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Pianos and Promises #1
Christopher and Jaime
Jaime Seger has two goals in life: marry her best friend, the man that owns her heart and soul, and buy her very own grand piano. But Christopher McKay, who has no idea Jaime's been in love with him since she was eleven years old, never gets the memo and marries someone else.
When Christopher's wife dies, Jamie finds herself helping him raise his young daughter. A year later, she is on the other end of a very unlikely proposal, promising everything she thought she ever wanted.
But will Christopher help Jaime finally realize both of her dreams, or will she only be left with broken promises?
When Christopher's wife dies, Jamie finds herself helping him raise his young daughter. A year later, she is on the other end of a very unlikely proposal, promising everything she thought she ever wanted.
But will Christopher help Jaime finally realize both of her dreams, or will she only be left with broken promises?
122 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2016
202 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
62 books1,269 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 24, 2017
3.5 stars for this contemporary romance novella. I liked the unusual premise, and Jennifer Peel's romances are cathartic.
Jaime has loved Christopher since she met him in grade school. They're best friends, but despite one night of kisses in high school, they never were in a relationship. Chris married a high profile corporate attorney, Bianca, who died a few years later, leaving Chris with a 2 year old daughter. Chris convinces Jaime to be Allie's nanny, but after a year of this, and still with an unrequited love for Chris, Jaime's ready to move on with her life, and takes a job in another state. Chris realizes he's going to lose Jaime, and begs her to marry him. Despite her doubts, she agrees. He promises it'll work out.
It doesn't. We jump to two years later, when Jaime's filed for divorce. Chris has been a workaholic, and has broken some promises to Jaime about what they'd be doing with their lives. She doesn't think he really loves her, and now she's done. But when Chris is hit by a car and ends up in the hospital, it's a chance to reevaluate ... for both of them.
I liked the idea of a following a marriage of convenience after the fact, and where the road gets very rough. It's a little bit sappy and predictable, but the romance feels are there. If you like the idea of men realizing they're going to lose what's important and have to scramble to try to keep the woman they love, then this and Peel's The Girl in Seat 24B are a good way to go.
Jaime has loved Christopher since she met him in grade school. They're best friends, but despite one night of kisses in high school, they never were in a relationship. Chris married a high profile corporate attorney, Bianca, who died a few years later, leaving Chris with a 2 year old daughter. Chris convinces Jaime to be Allie's nanny, but after a year of this, and still with an unrequited love for Chris, Jaime's ready to move on with her life, and takes a job in another state. Chris realizes he's going to lose Jaime, and begs her to marry him. Despite her doubts, she agrees. He promises it'll work out.
It doesn't. We jump to two years later, when Jaime's filed for divorce. Chris has been a workaholic, and has broken some promises to Jaime about what they'd be doing with their lives. She doesn't think he really loves her, and now she's done. But when Chris is hit by a car and ends up in the hospital, it's a chance to reevaluate ... for both of them.
I liked the idea of a following a marriage of convenience after the fact, and where the road gets very rough. It's a little bit sappy and predictable, but the romance feels are there. If you like the idea of men realizing they're going to lose what's important and have to scramble to try to keep the woman they love, then this and Peel's The Girl in Seat 24B are a good way to go.
September 1, 2016
Oh my heart, Jennifer really knows how to tug at my heartstrings. I feel such strong emotions every time I read one of her books. She writes characters who are so real, I can feel their pain and celebrate when they triumph.
This is a novella but the characters and story line are fully developed and this book left me feeling completely satisfied. So well done!
I LOVED this one and recommend it to anyone who enjoys good clean romance.
Another great book from author Jennifer Peel, can't wait for the next one.
Content: Clean with a little mild language and innuendo
Source: Digital ARC
This is a novella but the characters and story line are fully developed and this book left me feeling completely satisfied. So well done!
I LOVED this one and recommend it to anyone who enjoys good clean romance.
Another great book from author Jennifer Peel, can't wait for the next one.
Content: Clean with a little mild language and innuendo
Source: Digital ARC
April 8, 2019
4.5 Stars
Jaime and Chris met for the first time in the 6th grade. Even though they were complete opposites, they instantly became the best of friends. Throughout the years Jaime fell in love with Chris and dreamed of a happily ever after with him.
However, life doesn't always work out the way we want it to. Chris ends up marrying someone else, they have an adorable little girl named Allie and then, in an instant, Chris becomes a widower. He is desperate and reaches out to Jaime for help.
