Buying a cult compound to build a tiny town? Piece of cake. Being one of the suckers who falls in love on TV? Hell, no.Lucky for me, I found a CFO who shares my urge to skip the mating game part of my family’s social experiment and reality show. Vanessa and I can cast the cops, teachers, and nurses needed for a self-contained community, and leave the dating mess to my siblings.Easier said than … siblings.
Easier said than done. Vanessa’s smart and funny and hot as hell, and for once I can’t focus on running the show. Somewhere between a sexy waterslide ride and adopting dog, we share a helluva lot more than spreadsheets. The only thing riskier is realizing someone’s out to destroy our project before it’s off the ground.
How do I save the business, protect my family, and keep my hands off the sexy CFO?
For once, I’m not sure I’ve got it all under control.
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I love romance comedies and this one didn’t disappoint. There are sexy, smart characters (and their animals) that will made you laugh, swoon, and sigh. I love the concept about casting people to make a self-contained town while hoping to make people fall in love. Call me intrigued. I was fascinated about the behind the scenes of creating a fictional town/reality show and loved seeing how a (fictional) Hollywood family lives and works together. The suspense aspect I think helped ramp up the love story. It was a fun read.
3.75 stars–SHOW TIME is the first instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult SHOW TIME romance series. This is CEO Dean Judson, and financial advisor Vanessa Vincent’s story line. Juniper Ridge is a spin off from the author’s Ponderosa Resort series.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Dean and Vanessa) SHOW TIME follows the building romance and relationship between CEO Dean Judson, and financial advisor Vanessa Vincent. Dean Judson, and his siblings bought land in Juniper Ridge, Oregon once owned by the controversial cult BONK (Benevolent Order of the New Kingdom) and with it they have plans to film a reality show focusing on a community of single men and women looking for love. Hiring a treasurer and CFO finds Dean Judson considering one-time childhood TV star turned financial consultant Vanessa Vincent, a woman who stirs something deep within our story line hero but not all is well at Juniper Ridge when a series of threatening emails, gifts and bloody photos take aim at our storyline heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Vanessa and Dean, and the potential fall-out when issues of trust threaten to tear the couple apart, and the intimidation turns personal and deadly.
The relationship between Dean and Vanessa is one of immediate attraction but neither one is looking for a permanent relationship having loved and failed in the past. Vanessa believes an affair with Dean could threaten her job at Juniper Ridge but Dean sees an opportunity to enjoy one another for as long as they can. Secret rendezvous lead to intimate nights that soon become fodder for someone hoping to destroy our storyline heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Dean’s wacky and wonderful family including sisters Lana, Lauren and Mari, brothers Gabe, and Cooper; café managers/computer hackers Colleen and Patti, police lieutenant Amy Lovelin; Vanessa’s twin sister Valerie, and Roughneck the dog.
SHOW TIME is a story of family, betrayal, obsession and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is sexy and hot…but I failed to ‘see’ the comedic aspect of a story where issues of trust, and threats of a personal and dangerous nature set the tone for the premise. I guess one person’s comedy, is another person’s tragedy.
Showtime!
As a person who enjoys watching reality TV, I really looked forward to reading this book. And I was not disappointed! This was such a great concept! An old cult compound, a family working together, a man in charge who is not interested in any relationship (he had his heart broken according to the press and his family), and a woman who was dead set against any romantic relationship. What they did not expect, is the chemistry between Dean and Vanessa is undeniable. When you throw in a dog who’s had a rough life, but is now being loved by Vanessa and Dean, you just know there will be some fun and a wonderful start to this new series. Add in a bit of a mystery and some drama, and you’ve got a great story!
I read this book so quickly, not wanting to put it down in case I missed something! Lol. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Fun start to a new series spinning off of the Ponderosa Resort books. We first meet the Judsons in Snowbound squeeze, where brother Gabe meets his wife. The Judsons have decided to buy old cult compound and start a new reality series/social experiment where they start a new town and film the inhabitants. Dean Judson is the oldest of six children, and he is the Hollywood finance guy. He hires Vanessa Vincent as the CFO. Vanessa is cousin to the Bracelyn family from the Ponderosa Resort books, and twin sister of Val from Man Candy Crush. While it isn’t necessary to read the prior books, it is nice to know the other players. Loved meeting the whole Judson family, who will be appearing in future books and some potential love interests. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable book.
