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Morning Glory #2
Perfectly Charming
“A standout contemporary romance.” —USA Today’s Happy Ever After
Morning Glory native Jess Culpepper is desperate to get out of town after divorcing the only man she’s ever dated. She takes a temporary nursing job in Florida and, thanks to the bequest of her late friend, Lacy, has the funds to rent a condo right on the beach. She’s not prepared to literally trip over her old high school lab partner—and definitely not prepared for how deliciously hot he is now.
Ryan Reyes, once known as “The Brain,” has worked hard to become more than the skinny nerd that jocks bullied and girls politely tolerated. At twenty-six, he has retired from science to run a charter fishing business in Pensacola and spend his leisure time catching up on the debauchery he missed. But when the unattainable girl of his teenage fantasies moves in down the beach, old feelings come flooding back.
Their scorching attraction soon leads them into bed—but what starts as no-strings-attached fun is complicated by a return to Morning Glory and the shadows of their shared past. Can the head cheerleader and the geek redefine themselves and forge ahead to find their happily ever after?
Morning Glory native Jess Culpepper is desperate to get out of town after divorcing the only man she’s ever dated. She takes a temporary nursing job in Florida and, thanks to the bequest of her late friend, Lacy, has the funds to rent a condo right on the beach. She’s not prepared to literally trip over her old high school lab partner—and definitely not prepared for how deliciously hot he is now.
Ryan Reyes, once known as “The Brain,” has worked hard to become more than the skinny nerd that jocks bullied and girls politely tolerated. At twenty-six, he has retired from science to run a charter fishing business in Pensacola and spend his leisure time catching up on the debauchery he missed. But when the unattainable girl of his teenage fantasies moves in down the beach, old feelings come flooding back.
Their scorching attraction soon leads them into bed—but what starts as no-strings-attached fun is complicated by a return to Morning Glory and the shadows of their shared past. Can the head cheerleader and the geek redefine themselves and forge ahead to find their happily ever after?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2016
617 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Liz Talley
69 books930 followersI unashamedly read, write and love romance books. I adore the weight of a book in hand and the anticipation of a happy ending. I love the journey, the word play and the magic of story. Nothing's better than reading a good book...except writing one. You can learn more about me and my award-winning romances at http://www.liztalleybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 7, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. Ryan stole the show, his back story broke my heart. We all remember that one kid in school who was subjected to torment and bullying by the "popular jocks". To top it all of his parents made it even worse for him. No doubt they loved him but he endured a horrible childhood filled with way too many expectations. Ryan has to confront his past and somehow blend it with the present and Jess helps him find his way. He, in turn, makes her see that she's more than the ex-wife of her high school sweetheart and that there's life outside of Morning Glory
The narration was excellent and I'll definitely be listening to this one again!
Really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. Ryan stole the show, his back story broke my heart. We all remember that one kid in school who was subjected to torment and bullying by the "popular jocks". To top it all of his parents made it even worse for him. No doubt they loved him but he endured a horrible childhood filled with way too many expectations. Ryan has to confront his past and somehow blend it with the present and Jess helps him find his way. He, in turn, makes her see that she's more than the ex-wife of her high school sweetheart and that there's life outside of Morning Glory
The narration was excellent and I'll definitely be listening to this one again!
January 9, 2017
This is the second in a series, and I'd suggest starting with the first. The frame for the series is more completely explained there and it's a great story anyway. That said, Talley does a good job making this one stand on its own at least in terms of the internal story so you can skip the first if you really want to (but don't do it).
I really liked Jess right from the start, though in a completely different way than Rosemary. Jess has no idea who she wants to be now that her life has been so thoroughly disrupted by her husband walking out on her. It's a year and some after the divorce and she's kind of searching for who she is on her own. Since she's always been one for following "the plan" she finds herself completely at sea and groping for what comes next (since it's obviously not going to be what she thought it was). So she's on something of a journey of self discovery and I enjoyed her hesitation and honest questioning of herself and her relationships with others. Yes, she gets insecure, but I loved seeing her grow beyond that as she figures out what is important to her and what it is that she wants. And I really liked her courage and heart as she chose to be true to what she discovers.
I was less happy with Ryan. I've never had much respect for hedonism and his pursuit of personal enjoyment and walking away from the winning hand life granted him is fundamentally selfish. This is mitigated somewhat by the same search for self that Jess is experiencing and seen in that light, it's at least understandable as an exploration of things that others find enjoyable and where he may find fulfillment. Also mitigating it is the sense Talley imparts of someone trying to reach past his innate maturity to discover meaning when he has no framework for it otherwise. As such I enjoyed his eventual discovery of who he is and I was happy to have him find what he wants/needs with Jess.
But I had an additional problem with Ryan, but one that's harder to articulate without coming off as a pompous jackball. So take this with a grain of salt if you will (or put it down to me being a pompous jackball, I suppose). Writing genius characters is hard. And not just because smart is difficult, but because being smart is foreign country for most people (kind of by definition) and the emotional and relationship ramifications are often non-obvious and penetrating. Ryan is a genius and skipped grades and made medical discoveries and all that surface stuff that tags him as a genius. So the trappings were there to indicate "genius", but I found his internal landscape didn't fit very well—starting with a puzzling envy of "regular people" that leads him to want to emulate a dudebro lifestyle. I've never known a smart person (and I've known several genuine geniuses, including the one I married) with that kind of envy and the insecurity that goes along with it. That lifestyle is universally acknowledged as shallow and unfulfilling and working so hard to maintain the façade just made little sense.
