Organized Backup (Luella Linley: License to Meddle #1) by Meredith Resce

Organized Backup (Luella Linley: License to Meddle #1) Reviews

• 
  Nola Lorraine

  Most of us would be upset if we were pulled over for speeding, but Louise Brooker (aka Regency Romance author Luella Linley) sees it as an opportunity to matchmake between her daughter Megan and hunky Cam Fletcher, the policeman. Her daughter is also being harassed by her sleazy employer, Shane, so a 'pretend' boyfriend wouldn't go astray in warding off the slimy Shane. Sparks soon fly for real between Megan and Cam, but an escalation in Shane's unacceptable behaviour sees Cam as the one under a cloud.
  
  I really enjoyed this rom-com. The leads were likable, the villain was cringe-worthy, and I wanted to see justice done. There was snappy dialogue and fun imagery galore, including the dry wit of Megan's dad Russell. Who doesn't love a man who knows what his wife is thinking but doesn't know when the garbage bin needs to go out? The story was interwoven with snippets from the Regency Romance book Louise was writing, which provided a number of humorous moments when she had to snap back to reality.
  
  I also liked the way the author wove in the deeper issues about workplace bullying, sexual harassment and stalking. Although there is a Christian ethos in the book, the struggles faced by the leads were real and didn't gloss over the work that has to be done to lead a godly life. I think a lot of readers would be able to relate to some of those issues and see that there is hope in seemingly dark situations.
  
  There was perhaps a bit too much toing and froing as the leads wondered what they were thinking, what the other was thinking, and whether a relationship would or wouldn't happen. There were a couple of times when I wanted it to move forward more quickly, but I enjoyed it overall and am looking forward to the next one. A fun, light read but with some interesting food for thought.
• 
  Mazzy Adams

  Surely every girl who dreams of netting the perfect catch needs a mother like Luella Linley … or not.
  
  In real life, Megan Brooker adores the infamous Regency Romance author who happens to be her mum. She’ll happily tolerate Luella’s tendency to disappear into the lives of her romantic characters until …
  
  Luella’s well-intentioned meddling spawns a fake engagement between Megan and the gorgeous Cam Fletcher. As chaotic emotional crosswinds whip up choppy seas for the new friends, their ruse provokes a turbulent response from Megan’s perverted boss, Shane. A vile altercation leaves good guy Cam facing a jail sentence, and bad guy Shane ramping up the angst, adding financial insult to the injury he’s already inflicted on Megan. It seems Luella’s cruisy happily-ever-after love boat is sinking fast.
  
  Meanwhile, Lord Josiah Landown, the lost love of Lady Rosalie’s life, lies chained to a derelict convict ship awaiting transportation to Australia for a murder he didn’t commit; Luella's authorly deviations into the world of Regency England make for some amusing transpositions as parallels between the two stories evolve.
  
  Meredith Resce’s novel, 'Organized Backup', is a good-humoured read which sensitively acknowledges that the voyage through life and love can be rough and messy, while subtle hints woven throughout gently tug at the underlying anchor of faith. At times I felt the to-and-fro of thought as Megan and Cam second-guessed their own and each other’s feelings languished in the doldrums, but once the wind picked up again, the story sailed into port in style. And of course, in keeping with reader expectations for this genre, Resce ties up their complicated but entertaining journey with a satisfying conclusion.
  
  As a passionate mystery/suspense/action/thriller book addict, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing interlude of a gentler genre to kick off my reading for 2021. And, as the daughter of a godly mother who recognised the potential of my own good man well before I did, I’d add that I’ve developed quite a soft spot for the intrepid Luella Linley. I wonder what she’ll get up to next?
  
  My thanks to the author for supplying an e-book for review.
  
• 
  Jeanette

  Organized Backup by Meredith Resce is a light-hearted rom-con that tackles a serious (and topical) issue.
  
  Luella Linley (Louise Brooker) is a famous regency author with an architect husband and three adult children. One of her daughters, Megan is being intimidated and sexually harassed by her boss, Shane. When the dishy Cam Fletcher pulls Louise over for speeding, she decides to introduce him to her daughter to scare Shane into good behaviour. Despite a clear attraction between the two young people and further meddling on Louise’s part, the tactic escalates Megan's problems and causes some serious issues for Cam, casting the happily-ever-after ending in doubt.
  
