He is the one that never looks her way.He is handsome and strong.He is rough around the edges and mean.He is everything she’s ever wanted.He doesn’t even know she exists.Her life is a joke.***She doesn’t step on cracks in the sidewalk.She laughs at inappropriate times.She talks when she shouldn’t.She is clumsy and trips on air.She is finally on his radar.God help her now.
Hissy Fit (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1)
By lanilynnvale
“Women my age are supposed to be look suave and sophisticated while walking in heels. Me? I manage to trip over thin air. -Raleigh’s inner thoughts”
Okay, so at the very first, I was totally into Raleigh. She has a lot of the same thoughts that I do and felt many of the same things, as well. Pining over her high school crush, but truly feeling like she can’t catch him. Yep, that’s me! “Who was I kidding? I’d never be anything more than a last resort.” I don’t know how many times I’ve felt that way; how many times I doubted myself.
The story itself, though, was so cute. Ezra was the typical “stud” from your high school years: confident (almost cocky), popular, funny, good-looking, and … well, you get it. But the thing that seemed a bit different about Ezra, was that he was totally into his family and made my heart melt with those he loved. He also didn’t bring any discrimination or prejudice into his adulthood, and in his teaching position, he appreciates all students.
These two together were adorable. Raleigh with her clutzy, lovable self, and Ezra as the coolest teacher in school made me smile at almost every turn. Some points in the story the “clumsy” did seem a little too much and I wasn’t a huge fan of Ezra FINALLY noticing Raleigh, but the concept behind it was cute. There were some moments that I thought maybe went to quickly and some questions I had about some of the characters, but the world LLV created was lovely and I can’t wait to go back.
First of all, is there anything Lani Lynne Vale can’t write?? I’m mean, seriously. I ore-order ever single one of her books and I’m NEVER disappointed. This is a little different than her normal scene as the two main characters are teachers, but I loved every minute of it. There were times I was actually laughing out loud as I was reading! This is a MUST-READ!
Another great start to a new series! Loved Raleigh and Ezra story, it was so poignant and still had that LLV humor and best. Can’t wait for more form this series.
Raleigh is a teacher with a crush on Ezra, the school football coach and former jock. Ezra never noticed her in high school or college. A funny cute chance meeting puts Raleigh in Ezra’s sight. I liked this story and how it was about teachers. I would recommend this story.
I have to say that this book made me laugh and scream at my kindle all at the same time. Then there would be parts where I was like that is so cute. This is one of those books that you either like it or you don’t. You may not like it because at some point being a dork and nerd gets old but it is who Raleigh is and she is sweet a little to sweet and naive at times but she fits this story very well. Ezra on the other hand made me mad and I did not like him at first but then he grew on me and I started to like him.
Then when Ezra finally notices Raleigh these two have chemistry and they are hot as hell. The push and pull was great and the little quirks Raleigh had made the story more interesting. Raleigh was a klutz and she was very clumsy but Ezra looked past that and gave her a chance and when he did he realized what a gem he had in Raleigh.
This is a must read romance story that will have you laughing all the way to the end!
I’ve enjoyed the books by this author that I’ve read before, so looked forward to this one. And I was blown away by how much I loved this book! I wish I’d been able to get started before my spring break was over, because this is one that I would have stayed up all night just to finish in one sitting. Raleigh was a klutz, I mean the BIGGEST klutz. Think Bella Swan on steroids, no exposed to radioactive klutz rays. Raleigh managed to get nose bleeds, break arms, all of the things she did to herself! She was so bad the students were afraid her bad luck would carry over at sporting events so they’d ask her not to come unless she had to.
And then there was Ezra. That popular guy you all remember from school. He wasn’t a mean guy, but he was definitely oblivious to anything that wasn’t directly in his line of sight until the beginning of our story when Raleigh tripped in Target and caused him to trip and drop what he was carrying, in this case, a monster size box of condoms. Only they fell and hit her right in the face. Raleigh had been in love with him since she first saw him when they were younger. But he’d really never noticed her before, even when she’d been right under his nose as a teenager, and now worked with him for five years at the high school.
