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

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Swoony Award Monthly Round-up!


We're two months into the Swoony Awards, although it officially kicked off in January we're accepting nominations for books published in December. I thought it'd be fun at the end of each month to do a little "round up" and see how many books have been nominated and how many voters we've had. January was a great month, lots of fun participation and interactions. 


Here's the stats for January:

Books Nominated: 53

Number of Voters: 122

There are a TON of great books on the list so far, I was able to read and nominate seven books! I look forward to reading many more. 2018 is going to be a great year for secular romance!



So, what about you? Have you voted? If not, vote here

Saturday, January 20, 2018

The Sidelined Wife by Jennifer Peel

The Sidelined Wife (More Than a Wife Series Book 1)The Sidelined Wife by Jennifer Peel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great read by Ms. Peel!

I admit, I stayed up way too late finishing this one. I kept thinking "just one more chapter" and it was totally worth it. This was a fun one to read all in one sitting, really get into the story and characters.

Recently divorced, Samantha Decker doesn't quite know what to do with herself. Still reeling from the shock of her husband cheating and getting his mistress pregnant, she starts writing in her blog again and is surprised when her posts become so popular. Writing helps not only heal the pain she is feeling, but helps others as well. Finding a new purpose she is able to slowly start moving on with her life. I could relate to Samantha in a lot of way (thankfully not the bad stuff), we're close in age, both mothers and so it was easy to relate to what she was going through and admire how she handled everything. She's a strong and vulnerable character. Ah, and Reed Cassidy was a nice little surprise for Samantha!

I thought this was a great story and kept me glued to the pages. The characters are well-developed and felt like there was a lot of substance to the story. It's easy to root for Samantha and really want to see her get a new HEA. I look forward to more from this new series, More Than a Wife.

Content
Romance: Clean. Kissing, talk of infidelity and mild talk of sex-not graphic
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: More Than a Wife, Book One

Source: Kindle Unlimited

View all my reviews

Monday, December 4, 2017

12 Days of Clean Romance: Jennifer Peel

 
Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel

What does dating the boss + meddling ex-wife + most adorable three-year-old ever equal? Trouble in Loveland. At seventeen, Charlee Jensen packed her bags and left her beloved hometown of Loveland, swearing she would never have anything to do with the men that left her heartbroken: her father, the man that taught her heroes can fall; and Ryan Carter, her much older neighbor and teenage crush. Now eight years later, Charlee has two degrees she never wanted and no job prospects, forcing her to swallow her pride and come home to work for her father’s accounting firm—the same firm where newly divorced Ryan Carter is now a partner. But trouble starts to stir when Ryan realizes the girl next door is all grown up and completely smitten with his adorable three-year-old. Ryan finds it hard to resist his beautiful, yet annoyingly charming neighbor and coworker, but is torn between his feelings and trying to keep the peace with his ex-wife, the mother of his child. It’s a recipe for trouble. Will Charlee and Ryan find the formula for success?  

Praise for Trouble in Loveland

"Jennifer Peel's writing captures you from the start and pulls you in. Trouble in Loveland is a fantastic book and was the perfect escape that I look for when I read. It has it all! Drama, humor, and romance. Highly recommend!" - Becky Monson, Author of The Spinster Series ★★★★★

"I absolutely loved this book! I just discovered Jennifer Peel, and I'm so glad I did. Her writing is fun, the dialogue witty, and her character development brilliant. Trouble in Loveland is the third book I've read by this author and it won't be my last. I am definitely a new fan!!" Cindy Roland Anderson,Author of Under a Georgia Moon ★★★★★  

 

Trouble in Loveland Excerpt

My heart pounded erratically as Ryan looked up at me and smiled. The butterflies were beyond excited and swearing like sailors. I bit my lip nervously and watched Ryan walk my way. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I knew it didn’t mean anything to him, but not to sound cheesy, it was like a dream come true for me. All I needed was some fog behind him as he sauntered over to me. He held out his hand as soon as he approached me. “Will you give me the pleasure of dancing with me?” I think that was the sexiest thing I’d ever heard in my life. I couldn’t talk very well, which was saying something. I always had something to say. I nodded my head and held out my hand, that I prayed wasn’t sweaty. Before he led me away, I tossed the bouquet to Amy, who wore a sly grin. As we made it to the middle of the floor, I heard the DJ say, “Now don’t they make a lovely couple? Maybe there will be another love connection tonight.” I think I turned about ten shades of red. Ryan didn’t seem fazed by it as he pulled me to him and held me firmly, but gently. His hand rested on my mid-back. With his other hand he took my hand, and instead of holding it out, he brought it in, more intimately, against our bodies. Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” began to play. Ryan was obviously an experienced dancer as his steps kept in time with the rhythm of my new favorite song. Ryan’s eyes seared into mine. “I was hoping I would get to dance with you tonight.” “You were?” “Yes, but you’ve been quite popular.” He pulled back a tad and looked down at my dress. “You look very …” “Please don’t say grown up.” He smiled and shook his head. “I wasn’t going to say that, I was going to say …” he tried to think of something. “You were going to say it, weren’t you?” He sighed. “Charlee, you really know how to make a guy feel inadequate, don’t you?” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. I find I like it.” “You do?” He nodded his head. “I also find you to be very …” he hesitated. “Very what?” “Beautiful and annoyingly charming.” “How can somebody be annoying and charming at the same time?” “See what I mean?” He held me close.  



* - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - *

More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel

Another Timeless Single Romance! Join Jennifer Peel for MORE TROUBLE IN LOVELAND, a companion story to the beloved romance TROUBLE IN LOVELAND. Charlee Jensen-Carter has been looking forward to her first Christmas with her new husband, Ryan, and her adorable stepson for weeks. Not only is her dad tying the knot, but she’s looking forward to two weeks of no exes, no drama, and especially no trouble. At least that’s what she thinks. First, she gets talked into wearing red hooker heels again. Next, she finds herself trying to save her dad’s wedding. And if that isn’t bad enough, more than one ex shows up, and she's suddenly in the middle of more trouble than she ever bargained for. Will she ever find the right moment to give Ryan the best Christmas present ever? Or will her Christmas hopes and dreams die a fiery death in this comical holiday tale?

Praise for More Trouble in Loveland
“Are you in the mood for a Christmassy book full of love, laughter and swoon worthy moments? Then look no further than More Trouble in Loveland! It's the perfect afternoon read!” – Kathy Jo, KJ’s Book Nook ★★★★★

“Jennifer Peel’s holiday-themed contemporary romantic comedy novel, More Trouble in Loveland, is a humorous and enjoyable tale . . . highly recommended.” Jack Magnus, Readers Favorite ★★★★★

"I've been eagerly awaiting a return trip to Loveland with some of my favorite characters. Oh how I've missed Charlee and her very active, sighing and swearing butterflies! Even in the midst of heaping family drama, Charlee and Ryan's love is the stuff happy sighs are made of." – Aimee Brown, Getting Your Read On ★★★★★  

More Trouble in Loveland Excerpts
Excerpt One-
Buried beneath more of my mementos were those dang, strappy high heels. Why was I unearthing these? If Krissy thought I was wearing them again, she was crazy. I didn’t care what the boots looked like that came with the costume; they had to be better than the hooker heels. I was only bringing them so Krissy wouldn’t whine. Ryan grinned at the shoes when I emerged from the basement door in our kitchen. “One of my favorite memories is of you wearing those in your cutoffs. I wouldn’t remind a repeat.” I remembered that day too. I had been so embarrassed Ryan caught me while I practiced walking in them for Krissy’s wedding. “If memory serves me correctly, you laughed at me.” He pulled me to him, and, thankfully, his breath was clean and smelled normal, like honey. “I only laughed to keep away thoughts of wanting to ravishmy partner’s daughter.” “Uh-huh.” He brushed my lips. “You have no idea how hard it was to resist you.” “You seemed to manage.” I loved teasing him. He groaned against my mouth. “You’ve obliterated all my defenses.” “Is that so?” I let the heels drop so I could use my hands for better things. And I was just about to until— “MOM!” Being a newlywed with a child was tricky business. Ryan sighed but smiled. “I’ll take a rain check.” He had plenty to cash in.


  * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - *
  Author Jennifer Peel Jennifer Peel is the award-winning bestselling author of the Dating by Design and Women of Merryton series, as well as several other contemporary romances. Though she lives and breathes writing, her first love is her family. She is the mother of three amazing kiddos and has recently added the title of mother-in-law, with the addition of two terrific sons-in-law. She’s been married to her best friend and partner in crime for a lot longer than seems possible. Some of her favorite things are late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and Southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.  
 

Also by Author Jennifer Peel

   

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 12/17/17
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls by Jennifer Peel

Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls (Return to Christmas Falls #2)Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls by Jennifer Peel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved the setting for this one, I’m a sucker for small-town charm and you throw in all the Christmas charm and I’m hooked! Piper is a single mom, working hard to provide a good life for her adorable son Finn. She stays away from men and is focusing on her career. Especially guys like Jace Peterson, rich, arrogant and made a terrible first impression. Jace has his work cut out for him if he ever wants Piper to see his true character.