  Many laugh-out-loud moments and some gripping situations in this book, which also includes tongue-in-cheek excerpts from Luella's own work-in-progress. Megan and Cam are likeable characters, each struggling with their own issues. Megan's sister is sassy and outspoken and Luella/Louise a mixture of romantic naiveite and wisdom, while Shane is sleazy, nasty and obsessed. My favourite character might well be Louise's husband, Russell, for his down-to-earth wisdom. I did wonder at Louise's tactic of inviting a complete stranger into one's daughter's life on the basis that he looked like the hero of one's novel! On the other hand, I can understand Cam's reticence and need for space after things took a more serious turn and Megan's uncertainty, but the to-ing and throw-ing got a bit tiresome at times and then they went from tentative and uncertain to rock solid certainty very quickly.
  
  Still, I enjoyed the read and am glad that Megan takes her own actions to resolve the issue, not just relying on a man (even one as dishy a Cam) to rescue her. I have the next book in the series, In Want of a Wife, in my TBR list.
• 
  Caroline Johnston

  In Organised Backup, Meredith Resce fuses contemporary fiction with a dash of regency romance. You’ll laugh out loud at the exploits of regency romance author, Luella Linley, as she takes it upon herself to set her daughter, Megan, up with dashing police officer, Cam. Although this setup isn’t just about romance but protecting Megan from her sleezy boss. Everything seems to backfire when Cam gets himself in trouble and Megan fears she’ll never get away from her boss. But with a mother like Luella, happy endings are guaranteed.
• 
  Chrissy Garwood

  This is the first time I have read anything written by this author, but it won’t be my last. Right from the opening scene, I was interested in seeing how the story would progress. There were so many missed opportunities between the two central characters that I found myself wanting the meddling mother to take more action. An entertaining story, with some strong contemporary themes that illustrate some of the challenges that unmarried singles face in the 21st century. I also found the snippets of Regency Romance that were sprinkled throughout the story engaging.
• 
  Sally Poyzer

  A fun read. This is a light hearted romance, perfect for a weekend or holiday when you want to be amused and know there will be a sweet HEA. It does deal with a serious theme (sexual harassment) but is not heavy.
• 
  Ellen Carr

  I was privileged to win a copy of this book and it turned out to be a great prize. I enjoyed it a lot. Meredith Resce's writing is easy to read and the suspense and romantic tension of this rom-com kept me reading.
  Luella Linley, a Regency Romance writer, is the hero Megan's meddling mother. Her character direction spills over into directing her daughter's life. But, her meddling works to a good result!
  Megan's sleazy boss is harassing her and her mother cooks up a plan to help her. The plan involves a fake boyfriend who she sets up for her daughter.
  No spoilers, but there is romance and issues of sexual harassment and stalking are dealt with. A Christian faith element is lightly included.
  It's good to see a novel which talks about difficult issues in a good way. Snippets of the novel Luella is writing at the time of all the action are included here and there. For me these did not really add anything to the story but I see why they are there and it sets things up for the novels to follow when Luella will presumably meddle again in creative ways.
• 
  Nicole

  Okay, this book was fun and cute while dealing with very serious issues. A great balance!
  I love a good fake relationship, and I definitely enjoyed this one. I loved the meddling mother! I adored Cam ! He is such a sweet hero, chivalrous, protective, yet he deals with his own struggles.
  This book deals with a sexual harassment, and the heroine is in a situation where she feels trapped. I really enjoyed how the author takes the seriously important situations and struggles but has it wrapped up in a contemporary romance set in Australia.
  I loved it and can't wait to read more from this author!
  
  
• 
  Ruth Bonetti

  Just the right notes for a light holiday read. The characters are delightfully drawn.
• 
  Rochelle

  This was so fun and sweet. I loved it. Full review to come soon.
• 
  Hannah Hoffman (Hannah Beth's Book Nook)

  Hilarious
  
  This book is definitely one of the best rom-coms I have read. I loved the meddling mother and the sensible father, all the different references to Regency times, and the older sister with a lot of spunk.
  
