Showing posts with label Jennifer Peel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jennifer Peel. Show all posts

Friday, January 17, 2020

Review: Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

He never wanted to leave her. She never expected him to return.

If Ariana Stanton has learned anything in life, it's that men leave. She's been taught this lesson well from the father she's never met, who sends her a mysterious letter once a year, to her ex-fiancé, who left her for another woman. So, when she meets the charming and seemingly perfect Jonah, she promises him they will never be more than friends. It's a promise she can't keep. But before he has a chance to leave her, she sends him away.

Dr. Jonah Adkinson has one regret--that he let Ariana remain convinced that love never lasts. But now, nine years later, the single dad is back in Pine Falls and on a mission: prove Ariana wrong. He's determined to win over the love of his life. And this time he won't let anything get in the way, not even her.

Now, not only does Ariana have to face the man she's still in love with, but she must confront the mystery of her father's letters, forcing her to reevaluate the past and her choices. But will it be enough to make her believe that, unlike the letter she's always returned, Jonah is hers to keep?


My Review

Oh my heart! Jonah and Ariana have beautiful chemistry and even though the beginning is heartbreaking, I quickly became caught up in Ariana's present-day transformation of healing and coming to life again as her close friends and grandma stage a bit of an intervention. Jonah's sweet determination to not only reconnect with Ariana but win her heart and commitment was amazing, and through all the bumps in the road of emotional healing they discover how they fit in each other's life again. I thought the personality and mannerisms of Jonah's daughter were so interesting and really brought another layer of depth to the story as Ariana nurtures the inner child that yearns to creep out of the mold but doesn't know how. Ariana's difficult childhood, dysfunctional relationship with her mother, and the influence of her lack of father are explored as she relents to therapy and faces her fears with Jonah's help. I loved the positive view of therapy and how the right therapist can be so helpful. I think it's so important to overcome the stigma so that when the time comes in everyone's life that they may need it, they will not feel ashamed to reach out and embrace the healing. There is a bit of a mystery with the unopened letters that keeps a sense of anticipation throughout the book, and I was satisfied with the resolution that came about. Another winner from this author that had me giggling, smiling, feeling the emotions, and wiping tears.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Review: My Not So Wicked Boss by Jennifer Peel


https://amzn.to/2Zxom6X

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Love knows no contract.

Aspen Parker's life can be summed up in one word. Unexpected. For instance, she never expected to become a mother at twenty. Her divorce at twenty-one really threw her off. She certainly didn't see losing her promotion at the bank to that weasel Stephen. And she most definitely didn't see Miles Wickham, better known as Taron Taylor--international bestselling author, the man whose words have captivated her--offering her a job to be his nephew's nanny.

But there's a caveat to accepting the position; she must sign a contract agreeing to no romantic entanglements between her and the debonair Brit. Aspen doesn't expect this to be an issue seeing as she's not particularly fond of men. Once again, though, life is not turning out how she expected.

While Aspen and Miles traverse single parenthood together, there's no denying the chemistry between them. She can't figure out how her charming boss knows how to pierce the protective layers of her heart, and it's driving her mad. Mad with desire that is. Miles, too, is finding it hard to resist the reserved beauty who brilliantly takes care of his nephew and him. But with both their tentative hearts on the line, can they risk taking a chance on each other? Which will win? Love or the contract?


My Review

Plenty of emotion, angst, humor, and chemistry in this third book of a series I have thoroughly enjoyed! They don't have to be read in order but I recommend you read them all so you might as well ;) Aspen's life doesn't follow the more traditional paths of her friends, but as much as she regrets her choices, she never regrets her daughter. She loves and sacrifices for her, and I liked the relationship the author showed between the two. The teenager and the toddler play a vital role in the story and in the transformation Miles goes through as he learns new parenting and relationship skills with the support of Aspen. Aspen's friends Emma, Shelby, and Jenna from the previous books make more than cameos and I love how naturally they fit into this story. It's a bumpy road to the happy ending, but I grew to love the characters and the way they bring out the best in each other.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Don't miss the first two books in the My Not So Wicked series . . .


https://amzn.to/2MJyMi3https://amzn.to/2ZztqHW









Friday, May 3, 2019

Review: My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé by Jennifer Peel


https://amzn.to/2GPKaVc

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

He rocked her world. She wrecked his. Now their worlds are colliding again. 

