She’s in a white dress that dances around her ankles, and her hair tumbles in a long sheet of curls down her back. A veil covers her beautiful eyes, and she smiles directly at him. Janie is everything Rafe’s ever imagined she would be on her wedding day. Breathtaking. Gorgeous. Perfect.The moment he sees her walking down the aisle towards him, he knows that she’s the one.Then she passes him, … one.
Then she passes him, making her way to the man she’s to marry.
A man that wasn’t him.
A man that he knows with one hundred percent certainty isn’t good enough for her.
It seems that her father isn’t the only one who’s having a hard time giving her away. Rafe only wishes he knew why.
Everything about Janie sparks protective instincts he doesn’t feel for anyone, not even his own fiancé.
What he feels for the bride, however, isn’t merely a simple attraction. He knows that something is there just beneath the surface…if only he could reach it.
It has to be something huge, too, otherwise he wouldn’t be drinking whiskey straight from the flask in a church pew and wondering how many years he would do in prison if he shot the groom in front of about a hundred witnesses—half of those being cops.
He was good…but not that good.
A near-death experience cost Rafe almost six months of his memory, but right now he can’t help but feel like a huge mistake is being made on both of their parts. One that’s going to cost him everything.
Then she says I do.
Author note: I, Lani Lynn Vale, solemnly swear that there is NO CHEATING in this book…but looks are deceiving. So hang with me.
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finally Rafe gets his book. this was one that i have been impatiently waiting for forever it seems. Rafe’s character has always been one that every time he would pop up, would pique my curiosity more and more. you never really got a clear picture of who he really was. one thing for sure was that it was going to have to be a very strong willed female to be his counter part. and Janie was the perfect match for him.
this book was the perfect combination of serious moments, and moments that can make you laugh. something that i come to expect and love about Vale’s writing.
“He was everything that I shouldn’t want, and the one thing that I really needed all rolled into a perfect ball of badass.”
I was excited to see that Lani was starting this new Simple Man series, and even more excited once I started reading and realized I’d already met Rafe in the Hail Raisers series. He was all broody and distant and I was really hoping he would get a book of his own so I could find out what his story was, and he did!
I really love how the author intertwines her characters in multiple series. It feels like a family reunion when I get to attend a party at the Dixie Warden clubhouse or when Freebirds business crosses over into another series. Rafe has several jobs going at once, including being a Hail wrecker driver and some side work with Freebirds when he’s not being commissioned for the top-secret stuff. He’s got a lot on his plate and he likes it that way. Being busy keeps him focused on things other than… her. He’s made a point to avoid her for years, but it’s not working anymore.
Janie is too cute to handle. She’s sweet and funny and smarter than anyone realizes. So smart that she doesn’t even bother trying to convince her father to let her work with the Freebird cases, she just works her magic behind the scenes. She’s also managed to keep her feelings for Rafe hidden, which wasn’t so difficult considering he’s been avoiding her for years. She’s taken to spying on him from afar to get her fix.
What fun it was for me to be inside the heads of both characters, knowing how they felt about each other when neither of them knew themselves. Of course, I was doing some serious mental matchmaking. Yeah, I had my work cut out for me considering she was getting married and he had a fiance’, right?
Throw in some bad guys, some pampered pets and some crazy support characters with a neverending supply of witty banter and you can expect hours of non-stop entertainment. I’ve come to realize that’s what I can expect with every Lani Lynn Vale book, including some call-the-fire-department-hot-sexy-time to seal the deal. I’m so thrilled that this is just the beginning of another amazing series and I have more to look forward to. The line forms here…
I absolutely loved loved loved Janie and Rafe’s story. It was funny but kept me on the edge of my seat with the drama and mystery going on. Rafe thinks he is too old for Janie and has too much on his plate to be in any relationship. Janie does not care about their age gap and will wait for him to sort out his stuff so they can be together. But everything does not always work out how you expect it to especially when accidents happen. Go read this book to find out more, you won’t be disappointed.
I said amazing read, why? Because it’s the first time that I’ve ever read this author’s book and she blew me away. From now on she’ll be an automatic oneclick for me, I’ll be starting to get all her other books. I can’t believe I waited this long to read her books.