Anyway, Ryan felt a bit off and required some rewriting in my head. Fortunately, that's a skill I have so I was able to take him for the earned dysfunction from his upbringing and peer experiences and move on.
It helped that Talley has as much skill imparting heart into the core of the story as she did with the first book. That honest emotional core continued to be a primary draw and minor qualms about character background did nothing to change that. So it's a well-earned four stars, at least for me. And yeah, it's all Ryan dragging it down. All of which adds up to me looking forward to the next (last?) in the series.
A note about Steamy: I honestly forget if there was more than a single explicit sex scene. Once they had established physical intimacy the rest was all about emotional trust and that needed to be earned among their friends and family so there wasn't much call for more explicit sex. Talley again shows her dedication to the emotional core of the story by switching to general mentions once the important parts were conveyed. So this was on the lowish side of my steam range.
I really liked Jess right from the start, though in a completely different way than Rosemary. Jess has no idea who she wants to be now that her life has been so thoroughly disrupted by her husband walking out on her. It's a year and some after the divorce and she's kind of searching for who she is on her own. Since she's always been one for following "the plan" she finds herself completely at sea and groping for what comes next (since it's obviously not going to be what she thought it was). So she's on something of a journey of self discovery and I enjoyed her hesitation and honest questioning of herself and her relationships with others. Yes, she gets insecure, but I loved seeing her grow beyond that as she figures out what is important to her and what it is that she wants. And I really liked her courage and heart as she chose to be true to what she discovers.
I was less happy with Ryan. I've never had much respect for hedonism and his pursuit of personal enjoyment and walking away from the winning hand life granted him is fundamentally selfish. This is mitigated somewhat by the same search for self that Jess is experiencing and seen in that light, it's at least understandable as an exploration of things that others find enjoyable and where he may find fulfillment. Also mitigating it is the sense Talley imparts of someone trying to reach past his innate maturity to discover meaning when he has no framework for it otherwise. As such I enjoyed his eventual discovery of who he is and I was happy to have him find what he wants/needs with Jess.
But I had an additional problem with Ryan, but one that's harder to articulate without coming off as a pompous jackball. So take this with a grain of salt if you will (or put it down to me being a pompous jackball, I suppose). Writing genius characters is hard. And not just because smart is difficult, but because being smart is foreign country for most people (kind of by definition) and the emotional and relationship ramifications are often non-obvious and penetrating. Ryan is a genius and skipped grades and made medical discoveries and all that surface stuff that tags him as a genius. So the trappings were there to indicate "genius", but I found his internal landscape didn't fit very well—starting with a puzzling envy of "regular people" that leads him to want to emulate a dudebro lifestyle. I've never known a smart person (and I've known several genuine geniuses, including the one I married) with that kind of envy and the insecurity that goes along with it. That lifestyle is universally acknowledged as shallow and unfulfilling and working so hard to maintain the façade just made little sense.
Anyway, Ryan felt a bit off and required some rewriting in my head. Fortunately, that's a skill I have so I was able to take him for the earned dysfunction from his upbringing and peer experiences and move on.
It helped that Talley has as much skill imparting heart into the core of the story as she did with the first book. That honest emotional core continued to be a primary draw and minor qualms about character background did nothing to change that. So it's a well-earned four stars, at least for me. And yeah, it's all Ryan dragging it down. All of which adds up to me looking forward to the next (last?) in the series.
A note about Steamy: I honestly forget if there was more than a single explicit sex scene. Once they had established physical intimacy the rest was all about emotional trust and that needed to be earned among their friends and family so there wasn't much call for more explicit sex. Talley again shows her dedication to the emotional core of the story by switching to general mentions once the important parts were conveyed. So this was on the lowish side of my steam range.
September 27, 2016
What a cute read! Jess, the high school cheerleader and Ryan, the high school nerd meet again years later. Ryan who succeeded in accomplishing great things in the science field (I would tell you at what but it was over my head) decides he was missing out on life. He sold his discovery, quit science and moved to Florida to charter a fishing boat for a living. He beefed up, got tan and gorgeous and started living like he thought a bachelor should.
Jess, recently divorced from the high school jerk, I mean jock, takes a temporary nursing position in Florida and moves into the condo's Ryan is staying at. Ryan has always had a puppy dog crush on Jess and finds that he still has a thing for her. Now the cool guy on the block, Jess starts to realize he might be what she needs to get over her ex.
I love a good underdog story. While this was a cute read, it also had a great message about bullying and accepting people for who they are and not what they look like. This was the 2nd in the series but the books are standalone so you don't have to read book 1 first.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jess, recently divorced from the high school jerk, I mean jock, takes a temporary nursing position in Florida and moves into the condo's Ryan is staying at. Ryan has always had a puppy dog crush on Jess and finds that he still has a thing for her. Now the cool guy on the block, Jess starts to realize he might be what she needs to get over her ex.
I love a good underdog story. While this was a cute read, it also had a great message about bullying and accepting people for who they are and not what they look like. This was the 2nd in the series but the books are standalone so you don't have to read book 1 first.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2017
No second book slump here!!
