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Dating by Design #2
Statistically Improbable
Two professional matchmakers. One fake relationship. He's a playboy. She's a good girl. What could possibly go wrong?
According to Binary Search's matchmaking service, Meg and Zander's odds of ever having a successful relationship are statistically improbable. Meg has run the numbers and knows the probability, but for some reason she can't quit thinking about her coworker, Zander--the self-proclaimed eternal bachelor.
To make matters more interesting, Zander approaches her with an unusual proposition. He's in need of a pretend girlfriend. Meg thinks this could be the answer to get him out of her system, and maybe knock the arrogant man down a few notches in the process. But what she doesn't realize is there is more to this man, something he carefully hides behind his arrogant exterior. And when her feelings begin to be anything but pretend, she knows the odds of getting hurt are more than probable.
Will they let the odds over come them, or will they find that all the reasons they are wrong for each other are exactly what make them a perfect fit?
According to Binary Search's matchmaking service, Meg and Zander's odds of ever having a successful relationship are statistically improbable. Meg has run the numbers and knows the probability, but for some reason she can't quit thinking about her coworker, Zander--the self-proclaimed eternal bachelor.
To make matters more interesting, Zander approaches her with an unusual proposition. He's in need of a pretend girlfriend. Meg thinks this could be the answer to get him out of her system, and maybe knock the arrogant man down a few notches in the process. But what she doesn't realize is there is more to this man, something he carefully hides behind his arrogant exterior. And when her feelings begin to be anything but pretend, she knows the odds of getting hurt are more than probable.
Will they let the odds over come them, or will they find that all the reasons they are wrong for each other are exactly what make them a perfect fit?
252 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 2017
546 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
63 books1,381 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 137 reviews
August 11, 2017
3.5 stars. In another improbable twist, I actually enjoyed this light contemporary romance. After reading (and not liking) the first book in this series, and knowing that this sequel features a playboy love interest, I was leery of Statistically Improbable. But it was a Kindle freebie, and already sitting in my Kindle app. So I read it -- it kept me up way too late the other night.
Meg -- a straight arrow if there ever was one (virginal heroine from Wyoming) -- works for a matchmaking company.
Her co-worker is Zander, an avowed playboy who doesn't have any intention of settling down. And the company's matchmaking algorithms (which she secretly runs on Zander and herself) show that statistically the two of them are miles apart, and the chances for a successful match between them are Not. Good.
But they still play flirting games, and Meg is pretty good at shooting Zander down, partly because she knows he wouldn't be good for her. Because of silly (seriously!) reasons, Zander asks her to be his pretend girlfriend on a few occasions, and they get closer.
It was a light, fun read. I liked their banter, and that the book treated the problem of having a player as a love interest with some degree of realism. It's a real issue in their relationship, and it doesn't go away easily or quickly. It's brain candy, but I enjoyed the ride.
Meg -- a straight arrow if there ever was one (virginal heroine from Wyoming) -- works for a matchmaking company.
Her co-worker is Zander, an avowed playboy who doesn't have any intention of settling down. And the company's matchmaking algorithms (which she secretly runs on Zander and herself) show that statistically the two of them are miles apart, and the chances for a successful match between them are Not. Good.
But they still play flirting games, and Meg is pretty good at shooting Zander down, partly because she knows he wouldn't be good for her. Because of silly (seriously!) reasons, Zander asks her to be his pretend girlfriend on a few occasions, and they get closer.
It was a light, fun read. I liked their banter, and that the book treated the problem of having a player as a love interest with some degree of realism. It's a real issue in their relationship, and it doesn't go away easily or quickly. It's brain candy, but I enjoyed the ride.
