seem to be their modus operandi.
It Had To Be Them was exactly what I've come to expect from Tamra Baumann's books – it was full feelings, humor, (well-intentioned) nosy neighbors, feisty old people, smoldering sexual tension, a ton of hope, and the never-ending belief that if you have real love, you can do, and overcome anything.
From the very first book in this series, I have adored Ben as a character, and I have been anxiously awaiting this book so that he could get his happily ever after. Especially when the truth about WHY he was in Anderson Butte came out. Oftentimes the things we wait anxiously for don't live up to our expectations, but that wasn't the case here, this book was everything I wanted and more. There's just something about a second chance romance that makes me smile, especially when the characters were both so incredibly likable. (Slight spoiler) Ben's quirk made my heart ache for him. Especially when we learned exactly *when* it started and why.
If you're new to Ms. Baumann's work, you should definitely start at the beginning of this series so that it makes more sense and because they're great books. This little town is one of my favorite “book towns” ever and even though this feels like the last book, I hope she finds a way to keep Anderson Butte alive.
If you already enjoy Tamra Baumann's books, you're going to love this addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review.
It Had To Be Them was exactly what I've come to expect from Tamra Baumann's books – it was full feelings, humor, (well-intentioned) nosy neighbors, feisty old people, smoldering sexual tension, a ton of hope, and the never-ending belief that if you have real love, you can do, and overcome anything.
From the very first book in this series, I have adored Ben as a character, and I have been anxiously awaiting this book so that he could get his happily ever after. Especially when the truth about WHY he was in Anderson Butte came out. Oftentimes the things we wait anxiously for don't live up to our expectations, but that wasn't the case here, this book was everything I wanted and more. There's just something about a second chance romance that makes me smile, especially when the characters were both so incredibly likable. (Slight spoiler) Ben's quirk made my heart ache for him. Especially when we learned exactly *when* it started and why.
If you're new to Ms. Baumann's work, you should definitely start at the beginning of this series so that it makes more sense and because they're great books. This little town is one of my favorite “book towns” ever and even though this feels like the last book, I hope she finds a way to keep Anderson Butte alive.
If you already enjoy Tamra Baumann's books, you're going to love this addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review.
February 5, 2017
Not my favorite of the series. Great Narration by Kate Rudd. (audible review)
This was not my favorite of the series, it was just okay, and of course I wanted to listen to Ben's book.
So, Kline and Ben were together for 7 years broke up for several years and then she ended up back in the small town of Anderson Butte. The story line and the way the town acted towards her was just odd to me. She left because she didn't want to be in a small town and of course because of Ben. No spoilers here but it was just nearly as good as the previous 3 books.
I just didn't like Kline as much as I liked Ben. There was a lot of dialogue, which I did like. The whole Mayor thing threw me off too. Sort of cheesy to be honest. I didn't hate this story, I just didn't love it either. The story flowed and was easy to follow so there is that. Anyway, I think this was the last of the series and since the first three were so good I cant hate this one.
As for the narration, It was great. Kate Rudd is a great narrator. She does the men's voices very well and reads with emotion. I totally recommend Kate Rudd's contemporary romance narrations.
This was not my favorite of the series, it was just okay, and of course I wanted to listen to Ben's book.
So, Kline and Ben were together for 7 years broke up for several years and then she ended up back in the small town of Anderson Butte. The story line and the way the town acted towards her was just odd to me. She left because she didn't want to be in a small town and of course because of Ben. No spoilers here but it was just nearly as good as the previous 3 books.
I just didn't like Kline as much as I liked Ben. There was a lot of dialogue, which I did like. The whole Mayor thing threw me off too. Sort of cheesy to be honest. I didn't hate this story, I just didn't love it either. The story flowed and was easy to follow so there is that. Anyway, I think this was the last of the series and since the first three were so good I cant hate this one.
As for the narration, It was great. Kate Rudd is a great narrator. She does the men's voices very well and reads with emotion. I totally recommend Kate Rudd's contemporary romance narrations.