Being the best friend that she is, Jaime drops everything and is by his side in a heartbeat. Maybe now Chris will finally open his eyes and see what has been right in front of him all along. But Jaime ultimately realizes that she will never get her happily ever after with Chris and makes the hardest decision of her life. She's moving and taking a job 4 hours away.
Chris is in shock. He can't believe that Jaime is leaving him and Allie. He needs her and is desperate to keep her. But there is only way he can make this happen. He proposes marriage and makes promises he doesn't know if he can keep. Jaime says yes and can't wait to spend her life with her best friend, her soul mate, her other half.
But again, life doesn't always work out the way we want it to. Fast forward 2 years and Jaime is filing for divorce. She can't keep living the way she has been. She deserves better, Allie deserves better. But how can she move forward without Chris? He has been a part of her life for so long and moving on without him feels extremely wrong. What happened to her best friend? Their life wasn't supposed to be filled with broken promises. It was supposed to be filled with love, laughter and happily ever after!
But when tragedy strikes again it will have everyone rethinking their life's choices and they will have to decide, once and for all, which path to choose. Will they choose the path that will lead them to where they were meant to be all along? Or will pianos and broken promises keep them apart forever?
I really enjoyed Pianos and Promises! It's a great start to a new, fun series! But I have to say Jennifer has completely spoiled me! I found myself wanting just a little bit more! I know that this is a novella and that we will see more of Chris and Jaime in Beck's book but I want more right now dang it! Lol. All in all it's a perfect afternoon read. If you are a Jennifer Peel fan then you will definitely enjoy this one!
And of course my review just wouldn't be complete without my casting. What do you think?!
Jaime and Chris met for the first time in the 6th grade. Even though they were complete opposites, they instantly became the best of friends. Throughout the years Jaime fell in love with Chris and dreamed of a happily ever after with him.
However, life doesn't always work out the way we want it to. Chris ends up marrying someone else, they have an adorable little girl named Allie and then, in an instant, Chris becomes a widower. He is desperate and reaches out to Jaime for help.
Being the best friend that she is, Jaime drops everything and is by his side in a heartbeat. Maybe now Chris will finally open his eyes and see what has been right in front of him all along. But Jaime ultimately realizes that she will never get her happily ever after with Chris and makes the hardest decision of her life. She's moving and taking a job 4 hours away.
Chris is in shock. He can't believe that Jaime is leaving him and Allie. He needs her and is desperate to keep her. But there is only way he can make this happen. He proposes marriage and makes promises he doesn't know if he can keep. Jaime says yes and can't wait to spend her life with her best friend, her soul mate, her other half.
But again, life doesn't always work out the way we want it to. Fast forward 2 years and Jaime is filing for divorce. She can't keep living the way she has been. She deserves better, Allie deserves better. But how can she move forward without Chris? He has been a part of her life for so long and moving on without him feels extremely wrong. What happened to her best friend? Their life wasn't supposed to be filled with broken promises. It was supposed to be filled with love, laughter and happily ever after!
But when tragedy strikes again it will have everyone rethinking their life's choices and they will have to decide, once and for all, which path to choose. Will they choose the path that will lead them to where they were meant to be all along? Or will pianos and broken promises keep them apart forever?
I really enjoyed Pianos and Promises! It's a great start to a new, fun series! But I have to say Jennifer has completely spoiled me! I found myself wanting just a little bit more! I know that this is a novella and that we will see more of Chris and Jaime in Beck's book but I want more right now dang it! Lol. All in all it's a perfect afternoon read. If you are a Jennifer Peel fan then you will definitely enjoy this one!
And of course my review just wouldn't be complete without my casting. What do you think?!
September 7, 2016
Jennifer Peel writes the most heart wrenching, hopeful, sweet, frustrating, romantic, and satisfying stories ever! Each book is so full of emotion and each story just gets better and better. This novella is packed full of everything a lover of women's fiction could ever want and it's just so good.
Has anyone had a crush on their best friend? Christopher and Jaime seem so different, yet their friendship has withstood the test of time and after years and years, the chance to be together presents itself in a slightly unconventional way. How can Jaime pass up her dream of being with her one true love?
The thought that kept running through my head while reading this story was, "Choose your love; love your choice." That right there, my friends, is definitely easier said than done, especially if both parties involved aren't completely convinced. I also kept singing Sara Bareilles's song, "I Choose You" in my mind--it's like the theme song to this book.
I honestly can't believe the range of emotions I felt while reading this. It's raw, slightly edgy, and real. And I loved every minute of it. I'm excited to read the rest of this series.