Favorite Quotes:
I only caught the end of that, but if we’re suggesting Dean spends his days in here buffing the banana, we should rethink letting him have the big office.
“It was pretty great.” Pretty great? Chocolate lava cake is pretty great. A trip to Greece is pretty great. Eating chocolate lava cake on the balcony of a Greek villa with Oprah Winfrey and Meryl Streep would be pretty great, and none of it compares with what just happened between Dean and me.
You know what my mom used to call me? A free spirit. No, it wasn’t a good thing. I know it might be for some people, but trust me. The way she said it was like “satan” or “calories” or “polyester.” I guess to her, that was the worst thing I could be.
My Review:
Oh, happy day! One of my favorite funny ladies has started a new smirk-worthy series of rom/coms. I adore and covet the amusing and mischievous wit, comfortable style, and comedic articulacy of Tawna Fenske. Reading her stories is like indulging in a supersized wedge of my favorite flavor of cheesecake after dieting. Her tales are painlessly easy to fall into with the ideal amount of tension, delicious steam, low angst, and amusing insights and observations. I also find I am quickly enamored and rooting for her quirky characters. Vanessa and Dean were perfectly cast, a lovely pair, and well-matched for each other – both in and out of the office. I have noted down the devilishly clever pet names of Puma Thurman and Catrick Swayze to steal for future usage and am keen to get my abysmally manicured hands on the next installment of this playfully entertaining series.
I enjoyed reading Show Time which is book 1 in the Juniper Ridge Romantic Comedies series. In this book we have Vanessa who we met previously in a novella about her twin sister. Now Vanessa is coming to work and live at Juniper Ridge to help with the reality TV show Dean and his siblings are trying to get going. There are hurdles to get over and there is someone that does not want the project to succeed. This book has great characters and a great story. It is funny and romantic and a good read. I love the crossover from another series characters into this new series and look forward to the next book.
I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it.
Love, suspense, chemisty, and laughter are all part of this start of a new series. Dean and Vanessa are both not looking for love or even a relationship. However working together seems to bring out the chemistry between them. We are taken on their journey of finding love while someone seems to be threatening everyone involved in the reality show. Judson and his siblings are filming a reality show based on a community they are building. Since this is the first book in the series I am intrigued to see how the reality show plays out throughout the books. I enjoyed Vanessa and Dean’s journey. The author gave you glimpses of Dean’s sibling’s personalities and I can’t wait to read their stories especially Cooper and Mari. This is a stand alone but will leave you wanting to find out if the siblings will find love too.
Neither one had plans to fall in love…
Dean, and his siblings, are going to film a reality show at a former cult compound. They’ll be self contained in their little world. Of course, finding the people to populate their town is going to be an adventure. We’ve already met his brother Gabe in Snowbound Squeeze.
Vanessa, twin to Valerie from Mancandy Crush, hopes to have a fresh start, and no reletionship drama, after yet another disastrous attempt. She excels at choosing jerks. And she is determined to be competent, self-sufficient, and independent. Everything her mother discouraged.
We meet Dean’s other siblings: Lauren, Mari, Lana, and Cooper. As well as various other residents of Juniper Ridge.
Dean and Vanessa have to work closely with each other…and start by trying to ignore their chemistry, but that fire soon burns out of control. Neither of them can escape that burn.
In the meantime, someone is messing with them behind the scenes and it seems they’ve chosen Vanessa as a target.
Still in the same bookiverse as the Ponderosa Resort, obviously, but setting up a new dimension in that bookiverse. We get an impression of Juniper Ridge and its denizens and potential denizens.
Hilarious, steamy, sweet, and with just the right dash of intrigue, I loved Dean and Vanessa’s journey to a HEA while we also get to meet his family and fellow residents.