Expensive schools and etiquette classes never prepared Shelby Duchane for Ryder Prescott. He taught her more about life in his hay field classroom beneath a blanket of stars than anyone. Under that Georgia sky, she pledged forever to the farm boy with soul-melting chocolate brown eyes, even though it meant forfeiting her large inheritance. She couldn't wait to clip coupons and buy clothes off the sales rack until death do they part. But then she receives some photos of her intended with someone she had not intended. Brokenhearted, Shelby flees her hometown for Colorado without bothering to say goodbye to her cheating ex-fiancé.

A year later and wiser, Shelby's doing her best to move on while running her boutique in Carrington Cove, when Ryder shows up and challenges all she thought she knew. Perhaps he wasn't the wicked ex-fiancé she believed him to be after all. But will Ryder be able to swallow his pride enough to see why she was so persuaded? Will he realize before it's too late that the only way to heal his own broken heart is to mend Shelby's?

My Review

There's something about a Jennifer Peel book that sucks me right into the world of the main character immediately! I enjoyed Shelby in the first book as she befriended the reluctant Emma; she's one you can't help but like. So it was great to get into her head and hear her voice with the first person narrative. She's been on a bit of a journey as she distanced herself from her controlling parents, and she's not the same person she was when she was engaged. I liked seeing she and Ryder get to know each other in their new circumstances and sort out the hurt feelings and truth about their past. A perfect blend of humor, angst, and chemistry-filled romance in this second chance at love story!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Don't miss the first book in the My Not So Wicked series . . .

Heidi Reads... My Not So Wicked Stepbrother by Jennifer Peel


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

I, Emma Loveless, have a destiny. It's not the greatest of destinies, but when you have a name like Loveless, what can you do? I'm cursed to always be the friend, never the girlfriend. Unless you count my love affair with Duncan Hines, Dr. Pepper, and the ever-lovable Pillsbury Doughboy. They've seen me through it all, but a girl needs more than refined sugar to curl up to every night. It doesn't help that I have a meddling, albeit wonderful, mother who can't help playing matchmaker. Thanks to her, I can say I've been on a date with a felon. Now she swears she's found the one for me, her new optometrist, Dr. Sawyer King. Meanwhile, I'm preparing for the inevitable restraining order. That is, until I meet the sexy doctor and have to admit my mother is right--love at first sight does exist.

Unfortunately, my last name means business. Not only do I find myself in the friend zone, but also the twilight zone. Only in my world would Mr. Right turn into my stepbrother. To top it off, he brings with him a wicked stepmother who will do anything to keep us apart. Despite all this my heart--or is that my mom?--keeps telling me Sawyer is the one. But what if true love isn't strong enough to interfere with my destiny? It'll be me and the Doughboy... for eternity.





Monday, February 25, 2019

Review: My Not So Wicked Stepbrother by Jennifer Peel


Heidi Reads... My Not So Wicked Stepbrother by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

I, Emma Loveless, have a destiny. It's not the greatest of destinies, but when you have a name like Loveless, what can you do? I'm cursed to always be the friend, never the girlfriend. Unless you count my love affair with Duncan Hines, Dr. Pepper, and the ever-lovable Pillsbury Doughboy. They've seen me through it all, but a girl needs more than refined sugar to curl up to every night. It doesn't help that I have a meddling, albeit wonderful, mother who can't help playing matchmaker. Thanks to her, I can say I've been on a date with a felon. Now she swears she's found the one for me, her new optometrist, Dr. Sawyer King. Meanwhile, I'm preparing for the inevitable restraining order. That is, until I meet the sexy doctor and have to admit my mother is right--love at first sight does exist.

Unfortunately, my last name means business. Not only do I find myself in the friend zone, but also the twilight zone. Only in my world would Mr. Right turn into my stepbrother. To top it off, he brings with him a wicked stepmother who will do anything to keep us apart. Despite all this my heart--or is that my mom?--keeps telling me Sawyer is the one. But what if true love isn't strong enough to interfere with my destiny? It'll be me and the Doughboy...for eternity.