Content: this isn't squeaky clean, but it is technically clean for an adult reader (kissing, talk of marital relations--no details given, some innuendo); mild language.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Has anyone had a crush on their best friend? Christopher and Jaime seem so different, yet their friendship has withstood the test of time and after years and years, the chance to be together presents itself in a slightly unconventional way. How can Jaime pass up her dream of being with her one true love?
The thought that kept running through my head while reading this story was, "Choose your love; love your choice." That right there, my friends, is definitely easier said than done, especially if both parties involved aren't completely convinced. I also kept singing Sara Bareilles's song, "I Choose You" in my mind--it's like the theme song to this book.
I honestly can't believe the range of emotions I felt while reading this. It's raw, slightly edgy, and real. And I loved every minute of it. I'm excited to read the rest of this series.
Content: this isn't squeaky clean, but it is technically clean for an adult reader (kissing, talk of marital relations--no details given, some innuendo); mild language.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 19, 2017
Christopher and Jaime have been BFFs for a long time, they're extremely close and when his wife passes away Jaime steps-up and becomes the nanny for his adorable little girl. The only problem is, Jaime has been in love with Christopher since they were kids and Christopher is completely clueless. When Jaime finally decides she needs to get her own life, Christopher panics and asks her to marry him. She agrees and then we jump ahead about two years later.
I've decided that the whole friends-first storyline is just not for me, combine that with a lot of flashbacks and I just had a hard time connecting to this one. I really wanted Jaime to get away and start over. And maybe, after a lot of groveling and wooing Christopher could win her back. I felt like a majority of the book was either Jaime reminiscing about their past or her learning about Christopher through his journal. It felt like a lot of pining on Jaime's side and Christopher was out of it for the majority of the book.
Overall, it was an interesting story and kept me interested.
Content
Romance: Clean, mild innuendo
Language: None
Violence: None
Series: Piano & Promises, Book One
Similar Reads: Family by Design
I've decided that the whole friends-first storyline is just not for me, combine that with a lot of flashbacks and I just had a hard time connecting to this one. I really wanted Jaime to get away and start over. And maybe, after a lot of groveling and wooing Christopher could win her back. I felt like a majority of the book was either Jaime reminiscing about their past or her learning about Christopher through his journal. It felt like a lot of pining on Jaime's side and Christopher was out of it for the majority of the book.
Overall, it was an interesting story and kept me interested.
Content
Romance: Clean, mild innuendo
Language: None
Violence: None
Series: Piano & Promises, Book One
Similar Reads: Family by Design
December 23, 2021
Best friends. I’m not usually a fan of the best friend trope. The fear of losing the friendship becomes frustrating.
I liked this one because of the heroine, him? Not so much. It takes getting hit by a car to knock some sense into him. He knows she’s the “main character” in his life even with his mistakes and wrong choices. She deserved better, but he steps up.
A 3 star story, the extra one for making me cry.
I liked this one because of the heroine, him? Not so much. It takes getting hit by a car to knock some sense into him. He knows she’s the “main character” in his life even with his mistakes and wrong choices. She deserved better, but he steps up.
A 3 star story, the extra one for making me cry.
December 10, 2016
This is a short romance that I wish had been a little shorter still. Which is a weird thing for me to say because short is usually a killer for me in romance. Peel really does a fantastic job making this romance work, actually, because in addition to short, a lot of the dynamics of the relationship are conveyed through memories and journal entries. Which really shouldn't have worked but it totally did.
My main attachment to the story was Jaime and Allie (Chris' daughter). I just ached for them from the start and really enjoyed their obviously loving relationship. Chris, on the other hand, just exasperated me. Peel is good enough that we get what Jaime sees in him, even as we wonder what the crap happened to make him so useless in the present. This was important because we had to understand why the relationship was so far down that Jaime, who clearly loves him still, is pushing for divorce.
Anyway, this totally works and I enjoyed it. Still, you could cut
That late development in the spoiler dropped this down to 3.5 stars and nearly had me rounding down to three. If the finale hadn't had some seriously good zing to it, I'd certainly have dropped it down. But it did, so rounding to four it is...
My main attachment to the story was Jaime and Allie (Chris' daughter). I just ached for them from the start and really enjoyed their obviously loving relationship. Chris, on the other hand, just exasperated me. Peel is good enough that we get what Jaime sees in him, even as we wonder what the crap happened to make him so useless in the present. This was important because we had to understand why the relationship was so far down that Jaime, who clearly loves him still, is pushing for divorce.
Anyway, this totally works and I enjoyed it. Still, you could cut
That late development in the spoiler dropped this down to 3.5 stars and nearly had me rounding down to three. If the finale hadn't had some seriously good zing to it, I'd certainly have dropped it down. But it did, so rounding to four it is...
