Maddie’s teenage crush humiliated her fifteen years ago. Now Quinn runs the Otter Tail pub that Maddie inherited and needs to sell. Too bad Maddie’s high school crush on Quinn is still alive and kicking.Quinn wants to buy the pub, but can’t afford Maddie’s price, so he plays dirty. His smile, bright blue eyes, and broad shoulders are just his initial bid. As they get reacquainted, they realize … realize someone else has plans for the pub. Plans that endanger Maddie and Quinn – and the rest of Otter Tail.
Can Maddie and Quinn save the pub? Can they put their past behind to create a future together?
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SPOILER ALERT This book was okay. The hero was a jerk. If a guy said the things to me that he said to Maddie there would be no forgiveness. And Maddie is very immature for a 31 year old woman. Also, the ending was down right ridiculous. They fell in love and got engaged after a couple weeks? C’mon. And he didn’t even propose. He just assumed and she made him ask. And there was absolutely no surprise or twist about the person responsible for the pub.
Quick easy book to read for leisure.
Too steamy, good writing.
A good book of second chances.
tried to read but it was boring
Maddie returns to the location where she spend summers and remembers her ‘crush’, Quinn. The story is set in a small town with Maddie returning to her “uncle’s” home after his death. I loved the strife and romance connection between the two. After several silly circumstances, their romantic connection takes over. Several situations, including an almost total fire to the business brings reality and happiness to both.
I was in a major reading funk prior to reading this, so its a good feeling to finally find a good book. I was so lost in the story and love that there was a slow build up to the romance. Def recommend.
I’m hooked! I know I’ll read the rest of this series! I can’t wait to read the other characters’ stories !
Loved the story line and the characters are relatable. A bit of a slow burn, but the chemistry was undeniable.
Great author! Her books are always good!
This is kind of a beach read, where you know how it will end, but enjoy reading it anyway.
Margaret Watson, a star in the world of contemporary romance, grabs you on the opening page and keeps you reading to the happily ever after.
Loved it
Totally enjoyed this book and had a difficult time putting it down at night.
An Unlikely Setup by Margaret Watson is a fantastic romantic suspense. Ms. Watson has delivered a book that is well-written and loaded with phenomenal characters. Maddie spent her last summer in Otter Tail with her godfather 15 years ago and never went back. Now that he’s gone she has to go back and dispose of the property he left her. Quinn doesn’t remember how he embarrassed Maddie the last time she was in town. He’s trying to find a way to buy the bar from Maddie and is disappointed that David didn’t leave it to him as he promised. Maddie and Quinn’s story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed reading An Unlikely Setup and look forward to reading more from Margaret Watson in the future. An Unlikely Setup is book 1 of the Welcome To Otter Tail Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
These weren’t the nicest characters this author could come up with trust me I have read enough of her books, but unfortunately they are what they are. She ran from the only person who ever valued her and someone she loved and respected, as a silly child. He ran from a past that haunted him and kept everyone at a distance except for her. It isn’t a pretty story but this author makes it one worth reading. They aren’t a sweet all american couple so don’t expect that. But you can expect a little distraction with the back story and a little fun with the sub characters and a great story overall. Ms Watson gives a second chance at life, love and happiness to two who thought their time was past.
An Unlikely Setup by Margaret Watson
Otter Tail #1
Maddie needs money – LOTS of money! And, an inheritance from her godfather just might see her able to pay back the huge loans weighing heavily on her shoulders. Sure, she made unwise choices investing but with the income from a pub and house she should be fine, right?
Little did she realize that returning to Otter Tail would bring back so many memories, put her face to face with someone she once had a crush on and make her start weighing up what she really wants from life.
Quinn Murphy also is back in town after years away. His past haunts him and the pub he believes will soon be his is his salvation. When he finds out that Maddie owns it he is sure she will sell to him not realizing she wants and needs top dollar. It is soon apparent that he might not have what she needs – monetarily or emotionally.
Maddie and Quinn tap dance around feelings, do a bit of sharing, tend to be impulsive with words and reticent with feelings so finding a way for them to achieve a HEA is not easy.
Add in some friends in the making for Maddie, some people with anger issues lurking in the wings and some men wanting to cash in on the sale of property now in Maddie’s hands and you have a well written, fast paced story that left me eager to read the next book in this series.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
An Unlikely Setup revolves around Maddie Johnson and her return to Otter Tail, Wisconsin, a place that holds both good and bad memories for her. Returning after fifteen years, to the town where she felt like an outsider, she finds a lot has changed except for her attraction to her teenage crush, Quinn Murphy. The big difference is that now he’s noticing her and liking what he sees. The complicated relationship between Maddie and Quinn makes for a lot of tension between these two characters but just as things are looking up, their romance hits a breaking point from which they might not be able to recover.
The detailed writing and emotional storyline pulled me in and made me care about the characters in this well-written story. I can’t wait to read the stories of the other inhabitants of Otter Tail.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
When Maddie returns to Otter Tail she’s expecting only to get in, take care of business, and get out again. She doesn’t have good memories of the town or its citizens. She’s surprised to see Quinn “Mad Dog” Murray running her godfather’s refurbished bar, but not more surprised than Quinn when he finds out Maddie’s the new owner of his pub. From the start the sparks fly between the two. Maddie has history with Quinn that she has trouble getting past. Quinn has his own baggage which he uses to keep from forming any lasting relationships. Every time they start to come together, they create barriers to protect themselves from any more pain. As things really heat up between the two, there’s only more conflict to keep them apart.
This is a very engaging, fast-paced love story with well-developed, appealing characters. There is lots of drama, emotion, and steamy passion. We are taken on quite a roller coaster ride as we follow Maddie and Quinn’s struggle to overcome their pasts to make this amazing journey together. We are there right along with them through the ups and downs, twists and turns from their start until the very end. I highly recommend this very enjoyable read.
Maddie Johnson reluctantly leaves Chicago and returns to Otter Tail, Wisconsin. Her godfather, David, has left her his pub and house and she needs to sell them. Unfortunately, Maddie owes a great deal of money for a house flipping deal that went bad and needs money as soon as possible to pay off her debts. Although she has some fond memories of her time in Otter Tail, there are other memories that still cause her embarrassment. When Maddie arrives at the pub, she encounters Quinn Murphy, aka “Mad Dog” a reminder of one of those embarrassing moments. She learns, from others in town, that David had promised to sell the pub to Quinn, but since he cannot come up with the price she needs Maddie will have to seek other offers. Those other offers will add conflict to the already fragile situation as the attraction between Maddie and Quinn develops. Can she remain objective about what she needs to do versus what she would like to do? Maddie begins to feel as if she could belong in Otter Tail, living in David’s house and become part of the loving and welcoming town atmosphere. Wonderful small-town atmosphere and characters makes this a truly heartwarming read. This is the first book in the Otter Tail series and I can’t wait to read the next book. Ms. Watson has a way with writing a story and characters that make each book a delight. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)