• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Just What Makes Troublemakers So Crazy Charming, Anyway?

by Chautona Havig · 22 Comments

I stared at the screen for… hours. Okay, it was probably only a few minutes, but long enough for him to notice when I reached for my tablet and the insanely addicting game on it.

“I thought you’ve been looking forward to reading that book.”

“I have.”

“For weeks, right?”

Could he have dug the knife in any deeper? I shrugged. “Yeah—ever since I signed up to read it, actually.”

“So why aren’t you reading?”

I closed the tablet and stared at the screen again, the title taunting me.

Charming the Troublemaker

“It’s not going to be as good as the first one I read. How do I review a book fairly when it has something that amazing to follow?”

Once again, he proved why I should just talk about stuff when I’d prefer to ignore it. “So pretend you haven’t read the other one. Give this one a fair shot—like you’d want someone to give your next book after the one they think is the best you could ever write.”

Ouch.

So I did. I really did. And you know what? I was right. Charming the Troublemaker WASN’T as good as Just the Way You Are… for ME. It might be better for other folks.

Remember those “stick-your-head-in-the-freezer” kisses? Yeah. You’d better buy a commercial walk-in for this one. Just sayin’. Or maybe menopause just finally arrived. Oh, please, Lord Jesus. Let it be that.

Ya know what? The book was charming, though. It was.

Just What Makes Troublemakers So Crazy Charming, Anyway?

Note: Links in this post may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Just What Makes Troublemakers So Crazy Charming, Anyway?

Maybe it was the fact that I just got back from this part of the country—no, really. I just drove through the beautiful hills of Appalachia from Atlanta all the way to Johnson City, Tennessee and back down again. I spent four glorious days in the heart of it all—a tiny, barely-on-any-map place called Buladean.

At my annual retreat. At The Barn. Heaven on earth, I assure you.

But I don’t think so.

I think it’s because somehow Pepper Basham manages to take all the things that make me cringe in books and not even care about them. You know, kisses, and tingles, and warm fuzzies, and those never-ending kisses. Did I mention the kisses? Seriously, Fred Savage didn’t have to put up with anything in The Princess Bride.

No, I’m not exaggerating. Seriously, how many times did I have to swipe the screen to get past kisses that sizzled more than bacon in a cast-iron skillet? Oh, and let me tell you: Rainey can wield one with skills that would totally impress Rapunzel. Just sayin’!

But she did it. The ornery woman did it. I sat there riveted to a screen that only got quick swipes when the spit-swappin’ got a little heavy for these innocent mother-of-nine’s eyes.

She did it with things like characters who steal your heart.

Like little girls who are just too sweet for words—little girls who remind me of a combination of both of my granddaughters. Or how about heroes who are flawed but oh, so willing to brandish a sword anyway? Spunky girls who are just broken enough to make you want to give them every bit of drippy romance they probably need to get past their… well… pasts!

She did it with a supporting cast that makes you feel right at home. Seriously, I am convinced Mama Mitchell is behind the reason that my trek to Denny’s at 2:30 a.m. in our cold wind (my version of the freezer, I assure you) failed. Bug night.

Can’t have food for another hour, so here I sit back at the Lighthouse, writing this review to earn some food. She wanted it done right. I’m sure of it. And she’ll make sure the cook over there gets my BLT right. I’m sure of it.  (Note: 3 hours later.  Mama Mitchell failed me.  She actually did.  No avocado. She’s fired.  Just sayin’.)

And she did it with lines that made me snicker: Lucky for him she spoke fluent jerk.

Guffaw: She twirled her pen in her hand. “Coffee? Tea? A conscience?”

And even managed to throw in one of my favorite movie lines… a nice little ditty about fitting into pants… and my most hated movie ending line ever. Yeah. Rescues him right back. Seriously? She did that?

And dad burn it, but she made it work.

Jerk.

Okay, not really. But kind of.

And then she tied it all up in one lovely, perfect little one-liner bow: “I suddenly feel ready to fight a novel full of dragons.”

Sigh.

Look, if you hate mush as much as I do, and you really hate skipping over kisses because you can’t stand to read them, this isn’t the book for you. It just isn’t. Then again, I would have to tell you this book isn’t for me. It’s not.

But it so is. Only Pepper Basham can write almost 300 pages of utter mushy drivel and make me glad I read it.

In fact, only Pepper Basham can do that and make me eager to read her next one—mush and all.
But if, after reading this review, she gets the deluded idea that she’ll convert me to utter romantic nonsense… well, she’ll be one very disappointed lady.

However, thanks to great characters and witty dialogue, she’s converted me to hers.

 

Share148
Pin
Tweet
Email
151Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
151Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Out of the Clear Montana Skye with Sylvia Stewart
Next Post: Just What I loved & Hated about Out of the Ordinary »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Chautona Havig says

    November 16, 2017 at 6:55 am

    MMMWAAAHAHAHAHA

    Reply
  2. pepperbasham says

    November 16, 2017 at 6:47 am

    I had to come back to read this again, Chautona.
    My day is made 🙂

    Reply
  3. margaretkazmierczak.com says

    November 14, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    Your review makes me want to read Pepper’s book. Or do I want to read more of your honest opinions. Not keen on mush like you, but you certainly sell the characters. I nearly bust my gut reading this, it was gloriously brilliant Chautona. Oh and I am sure your book is too Pepper! Remind me to get a review from you one day Chautona, so that I can have a crackling good laugh.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 14, 2017 at 7:56 pm

      I need to read Victoria Sponge so I can get a giggle.