My Review

Loved it!!! The funny snark (yet not annoying) of Emma kept me entertained throughout this angst and drama fest balanced by witty humor, genuine compassion, true friendship, and toe curling romance. The characters jump off the page, and the first person perspective of Emma really gets the reader in her head. Two of my favorite tropes blend nicely here- unrequited love and friends to lovers- as Emma and Sawyer are made for each other... except tragedy strikes and they end up as step brother and sister. (Since everyone is an adult when this happened and they never had to live together, I didn't find it off-putting). The friendship between Emma and Sawyer is so sweet and full of yearning, that when conflict arose and drove a wedge between them, I really felt the emotion and could not put the book down. I can always count on this author to keep me engrossed in her books no matter the hour! (I've learned the hard way not to start one at bedtime...) Highly recommend for fans of clean contemporary romance with depth and emotion!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Thursday, February 14, 2019

E-book #SALE: Honeymoon for One by Jennifer Peel and Once Again in the Falls by Becky Monson


Becky Monson and Jennifer Peel are excited to share with you their gorgeous new covers for Once Again in the Falls and Honeymoon for One. Not only have the covers been updated but they have re-branded their books under a new series: A Christmas at the Falls Romance.

Each book in the series is a standalone. They can be read in any order or on their own. In order to re-brand, some minor elements were changed in the stories and new additional material was added, including new last chapters and bonus Valentine's Day chapters. The love stories between the main characters remain the same and the focus of each book. Minor plot changes include a focus on only London's and Piper's friendship. We are excited about this new direction and hope you will be too. If you already read these stories, you can visit our websites to read the Valentine's Day bonus chapters.

Also, for a limited time, we are making the books available for 99 cents. They are also available in Kindle Unlimited.

Please be sure to visit Becky's and Jennifer's Facebook pages today, as they are each doing a giveaway to celebrate the relaunch of their books.




Honeymoon for One by Jennifer Peel
"The charm and romantic tension oozes off the pages . . ." - Lilac Queen, Romance Blogger ★★★★★ 

 "Honeymoon for One is beautifully written, and the plot is an engaging one that's perfect for the holiday season. Most highly recommended." - Readers Favorite ★★★★★  

Is there room for two on this honeymoon for one? 

Piper Wyatt's Christmas wish is to get promoted to manager at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. Not only does the promotion mean more money, but it means more time with her son and proof that she's not such a disappointment after all. Jace Petersen, successful owner of a national chain of sporting goods stores, finds himself alone and miserable on what should have been his honeymoon. That is until he literally falls onto the lovely Piper Wyatt. He's intrigued with this woman who can fix a car in high heels. Too bad for him, he makes a horrible first impression, and Piper's not allowed to mingle with the guests. While Piper tries her best to steer clear of Jace during his stay, she can't help but notice he's not the man from their first meeting. But is he worth risking her promotion? Jace hopes so, because he'd love nothing more than to kiss Piper atop the Falls on Christmas day to see if the legend is true. Will they both get their Christmas wishes? Find out in this charming Christmas tale about finding love in the most unexpected place, a honeymoon. 



Excerpt from Honeymoon for One
I stood up and made sure his head was clear before I slammed the hood shut. “I’m off to buy one. See you later.”

He stood puzzled. “You’re not going to call a tow truck or a repair shop?”

“No need. I can replace it myself for a lot cheaper.”

His smile said I was putting him on. “You can replace an alternator?”

“Sure.” At least I thought I could. I watched my dad do it once and there were YouTube videos. I walked around him to grab my purse from the car. I needed to hustle if I wanted to make it home before my parents dropped off Finn. I headed back to the hotel to see if any of my coworkers were leaving and could give me a ride. If I had to, I would bribe Ollie, who drove our courtesy van, to take me.

“Are you going to walk to get the alternator?”

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

“Do you have someone you can call for a ride?”

“I’ll figure it out. Enjoy your evening.” As in please leave.

He continued to walk with me but didn’t respond right away. “I can take you. I rented a car yesterday.”

I glanced over at him. “I don’t think that would be appropriate but thank you.”

“Why? Are you too young? Or am I too old?”

“Probably both, but you’re a guest and . . .”

“And what?”

“People might get the wrong impression, and I can’t afford that.”

His lips curled into a devious smile. “And what impression would that be?”

“You know very well.” I stalked off.

“Let me help you.”

He caught me off guard. I stopped again, catching the sincerity in his brown eyes. “Why do you want to?”

“Because I can, and I like you.”

“You don’t know me.”

“True, but what I’ve seen so far is likable. And if it will make you feel better, I’ll let you drive so you don’t have to worry about some old man trying to lure you away.”

He got me to smile.

“Is that a yes?”

“I . . . I . . . My job . . .”

“Don’t worry about your job; I’ll talk to April if I have to.”

I blew out the breath I’d been holding. “Hand over your keys.” I held out my hand.
His eyebrow arched, only making him appear better looking. “You’re serious?”

“Very.” 