But this wasn’t just a romantic comedy, although I laughed out loud all the way through, there were a lot of deep emotional aspects to the story as well. One of Raleigh’s first experiences as a teacher, wow, it was scary. And then the student that she was there for, one that really needed just one person to be there, whether they knew it or not. There were also some great points, like when she was warned about public displays of affection at school when Ezra kissed her in the hallway, yet he didn’t get warned! The bad guys in this were really bad people. Although with one of them being a high school student, the way Raleigh and even others handled it made great sense to me, with my experience as an educator myself.
I loved everything about this book. Except one teensy, tiny thing. A joke, that I still don’t get. One that was told at the beginning, and the brought up again in a speech by one of the students. Maybe you can help me? The joke was: What is a soldier’s least favorite month? The answer the story gave was ‘Allich. I don’t know what that is!! The answer I would have thought or can find anywhere is that the month is March. Help me!
4.5 Stars of hilarity!
Ezra & Raleigh were absolutely adorable and freaking hilarious at the same time! Poor Raleigh, who is a klutz and trouble (the painful kind) magnet, can’t seem to catch a break in the beginning of this book. I wasn’t really sure what I was going to think of her, but her character really pulled me in and had me cheering for her and Ezra through the story.
Ezra, while delicious, really has blinders on when it comes to Raleigh. He doesn’t notice her and then BAM she was all that he could think about. And I think that there were times that she, or her situations, made him take a look at himself more. But he totally shows Raleigh that she is it for him and sometimes those times are hot as hades or totally sweet.
I also really liked the secondary characters. Camryn, Raleigh’s best friend, is hilarious and the perfect person to get into hijinks with. And Morgan, I totally wanted to reach into the pages and give his character a big hug. This wasn’t a totally drama induce book, nor was danger paramount through the pages. This was a sweet story that did have a small bit of drama and danger.
Overall, freaking awesome start to a new series! Loved the main characters and the secondary characters, Drama was kept low key and danger was as well. Hijinks ensues, sometimes in funny ways. Raleigh … OMG some of the situations that she found herself in were hilarious or cringe worthy. So, great book and I am totally looking forward to what comes next! Two thumbs up and happy reading.
This is the first book in a new series by Lani, The Southern Gentlemen series. It’s off to a great start with this book. But I knew it would be.
Fair warning, you will get sucked in and neglect real life until you finish this book.
Raleigh is completely invisible, until her clumsiness comes out. She is accident prone. She’s very loveable and has a heart of gold.
She’s a teacher at the high school, but doesn’t teach the seniors. You will find out why, and I don’t blame her.
Ezra was a couple grades ahead of her. But never noticed her until a box of condoms and a bloody nose happen. He never knew she had always crushed on him.
He’s now a teacher and a coach at the same school she teaches at.
The tornado scene was HOT!
Of course there’s some drama. And dang!
I do hope that Morgan gets a book. He had me crying in the epilogue!
I hope Camyrn does as well!
“I’m into fitness. Fitness taco into my mouth.” -T Shirt
This is the first book in the series and this author has really outdone herself. In high school Raleigh was always invisible to everybody around her especially her crush, Ezra. What does the jock and the klutzy girl have in common? When Ezra finally “sees” her it is because she is clumsy and crashes into a display. She is mortified that this is finally how he notices her, but that is a good thing because now she is on his radar. Raleigh’s clumsiness and her bad luck are her most endearing qualities along with her witty humor. The way she cares for and is invested in her students is admirable. Finally together they have a love like no other even though it is tested time and again. I can’t wait for more books in the series!!!
The blurb is such that I wasn’t sure what I was going to get so when it landed on my e-reader I opened it up just to see. And didn’t put it down until I was done! I loved goofy, sweet, fun Raleigh. From the very first page (and the subsequent awkward encounter with Ezra) I wanted to be bestest, life-long friends with her. Klutzy, funny, and awkward, Raleigh will win your heart and you’ll be cheering when she finally gets her guy.
I will saw there were a few times that I wanted to smack Ezra on the head. He’s either totally clueless or a bit of an *ss because he let another women get a little too handsy with him. More than once after starting a relationship with Raleigh. I get that maybe he didn’t realize the signals that Raleigh might be picking up but after the first time it made her huffy I would have thought that he’d get a clue. Outside of that, though, I found him to be a pretty good guy. He takes care of the guys on his team and his family. And wants he sees Raleigh he’s ready to take on anything she needs him to.