Good read again. I wanted to pound my kindle on this one. I tried to just listen while I got my steps in, but again I had to see what would happen. So I listened in the car and then read to finish.
High School is a cruel place and this really brings you back to that in spots and how it taints your view in later life.
Ryan is a man of extremes and he learns moderation and how life doesn't have a plan. Jess learns that life isn't about a making a man happy, it is about you and making your own happiness and accepting the unexpected.
I love the friendship the girls have and it makes you wish for that in your own life. Can't wait for Eden's story. She needs a HEA!!
Great read
Good read again. I wanted to pound my kindle on this one. I tried to just listen while I got my steps in, but again I had to see what would happen. So I listened in the car and then read to finish.
High School is a cruel place and this really brings you back to that in spots and how it taints your view in later life.
Ryan is a man of extremes and he learns moderation and how life doesn't have a plan. Jess learns that life isn't about a making a man happy, it is about you and making your own happiness and accepting the unexpected.
I love the friendship the girls have and it makes you wish for that in your own life. Can't wait for Eden's story. She needs a HEA!!
Great read
October 6, 2019
I read the first book in this series so long ago, but still remember enjoying it. I'm not sure why I took so long to read this second book, but it was just as enjoyable, if not more. I loved the somewhat May/December romance between past high school acquaintances, the pseudo-reformed geek and the cheerleader. Actually, I loved everything about this story. It was fun, sexy, and sweet. The author has a wonderful writing style and I'm excited to read even more of her work.
October 10, 2016
Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Perfectly Charming began as a perfectly serviceable contemporary romance about a woman who goes through a painful divorce from her since-high-school boyfriend in a small Mississippi town, takes some money she inherited from a close friend who died of cervical cancer, and finds herself a contract nurse position in a hospital in Pensacola, Florida, on the beach, far from everyone sticking their well-intentioned but overbearing and pitying noses in her business. I liked the setup, and while I noticed some cliches and some inconsistent development, I was eager to keep reading… until the dialogue and choice of language took a horrible turn into misogyny and ruined the story for me.
I’m drawn to books about people taking a mulligan and hitting reset on their lives, either because something has happened to them, or because they are about to happen to something. In this case, Jess, the heroine, was ready for the next step in her life plan of having a baby with her husband when he comes home with a bouquet of flowers to announce he wants a divorce (in part because he’s banging the florist from whom he bought the flowers). (You stay classy, dude.) Jess is inspired in her whole-life do-over by her late friend Lacy, who died and left each of her closest friends a letter, some money, and her charm bracelet, which each friend is supposed to add to as they fulfill their lives in some way or another. Each friend’s story is a book in the series.
I expect better of the books I read. I don’t read romance to feel insulted. I want stories wherein the misogynist language isn’t left unchallenged when the hero uses it to insult the heroine. I don’t want to finish a romance feeling queasy and ashamed, like I’ve been insulted along with the heroine by the hero, who was pretty much the reason I was reading the book in the first place. The idea of someone who was intellectually brilliant achieving so much professionally then realizing he was unhappy (because a homeless person identified his misery, which is another thing this book does – uses homeless people, people with terminal diseases, and people recovering from addictions as foils and devices for the hero and heroine to learn about themselves) was interesting. Ryan was aware of himself enough to know that he needed to figure out how to function socially – and in most cases he was kind, considerate, and able to read the intentions of people around him enough to gently say no to women who were coming onto him, or give people space when they needed it. Most of the time, in early interactions, he was fine.
Then he’d open his mouth and garbage would come out and then I hated him. I hated the inconsistent characterization. I hated that the heroine internalized what he said and applied it to herself. I hated that no one in the story said, “Hold up, this is NOT ok.”
For me, this was an otherwise better-than-meh contemporary romance which was completely soured by the repeated misogyny and sexism that was never addressed. It may have been internalized and accepted by the heroine and accepted by everyone else, but it wasn’t ok with me.
- SB Sarah
Perfectly Charming began as a perfectly serviceable contemporary romance about a woman who goes through a painful divorce from her since-high-school boyfriend in a small Mississippi town, takes some money she inherited from a close friend who died of cervical cancer, and finds herself a contract nurse position in a hospital in Pensacola, Florida, on the beach, far from everyone sticking their well-intentioned but overbearing and pitying noses in her business. I liked the setup, and while I noticed some cliches and some inconsistent development, I was eager to keep reading… until the dialogue and choice of language took a horrible turn into misogyny and ruined the story for me.
I’m drawn to books about people taking a mulligan and hitting reset on their lives, either because something has happened to them, or because they are about to happen to something. In this case, Jess, the heroine, was ready for the next step in her life plan of having a baby with her husband when he comes home with a bouquet of flowers to announce he wants a divorce (in part because he’s banging the florist from whom he bought the flowers). (You stay classy, dude.) Jess is inspired in her whole-life do-over by her late friend Lacy, who died and left each of her closest friends a letter, some money, and her charm bracelet, which each friend is supposed to add to as they fulfill their lives in some way or another. Each friend’s story is a book in the series.