October 8, 2016
This series just keeps getting better and better. This one is definitely my new favorite. The quaint little town of Anderson Butte is full of wonderful characters and they rally in this one to help their favorite doc get his girl back. After ten years of traveling the world and putting Anderson Butte behind her, Kline Grant finds herself back there while she helps her ailing mother. Her plan is to dodge any situation that will bring her in contact with Ben Anderson. He's her past and she wants nothing to do with him. It becomes obvious pretty fast that her mother has different ideas though. When they finally see each other again it doesn't take long to realize the spark is still there but so are the hurts and secrets that tore them apart. Getting past those will be the hardest thing they've ever done!
This is a great read and one I recommend to everyone.
This is a great read and one I recommend to everyone.
August 28, 2016
via netgalley
loved the book, and the series.
loved the book, and the series.
October 23, 2016
It Had To Be Them is a contemporary romance set in a small town in Colorado. It’s the fourth book in a series with large cast of characters, including the couples from the previous books, but can easily be read as a standalone. It tells the story of Kline and Ben who were a couple for seven years but split up some ten years ago. The reason for their breakup is only mentioned in passing and for me it wasn’t enough to create believable conflict between the two of them. They also realise almost immediately they still love each other but of course they still need many pages to reach their HEA. Most of the story seems to revolve around the town which means that the source of most of the conflict can also be found there. I usually prefer romances where the focus is on the emotions rather than outside actions, so this book didn’t quite work for me. I also found it difficult to relate to the characters, to the point where I can’t even say if liked or disliked Kline and Sam. There were many secondary characters and most of them weren’t fleshed out very much. They were an interfering bunch of people who all wanted Kline and Sam to get together again. I suppose the meddling was meant to be funny or cute, but, again, for me it didn’t quite work. I found the entire mayor/distillery/owl plot so tiresome that at one point I even skipped 80 pages or so.
I love a good romances in which couples find each other again, but this wasn’t one of those. However, people who like small town romances, may enjoy It Had To Be Them a bit more than me.
*** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
I love a good romances in which couples find each other again, but this wasn’t one of those. However, people who like small town romances, may enjoy It Had To Be Them a bit more than me.
*** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
June 18, 2018
This is my second time (#3)visiting the town of Anderson Butte in Colorado. In the last book of the series the hero being the oldest of the last three book siblings finally gets his HEA. Many years ago while Ben was studying to be a doctor Ben and Kline were inseparable and everyone just knew after college they will be married then Ben breaks up with Kline telling her he could not survive living anywhere else but their hometown of Anderson Butte. Fast forward years later and kline mom pretends to be sick to get Kline to come home and visit. So begins this witty storyline where nearly the whole town tries to get Ben and Kline back together what ensues is many comical type events. Wonderful end to a sweet series where we catch up with the last three couples from the previous books.
July 20, 2019
This was the final book in the It Had To Be series and the one I least liked. The first 2 were 3.5 stars and the 3rd book was a 5 star, which really surprised me, as I was thinking it would be least liked book, since I'm usually not a big fan of rock star romances. I am rating It Had To Be Them 2.5 stars and raising it to 3 stars for Goodreads. I was not crazy about the 2 main characters, Ben and Kline. I had actually been looking forward to Ben's story. Throughout the series, I disliked the father, who is the mayor of Anderson Butte (which I think we were suppose to), but I really disliked/hated him in this one. The best character though has to be the grandmother. I ended up being disappointed in this series.
April 20, 2018
Not as good as the others in this series!
I'm not saying this is not a good book but I just never warmed up to Ben. I think he was a wimp. He supposedly made this grand gesture but I didn't think it was that big of a deal. He still got to be a doctor within easy reach of his family and his town.
I'm with Kline (what a horrible name). She was the one to have to forgive and forget; she was the one had to change her whole life; she was the one who was going to have to put up with his father.
The part of me who thinks everything should be black and white did not think the ending as all that HEA for Kline.
I'm not saying this is not a good book but I just never warmed up to Ben. I think he was a wimp. He supposedly made this grand gesture but I didn't think it was that big of a deal. He still got to be a doctor within easy reach of his family and his town.
I'm with Kline (what a horrible name). She was the one to have to forgive and forget; she was the one had to change her whole life; she was the one who was going to have to put up with his father.
The part of me who thinks everything should be black and white did not think the ending as all that HEA for Kline.