We also get to meet and fall in love with Roughneck, the adorable dog Vanessa rescues. He’s so cute.
I enjoyed this visit to Juniper Ridge and I can’t wait to come back for more!
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Few authors have managed to keep my attention as Tawna Fenske has. This book is no exception. I mean, you wouldn’t catch me DEAD watching a reality show and here I am reading about it! This book is a great start to a new series that has a loose connection to the Ponderosa Resort series, which is another home run. (You don’t need to read that series to enjoy this one, but why wouldn’t you, right?) As always, Tawna manages to find the perfect mixture of swoon-worthy romance, scorching heat, heart-warming family dynamics, and even a little bit of suspense!
I love reading about flawed, but lovable heroes, relatable problems, and zany situations. Vanessa and Dean fought against their attraction, neither was in a position to give in, but give in with gusto they did! Navigating a threat to their show and possibly themselves, they learn the importance of trusting those we love.
Show Time is a sundae with sprinkles on top, the perfect summer treat!
Show Time
Book 1 Juniper Ridge Romantic Comedies
Tawna Fenske
“I never used to believe in happily ever after. Actually, that’s not true. I believe in it. I was just never sure that was in the cards for me. I watched my sister find her perfect guy and thought “That’s nice. That’s really amazing.” But I never expected to find that. Sometimes, being wrong is the best thing that can happen.”
An amazing terrific start to a new romantic comedy series! Love the characters and the plot. What a very fun read that I really enjoyed reading! Can not wait for the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The first book in a new series always holds such promise, such hope. Will I like the characters? Will the premise be engaging? Will I want to read the next book in the series? Yes, yes and yes!
Show Time is such a fun, funny, sexy book. Dean and Vanessa’s chemistry sizzles off the page not only in the bedroom, but in their day to day life as well. They are such a fun couple to watch develop. The completely wacky idea of a reality TV show at an old cult compound should feel insane and implausible, but it just works. All the behind the scenes of the show’s development made for a intriguing subplot. There was a bit of mystery, lots of fun, and some great set ups for the future books. Vanessa was a great female lead. Strong, smart, driven and funny. Dean is a great Hollywood Heartthrob with a soft heart and a hard… well, everything else. Plus Roughneck, the real star of the show! How could you not love that dog!
Fenske is the master of the romantic comedy and this book does not disappoint. It’s an excellent beginning to the series and I can’t wait for the rest!
I enjoyed the Ponderosa series and I feel like this series will be similar in vibe so I’m looking forward to reading more about the Judson’s. I think the concept behind their new venture is quite interesting and I want to see how that plays out.
I like the fact that Vanessa is a strong female and does not need Dean to protect her or take care of her. I think she takes it to the extreme, but it’s rare to find a female with a strong backbone. Dean just wants to take care of everyone. That’s how he got the nickname “The Fixer”. But he has to learn that people need to fly and be free to make their own mistakes. It’s going to be a tough lesson for him, especially since Vanessa is determined to be self sufficient and take care of herself.
It was nice to see some old characters return for this spin-off. It was cool to see Val and Josh again and I’m hoping we see some more cross over in future books.
I loved this story line. Vanessa was not looking for love but a one-night stand with Dean turned into so much more. The details of the compound were very descriptive: water park, bumper cars and so many acres of land. I love that Vanessa adopted Roughneck and the Alaskan size purse and all of the contents! I am excited to continue this series to see who Amy and Lana end up with.
One of my top reads this year…
I have to admit, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. While I do enjoy reading this author, I am not a fan of anything surrounding reality show. The way this book was set up though, made it quite enjoyable. Each chapter starts with a bit of commentary and then continues in alternating POV. Dean and Vanessa were very likable and I loved the touch of suspense thrown into this story line. This book can be read as a standalone.