I expect better of the books I read. I don’t read romance to feel insulted. I want stories wherein the misogynist language isn’t left unchallenged when the hero uses it to insult the heroine. I don’t want to finish a romance feeling queasy and ashamed, like I’ve been insulted along with the heroine by the hero, who was pretty much the reason I was reading the book in the first place. The idea of someone who was intellectually brilliant achieving so much professionally then realizing he was unhappy (because a homeless person identified his misery, which is another thing this book does – uses homeless people, people with terminal diseases, and people recovering from addictions as foils and devices for the hero and heroine to learn about themselves) was interesting. Ryan was aware of himself enough to know that he needed to figure out how to function socially – and in most cases he was kind, considerate, and able to read the intentions of people around him enough to gently say no to women who were coming onto him, or give people space when they needed it. Most of the time, in early interactions, he was fine.
Then he’d open his mouth and garbage would come out and then I hated him. I hated the inconsistent characterization. I hated that the heroine internalized what he said and applied it to herself. I hated that no one in the story said, “Hold up, this is NOT ok.”
For me, this was an otherwise better-than-meh contemporary romance which was completely soured by the repeated misogyny and sexism that was never addressed. It may have been internalized and accepted by the heroine and accepted by everyone else, but it wasn’t ok with me.
- SB Sarah
September 15, 2016
In the second installment, it’s Jess Culpepper’s turn to go on her adventure for Lacy. She had signed up to do contract nursing work to augment her income. The ink is barely dry on the divorce papers her lying, cheating ex-husband and one time high school sweetheart requested. Benton wanted ‘experiences’ and explained this as he handed her flowers from the florist he’d been banging. A contract job at a hospital in Florida is just the thing. And she uses Lacy’s legacy money to rent a condo on the beach which was one of her dreams though she didn’t realize she’d be enjoying it alone. Not for long, though if she can take a step away from her well planned well thought life for a bit of adventure in the sun, surf, and sand.
Ryan Reyes was the ultimate geek. He was several grades ahead because of his brains and his parents structured his life to achieve something brilliant in science. Unfortunately, being the smartest kid in school only scores you a few other geeky friends and being locked in a little closet for hours fighting your claustrophobia. After achieving the pinnacle in the academic world and a doctorate before he could drink, Ryan re-assessed and decided he wanted a life. Now he is a charter fishing boat captain, stud, and free living guy that every woman wants and every guy calls ‘bro’. But one look at his high school crush, Jess, and his analytical mind begins making new calculations. He wants his chance and with Benton out of the picture, he has it.
The author wrote a touching and heartwarming story about a woman who is forced to start over and confront herself in order to move on to new possibilities and a man who struggles to accept himself because the real him was always rejected and unwanted. Both of these people are hot messes when the story gets started, but I enjoyed watching them come around. They made mistakes along the way, but I was really cheering for them. It was impressive how Ryan could be this hot guy, but still retain his awkward brainy side that actually kept spread sheets on being the best at sex and pool. Jess was a rule maker who was determined only to see Ryan as a rebound and wanted to believe the best of Benton. I was over the moon when she finally got a clue thanks to her gal pals who didn’t let her sabotage her own chances.
And now I wait for the third Morning Glory story with Eden. That poor gal needs to catch a break. Those who enjoy small town southern, sweet and sizzling romance, and a just a dash of charm magic should give this series a go.
Ryan Reyes was the ultimate geek. He was several grades ahead because of his brains and his parents structured his life to achieve something brilliant in science. Unfortunately, being the smartest kid in school only scores you a few other geeky friends and being locked in a little closet for hours fighting your claustrophobia. After achieving the pinnacle in the academic world and a doctorate before he could drink, Ryan re-assessed and decided he wanted a life. Now he is a charter fishing boat captain, stud, and free living guy that every woman wants and every guy calls ‘bro’. But one look at his high school crush, Jess, and his analytical mind begins making new calculations. He wants his chance and with Benton out of the picture, he has it.
The author wrote a touching and heartwarming story about a woman who is forced to start over and confront herself in order to move on to new possibilities and a man who struggles to accept himself because the real him was always rejected and unwanted. Both of these people are hot messes when the story gets started, but I enjoyed watching them come around. They made mistakes along the way, but I was really cheering for them. It was impressive how Ryan could be this hot guy, but still retain his awkward brainy side that actually kept spread sheets on being the best at sex and pool. Jess was a rule maker who was determined only to see Ryan as a rebound and wanted to believe the best of Benton. I was over the moon when she finally got a clue thanks to her gal pals who didn’t let her sabotage her own chances.
And now I wait for the third Morning Glory story with Eden. That poor gal needs to catch a break. Those who enjoy small town southern, sweet and sizzling romance, and a just a dash of charm magic should give this series a go.
September 20, 2016
I never heard of this author and took a chance as I loved the description. Jess is recently divorced from her high school sweetheart and mourning the death of one of her best friends. Lacey left a charm bracelet to Jess, Eden, and Rosemary and letters for each of them. Rosemary took a trip to NYC where she found her fiancé and added a charm.
Jess decides to escape her small Mississippi town and take a contract position in Pensacola. The night before work she trips over a drunk make stranger.....only he knows they know each other. Ryan is a genius and was Jess' chemistry lab partner....and graduated school at 14. He has a MD and PhD but decided to leave science to experience life.
This sweet story had a bit of heartbreak, a bit of soul searching, a bit of angst, and a bit of humor. I loved every page.