September 25, 2018
Update: FREE e-book 9/25/18: https://amzn.to/2N2Bwme
The first book in this series was the first book I read by Jennifer Peel and I was hooked! I've read almost everything she's written now, and was thrilled when she wrote a sequel to His Personal Relationship Manager. Zander was such a fun and charming character in that book, and learning more about his history and motivations in Statistically Improbable was even better. Meg is a strong lead as well, and even though she's crazy attracted to Zander, she gives him a run for his money- which is always gratifying to see for someone who deserves it ;) There is plenty of emotion, drama, and angst, perfectly balanced with witty banter, humor, and romance. Another 5-star rating for one of my favorite contemporary romance authors! Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
The first book in this series was the first book I read by Jennifer Peel and I was hooked! I've read almost everything she's written now, and was thrilled when she wrote a sequel to His Personal Relationship Manager. Zander was such a fun and charming character in that book, and learning more about his history and motivations in Statistically Improbable was even better. Meg is a strong lead as well, and even though she's crazy attracted to Zander, she gives him a run for his money- which is always gratifying to see for someone who deserves it ;) There is plenty of emotion, drama, and angst, perfectly balanced with witty banter, humor, and romance. Another 5-star rating for one of my favorite contemporary romance authors! Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
March 12, 2017
I've been looking forward to reading this ever since I finished His Personal Relationship Manager - a year ago! So of course when I saw this was released this morning I had to drop everything and dive in.
This was an entertaining book! Fun plot, likable characters and swoony romance. I like that this story can stand alone, but it was fun seeing previous characters and I liked how it tied into the first book. We meet Meg in the first book, and I suspected something might happen with her and playboy Zander. She certainly gives him a run for his money! I'm not the biggest fan of the whole "bad boy" or player storyline, but every once in awhile I come across a book that makes me believe the guy truly has changed (those are the books that actually make it to my reformed rake shelf - I have to believe they've changed to make it on there!) I liked both Meg and Zander, I thought they had great chemistry and it was fun to see Meg stand up to him. It was especially fun to see Zander fall for Meg - something he is not used to doing, despite all the many women he dates.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and will definitely read again. Can't wait for the next book.
Content
Romance: Clean - kissing (mild talks of past sexual relationship - and waiting for marriage)
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Series: Dating By Design, Book Two - can stand alone
Source: Kindle Unlimited
This was an entertaining book! Fun plot, likable characters and swoony romance. I like that this story can stand alone, but it was fun seeing previous characters and I liked how it tied into the first book. We meet Meg in the first book, and I suspected something might happen with her and playboy Zander. She certainly gives him a run for his money! I'm not the biggest fan of the whole "bad boy" or player storyline, but every once in awhile I come across a book that makes me believe the guy truly has changed (those are the books that actually make it to my reformed rake shelf - I have to believe they've changed to make it on there!) I liked both Meg and Zander, I thought they had great chemistry and it was fun to see Meg stand up to him. It was especially fun to see Zander fall for Meg - something he is not used to doing, despite all the many women he dates.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and will definitely read again. Can't wait for the next book.
Content
Romance: Clean - kissing (mild talks of past sexual relationship - and waiting for marriage)
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Series: Dating By Design, Book Two - can stand alone
Source: Kindle Unlimited
March 29, 2024
Statistically Improbable. That's what the Binary Search says. But against all the scientific evidence, Meg still finds herself drawn to Zander. She doesn't know what it is but she just can't resist his pull. Maybe it's his charm or his gorgeous face or just him. But whatever it is has her going to goo whenever he's around.
So when Zander asks Meg to be his fake girlfriend to keep the unwanted women away, she has to stop herself from instantly saying yes! Guys like him don't fall for girls like her. She has to keep her heart safe. But this is a chance to prove science wrong. It's also the perfect chance to bring the King of Arrogance down a notch or two. Zander won't know what hit him... ;)
On the outside Zander is the eternal bachelor, the center of attention, the best friend.. pretty much anything anyone needs him to be. He's got to be in order to keep his secrets locked up tight. He's always been good at hiding the real him. There have been very few people who have ever been able to see past his facade. So when the feisty, sassy, beautiful Meg adds herself to that list, it scares the crap out of him and he does his best to keep her at bay.