After being wiped out for 3 days with a migraine I got up this morning still feeling like arse and a little screen sensitive so I thought I would try an audible book. First can I say, man, I managed to make that a mission and a half. I didn’t want one that was too long, I had to do a sample of all of them to see which voices I liked and finally I had to figure out WTF I felt like reading. Yeah I was dumb enough to consider content last after finding a heap of books that passed the first 2 barriers only for me to not be feeling them.
Finally, I picked up Kinda Don’t Care because, Lani Lynn Vale and those narrator’s. Damn those were some soothing, easy to listen to voices. I really need to find more of their books. Now, I don’t really listen to a lot of audio books because I need something to do with my hands and because I find my eyes wandering and dragging my attention with them. Also because with toddlers being toddlers I am always having to put it down and pausing always makes me miss a minute, and my temper from being disturbed.
Rafe and Janie were great together. They were both very interesting and despite the fact that there was that slight issue of them both being engaged to other people I was so invested in their relationship. Although I really wish I had read some of the other books first because I need to know all their stories. I love as much as I hate that all these characters are woven throughout all of these series, cause I keep reading them backwards.
As always Lani delivered an amazing story that sucked me in from the first page until the very end. And the voices were on point and I’m so glad I finally committed to this for my day of rest and recovery because this was the perfect read. It had enough going on to keep me completely wrapped up in the story and a heap of really random laugh out loud moments. Loved It.
Rafe is a ex military who now works in a investigation company after he was mistreated by military doctor that cause everlasting problems and rafe knew he was negligent with his treatment after finding out who he was.
Janie is the young daughter of a ex military man who helps people in abusive or dangerous situations and gives them a new life. Janie is 20years younger then Janie but they definitely work well. Absolutely loved this book especially with joe Arden narrating he can do no wrong in my eyes.
Lani Lynn Vale did it again! Rafe has always intrigued me, he popped in every now and then in the other books and was such a mystery. Couldn’t wait to read his story and boy, was it a great one. Rafe and Janie were simply beautiful together. It may have taken time to get there but they were made for one another. This book was suspenseful, funny, and romantic. I would recommend this book and any other book Ms Vale has written then are just to good to pass up.
Ok, everyone has their own opinion on how these should be read, and for ME, I suggest reading EVERYTHING before this. From Boomtown on down by release date. To get the feels that this book will give you, to understand all the little things, the things that happened in the past that are mentioned, the characters … you name it, it will just make more sense when you get the big picture.
Now that my PSA is out of the way, lol, Rafe and Janie’s story is pretty much perfect. Janie fell in love with Rafe when she was in her teens, Rafe not being stupid didnt pay her much attention in that way (cuz thats creepy) it wasnt until she was older that he realized that he took notice. Even though he could clearly see what was on her face, he tried with all his might to stay away, his life doesn’t exactly give him time for a relationship. Just when Janie thought she was making some kind of headway, all that blew up with Rafe getting injured and losing his memory. But when a woman walks in claiming to be Rafe’s fiancee Janie starts to feel that maybe she wasn’t making headway at all. Will she be able to wait it out until Rafe’s memory returns, or will it be too late?
This has everything that we have come to love in a Lani Lynn Vale story, the sexy times that are freaking off the charts hot, funny bits that really have you cracking up, some violence and danger, not to mention getting to see a bunch of characters that we absolutely adore and love “seeing” and “catching up with”. Not gonna lie the ending had me doing a bit of sobbing, but I’m a crier like that! This gets 5 stars all the way.
It was a great idea and had all the components of a book I couldn’t wait to read. I just wish there had been more expansion on the scenes and more world building. I only understood about half of the action side and romantically things were just a little too convenient. Don’t get me wrong though, I did enjoy it.
it is pretty damn HOT
Honestly, I’m not sure what to say about this book. I’ve been really curious about Rafe since he first showed up on the scene of Lani Lynn Vale’s books. He’s always so mysterious and reticent about his past and even his present that I was dying to learn more about him. However, while I did learn somethings, and I learned what was driving him, I still feel like there was a lot I didn’t learn. There was a lot that Rafe didn’t reveal.