Jess decides to escape her small Mississippi town and take a contract position in Pensacola. The night before work she trips over a drunk make stranger.....only he knows they know each other. Ryan is a genius and was Jess' chemistry lab partner....and graduated school at 14. He has a MD and PhD but decided to leave science to experience life.
This sweet story had a bit of heartbreak, a bit of soul searching, a bit of angst, and a bit of humor. I loved every page.
August 28, 2016
Sexual Content: Sexual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: Moderate+
Violent Content: None
Two people Jess and Ryan, who knew each other way back when, meet once more. Life's flux hit them each in different, yet similar ways. Questions only they can answer for themselves seem to translate to each others lives. Overwhelming is a word that could describe Jess and Ryan's internal struggles. Something new, a reprieve, perhaps a no strings, hop in bed kind of relationship is what they need. But is casual sex really all they want or need?
They'll find that they each have the ability to calm each other's minds and hearts to a degree. Enough to allow them to think through the fog of their pasts, previous expectations of others and self, and plans gone drastically awry. It's a complex transition they're going through separately and together.
I'm finding it hard to put my thoughts about Perfectly Charming to words, and I don't know why. The premise, characters (primarily Jess and Ryan), tension (sexual and otherwise), hopes, fears, lost dreams, it's all there between the pages beautifully.
So what's the problem? Maybe it was the frequent use of profanity or the explicitness of their (one scene) sexual gratification, which isn't quite to the taste of this reader. On the other hand, it could be that the bulk of their struggles and conflict within themselves is so greatly proportionate with finding the answers and how they go about getting those answers is in itself layered, sensitive and yet somewhat raw in some ways, and it's difficult to put into words something such as this that we're privy to.
Now I'm making the story sound heavy and perhaps depressing. It's not, it's a reflective journey filled with many light and enjoyable moments for Jess, Ryan, and the reader; a cheer them on, sis boom bah, read.
I really admire how Liz Talley puts all of these components together resulting in this romantic journey.
Enjoy,
CONNIE
August 17, 2016
The second book in A Morning Glory Novel---A touching book after the loss of a friend. When Jess, Rosemary, and Eden lost there very best friend Lacy it was tough. The last thing they expected were notes, a bracelet, and money. Each was were to follow there dreams. To them it was there friend giving them advice from the great beyond.
Well Jess was broken after her divorce. An expected call leads her to take a job in Pensacola. It's exactly what she needs. The last thing she does expect is to see someone from her home town of Morning Glory. She has no clue who he is at first. Then she can't believe who was standing before her naked, and drunk the night before. She helped him out..none other then Ryan Reyes aka "The Brain". He's changed big time.
Ryan can't believe Jess Culpepper saw him naked. He has had fantasties about her for so long. She's staying in a cottage next door. He wonders how she see's him, because he changed. No longer the geeky nerd, but she was the only girl who didn't make fun.
While Jess and Ryan spend time together what will come out of it. She's only there for a couple of months. He's there permanently.
Great read. Highly recommend, and Perfectly Yours(Book 1) which is Rosemary's Adventure.
Well Jess was broken after her divorce. An expected call leads her to take a job in Pensacola. It's exactly what she needs. The last thing she does expect is to see someone from her home town of Morning Glory. She has no clue who he is at first. Then she can't believe who was standing before her naked, and drunk the night before. She helped him out..none other then Ryan Reyes aka "The Brain". He's changed big time.
Ryan can't believe Jess Culpepper saw him naked. He has had fantasties about her for so long. She's staying in a cottage next door. He wonders how she see's him, because he changed. No longer the geeky nerd, but she was the only girl who didn't make fun.
While Jess and Ryan spend time together what will come out of it. She's only there for a couple of months. He's there permanently.
Great read. Highly recommend, and Perfectly Yours(Book 1) which is Rosemary's Adventure.
December 1, 2021
Perfectly Charming is the second book in Liz Talley’s Morning Glory series. Jess Culpepper is desperate to move on from her divorce. When the chance to get out of Morning Glory for a while comes up, she takes it. She takes a temporary nursing job in Pensacola, Florida, And thanks to the bequest of her late friend, Lacy, she rents a condo right on the beach. Little does she know she is in for the surprise of a lifetime. Living a few doors down from her is Ryan Reyes, her old high school chemistry lab partner. Once known as “The Brain,” Ryan has worked hard to be more than the shy nerd. Walking away from a brilliant science career, he now runs a charter fishing business and spends his time catching up on the debauchery he missed. He is thrown for a loop when the girl of his teenage fantasies enters his life. At first, their relationship starts as old friends catching up but soon turns into an attraction neither can deny. Their no-strings-attached fling becomes complicated when they return to Morning Glory for a friend’s wedding and they are forced to confront the painful past. Can they find their happily ever after? Or will old wounds keep them apart?
After reading a previous book that was deep and depressing, I needed a light, fun pick-me-up and Perfectly Charming delivered. It is a very sweet story filled with sexy fun and heartfelt moments between friends and lovers. There were a lot of sighs, smiles and laughs. I loved Jess’s vulnerability and hesitation moving forward from her divorce. She doesn’t trust herself to feel again and is determined not to get hurt again. She decides a good, fun fling is what she needs and she decides that Ryan is good for that. I also loved Ryan who I identified with as the shy nerd. While I wasn’t bullied as he was, I was known as the brain among my classmates and was looked to for the answers. I understood and related to his desire to be more than “the smart guy.” Their inevitable conflict was believable and the resolution was sweet. I loved Jess’s friends, Rosemary and Eden, and their tough love as they help Jess realize her fling has become more than that. I’m loving the Morning Glory series and can’t wait to dive into book 3. I loved Perfectly Charming and recommend it as well as Charmingly Yours, which I recommend reading first.