      Reply
    • pepperbasham says

      November 15, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      Margaret! Isn’t the review FABULOUSly hilarious?!? Chautona’s honesty is so funny!

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        November 15, 2017 at 7:25 pm

        That’s one way of putting it… at lesat you don’t hate me. I’ll take it.

        Reply
  4. Natasha Metzler says

    November 14, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    So, I read this book the day it came out and seriously thought, “Ooh, Chautona isn’t gonna like this kiss,” when the first one showed up.

    Considering the fact that I don’t ACTUALLY know you, the thought made me laugh–and then this post made me laugh harder.

    Also, on another subject entirely, every time I mention your name my husband looks at me cross eyed and I have to say, “the Willow writer”.

    Also! Have I ever told you about reading Past Forward to my husband at night and my then-ten year old daughter saying one morning, “Mama can you read louder at night? I’m just DYING to know if Chad and Willow get married!”

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 14, 2017 at 7:57 pm

      That is crazy awesome! You just made my day. And I love that you know me so well.

      Reply
  5. Paula says

    November 14, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    Read Pepper’s first book in the series and have won Troublemaker but need to get to reading it. I guessed it would be Rainey and Alex! Great stuff!

    Reply
    • pepperbasham says

      November 15, 2017 at 12:35 pm

      Hope you enjoy it, Paula!!!

      Reply
  6. Andrea Stoeckel says

    November 14, 2017 at 6:25 am

    You have yet to steer me wrong. Her first book I actually own (since Dec2016) but have never read. Just got it off my virtual shelf

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 14, 2017 at 7:03 am

      It’s light, fluffy, but oh, so fun to read. I mean, there’s no real surprise… but lots of nuggets, lots of laughs, and super great characters that you just love to read about anyway.

      Reply
  7. pepperbasham says

    November 14, 2017 at 5:54 am

    I’m seriously coming back to reread this just to laugh!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 14, 2017 at 7:06 am

      I’m just glad you don’t hate me for hating that I have to buy a commercial walk-in freezer just to read your books in.

      Reply
      • pepperbasham says

        November 14, 2017 at 7:13 am

        How can I hate you when you were struggle is so apparent? And delightful at the same time! I’m still laughing

        Reply
        • pepperbasham says

          November 14, 2017 at 7:14 am

          You’re! Ugh! Not you were

          Reply
  8. pepperbasham says

    November 14, 2017 at 5:54 am

    I seriously don’t even know how to respond to this review! LOL.
    Not even!

    I just love you! I love your honesty and I love (a whole lot) that you like my stories even though you have to fight with them to the bitter end 😉

    And, no, I’m not trying to convert you. Just because I’m a “kiss me like crazy” fan, doesn’t mean the whole world spend their mental energy on fairy dust and daydreams, but I’m SOOOOOOO glad that this story still resonated with you because of the characters (and the really pretty scenery 😉

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
    *pops kisses*

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 14, 2017 at 7:05 am

      I seriously thought for a second you wrote “pops foot” and went, “Only she….

      Reply
  9. Fiction Aficionado says

    November 14, 2017 at 5:43 am

    Bahahaha! Love this review! And the book, as it happens. ?

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 14, 2017 at 7:04 am

      It really was just a fun read. Crazy kisses and all. Okay, so I didn’t actually READ the kisses…

      Reply
      • pepperbasham says

        November 14, 2017 at 1:57 pm

        HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I want to send you ‘pucker up’ photos EVERY time you say that 😉 LOL

        Reply
        • Chautona Havig says

          November 14, 2017 at 7:58 pm

          I’ll be good! I promise. How about lots of nice, hot tea and some boxes of chocolate? We’ve got See’s….

          Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
byChautona Havig

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
March 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Is More Terrifying than an Author with a Sharp Tent Peg?
  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https: Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/512143
A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air.
Temps are dropping and time is running…
These beauties just arrived. Eeep! #AmReading #c These beauties just arrived.  Eeep!
#AmReading 
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
@lisaphillipsbks
This is what book sorting and cataloging and culli This is what book sorting and cataloging and culling looks like. The molding is still not finished,  a huge shelf sits empty, the above windows shelves are untouched (and therefore,  dusty)... but it's getting there...
#libraryprogress
#gottadoitbeforethekidcomeshome
#notquitebookstageam
Reading this right now. Just started last night, Reading this right now.  Just started last night, and I am already engrossed. 

Reposted from @lianaygeorge Get to know Perfectly Placed! Book 2 in the Hopeful Heart Series, it continues Nicki’s adventures in China and has her falling in love in ways she never imagined!

•
•
•

books book tropes convincing you to read perfectly placed hopeful hearts series contemporary christian fiction women's fiction ebook paperback
Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the n Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the next Bookstrings giveaway (this fall).

Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Link to these designs are in my bio!!!
#resbubbleartist 
#ilovestickers 
#artwork
How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... before time? Not often in my experience, but Jill Eileen Smith's Daughter of Eden takes a bold step to imagine the creation of the angels... of even Michael the Archangel!  Listen in while we chat about Eden, Eve, her children, and the war between those banished from heaven and those who remained to protect those made in God's image.
@revellfiction
@Jilleileensmith
#BecauseFiction
#ChristFic
#BiblicalFiction
#DaughterofEden
#BookishPodcasts
Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and h Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and he's still worn out. Plus, he misses @lornarose9 si we thought we'd say hi.
#NevilleLongBarkem 
#TheShediffice
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!