Once Again at the Falls by Becky Monson

***2018 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner!***  

"The chemistry is so swoony and the kisses will curl your toes!" -Katie's Clean Book Collection ★★★★★ 

"Becky Monson has written a fabulous story of friendships rekindled, talents rediscovered and, of course, romance." -Christine J ★★★★★ 

In one day, London Walsh finds out her ex is going to be her boss and that her parents are getting a divorce—and they want her to referee the situation. So when she’s offered the chance to spend the holidays in her old hometown of Christmas Falls, far away from all the drama, she jumps on it. But the quaint town doesn’t feel quite like the home it once was. London shed the goth image that defined her in high school long ago, but no one recognizes the woman she's become. Except for Andy Broll, London’s childhood next door neighbor. He recognizes her immediately, which sends London’s heart fluttering as she starts to see Andy in a whole different light. But when her time in Christmas Falls doesn’t go as planned, will London face it head on? Or will she find a reason to run? 





Excerpt from Once Again at the Falls

“So sorry,” I said, looking toward the ground as I realized I had knocked a bag of chocolate covered almonds out of his hand. “Where did you find these?” I asked the stranger I’d just plowed into as I bent over and picked up the bag, handing it back to the man.
 
I nearly dropped it again when I saw who the owner of the almonds was. “Andy?”
 
The lanky boy I once knew now had broad shoulders framing his tall figure. I did a double take, wondering if I was mistaken, but it was definitely him. His same hazel eyes and dark brown hair, the same pair of square-rimmed glasses he always wore perched on his nose. This was Andy Broll, for sure.
 
He looked at me, and I braced myself for the who-the-heck-are-you response I was surely about to get.
 
“London?” he asked, pulling his brows together. “London Walsh?”
 
“Yes,” I said, feeling a sudden desire to jump up and down and squeal like a sorority sister. “You recognize me?”
 
“Yeah . . . yes, of course,” he said. A full smile took over his face as his eyes moved over me, taking me all in.
 
“How are you here?” he asked.
 
“I took a plane,” I said, a teasing grin on my face.
 
“Come here,” he said, opening his arms wide to give me a hug, and I so needed a hug right then. I basically threw myself into his arms.
 
It wasn’t graceful in the slightest, but it was exactly what I needed. The hug was tight, warm, and genuine. Andy felt strong and manly. There was some definite muscle action happening there. This was nothing like the skinny kid I used to hang out with.
 
“I’m so happy you recognized me,” I said as we pulled out of the hug.
 
“Why wouldn’t I recognize you?” he asked, a confused look on his face.
 
“No one else has so far,” I said, adding a super pathetic shrug for emphasis.
 
“Well, I mean, your hair is different,” he said reaching up and gently touching a lock of my brown-highlighted hair.
 
“Yeah, I got rid of the black,” I said, feeling utterly thrilled to have someone recognize me—and Andy, of all people.
 
“And the makeup,” he made a circle around his face with his index finger.
 
“Got rid of all that too,” I said.
 
“I like,” he said, and I beamed. That was something he always said back in high school. “But you’re still you,” he said. “I still see London.”
 
He smiled brightly again, and oh, how I’d missed that smile. At that moment, I couldn’t believe I had ever lost touch with him. I couldn’t even remember how it had happened.





Thursday, December 20, 2018

Review: The Secretive Wife by Jennifer Peel


Heidi Reads... The Secretive Wife by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

I have a famous secret, but it's not the biggest one I keep.

From an outside view, my life would be the definition of boring. I'm married to a landscaper, albeit a very attractive one, I drive an old cheap car, and I write articles for an online magazine. So, maybe I've been a constant fixture on the New York Times Best Sellers list for the last few years, but that secret is locked safely in my attic.

Here's a word of advice. If you want to keep a secret, don't tease your mother-in-law about what's in that attic, especially when her life goal is to save her son from you. Now that my famous secret is out, past acquaintances willing to do anything to get their own fifteen minutes of fame are lying to the media about me. But my biggest problem isn't the lies in the press, it's the truth I'm forced to face. The secret I've kept from everyone, even my husband, the man I love, the first person who made me feel like I belonged somewhere.

Now I have no other choice but to tell the truth and face my biggest fear, that Peter and I were never meant to be together and my secrets could take him away too.