February 26, 2017
First off, this didn't feel like a novella! The story arc is so complete that it really felt like a full-length book. I love stories of best friends falling in love, but this had a twist- it was in first person perspective from Jaime's point of view, so we don't really know how Christopher is truly feeling, especially since he's not the best at communication. Jaime's flashbacks to their early relationship provides the reader with answers to why she is in love with someone who seems so flawed. The years and his first marriage have changed Christopher and his values and goals no longer align with Jaime's. With their marriage falling apart due to broken promises and hurt feelings, Jaime is faced with an opportunity to gain insight into Christopher's thoughts. I appreciated that we could finally see what was behind his seemingly selfish actions. I understood why Jaime felt so mistrustful of him, but it was gratifying when he recognized how to show her what his true priorities were. Lots of emotion and angst with just the right amount of romance and chemistry. Loved it!
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
June 7, 2017
Super easy read, which was just what I needed to jumpstart my reading after a brief hiatus. Pure pleasure...sigh. Chris had his issues - that is part of what created conflict in the story - but when he was good to Jaime? Oh, he was sooooooo good. Lots of mooshy - just my speed. 😊❤️😊❤️
Just as a side note, in my opinion this is a totally clean read. But the characters are married, and so there are references to marital intimacies. So just keep that in mind if you don't care for that kind of thing.
Just as a side note, in my opinion this is a totally clean read. But the characters are married, and so there are references to marital intimacies. So just keep that in mind if you don't care for that kind of thing.
September 15, 2016
My heart always does a little happy dance with my brain anytime I get a new book from Jennifer Peel. She is easily one of my favorite authors because she just knows how to write books full of emotion. Her characters are larger than life and fill up the pages and my heart. She is such a gift to my book obsessed world. :)
This is the beginning of a new series of novellas and I have to say that I'm pretty excited about them. I have read the first two and I'm in love. These first two books are very different from each other. This first book is definitely heavier and delves deep into the emotions. My heart was seriously all over the map. All over. Smiling, sighing, cringing, howling, weeping, warming, smiling. I love being taken on an emotional journey with characters.
Like I said, Jennifer Peel just knows how to write a satisfying story in many forms. I love her books. If you haven't read anything by Jennifer, and you love romance, you should go get her books now! :)
Content: mild swearing, innuendo
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the beginning of a new series of novellas and I have to say that I'm pretty excited about them. I have read the first two and I'm in love. These first two books are very different from each other. This first book is definitely heavier and delves deep into the emotions. My heart was seriously all over the map. All over. Smiling, sighing, cringing, howling, weeping, warming, smiling. I love being taken on an emotional journey with characters.
Like I said, Jennifer Peel just knows how to write a satisfying story in many forms. I love her books. If you haven't read anything by Jennifer, and you love romance, you should go get her books now! :)
Content: mild swearing, innuendo
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2017
Christopher and Jaime have been friends for forever. Jaime's always been in love with Christopher but he married someone else. When his wife dies Jaime becomes his little girl's nanny, and when Christopher proposes she accepts. A couple of years later they're on the verge of divorcing when Christopher's in a serious accident.
This is not a lighthearted romance--this is a puts you through the wringer story of a couple deciding whether they're going to stay married and making the changes that are necessary.
This is not a lighthearted romance--this is a puts you through the wringer story of a couple deciding whether they're going to stay married and making the changes that are necessary.
September 21, 2017
Sweet, short story about these characters who grew up with crushes on each other and had life take them into different directions until they are finally thrown back together to see if they still have feelings for each other and if they are compatible. Some parts of the book are heart-breaking and difficult to read, but this book was a great story by Jennifer Peel who seems to knock books out of the park! I'd like to read the next book in the series.
March 16, 2019
** Review: SOON **
NOTE: Unfortunately due to my hectic schedule, I will be unable to make long and detailed reviews like before. However, I will try to do my very best to at least take the time to write something. Brief yet, nonetheless.
NOTE: Unfortunately due to my hectic schedule, I will be unable to make long and detailed reviews like before. However, I will try to do my very best to at least take the time to write something. Brief yet, nonetheless.
September 11, 2016
This is a lovely story of best friends who marry and of the fight to keep their love and friendship through the ups and downs of life. It explores the consequences of not communicating, the heartbreak of neglecting a relationship and the ultimate road to find the strength to change and forgive. There were times I felt Christopher's character needed a deeper understanding and explanation of the hurt he caused, especially concerning the sale of the piano...I actually cried through that one! Overall, this is one of those wonderful stories where one closes the last page, not only satisfied, but touched and uplifted.