I really loved the storyline. I loved that Janie had been in love with Rafe for ages, from the time she was young and that he FINALLY saw her and gave them a chance. I actually loved the times that they were together. And honestly, I hated that Rafe didn’t listen to his body/heart when Janie was engaged to another man and stand up and tell her how he felt. As for Janie, I really didn’t like that she said yes and went through with the wedding just to get a reaction out of Rafe. That’s a horrible reason to accept a marriage proposal and to plan a wedding and walk down an aisle. Just to get a reaction from the guy you really love.
I’ll admit, that the way Rafe got his memory back was quite…explosive 😉 I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that.
I’m just not quite sure what else to say. For me, there was something missing for me to REALLY love the book. It was thoroughly enjoyable and a good read, it just wasn’t a favorite.
EXCELLENT! The author is one of my favorites and did not disappoint.
Perhaps it’s because I was SO highly anticipating this book (ever since I first encountered Rafe some where in the Hail Raisers series), but Kinda Don’t Care didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy it – in the end, I did. But first during Rafe and Janie’s first sexual encounter and again halfway through, I seriously contemplated DNF’ing the book. I just did not understand some of the character’s decisions, to the point that I wished I was reading a physical copy of the book so that I could toss it up against the wall, but since I was reading on my kindle, that simply was not an option. I tarried on and as a result got a satisfying ending, but with all the twists and turns (that I have come to learn to expect and enjoy from Lani Lynn Vale) the journey to HEA was a bit more exhausting than enjoyable. I do however dig the way that so many of the author’s series overlap and reading this made me want to also read her Dixie Warden series as well as her Freebird series, in order to get to know more of her colorful characters. I’ll also continue on with the Simple Man series – I’ve become quite fond of her method of storytelling. 3 out of 5 wine glasses.
There is going to be one minor detail in my review that can be viewed as a spoiler but if you read the synopsis carefully then it not going to spoil you anything, however I feel the need to mention it because it can be a trigger for a couple of people.
I love everything from Lani Lynn Vale and was so looking forward to Rafe story for a while now, since if you read the previous books form the author you know that he was lurking around the shadows for a while now. I’m not going to into the awesomeness of the author style because I ranted about it enough in my earlier reviews. If you are a new reader then I recommend reading the other books first because while every story can be read as a standalone I think knowing the background helps a lot, also you are going to realize how great the author is. And if you are a frequent reader then you already know it.
I loved the two main characters individually and in the end together as well, but I had a bit of a problem getting on board with their pairing. As you may know one of the things I have a hard time with is a huge age gap between a people, especially when there is the case that the older one particularly there in the life of the younger ones from a really early age, as it was in this story. Rafe and Janie meet when Janie is only twelve and from then on they encounter each other frequently. It’s true that Lani Lynn Vale has a knack for spinning her stories in a way that I usually don’t even notice the age difference between the characters but in this story there was a quite disturbing announcement from Rafe that I just couldn’t get over. He states that he was lusting over Janie since she was 17, which is a legal age technically but a statement like this from a man in his mid 30s is just not okay in my book. Anyway eventually I got over it but it struck a nerve with me and that’s why despite the greatness of the plot I only give the book 4 stars.
Janie is a spunky, talented, klutzy and funny girl. I loved her confident character and felt for her heartbreak but let’s be honest her young age shows when she start to act impulsively and without thought to provoke a reaction out from Rafe. It was really great to hear about the second generation of the well known and loved characters but I needed a quick recap of who is who because it was a while for me.
I loved Rafe from the moment he first appeared in the Lani Lynn Vale universe. He was always the mysterious helper who always got the job done. It was phenomenal to finally get to know a bit more about his back-story and I enjoyed every minute of it but if I’m being honest I also think that his character had a lot more potential than this story actually shows.
The romance between them is steamy and unconventional as hell but it’s working. Their chemistry is awesome but the people around them don’t help their case.
I found the plot dynamic and intriguing as well, however despite the big build up happening in it the conclusion is a bit unexpected and too easy, thou the surprising plot twist was a nice touch. Also I found the ending quiet sentimental and the whole book is so emotional and heart twisting. Can’t wait for the next book.
I could not wait to get this book. Rafe is in so many other books as a back ground character and I just needed his story. Well when Lani brought his book to life she also gave us Janie’s story. I was also excited to get the kids of Free stories. So this is a two birds one stone type of book. And I must say it is the most wonderful beginning to a new series. Can’t wait to read more about the kids.
