The Jake Ryan Complex

Written by Bethany Crandell

Narrated by Xe Sands

A teenage movie crush set her standards high. Now a real man needs to meet them. Fast.

Chicago obstetrician Mackenzie “Mac” Huntress set her standards for men very high early on. It’s been over twenty years since she fell for a fictional movie heartthrob, and Mac’s content to wait for the real version to come along; it’s her nagging mother who’s not happy with the timeline. So Mac falls back on her lifelong Mom-surviving skill—lying. The latest fabrication: a handsome neurologist named Michael. Pity he’s too busy to meet her friends and family. Problem solved.

But when Mac’s little sister announces her engagement, Mac is expected to introduce her elusive “plus-one” at the wedding, leaving her with only forty days to find a flesh-and-blood stand-in for the imaginary Michael. And the only potential Mr. Right comes with a big hitch.

However, it turns out Mac’s not the only one bringing secrets to the wedding. With expectations high, and shocking truths to be revealed, Mac’s left to find her own happy ending, which isn’t as simple as in the movies…though it’s definitely worth waiting for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Jan 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781713550648

Bethany Crandell

Bethany Crandell is the author of The Jake Ryan Complex. She lives in San Diego with her husband, teenage daughters, and two destructive puppies. Bethany loves guacamole, afternoon naps, and eye rolls. You can visit her online at www.bethanycrandell.com.

Reviews for The Jake Ryan Complex

[Whitney Sivill · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was adorable but much more so in the last half. While I get where Mac is coming from, the buildup of lies and her having to cover for those lies becomes a little tedious. I like the easy chemistry between JT and Mac and you definitely root for JT to be the winner. Especially after some of the terrible dates she goes on. Made me laugh as you think these dates are so outrageous until you are single in your mid-30s or 40s and realize while they may be caricatures they aren't far off from the offerings that are currently out there. Would definitely recommend.

[Alexandra Collins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I laughed and teared up throughout it. I wish there were a sequel. I need more of Mac and JT.

[AJ · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Skipped half of it to the end. It starts strongly but quickly devolves into repeated scenes of bad dates that are supposed to be funny but just are not. MC is so immature but supposed to be successful 39 y.o. doctor. Ending was okay but did not make me regret skipping most of the book.

[Erin Weber · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I highly recommend this rom com, especially if classic 80’s movies are your thing. This was fantastic!

[Karrie Prescott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very relatable, funny, light hearted and comical. Will pick up the book.

[Yael Kaner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it. It was intelligent and well written and performed. Who doesn't love Jake Ryan?

[sdbookhound · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Jake Ryan Complex follows Mackenzie Huntress who is a 39 year old obstetrician who has been unlucky in the dating department. Her friends get her to realize that she has been comparing men to the movie character Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles. She has also been lying to her family, especially her mother, by telling them that she is in a relationship with another doctor named Michael. When she has to produce "Michael" as a date to her sister's wedding, Mac goes on the hunt for a real date and we get some funny scenes with men who are a long way from Jake Ryan. In the mean time Mac is getting her house worked on and is immediately attracted to the contractor, JT, who is unfortunately wearing a wedding ring. JT turns out to be single, but their path to happily ever after has a few bumps in it.I have to admit that I was drawn to this book by the title. I am of the right age to understand the allure of Jake Ryan. The references to Sixteen Candles were fun to read and there were some that were not as obvious but there for true fans of the movie. There are some cute blind date scenes that made me laugh and JT does come across as sweet. He and Mac have some heart to heart talks, but I was wishing for more in terms of relationship building. After seeing Mac with the horrible dates, we don't see her and JT really date and fall in love. We basically see them briefly interact when she is going to and from her home to work. Their relationship happens over a short period of time and mostly off page. A few twists and surprises keep the story interesting and the ending gives one last crazy surprise and sweet moment. Overall, this was a cute story that gave me some nostalgic feels. It was definitely different from a lot of the romance books out there. I've given it a 3.5 rating because I truly think it could have been so much more.