September 26, 2017
Heart wrenching story.
August 29, 2016
I was so excited to see a new series by Jennifer Peel, and this does not disappoint! These stories are shorter than her usual books, but packed with emotion - and, of course, great characters!
Jaime has been in love with her best friend Christopher for over 20 years. After his wife Bianca died, she is a nanny for his young daughter until she decides she needs to leave them and move on with her life. Christopher convinces her to marry him instead, but after being married for two years she can't live with unrequited love any more and files for divorce.
We get some flashbacks to understand their history better. After an accident, Jaime finds herself in possession of Christopher's journal and starts to get some insights about him and their relationship. Christopher has to change some things and work to get her back; he needs to prove his love and show her that he is the same Christopher she has been in love with all these years.
I loved Christopher's friend/business associate Beck and can't wait to get his story next...
Rating: 5 stars
Content: Clean (some mild innuendo between an estranged couple and mild swearing)
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
Jaime has been in love with her best friend Christopher for over 20 years. After his wife Bianca died, she is a nanny for his young daughter until she decides she needs to leave them and move on with her life. Christopher convinces her to marry him instead, but after being married for two years she can't live with unrequited love any more and files for divorce.
We get some flashbacks to understand their history better. After an accident, Jaime finds herself in possession of Christopher's journal and starts to get some insights about him and their relationship. Christopher has to change some things and work to get her back; he needs to prove his love and show her that he is the same Christopher she has been in love with all these years.
I loved Christopher's friend/business associate Beck and can't wait to get his story next...
Rating: 5 stars
Content: Clean (some mild innuendo between an estranged couple and mild swearing)
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
September 14, 2016
I loved this book! At 122 pages, it was a faster read, but still felt fully developed. Jamie and Chris have always been best friends, and she's loved him for years. When he does ask her to marry him, it is not because he's realized how perfect she is for him, it's because he needs her to keep taking care of his daughter, and doesn't want to lose her.
If you haven't guessed, that's a pretty rocky foundation for their marriage. I loved Jennifer Peel's approach to this story. I definitely felt tugging on my heartstrings, but she didn't snap them. Jaime was an amazing woman. I loved all of the little things she did to show her love for Chris. And I loved watching Chris fight for what he had previously taken for granted.
I started right in on Beck and Call as soon as I finished this. I can't wait to read more in this series. Keep them coming, Jennifer Peel!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of his book, in exchange for an honest review.
If you haven't guessed, that's a pretty rocky foundation for their marriage. I loved Jennifer Peel's approach to this story. I definitely felt tugging on my heartstrings, but she didn't snap them. Jaime was an amazing woman. I loved all of the little things she did to show her love for Chris. And I loved watching Chris fight for what he had previously taken for granted.
I started right in on Beck and Call as soon as I finished this. I can't wait to read more in this series. Keep them coming, Jennifer Peel!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of his book, in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2016
Jaime has, of course, been in love with Christopher for forever. Unfortunately it doesn't seem that he has noticed and while they are best friends, Jaime decides she has to move away and move on.
Christopher is desperate for Jaime to stay and proposes a marriage of convenience so Jaime will stay and take care of his little girl and keep being his best friend.
Jaime hopes they'll grow together, but Christopher just keeps focusing on work and money and their marriage falls apart. Jaime threatens divorce and this short story is about Christopher figuring out what he wants and how to fix promises he's broken and a second chance to really woo Jaime.
I'm sure this could be rated higher by others but I don't like second chance stories. In addition, with some straightforward conversation from the beginning, they could have had a great marriage from the start instead of having to triage later. Too frustrating for me.
Christopher is desperate for Jaime to stay and proposes a marriage of convenience so Jaime will stay and take care of his little girl and keep being his best friend.
Jaime hopes they'll grow together, but Christopher just keeps focusing on work and money and their marriage falls apart. Jaime threatens divorce and this short story is about Christopher figuring out what he wants and how to fix promises he's broken and a second chance to really woo Jaime.
I'm sure this could be rated higher by others but I don't like second chance stories. In addition, with some straightforward conversation from the beginning, they could have had a great marriage from the start instead of having to triage later. Too frustrating for me.
December 19, 2016
Struggled to finish this book, even considering how short it is.
- telling not showing
- Weak characterization. I couldn't really get a sense of the characters. They were flat little cardboard pieces with a couple of defining characteristics each and that was it. Hero was a douche and a workaholic. Heroine wanted a baby and a piano. Their friend Beck was, uh, British.