Perfectly Charming is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
Book 1, Charmingly Yours, is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
After reading a previous book that was deep and depressing, I needed a light, fun pick-me-up and Perfectly Charming delivered. It is a very sweet story filled with sexy fun and heartfelt moments between friends and lovers. There were a lot of sighs, smiles and laughs. I loved Jess’s vulnerability and hesitation moving forward from her divorce. She doesn’t trust herself to feel again and is determined not to get hurt again. She decides a good, fun fling is what she needs and she decides that Ryan is good for that. I also loved Ryan who I identified with as the shy nerd. While I wasn’t bullied as he was, I was known as the brain among my classmates and was looked to for the answers. I understood and related to his desire to be more than “the smart guy.” Their inevitable conflict was believable and the resolution was sweet. I loved Jess’s friends, Rosemary and Eden, and their tough love as they help Jess realize her fling has become more than that. I’m loving the Morning Glory series and can’t wait to dive into book 3. I loved Perfectly Charming and recommend it as well as Charmingly Yours, which I recommend reading first.
Perfectly Charming is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
Book 1, Charmingly Yours, is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.
July 10, 2017
After Jess Culpepper's divorce from her high school sweetheart is finalized, she decides a change is in order. She moves to Florida to take on a temporary nursing position at the local hospital. She never expected to run into someone from her past. Ryan Reyes is no longer the geeky kid who followed her around like a puppy. He is absolutely gorgeous with a body to match. Will Ryan finally get the girl of his dreams?
What I enjoyed most about this book is the relationship between Jess and Ryan. Their prior history really added to the story and it was fun to watch them get to know each other as adults. I also loved the backstory of the girls friendship with each other and how their late friend Lacy inspired them to go out and live life to the fullest. I hadn't read the first book in the Morning Glory series but this can very easily be read as a standalone novel.
My only real criticism of this book was there were a few errors such as in one chapter Jess and Benton were married six months out of college, but in a later chapter it was only one month. In the grand scheme of things it's not important to the story but after seeing a few of these pop up you wonder why they weren't caught and fixed before publishing.
I received a free copy of the ebook in a giveaway and that is my honest review.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the relationship between Jess and Ryan. Their prior history really added to the story and it was fun to watch them get to know each other as adults. I also loved the backstory of the girls friendship with each other and how their late friend Lacy inspired them to go out and live life to the fullest. I hadn't read the first book in the Morning Glory series but this can very easily be read as a standalone novel.
My only real criticism of this book was there were a few errors such as in one chapter Jess and Benton were married six months out of college, but in a later chapter it was only one month. In the grand scheme of things it's not important to the story but after seeing a few of these pop up you wonder why they weren't caught and fixed before publishing.
I received a free copy of the ebook in a giveaway and that is my honest review.
January 14, 2021
This Story Owned Me
I absolutely LOVED the concept, story line, and characters of this book. I read the first book in the series and liked it. You could even say I was *charmed* by it. But this one. Whoa. Main character Jess Culpepper isn't exactly a new type of personality to the genre, although she's deep, damaged by a divorce she never saw coming, and having a hard time finding her footing in a world where she's a divorcee. It's really Ryan Reyes who makes this such a remarkable story. His character is very unique (I'm not going to give away why he's such a proverbial unicorn, though). He's also very charming, seems to be able to talk to anyone about anything, and sweet honey-buttered biscuits he's gorgeous to look at.
Jess has a lot to work out since her world turned upside down. Ryan just might be the friend that she needs to help her with that. But their pesky chemistry keeps getting in the way. They are moths to the flame, but their incineration will be a thing of utter beauty instead of tragedy. If the kind, gossipin', pea-pickin' folks of Morning Glory will leave them alone, that is.
Although this is the second novel in a series, it is easily read as a standalone. It's definitely one of those amazing romance stories that seeps into your soul and stays with you long after the last page is turned.
I absolutely LOVED the concept, story line, and characters of this book. I read the first book in the series and liked it. You could even say I was *charmed* by it. But this one. Whoa. Main character Jess Culpepper isn't exactly a new type of personality to the genre, although she's deep, damaged by a divorce she never saw coming, and having a hard time finding her footing in a world where she's a divorcee. It's really Ryan Reyes who makes this such a remarkable story. His character is very unique (I'm not going to give away why he's such a proverbial unicorn, though). He's also very charming, seems to be able to talk to anyone about anything, and sweet honey-buttered biscuits he's gorgeous to look at.
Jess has a lot to work out since her world turned upside down. Ryan just might be the friend that she needs to help her with that. But their pesky chemistry keeps getting in the way. They are moths to the flame, but their incineration will be a thing of utter beauty instead of tragedy. If the kind, gossipin', pea-pickin' folks of Morning Glory will leave them alone, that is.
Although this is the second novel in a series, it is easily read as a standalone. It's definitely one of those amazing romance stories that seeps into your soul and stays with you long after the last page is turned.