  The way Megan and Cam have absolutely no chance when Megan's mother tries to set them up together so that Cam can protect her from her sleezy boss. I thought the dynamics of their relationship were so good and I LOVED the fake dating/fake fiance trope.
  
  I will definitely be reading more in the series and I can't wait!
• 
  Faith Posten

  Meddling Mom
  
  If not for Megan's Mother, she may never have met Senior Officer Cam of the Police Department. Her Mother Louise got stopped because of speeding down the road way above the speed limit. Then a siren sounds behind her and her world changes. Louise takes meddling to a whole new level in this fun story which still deals with some serious issues not easily dealt with. I appreciate the honest look at the damage that porngraphy can cause. Highly recommended.
• 
  Marsha

  I enjoyed this book. Its Christian message was present but it wasn't preachy. I really liked the interplay between the character Louise and her alter ego Luella Linley, and I would actually read the historical fiction romance novel the alter ego was writing. I really enjoyed the way those scenes were interjected into the narrative. I would read more of this author's writing.
• 
  Juanita

  This was a good easy read. Would be a good book to take on a holiday with you when you want something that just reads easy and makes you smile. I would try another of her books.
• 
  Emily

  I like that while this book hits on some hard topics it does so in a gentle way. I also like the way that it is two stories woven into one.
• 
  Mikal Dawn

  A cute, quick-read romance. The characters were lovable, especially the "meddling" mother. ❤️ I would have loved seeing a bit more of the connection/attraction (not physically but emotionally/mentally) between the two main characters during the first half of the book, but enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the other two siblings' stories.
• 
  Naomi Craig

  great story
  
  While I expected a light read I was impressed with the depth in organized backup.
  
  This deals with workplace harassment, stalking and deep rage
  There’s lots of fun with meddling matchmaking and miscommunication
  
  Another winner from Meredith Resce!
  
  I enjoy the Christian’s living like Christians, yet having real-life issues
• 
  Jeanette Durkin

  This book is amazing! It had my emotions all over the place! There's so much going on- a meddling mother, a troublesome boss, and snippets of a Regency romance!
  
  I love the characters in this book; except for one that is justified. Cam is hunkalicious! He's a protector and willing to own up to his mistakes. Megan has some really difficult workplace issues. She has a strong support system with her family. Louise is a hoot! Meddlesome and determined for that perfect happy ending!
  
  This is a new author to me, but I look forward to reading more of her books!
• 
  Meredith Resce

  So far, the response from advanced readers has been overwhelmingly positive. It was fun to write, and the general response has been that it has been fun to read. There are a couple of serious issues to navigate, but the series' main character, Luella Linley, is a loveable, determined mother. I would describe her as a 21st Century version of Mrs Bennett and Lady Grantham all rolled into one, trying to organize her family, with varied results.
  This is light-hearted contemporary romance, with a few splashes of regency romance dispersed throughout (as the main character, a regency romance novelist navigates her latest story).
  
• 
  Candy

  The cover for this book is adorable!! I was given an advanced reader copy by the author and I fell in love with her writing and the characters! A handsome police officer, a lady in need of help from a slimy boss, and a matchmaking mother! The mother meets the police officer when she gets pulled over and thinks he may be just the guy to pose as her daughters boyfriend to get her yucky boss to back off. Will the handsome cop and her daughter agree with her plan?
• 
  Jessica Grewe

  I received an advance copy of this book, the first in what appears to be a trilogy. I really enjoyed this read. I was on the edge of my seat every time the boss entered the pages. I also enjoyed the additional story of the mother’s book being written throughout this story and the transition from her writing of the book coming back to reality were sometimes laugh out loud moments. This was a very clean book as well.
• 
  Kaye Johnson

  Finished this book in one session! I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  This is definitely a ‘you had me at hello!’ book. A stressful work situation leads to a well meaning mum manipulating the players (well intentioned of course!). I loved how Louise/Louella Linley’s historical novel is integrated into Megan’s story, and how dad Russell’s subtle humour comes through. Oh I love a handsome sometimes troubled hero, mixed and misinterpreted messages, and of course a happy ending! I can’t wait for the next one in the series of Luella Linley - Licensed to Meddle