- Can I just repeat--the hero was a douche? And shallow as hell. I couldn't forgive the piano shit.
- The heroine was also annoying. Reading through someone's private diary entries and then condemning him for what she finds in there.
- Dragging to the point of boredom. Or maybe it's because I just couldn't dredge up the slightest bit of interest in the characters and after a while my ambivalence turned into violent dislike.
- telling not showing
- Weak characterization. I couldn't really get a sense of the characters. They were flat little cardboard pieces with a couple of defining characteristics each and that was it. Hero was a douche and a workaholic. Heroine wanted a baby and a piano. Their friend Beck was, uh, British.
- Can I just repeat--the hero was a douche? And shallow as hell. I couldn't forgive the piano shit.
- The heroine was also annoying. Reading through someone's private diary entries and then condemning him for what she finds in there.
- Dragging to the point of boredom. Or maybe it's because I just couldn't dredge up the slightest bit of interest in the characters and after a while my ambivalence turned into violent dislike.
November 5, 2016
2.5 stars
Had the hero not been so selfish and taking the heroine for granted, I would have enjoyed the story more. As it turns out, once again the heroine puts her dreams on hold to accommodate the hero until he finally pulls his head out of his arse. And then it's a rush ending and a HEA. One I did believe in, just not that quickly.
But still much better than the last 2 books I read.
I like the angst and relationship drama Ms. Peel writes, but the reconciliation often falls flat and is the thing that lets these books down for me. But I keep holding out hope :)
Had the hero not been so selfish and taking the heroine for granted, I would have enjoyed the story more. As it turns out, once again the heroine puts her dreams on hold to accommodate the hero until he finally pulls his head out of his arse. And then it's a rush ending and a HEA. One I did believe in, just not that quickly.
But still much better than the last 2 books I read.
I like the angst and relationship drama Ms. Peel writes, but the reconciliation often falls flat and is the thing that lets these books down for me. But I keep holding out hope :)
November 11, 2022
Reread 11/22 keeping the rating the same
3.5 stars. I rounded up
3.5 stars. I rounded up
November 9, 2016
This book, well, wow, it just completely sucked me in, tore at my heart, wrapped around it and left me cheering for these two best friends. Christopher and Jaime have been best friends since the moment they met. Sometimes it takes life and experiences and ups and downs to show us what we need(or want/desire-although those all could be synonymous), whether that is right in front of us or something we have to go to great lengths to get.
Jaime and Chris have many of those experiences that takes them years to discover, or admit to, what they have needed and wanted all along. Yet to get to that point, it takes everything they have and coming way too close to losing it all, that finally gives them a wake up call.
Oh my heart. Honestly, it just, oh. Can you tell I'm trying to find words to describe it? I really just loved it. It is an emotional read. You feel the ache that Jaime carries with her and has for years and then you feel joy and hope and such excitement for great things to come, only to be torn apart and left saying "what just happened?" Then you are left reading and dissecting the whole process and the little bits and pieces that added and pulled away from the whole story and relationship of Christopher and Jaime. Who they are, who they were, why they chose what they chose at many different moments in their lives. The consequences of those choices, both the good, the bad, the ugly, the heartbreaking ones, the beautiful, the healing and the ultimate culmination of all choices and consequences.
I have had this on my shelf wanting to read it for quite a while and I kept trying to sneak it in my list of reading books but held off because I didn't know if I was ready for it. I wanted to read it and loved the reviews of friends for it yet lurking underneath I knew it would be an emotional read that I would need to be fully ready for. It was and I was finally ready. I didn't want it to end, I didn't want to be pulled out of the story and I definitely wanted to pick up the next book in the series right away. Unfortunately it will have to wait just a little longer. But I will say that Beck had me laughing throughout this book and I just loved him, he was such a great friend and the perfect support and encouragement that Jaime needed. I cannot wait to read his story in the next book. Yay!
I would say this is a book for a more mature reader due to some of the content. I would say it's a clean read but some of the subject matter I wouldn't recommend for younger readers as it deals with a married couple struggling with their relationship as well as mention of sex. Nothing graphic or degrading but done very tastefully. There were a couple swear words but very mild.
This is labeled as a novella but it did not feel like one at all. I felt like the characters and their situation and backstory and emotions and everything contained within was developed very well leaving you very fulfilled with the overall aspect of the writing, story and characters. I have recently discovered Jennifer Peel and have LOVED every book I've read so far. I have a couple more that I've grabbed of hers that I will be squishing into my reading pile soon...and definitely Beck and Call, the next book in the series.
I downloaded a copy from Amazon.
Happy Reading!!!