January 15, 2023
After her husband left her for their florist, then a bartender, and who knows and who else and one of her best friend dies Jess Culpepper decides she needs out of her small home town, a break from the attention of her failed marriage so she signs up to be a fill in nurse and her first job lands her in Pensacola Florida and a condo right on the beach. The last thing she expected was to have to break up a loud party or to find a completely naked man in the sand outside her patio oon her third night in town. The fact that the naked man turns out to be her old high school lab partner, Ryan Reyes, a younger man who went on to get PhD and invent something that garnered him millions and to find out he was not living the beach bum life while taking fishing charters out on his boat through her for a loop, but the more time she spends around Ryan the more she beings to feel like her old self the one before she became part of a high school "it" couple. There were no doubt some issues that came up stemming from Ryan's less than stellar high school experience and the fact that not only did Jess's ex bully him but he had a crush on her. I liked that this wasn't an completely easy romance that there were some issues to get through but in the end they both realized that they were better when together.
September 24, 2022
After recently divorcing her cheating husband, who was her high school boyfriend, Jess takes a job as a traveling nurse and it lands her in Pensecola, Florida. She leaves her condo at 2 am to ask the neighbors to to continue the bday party at a lower volume and she trips over the passed out, naked birthday boy, Ryan. Ryan thinks he is dreaming when his high school crush, head cheerleader is there in his bday to come to his aid. Jess doesn’t recognize Ryan in his grown up state, because when they were chemistry lab partners, he was 14 and 3 years her junior. He was known as “the brain,” skipping many grades and graduating 3 years early from High school. He has earned 2 doctorates and accomplished prizewinning research projects in his field. He decided to give it all up and experience life. He has now perfected the life of a beach bum and fishing boat captain, looking for a good party and fun girls. This is where the book looses a star for me. I never feel like I trust Ryan not to break Jess’s heart, although there is no reason why. From the moment he sees her again, he is always true to her.
March 10, 2020
This is the second book in this series and just as good as the first. Jess Culpepper has taken back her maiden name after her divorce from her cheating husband who decided he needed to "experience life" and wanted out of their marriage. Well, Jess takes her letter and a job offer for contract nursing and heads to Florida for work and the night before her first day on the job she encounters a naked drunk birthday man. Covering him with her beach towel and delivering him back to the party he then shows up on her doorstep the next day and turns out to be her former chemistry lab partner from high school, Ryan Reyes. Ryan had a crush on her back in the day and now finding her here within his reach is a dream come true. Will they find their way or will going back to Morning Glory for Rosemary and Sal's wedding ruin everything?
January 26, 2019
Paradise for s science geek
Wonderful characterizations of Jess and Ryan, courtesy of the gifted Liz Talley. Jess 's self image is damaged by her divorce, and the brilliant science geek Ryan has given up sciencet to transform himsellf into a hunky fishing charter boat captain. Ryan has crushed on Jess since they were lab partners back in high school, when Jess was Queen and Ryan was the classic fumbling, picked on , awkward geek. Fast forward about a decade, and Jess takes an out of town job in Pensacola, following the wishes of her late friend Lacy. Both Jess and Ryan have a lot of growing and maturing to undergo, to see if their initial attraction is real. Told with typical Liz Taley flair, style, and wit. A real winner.
Wonderful characterizations of Jess and Ryan, courtesy of the gifted Liz Talley. Jess 's self image is damaged by her divorce, and the brilliant science geek Ryan has given up sciencet to transform himsellf into a hunky fishing charter boat captain. Ryan has crushed on Jess since they were lab partners back in high school, when Jess was Queen and Ryan was the classic fumbling, picked on , awkward geek. Fast forward about a decade, and Jess takes an out of town job in Pensacola, following the wishes of her late friend Lacy. Both Jess and Ryan have a lot of growing and maturing to undergo, to see if their initial attraction is real. Told with typical Liz Taley flair, style, and wit. A real winner.
July 27, 2017
Jess has been having a hard time getting over her ex-husband. They had been together since freshman year in high school then he decides he hasn't experienced enough and dumps her for the florist from their wedding. She needs a change so she takes a nursing position in FL and rents a place on the beach thanks to a friend who has encouraged her via a letter and some money. She bumps into a younger guy Ryan who had a crush on her in high school. He was the nerd who skipped several grades. He's now a hottie running a charter fishing boat.
Of course she views Ryan as her rebound guy, and Ryan is just trying to recapture some of the hedonistic fun he missed while studying so much. A trip back to Morning Glory tests whether this is to be or not.
Of course she views Ryan as her rebound guy, and Ryan is just trying to recapture some of the hedonistic fun he missed while studying so much. A trip back to Morning Glory tests whether this is to be or not.
October 10, 2019
The 2nd in Talley's charm bracelet series. Similar to the first (for me) in that I connected with the H & h, but the angst level was also a bit high. Also, I didn't enjoy their fight at Rosemary's wedding. I think they were both somewhat immature in terms of relationships and while that was interesting, it also lead to scenes that were a little overly dramatic for my taste.
Cover: I really like the covers in this series.
Narrator: Pressley does a great job!
Hogwarts Sorting Hat: He is a Ravenclaw, she is.... hmmmmm, I'm not sure.... Gryffindor???