June 19, 2018
A beautiful story
A nice story dealing with what really happens in real life relationships. In a relationship both has to adjust and compromise somethings for each other. Accepting someone as they are and making adjustments is what life's all about. That's depicted so beautifully in this story. In between I felt a bit bored, after reading the other fantastic stories in this series. Then I realized real life isn't always exciting, sometimes we feel bored and want to slow down and restart. Well, that's when I again started to like it and began reading again. Happy to have finished the book. A good read.
A nice story dealing with what really happens in real life relationships. In a relationship both has to adjust and compromise somethings for each other. Accepting someone as they are and making adjustments is what life's all about. That's depicted so beautifully in this story. In between I felt a bit bored, after reading the other fantastic stories in this series. Then I realized real life isn't always exciting, sometimes we feel bored and want to slow down and restart. Well, that's when I again started to like it and began reading again. Happy to have finished the book. A good read.
July 25, 2017
2.5 Stars
I have to say this one was not my cup of tea. I have liked all the previous books in the series, but I honestly can't say the same about this one.
I found myself completely disengaged from the story, couldn't connect with the characters, and quite frankly by the end I couldn't care less what happened to them.
I didn't liked the main characters. The H Ben was not a strong character IMO, and was annoyed by his poor decisions and lack of initiative. The h was strong but when it came to the H she wasn't.
I just didn't enjoyed this story like I thought I would.
I have to say this one was not my cup of tea. I have liked all the previous books in the series, but I honestly can't say the same about this one.
I found myself completely disengaged from the story, couldn't connect with the characters, and quite frankly by the end I couldn't care less what happened to them.
I didn't liked the main characters. The H Ben was not a strong character IMO, and was annoyed by his poor decisions and lack of initiative. The h was strong but when it came to the H she wasn't.
I just didn't enjoyed this story like I thought I would.
June 6, 2018
Stuff of dreams of dreams
Easy to read and follow this is the the last of the series although I would love to find out more about the future of the characters but it is probably about right that the series ends here. This story focusses on the eldest sibling Ben who fell in love and lost the love of his life due to circumstances due to his Father who is the current mayor. Then her mother develops a so called mystery illness that brings back the love of his life. Ben is also the town's doctors and since the death of his mother he has been so used to looking out for his younger siblings because their father seems devoid of any emotion. That is commendable but it has been at the detriment of his life. Does he finally get his girl? Does the town change? Definitely worth a read
Easy to read and follow this is the the last of the series although I would love to find out more about the future of the characters but it is probably about right that the series ends here. This story focusses on the eldest sibling Ben who fell in love and lost the love of his life due to circumstances due to his Father who is the current mayor. Then her mother develops a so called mystery illness that brings back the love of his life. Ben is also the town's doctors and since the death of his mother he has been so used to looking out for his younger siblings because their father seems devoid of any emotion. That is commendable but it has been at the detriment of his life. Does he finally get his girl? Does the town change? Definitely worth a read
September 11, 2017
I couldn't quite figure this relationship out. Were they together or not? They sure seemed like they were, and yet they insisted they weren't. Or rather, SHE insisted they weren't. It was a whole lot of unnecessary waffling around just to extend the story - when the other elements added enough to move it along.
So an enjoyable read but nothing special, if I'm being honest. I'm glad I read it. Kate Rudd is always fabulous on the audio.
So an enjoyable read but nothing special, if I'm being honest. I'm glad I read it. Kate Rudd is always fabulous on the audio.
March 17, 2021
Another wonderful read by this great Author!!
This novel had many conflicts in it, but the Author worked them out beautifully! The main characters, Ben and Kline were attracted to each other very early in life, but then broke apart because of Ben's Father, the cranky, nasty Mayor ofthe town. It' s an extremely interesting read to learn how it all gets worked out in the end, much like happens in real life!
This novel had many conflicts in it, but the Author worked them out beautifully! The main characters, Ben and Kline were attracted to each other very early in life, but then broke apart because of Ben's Father, the cranky, nasty Mayor ofthe town. It' s an extremely interesting read to learn how it all gets worked out in the end, much like happens in real life!
July 7, 2017
I seriously loved this serial. Each story was great including this one and the grandma is AMAZING. Ben and Klein were HS and college sweethearts until they weren't. It takes a village or the town of Anderson Butte to get them all back together again. The audible on this one with KU was FREE. The reader was amazing.
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