Jaime and Chris have many of those experiences that takes them years to discover, or admit to, what they have needed and wanted all along. Yet to get to that point, it takes everything they have and coming way too close to losing it all, that finally gives them a wake up call.
Oh my heart. Honestly, it just, oh. Can you tell I'm trying to find words to describe it? I really just loved it. It is an emotional read. You feel the ache that Jaime carries with her and has for years and then you feel joy and hope and such excitement for great things to come, only to be torn apart and left saying "what just happened?" Then you are left reading and dissecting the whole process and the little bits and pieces that added and pulled away from the whole story and relationship of Christopher and Jaime. Who they are, who they were, why they chose what they chose at many different moments in their lives. The consequences of those choices, both the good, the bad, the ugly, the heartbreaking ones, the beautiful, the healing and the ultimate culmination of all choices and consequences.
I have had this on my shelf wanting to read it for quite a while and I kept trying to sneak it in my list of reading books but held off because I didn't know if I was ready for it. I wanted to read it and loved the reviews of friends for it yet lurking underneath I knew it would be an emotional read that I would need to be fully ready for. It was and I was finally ready. I didn't want it to end, I didn't want to be pulled out of the story and I definitely wanted to pick up the next book in the series right away. Unfortunately it will have to wait just a little longer. But I will say that Beck had me laughing throughout this book and I just loved him, he was such a great friend and the perfect support and encouragement that Jaime needed. I cannot wait to read his story in the next book. Yay!
I would say this is a book for a more mature reader due to some of the content. I would say it's a clean read but some of the subject matter I wouldn't recommend for younger readers as it deals with a married couple struggling with their relationship as well as mention of sex. Nothing graphic or degrading but done very tastefully. There were a couple swear words but very mild.
This is labeled as a novella but it did not feel like one at all. I felt like the characters and their situation and backstory and emotions and everything contained within was developed very well leaving you very fulfilled with the overall aspect of the writing, story and characters. I have recently discovered Jennifer Peel and have LOVED every book I've read so far. I have a couple more that I've grabbed of hers that I will be squishing into my reading pile soon...and definitely Beck and Call, the next book in the series.
I downloaded a copy from Amazon.
Happy Reading!!!
November 10, 2017
Jaime had loved Chris since 6th grade. They became best friends even though they were opposites and, as young girls do, Jaime was sure they would get married. They stayed best friends throughout their lives, staying in touch even when they went away to college.
Jaime was devastated when Chris married someone else. Especially when she didn't like the woman. When Chris' wife died suddenly, he needed help caring for his daughter, Allie, so he called Jaime.
She didn't hesitate to go to him. Jaime still hoped Chris would realize that she was the one he wanted, so this was her chance to make her dreams come true. But she eventually saw that the life she dreamed about was not going to happen so she decided to leave, taking a job 4 hours away.
Chris could not believe she was actually going to leave him and Allie. The only way he could think of getting her to stay was to marry her. Jaime was thrilled and said 'yes' but wondered if he could keep his promises.
It doesn't work out the way Jaime expected. She knew she deserved more than she was getting in the relationship, so 2 years later, Jaime filed for divorce. She wanted a better life for Allie as well as herself and she thought this was the way to get it. But how was she going to live without Chris?
It was nice to read a book that was true to life with relationship problems and not all happy times. There were times that I wanted to shake Jaime and Chris. Jaime spent years in love with a man, who had no idea she loved him and Chris spent years not seeing the good thing he had right in front of him.
I am recommending this bitter-sweet romance and I am looking forward to reading more by Jennifer Peel.
Jaime was devastated when Chris married someone else. Especially when she didn't like the woman. When Chris' wife died suddenly, he needed help caring for his daughter, Allie, so he called Jaime.
She didn't hesitate to go to him. Jaime still hoped Chris would realize that she was the one he wanted, so this was her chance to make her dreams come true. But she eventually saw that the life she dreamed about was not going to happen so she decided to leave, taking a job 4 hours away.
Chris could not believe she was actually going to leave him and Allie. The only way he could think of getting her to stay was to marry her. Jaime was thrilled and said 'yes' but wondered if he could keep his promises.
It doesn't work out the way Jaime expected. She knew she deserved more than she was getting in the relationship, so 2 years later, Jaime filed for divorce. She wanted a better life for Allie as well as herself and she thought this was the way to get it. But how was she going to live without Chris?
It was nice to read a book that was true to life with relationship problems and not all happy times. There were times that I wanted to shake Jaime and Chris. Jaime spent years in love with a man, who had no idea she loved him and Chris spent years not seeing the good thing he had right in front of him.