But with all the chemistry and fireworks between these two, it proves statistically improbable to fight against the inevitable. These two bring out the worst and the best in each other. This is all new territory for the both of them. Zander is bound to make mistakes and say the wrong things, but he will not waste a second to make things right between them. It may take some time, but Meg will prove to Zander that if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's them.
*dreamy sigh* I absolutely LOVED this book! I have wondered about Zander ever since we first saw him in His Personal Relationship Manager. Some people loved him, other people didn't. But if you really paid attention to him, you would have realized that there was more than meets the eye. What he was on the outside, was not who he is on the inside. He's a diamond in the rough. And it took just the right woman to make him shine. And Meg was that woman. These two were absolutely perfect for each other! <3
I know I say this all the time but I swear Ms. Peel's book just keep getting better and better! Just when I think I have found my favorite, she releases a new book and I end up changing my mind. I think I have finally come to the conclusion that I will never have just one favorite book of hers. It's impossible! I seriously cannot choose! Do NOT make me choose! Haha.
And this casting! *dreamy sigh* I don't care what anyone thinks... these two are perfect in my opinion! ;)
So when Zander asks Meg to be his fake girlfriend to keep the unwanted women away, she has to stop herself from instantly saying yes! Guys like him don't fall for girls like her. She has to keep her heart safe. But this is a chance to prove science wrong. It's also the perfect chance to bring the King of Arrogance down a notch or two. Zander won't know what hit him... ;)
On the outside Zander is the eternal bachelor, the center of attention, the best friend.. pretty much anything anyone needs him to be. He's got to be in order to keep his secrets locked up tight. He's always been good at hiding the real him. There have been very few people who have ever been able to see past his facade. So when the feisty, sassy, beautiful Meg adds herself to that list, it scares the crap out of him and he does his best to keep her at bay.
But with all the chemistry and fireworks between these two, it proves statistically improbable to fight against the inevitable. These two bring out the worst and the best in each other. This is all new territory for the both of them. Zander is bound to make mistakes and say the wrong things, but he will not waste a second to make things right between them. It may take some time, but Meg will prove to Zander that if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's them.
*dreamy sigh* I absolutely LOVED this book! I have wondered about Zander ever since we first saw him in His Personal Relationship Manager. Some people loved him, other people didn't. But if you really paid attention to him, you would have realized that there was more than meets the eye. What he was on the outside, was not who he is on the inside. He's a diamond in the rough. And it took just the right woman to make him shine. And Meg was that woman. These two were absolutely perfect for each other! <3
I know I say this all the time but I swear Ms. Peel's book just keep getting better and better! Just when I think I have found my favorite, she releases a new book and I end up changing my mind. I think I have finally come to the conclusion that I will never have just one favorite book of hers. It's impossible! I seriously cannot choose! Do NOT make me choose! Haha.
And this casting! *dreamy sigh* I don't care what anyone thinks... these two are perfect in my opinion! ;)
March 11, 2017
What do you do when you're attracted to someone who is your total opposite? Meg knows what she wants and won't settle for less. Having grown up on a ranch and now living in Georgia, she can hold her own, dish out her own sass, and wants to be respected. When her co-worker, Zander, needs a fake girlfriend to ward off the undesirables, he deems Meg worthy of the job. Who in her right mind can resist him?! Although he's a big-time player and their dating business does not give them a very good chance of compatibility, his charm oozes through his brash, jokester personality and he hooks her. There's something about him...if I were single and years younger, I don't think I could resist him either.
I know I say this all the time, but I swear, this one is my favorite of Peel's books! She writes this story in a way that makes a reader want to drop every responsibility in life to devour these pages without stopping, so make sure to set aside a good amount of time to immerse yourself into this book because you won't want to put it down.