Show Time is the first book in a new series by Tawna Fenske and let’s just say, it’s going to be another amazing series! It took me days to figure out what I wanted to say about this book because I loved it so much and feel that I can’t and won’t be able to ever to it justice. First, you get to meet Dean Judson who is the oldest brother of the Judson Family. He may seem familiar to those who have read Tawna’s Ponderosa Resort Series as he was introduced in those books. You also get to meet Vanessa Vincent who was introduced in the Ponderosa Resort Series as well. What I loved about this book was how relatable for me it was. I felt like I was Vanessa, minus the hot CEO as my boss, but a girl can dream! This book has all the exciting starting points to a great new series. Between the new characters that both appear to be so strong yet have those few insecurities, that make them stronger together, to the psycho ex-fiance, to the drama of a new reality tv series in development. There’s so much going on and this was a great start to it all.
What a cute book with a fun premise. I loved the characters, the romance and the mystery. And Roughneck! The siblings are going to lead to even more great books in this series. Bring on the next one!
*4.5 stars*
Reality has never been this fun…
Once again a favourite author has beckoned me to a place I didn’t want to go. Reality television. Ugh. Lol, it’s not the worst place to be but hey, reality, you know? But I went willingly because I thought it would be fun and sweet and romantic. And was it ever! Dean and Vanessa sparked right away. Heat, car, snake. And that was only the beginning…
Dean and Vanessa had so much in common. Love of order and numbers. Distrust of love and relationships. Boss, employee. CEO, CFO. Lovers… Vanessa’s inner monologue was life as she and Dean found their footing with some twists and turns along the way.
Looking forward to a lot more in this series – so many siblings who need love…
*I happily reviewed this story
Show Time is the perfect title for the kickoff to the new Juniper Ridge series. The action and the laughs started with the first “confessional” and continued straight through to the happily ever after. Dean and Vanessa are both wound a bit tight, which you’d assume might cause waves between them. And it does…wave after wave of attraction neither of them are looking for or want. I love it when those who resist the most fall the fastest!
The concept, even to this non reality-watching reader, is unique and compelling. Even if I didn’t want to watch people pair off, just the idea of watching a whole community build from the ground up is some must-see…or in this case, must read goodness.
The family dynamic is very interesting and the hints into Dean’s siblings issues will definitely have me coming back for more. Fenske’s trademark humor is present in scene one/chapter one; I laughed out loud multiple times. I can’t wait to learn more about the secondary characters, as well. I’m already intrigued by Tia the organic farmer and Amy, the incoming chief of police, not to mention Colleen and Patti, who longtime readers will recognize from the Ponderosa Ranch series.
I can’t say enough about this new series and cannot wait for the next book to come out!
I have loved everything about the Ponderosa Resort series so I could barely contain my excitement for a new family.
This book is pretty wild. The beginnings of a reality tv show, filmed at a former cult compound, and a little bit of suspense tossed in for good measure. The drama is off the charts and I’m 100% here for it.
Dean and Vanessa are the perfect start to this series. I’m already counting the days until I can get more Judsons in my life.
Oh my, what a wonderful beginning to a series!I absolutely adored reading Show Time. I loved Vanessa at first sight of her quirky fears and how to overcome them. I love Dean for trying to be in control all the time, not realising that love isn;t something you can control. At first I found it difficult to grasp the idea of reality tv shows, because I don’t like those. But as I read on, I saw the amount of work behind such shows and I came to appreciate it. And then a lovely and wonderful stray dog is thrown into the mix- did I mention that I loved this book?
Juniper Ridge is an abandoned cult complex and setting it up as a self-contained community and everything will be aired on TV.
There’s only one family with the chops to make it work, so the Judsons pack up their LA lives for a fresh start in rural Oregon. Big brother Dean has brokered billions in Hollywood deals. Surely he can produce a tiny town from scratch? He just needs a finance guru to help him prep for showtime while Dean does his best to forget having his heart smashed to withered bits.
Vanessa Vincent ticks all the boxes, with the bonus of zero interest in the mating game aspect of Juniper Ridge. Just give her some spreadsheets and leave her in peace to turn her own wrecked romances into little more than bad flashbacks.
But Dean and Vanessa don’t count on their epic chemistry, or a stranger who’ll stop at nothing to keep Juniper Ridge from debut day. Can they build the dream without risking their hearts, or will it fade to black before the first act ends?