I am recommending this bitter-sweet romance and I am looking forward to reading more by Jennifer Peel.
April 3, 2020
Not sure what it is about this author, but her writing really sucks me in despite the fact that I rarely like her heroes. Alpha they are not.
I liked this little novella even though it had flashbacks galore. At least in this one the H had a reason for pushing the heroine away, unlike that craptastic asshole in The Girl in Seat 24B.
This guy managed to redeem himself and did some great grovel.
I liked this little novella even though it had flashbacks galore. At least in this one the H had a reason for pushing the heroine away, unlike that craptastic asshole in The Girl in Seat 24B.
This guy managed to redeem himself and did some great grovel.
March 26, 2017
CHRISTOPHER & JAIME was an emotional roller-coaster romance that tugs on the heart from the first page to the last. Recommended to romance readers who are looking for all the feels.
The author did such a good job of writing moments of heartbreak mixed with lighter, sweeter moments, and then others that were more meaningful. I did want the story to move forward more in places and not have as many flashbacks, but I also got why the author shared them. Then there were times I just wanted Jaime to devour Chris' journal or for Chris to figure things out. Definitely lots of different feelings from this story, especially with the romance and with their adorable daughter.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Definitely a story that I enjoyed and plan on reading again.
Content: Mild swearing and some innuendo.
Source: Purchased
This review originally appeared on Wishful Endings.
The author did such a good job of writing moments of heartbreak mixed with lighter, sweeter moments, and then others that were more meaningful. I did want the story to move forward more in places and not have as many flashbacks, but I also got why the author shared them. Then there were times I just wanted Jaime to devour Chris' journal or for Chris to figure things out. Definitely lots of different feelings from this story, especially with the romance and with their adorable daughter.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Definitely a story that I enjoyed and plan on reading again.
Content: Mild swearing and some innuendo.
Source: Purchased
This review originally appeared on Wishful Endings.
July 17, 2018
Book 1 is a little more serious, as Jaime and Christopher find themselves not so very happily ever after and struggling to make a not so very good marriage work.
Jaime realizes she has given up so much to make her dream come true, and Christopher is a little oblivious to the many mistakes he has made.
This was one of those short books that sucked me in from page one, and had me curled on the sofa on a rainy Sunday afternoon turning pages at full speed to find out what would happen to these characters. I was rooting for them to find a way, and felt utter despair when all seemed lost and irreparable. Yet somehow Jennifer has a way of making these things work out in a very realistic, heartfelt way, that had me shedding a few tears, and feeling hope and joy for these two. And naturally I enjoyed a few good laughs along the way.
Jaime realizes she has given up so much to make her dream come true, and Christopher is a little oblivious to the many mistakes he has made.
This was one of those short books that sucked me in from page one, and had me curled on the sofa on a rainy Sunday afternoon turning pages at full speed to find out what would happen to these characters. I was rooting for them to find a way, and felt utter despair when all seemed lost and irreparable. Yet somehow Jennifer has a way of making these things work out in a very realistic, heartfelt way, that had me shedding a few tears, and feeling hope and joy for these two. And naturally I enjoyed a few good laughs along the way.
March 16, 2023
I was really excited to start this story because I usually adore Jennifer Peel's storytelling. The story telling in this story was fine, but the story itself was kind of a letdown. I imagined this story to be a "Hero is still so in love with his dead wife, that he can never love his new wife as much" kind of an angst-fest. It wasn't that kind of story at all. Both the Hero and the heroine pretty much detest the Hero's dead wife. Rightly so, as she was a selfish, arrogant, greedy, manipulator and a cheater. This was more of a "Hero so in love with his job that he can never love his wife (and baby daughter) as much".
There's a lot of spoilers below, definitely stop here if you don't want this story spoiled:
November 22, 2016
The timing of my picking this novella to read couldn't have been more perfect. I needed a good happily ever after kind of story to make my day and that is exactly what this is! I loved Chris and Jamie's story so much. Every relationship has a lot of ups and downs and none are perfect. I love reading about the imperfect ones because it makes things more like reality. I loved this story and I am becoming a huge fan of Jennifer Peel.
September 29, 2018
Disappointing
I know the idea was the couple gets together. But how awful. He never actually cared for her. And she was stupid the whole time. I’m in awe. I’m gonna read the others. But I’m not gonna expect too much
I know the idea was the couple gets together. But how awful. He never actually cared for her. And she was stupid the whole time. I’m in awe. I’m gonna read the others. But I’m not gonna expect too much
September 28, 2016
4+ Stars!
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