Themes: Florida panhandle (Pensacola), 2nd chances, nurse, genius, reinventing yourself, deep sea fishing, beach
Cover: I really like the covers in this series.
Narrator: Pressley does a great job!
Hogwarts Sorting Hat: He is a Ravenclaw, she is.... hmmmmm, I'm not sure.... Gryffindor???
Themes: Florida panhandle (Pensacola), 2nd chances, nurse, genius, reinventing yourself, deep sea fishing, beach
June 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! I am currently reading this series and so far, this is my favorite.
Can you make changes in your life and become someone new? Do the changes only show on the outside and inside you are still the same person fighting to get out? The plot is based on these thoughts and this book is more than just a romance. It brings to mind being a mature adult, but the negative stains that childhood leaves are always still inside, but you can grow and the stains can fade.
Excellent plot, wonderful characters, beautifully written story!
Can you make changes in your life and become someone new? Do the changes only show on the outside and inside you are still the same person fighting to get out? The plot is based on these thoughts and this book is more than just a romance. It brings to mind being a mature adult, but the negative stains that childhood leaves are always still inside, but you can grow and the stains can fade.
Excellent plot, wonderful characters, beautifully written story!
September 11, 2018
My Musings
Another emotionally charged romance with engaging characters and a unique plot. I really liked the hero and heroine, and they really are perfect for each other. I listened to the audio, and the narrator is great. I can’t wait to read the next one in this great series. Happy reading/listening!
Another emotionally charged romance with engaging characters and a unique plot. I really liked the hero and heroine, and they really are perfect for each other. I listened to the audio, and the narrator is great. I can’t wait to read the next one in this great series. Happy reading/listening!
September 29, 2018
This story kept me guessing. It is interesting how Rosemary's sheltered life gets shook up by an unexpected love. How Sal was being swayed to marry the family chosen bride reminiscent of long ago Italy, but he wants his own life and to make his own decisions. The twists and turns of their love lifes will keep you guessing and hoping they can both get their happily ever afters.
November 25, 2018
Excellent!!
I loved this book! I discovered this author recently and I am so glad. This book did not disappoint! It is cute and steamy and charming as hell. I fell in love with Ryan. He is the Nerd turned sexy hunk. Jess is a woman who's ex husband cheated on her. The romance is well written and I can't wait to read the next book!
I loved this book! I discovered this author recently and I am so glad. This book did not disappoint! It is cute and steamy and charming as hell. I fell in love with Ryan. He is the Nerd turned sexy hunk. Jess is a woman who's ex husband cheated on her. The romance is well written and I can't wait to read the next book!
October 10, 2019
Happy
This made my heart happy. I mean there are definitely thorny bits to the characters (thorny for me) but one of the best parts of reading a book is liking (or accepting) the characters warts and all. I love Jess and I loved the little plot hook toward the end. I’m interested in seeing if it turns out how I suspect. (Also: I once again stayed up Way too late reading this).
This made my heart happy. I mean there are definitely thorny bits to the characters (thorny for me) but one of the best parts of reading a book is liking (or accepting) the characters warts and all. I love Jess and I loved the little plot hook toward the end. I’m interested in seeing if it turns out how I suspect. (Also: I once again stayed up Way too late reading this).
August 31, 2021
You will love the naked hottie on the beach!
This is Perfectly Charming, of A Morning Glory Novel series, written by Liz Talley. I love this series! The close knit group of ladies is set into a tailspin when one of them loses the battle with cancer. This time it’s Jessica’s turn to find her future and her voice. I love how the class nerd has come back as a hottie!
This is Perfectly Charming, of A Morning Glory Novel series, written by Liz Talley. I love this series! The close knit group of ladies is set into a tailspin when one of them loses the battle with cancer. This time it’s Jessica’s turn to find her future and her voice. I love how the class nerd has come back as a hottie!
September 6, 2021
The first of this series was a fun frolic. This 2nd has been a bit more formulatic, but pleasant enough. I'll read #3 and then decide about the last one, which is about who ends up gifted with the bracelet. The charm bracelet is a cute trope. I can see lots of real life copycat opportunities. Decent enough summer reading series.
January 12, 2023
The second book in the series, Jess Culpepper is given the opportunity to follow her dreams courtesy of a recently deceased friend. Cheated on and dumped by her husband she is desperate to leave town and takes a nursing job in Florida. She rents a condo on the water to enjoy her time there. Her adventure begins with new friends and new experiences.
June 6, 2025
3.5 out of 5 stars :)
Had the same charm as Rosemary's story, but felt more like a "finding yourself" than a romance. I felt that Jess and Ryan's internal struggles took more of the spotlight than them as a duo, which I didn't dislike, but left me wanting more of them together. By the end, I was surprised that the story was over. But overall, cute and easy read!
Had the same charm as Rosemary's story, but felt more like a "finding yourself" than a romance. I felt that Jess and Ryan's internal struggles took more of the spotlight than them as a duo, which I didn't dislike, but left me wanting more of them together. By the end, I was surprised that the story was over. But overall, cute and easy read!
December 15, 2016
So I stumbled upon this book on my Kindle Unlimited because I was looking for a book to listen to at work. I am so glad I did. This book had so much. I loved every minute of it.
so Heartwarming
I am totally going to move on to the other books since i didnt get to read the first one
so Heartwarming
I am totally going to move on to the other books since i didnt get to read the first one
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