While this is a more light-hearted book overall, it isn’t afraid to tackle some harsher topics when it needs to. This is only the second book by Vale that I’ve read, but it’s not going to be my last. (Lord Have Mercy, the next book in this series, is out soon and I’m already trying to figure out how to get my hands on it!)
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
Well, taking a chance on another new-to-me author has paid off again. This time it’s Lani Lynn Vale and Hissy Fit definitely won’t be the last book of hers that I read.
Ezra was such a fun character to follow. He falls fast and hard and doesn’t stand a chance at being able to resist Raleigh once she’s finally on his radar. He’s bold, not afraid to speak his mind, and unbearably sexy. Is he perfect? Nope, and at times you’ll want to shake him. But he’s a good guy with plenty of redeeming qualities and a lovable personality. You’ll be just as hooked as Raleigh.
And speaking of Raleigh…wow is this girl a hot mess! For her, anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and usually it does – right in front of Ezra. She’s quirky and awkward, clumsy and often self-deprecating, but she’s got the sweetest heart and is genuinely a good person.
From one crazy encounter after another, these two will have you laughing out loud. Their story is fun, steamy, and full of both laughs and feels. I’d definitely recommend this book.
And now I’m speachless…. This story, wrtitten by this author….. and I was sure, my evening will be perfect. I’m absolutely seduced by MrsVale and her book again !!! I fall in love with Ezra and Raleigh from the very first pages. They were so amazing. After starting my journey with them I knew from the begining, that I won’t put this book down till I will see “THE END” in from of my eyes.
Hissy Fit takes my heart and soul compeletely!!!! Lani Lyn Vale always knows how to create amazing stories! Stories, where women are sweet, but also strong just like Releigh was. I loved this girl from our first meeting. I liked how MRS Vale described her charcater and life story. Watching how she interreact with Ezra, how they falling for each othet further in whole story was so heartwarimng. They didnt have perfect start… I won’t lie, that didn’t make me happy…. but for what we have great authors like Lani Lynn Vsle and their amazing love stories ?!
Highly recomended title!
Love from different angles sure does make a good love story! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
What do the high school jock and the klutzy girl have in common? An attraction like no other. Hers is a long time love for the boy who never saw her and his is love at first site. Will these two move past their past and find a future? This book has it all and I am in love with this new series from Lani Lynn Vale!
This author’s book covers and titles never fail to grab my attention, folks, even though I don’t always see how applicable they are to the story line. What can I say? I still can’t help but giggle, smile, and often swoon a little just looking at them. The humor and personalities she injects into each one make them memorable, as well. She certainly has a unique writing style all her own.
What you get with Ezra, the hero here, is the town hunk/former athlete turned high school football/baseball coach, who has lead a charmed life. He’s been the prince of everything for so long he unintentionally has overlooked the more common people, like Raleigh, the heroine. With girls galore standing in line to be with him, she wasn’t even a blimp on his radar during high school, college, or even at their current work place. She’s been the wallflower crushing on him for years, yet he’s failed to even remember who she was despite their occasional interactions.
Raleigh was the OTT klutzy, caring, pretty heroine who is constantly getting injured from one bizarre mishap after another, usually due to her own clumsiness. This gal has had so many nosebleeds and injuries I’m surprised she hasn’t needed any blood transfusions. If anyone in this world needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap, it would be her. Though I’m not a fan of leading ladies made to look inferior, I had to go along with it, because that is how the script rolled, folks. Likely so this awkward, felt like an ugly duckling at times heroine could morph into an enchanting, beautiful swan princess in Ezra’s eyes.
It was sweet to see Ezra open those eyes and his heart to what he’s been missing all these years. He does suddenly find her adorable and only seems to want to spend time with her.
What surprised me was the dark content regarding one of the students and a former, disturbing incident that had happened to Raleigh. Another sad, side story was thrown in involving another student, as well.
All in all, I was glad to see Raleigh finally get the man of her dreams. Ezra openly did admit to feeling very shallow for not noticing Raleigh before. How sweet that he laments the lost loving time they missed out on.
At the end, we are gifted with the brief beginning of the next book, Lord Have Mercy. Oh, yeah, I’m really feeling that title. I think it’ll fit perfectly! It’ll feature Raleigh’s best friend, Camryn, who unconditionally always has her back in an enemies to lovers setup. I can’t wait for the sparks to fly between her and Flint as they face off and finally let love conquer all.