My Review

Make me ugly cry, why don't you Jennifer Peel! The character of Delanie is someone I cannot relate to at all, but that doesn't matter, because the author does such a skillful job of getting me in her head and feeling her emotions and understanding why she is the way she is. The story begins four years into her marriage, and she's living in a kind of oasis with her perfect husband. Her life before Peter was complicated and intense, and her life after her secrets begin to unravel is also complicated and intense, but now her relationship has to weather the storm. I appreciated the way the author built the backstory and let us get to know and like Delanie, Peter, and his family (at least certain members) before unleashing the real angst. The mother-in-law drama in the first part of the book is just a warm up. I'm doing my best to not reveal any spoilers while still persuading you to read this compelling book! Just know that by the end I was streaming healing tears as the story made me think about circumstances in my own life... but I did far more laughing than crying while reading the book overall. I loved the way Delanie and the other characters are real and flawed, accepting of themselves but also trying to improve. Delanie's individual sense of humor came across in her voice and I enjoyed more of Sam from the previous book in the series, The Sidelined Wife, who is also pretty funny. The books don't have to be read in order but I was glad I did and I highly recommend reading both!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Review: Narcissistic Tendencies by Jennifer Peel


Heidi Reads... Narcissistic Tendencies by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Psychologist Kate Morgan loves her job evaluating clients for the matchmaking service Binary Search. That is, until the one and only Nicholas Wells becomes a client and the new face of the company. Now Kate must take on a new role as his relationship manager to "fix" the actor-turned-writer-and-producer--not to mention egotistical, possibly narcissistic celebrity--and save Binary Search's reputation.

Once upon a time this would have been a dream come true, but older, wiser, and live-within-her-rules Kate knows more than she would like to about narcissists. Annulment is an ugly word and one she can't or won't forget. But is Nick the man he says he is on paper or is he the man she sees before her eyes? An adoring father with a generous heart who's willing to smooth out some of his rough edges for the right woman, making her think who's fixing who?

Can this Hollywood playboy and reluctant matchmaker make the ultimate connection?


My Review

Yup. Once again, a late night finish since I can't seem to put down a Jennifer Peel book once I've started. All the characters are so vivid, and the first person perspective really puts the reader in the mind of Kate. I loved her voice and way of looking at things, from a psychologist's point of view. She understands her own flaws and hangups, and struggles to trust and risk a deeper relationship with others. The dynamics between her and Nick are fascinating and realistic, and she is very much aware of his appeal and the way it overshadows the narcissistic personality he described on his questionnaire. It was fun to watch her discover his true nature and him deal with her doubts and resistance. I loved the motherly type bond she forms with his daughter Skye, as it shows her nurturing and loving side, and the genuine way she embraces those she decides to let in. The chemistry between Kate and Nick is pretty strong from the beginning, but it's when they begin to understand each other and deepen their friendship that the hesitancy drops and sparks fly. I loved the way I was able to connect with the characters in this book, even when it was told from one point of view. Tears came to my eyes at a couple points in the story which is a big indication that I'm fully immersed. Loved this book and highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Don't miss the first two awesome books in the Dating by Design series!

Book One
https://amzn.to/2KqLqB0

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Kenadie Marshall suffered the most public of humiliations, being left at the altar. Instead of wallowing in her misery, she makes it her mission to help others find true and lasting love, all while swearing off relationships for good. Between the software application she developed and a team of relationship managers, her brainchild, Binary Search, has an uncanny knack for choosing the perfect match almost every time.

Attractive and loveable Jason Hadley is taken with Kenadie Marshall from their first meeting. Determined to win her over, he does anything and everything he can think of, even if it means using her firm’s service and dating other women to stay close to her.

Will Kenadie realize she’s met her match before it’s too late? Or will Jason’s ploy go too far? Find out in His Personal Relationship Manager, a romantic comedy with an epic battle of wills.

Book Two
https://amzn.to/2KlmIP4

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Two professional matchmakers. One fake relationship. He's a playboy. She's a good girl. What could possibly go wrong?

According to Binary Search's matchmaking service, Meg and Zander's odds of ever having a successful relationship are statistically improbable. Meg has run the numbers and knows the probability, but for some reason she can't quit thinking about her coworker, Zander--the self-proclaimed eternal bachelor.

To make matters more interesting, Zander approaches her with an unusual proposition. He's in need of a pretend girlfriend. Meg thinks this could be the answer to get him out of her system, and maybe knock the arrogant man down a few notches in the process. But what she doesn't realize is there is more to this man, something he carefully hides behind his arrogant exterior. And when her feelings begin to be anything but pretend, she knows the odds of getting hurt are more than probable.

Will they let the odds over come them, or will they find that all the reasons they are wrong for each other are exactly what make them a perfect fit?