Raphael Luis is 41 years old and after a mission gone bad, he ends up with temporary amnesia. He remembers nothing of the last 6 months. That includes the time he spent getting to know Janie. What he does remember is revenge. He wants to settle a score with the doctor who purposefully delayed treatment from a previous injury to his leg and testicle.
Janie, who is almost 20 years younger than Raphael, has waited for what seems like forever to be with him. She has tried many times to get his attention but due to her young age, he stayed clear. It seems like fate is against them when Raphael forgets the time they spent together but, she is willing to wait.
When a woman who is unknown to Janie shows up and announces that she is Rafe’s fiancée and he does not refute it, she is crushed. She comes to the conclusion that she must move on. As time passes, she does and agrees to spend her life with someone who is not Rafe.
Will Rafe ever remember his time with Janie and stop her wedding before he loses her forever?
This is an entertaining read told in dual POV. It is a May-December romance that is well written and that kept and held my attention.
I loved both characters. Raphael is strong and honorable. He has been through trial after trial in his life and has came out the stronger for it. Janie is smart and is unafraid to go for what she wants-Rafe.
Although I enjoyed this engaging story, I feel like the author only scratched the surface of the relationship between Rafe and Janie. In my opinion, their love story seemed to take second seat to everything else that was going on.
That being said, this is a fascinating read with a guaranteed HEA and no cheating. This is the first book I read from this author and it will not be my last.
I’m not one for the older man/younger woman genre but Lani Lynn Vale has never steered me wrong and she didn’t this time either!! Plus it’s always awesome to start an LLV series from the very beginning and I’m OCD enough to jump in on that when it’s available!
I do love when it’s a story of unrequited love, like this was – kinda. Janie has loved Rafe for years. Even though he’s significantly older than her, he’s always been the one she’s wanted. And he’s apparently wanted her too, even though he’s “too old” for her.
Another FANTASTIC Lani Lynn Vale series that I can’t wait for more of!!
Finally I get me some Rafe! This is the first book in the Simple Man series. It is a standalone, but we’ve met Rafe in a few of he previous books. Rafe does play a huge pat at the end of Hail Mary, the final book to the Hail Raisers series. This book does go over how he was injured in Hail Mary.
Now, I usually don’t say things like this, but if a 20 year age gap bothers you, this book isn’t for you. Rafe has known Janie since she was twelve and he was in his 30s. There was no attraction then. But, he knew she was special. Nothing happened until she was in her 20s.
Janie is one of the Free kids. James is her dad. We met her in James’ book. It’s the Freebird series. She’s always loved Rafe.
But, now he has no memory of the past six months. He doesn’t remember their time together and he has a fiancée. So does Janie, after awhile.
There is NO CHEATING. It may seem that way, but things aren’t always what they look like.
I love how they told each other “I Love You.” I’m not going to quote it here, but you will laugh.
Skeet Skeet.
“I hate it when I say I hate everyone, and then the one person I hate the most laughs and says, ‘not me, right?’ No, Bitch. I especially hate you.” ~ Conversation between Rafe to Janie.
For the first few chapters of this book I kept saying no no no. If this goes the way I think it’s going I don’t know what I’ll do.
I held my breath, squeezed my kindle and forced myself to keep reading.
Absolutely loved every stinking thing I first went through to have the beautiful conclusion and fantastic plot twist that made this another five star read.
H/h were perfect, flowed well and a good storyline.
I kinda don’t care if I sound like a teenager with a crush when it comes to this review because Rafe maybe a simple man but believe me when I say he is the MAN. This is the first book in the new series by Lani Lynn Vale and it has set the benchmark high for the rest of the books in this series. Janie and Rafe’s story takes you on one hell of a ride with your emotions from anger, frustration, laughter, heartache and an all conquering love. Their story will keep you on the edge of your seat and will have twists and turns that you will not see coming. Kinda Don’t Care is about a love and connection so strong that it won’t matter what happens nothing will stand in its way. A few of our old favourites feature in this story which makes it like you are revisiting with family that you have seriously missed. Rafe will own your heart and soul by the end of this story and Janie will be that girl that nobody will be able to resist loving. Just a warning the passion, chemistry and heat that radiates off the pages between these pair will keep you warm on the coldest of nights. This book is nothing less than a TEN STAR READ.