Title: Hissy Fit, Series: The Southern Gentleman (Book 1), Author: Lani Lynn Vale, Pages: 241, stand-alone, very graphic smexy scenes with lusty language, embarrassing, awkward/klutzy pretty, teacher heroine, town hunk football hero turned high school coach, past attempted rape content, inappropriate teacher and student situation, HEA.
Book 1 – Hissy Fit (Ezra & Raleigh), 3/19/19
Book 2 – Lord Have Mercy (Camryn & Flint), 2019
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
I’m an avid reader of Lani Lynn Vale stories and a huge fan of her story lines and characters, so when I saw that she was writing a new series – one set in a small town community that focuses on the lives of teachers – I couldn’t wait to be introduced to a new set of colorful characters and the interesting things that happen to them and to those around them.
Raleigh Jolie Crusie is definitely a heroine who readers will identify with; she’s a quite quirky, a total hot mess, and a klutz like no one I’ve ever seen, but her flaws and self-image issues are what make her real, and while there were times that I just wanted to put Raleigh in a bubble to protect her from herself, she is who she is and she can’t be someone she’s not regardless of how much she might desire to be in order to catch the eye of her old high school crush.
Ezra McDuff was the hot high school athlete who everyone wanted to be and be with, and now as an adult, he’s the handsome teacher and coach who, despite his rough edges, everyone still wants a piece of him, and rightly so, because the further into the story I got, the easier it was to understand just who Ezra is and all of the good that he does for his students, his players, and his family, and the accident prone, amazing woman he will never not see again.
There’s one plot line in the story that I struggled with, but that’s only because I’m a high school teacher and the reality of the situation explored was absolutely on point; I appreciated the way that Vale crafted this particular conflict, and I couldn’t help but think about similar incidences that have happened in my own district.
Overall, though, this was just the feel good story I needed, and while there’s a bit of mystery, some drama, and a few creepy incidences, at the heart of the story is a good guy who finally sees the good girl who has always been in his life, and together, they find what they’ve been missing in each other, which also helps them grow as individuals and that’s the kind of character growth I love to see a hero and heroine experience.
4 Poison Apples
This is love at first sight for our Hero & Love a long time for our heroine! 5 Stars! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
If you love stories about the beautiful klutz girl getting the hot jock… this story is for you! I do love these stories especially from this author. I have. I have not been disappointed in anything from Lani Lynn Vale and this new series is just another in a line of mist reads for me!
Ezra is going to light you Kindle up!
This first book in The Southern Gentlemen Series hits the ground running and scoring a touchdown. Raleigh has always been invisible to the one person who has owned her heart, however her clumsiness might just be what opens Ezra’s eyes to the hidden gem that has always been right in front of him. Their story is emotional, heartfelt, passionate, witty and action packed. Hissy Fit was a story that was also inspirational and takes hold of your heart. The chemistry that radiates between Ezra and Raleigh will be felt deep under your skin. The epilogue in this book is one of my favourites and it had me reaching for the tissues.
Hissy Fit by Lani Lynn Vale is book one in her The Southern Gentleman series and can easily be read as a standalone.
This is Raleigh and Ezra’s story. To call Raleigh a walking disaster is a understatement. She puts clumsy to shame and is very well accustomed with an ER. Broken bones are only a minor obstacle for her. To top it off, she’s hopelessly in love with highschool coach Ezra. Ezra who’s clueless. Both sinply don’t fit, but they make it work, somehow.
Hissy Fit is a sweet story with characters that are both good people who are through a lot. I liked the writing and then characters and give sweet 4 stars.
This book was not what I was expecting. It was a roller coaster of a read between the juvenile actions of the high school students & even juvenile actions of the adults. It actually is so well written that it is reminiscent of how some people act in real life. Raleigh is such a clumsy girl & she doesn’t realize sometimes she brings it on herself. Her sweet & naive personality, with a hidden sassiness makes this story so much fun to read. Ezra is this sexy popular guy who is loved in the shadows by the quirky, nobody girl. All of the klutzy episodes make you chuckle & feel for her in the same thought. I enjoyed how Raleigh grows through the book & in the end I was saddened to see their story come to an end. I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
Oh my!!! Hissy Fit is a fantastic start to a new series!!!