This was a fun read, I enjoyed the characters and setting. I look forward to reading the other books in this fun series.

Content: Clean, just kissing. No language or violence.

Source: Kindle Unlimited


View all my reviews

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Sweet Regrets by Jennifer Peel

Sweet Regrets (Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series, #5)Sweet Regrets by Jennifer Peel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another hit! I really enjoy Ms. Peel's books and was looking forward to this one for awhile. It's book five in the Indigo Bay series, but stands well on its own. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

I am a sucker for second chance romances and always enjoy seeing couples get a second chance at love. Melanie and Declan have a sweet romance, they grew up together and dated in high school. Chance would have it that they're reunited when Declan has business with Melanie's father. She's just gotten out of a messy divorce, pregnant and currently trying to figure out her life. I liked both Melanie and Declan and enjoyed their story. I also loved the setting of Indigo Bay! Charming town that makes you want to pack up and visit.

Cute story, likable characters, fun setting and a sweet romance!

Content: Clean

View all my reviews

Friday, March 31, 2017

Swoony Spotlights - March

Welcome to Swoony Worthy Spotlights, hosted by Bookworm NationKatie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Swoon Worthy Spotlights features 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month. We will share the cover(s), our review(s) and a link to each other's post so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

March was a great reading month for me, there were so many fun books I was able to find. Here are two of my favorite contemporaries and two of my favorite historicals for the month (in random order).


by Cami Checketts
Contemporary Romance

This was such a pleasant surprise for me. I really, really enjoyed it. Cute "fake relationship" plot, with fun characters and swoony romance. Not sure I love the cover/title, but the book is definitely reading.

by Jennifer Peel
Contemporary Romance

Another great addition to the Peel library. This has the whole "friend first" storyline that really has you rooting for these two to figure things out. Great storytelling and a fun, swoony romance.

by Nancy Campbell Allen
Steampunk Paranormal Historical Romance

Lets see, a steampunk paranormal retelling of Beauty and the Beast.... yes, please! This was a lot of fun. Great leading characters with a great romance and fun mystery. This one sucked me in at page one and I had a hard time putting it down.


by Anne Gracie
Traditional Regency Romance

This one was a surprise, it is filled with memorable scenes, some funny, some swoony. The leads are both strong characters and it's fun to watch the battle of wits play out. I really loved the romance in this one, slow building and believable. (Content- this is more on the steamy clean side, no sex scenes)


********************************************

And don't for get to check Kathy Jo's post here and Katie's post here!

Do you have a blog and want to join us for Swoon Worthy Spotlights? Then grab the picture and post with us! We will be posting on the last day of each month. Make sure you share your link with us so we can check out your favorite authors as well! If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment below. I'd love to hear which books we're your favorite for the month!

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Statistically Improbably by Jennifer Peel

Statistically Improbable (Dating by Design Book 2)Statistically Improbable by Jennifer Peel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been looking forward to reading this ever since I finished His Personal Relationship Manager - a year ago! So of course when I saw this was released this morning I had to drop everything and dive in.

This was an entertaining book! Fun plot, likable characters and swoony romance. I like that this story can stand alone, but it was fun seeing previous characters and I liked how it tied into the first book. We meet Meg in the first book, and I suspected something might happen with her and playboy Zander. She certainly gives him a run for his money! I'm not the biggest fan of the whole "bad boy" or player storyline, but every once in awhile I come across a book that makes me believe the guy truly has changed (those are the books that actually make it to my reformed rake shelf - I have to believe they've changed to make it on there!) I liked both Meg and Zander, I thought they had great chemistry and it was fun to see Meg stand up to him. It was especially fun to see Zander fall for Meg - something he is not used to doing, despite all the many women he dates.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and will definitely read again. Can't wait for the next book.

Content
Romance: Clean - kissing (mild talks of past sexual relationship - and waiting for marriage)
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Series: Dating By Design, Book Two - can stand alone

Source: Kindle Unlimited

View all my reviews

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. My choice for this week is:

Hit and Run by Jennifer Peel
Magnolias and Moonshine Series
Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 30, 2017
 
Synopsis: When it comes to life, Kallie Clemmons is on top of her game. A no-nonsense lawyer, with beauty and a kind heart to match. But when it comes to love, she runs the other way. That is until she runs, literally, into her old college boyfriend, Officer Harrison Monroe. This time around, Harrison isn’t going to let her do another hit and run. He’s determined to find out why she left him five years ago, without even a goodbye, and if at all possible, convince her to give up her running shoes.

What Harrison doesn’t know is that the key to their future hinges on her past and the secret she’s kept from him.

Will Harrison be able to unlock her secret and help her overcome her fears? Or will he have Kallie running scared?