I love these characters! These are the kind of people I want to be friends with and interact with--they're real. From sweet and sassy, to outrageous (the Nans...oh, how they make me laugh), to brotherly pranks/love, to catty women, to charming and superficial, this book is full of great characters and situations that I just couldn't get enough of. I also loved, loved, loved the swoony, sizzling chemistry. When a story makes your toes tingle, your stomach flutter, and your heart explode with fireworks, it's well-written and that's exactly what I experienced with this one. The anticipation and attraction of the romance was built up throughout the course of the book, causing me to nearly swoon. It's not quick and it's not easy, but there's so much growth and love to be discovered, and it's totally worth the wait. I just can't gush enough--this is seriously what dreams are made of.
Content: mild innuendo, mild and swoony romance (kissing), talk of sex (waiting for marriage); mild language (a handful of "h" words).
*I received an ARC and read it voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not affected by this in any way.*
I know I say this all the time, but I swear, this one is my favorite of Peel's books! She writes this story in a way that makes a reader want to drop every responsibility in life to devour these pages without stopping, so make sure to set aside a good amount of time to immerse yourself into this book because you won't want to put it down.
I love these characters! These are the kind of people I want to be friends with and interact with--they're real. From sweet and sassy, to outrageous (the Nans...oh, how they make me laugh), to brotherly pranks/love, to catty women, to charming and superficial, this book is full of great characters and situations that I just couldn't get enough of. I also loved, loved, loved the swoony, sizzling chemistry. When a story makes your toes tingle, your stomach flutter, and your heart explode with fireworks, it's well-written and that's exactly what I experienced with this one. The anticipation and attraction of the romance was built up throughout the course of the book, causing me to nearly swoon. It's not quick and it's not easy, but there's so much growth and love to be discovered, and it's totally worth the wait. I just can't gush enough--this is seriously what dreams are made of.
Content: mild innuendo, mild and swoony romance (kissing), talk of sex (waiting for marriage); mild language (a handful of "h" words).
*I received an ARC and read it voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not affected by this in any way.*
March 15, 2017
Ugh. I just finished this book and I was so wrapped up in it and now all I can think is I WANT MORE! I feel like throwing a toddler tantrum. MORE, MORE, MORE! WAAAAH! Is that inappropriate? Hum. I just loved this book so much. I wasn't ready for it to end. I may have a slight addiction to Zander. I NEED more. Oh. See? Now that I know it's an addiction and I've admitted it, it's progressed from a want to a need. Oh gee. I may need an intervention. Or more Zander. Either way.
If you haven't read the first book in this series, you should really start there. Zander plays a large role in that book and it sets the stage for this book. Plus, the first book is awesome as well. You simply cannot go wrong reading anything by Jennifer Peel. She is at the top of my most favorite authors.
This book will bring out all kinds of emotions but mostly swoony ones. Ha. What? Zander addiction, remember?! He is an ego maniac. But so sweet. He will drive you nuts but then make your heart melt. Poor Meg is on an emotional roller coaster. I'm right there with you Meg. And that is what makes Jennifer Peel so great. She pulls you in so that you feel like you are right there and part of her books. You smile, you growl in frustration, you laugh, you feel the pull of attraction. It's fantastic.
I wish I had time to go back and read this book again. I really want to. Sigh.
Content: Clean. Some kissing.
- I received a copy of this book free. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
If you haven't read the first book in this series, you should really start there. Zander plays a large role in that book and it sets the stage for this book. Plus, the first book is awesome as well. You simply cannot go wrong reading anything by Jennifer Peel. She is at the top of my most favorite authors.
This book will bring out all kinds of emotions but mostly swoony ones. Ha. What? Zander addiction, remember?! He is an ego maniac. But so sweet. He will drive you nuts but then make your heart melt. Poor Meg is on an emotional roller coaster. I'm right there with you Meg. And that is what makes Jennifer Peel so great. She pulls you in so that you feel like you are right there and part of her books. You smile, you growl in frustration, you laugh, you feel the pull of attraction. It's fantastic.
I wish I had time to go back and read this book again. I really want to. Sigh.
Content: Clean. Some kissing.
- I received a copy of this book free. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
October 9, 2017
This is second in a series and you're safe skipping the first, I think. I did. Or most of it, at any rate. Indeed, I highly recommend skipping the first, frankly.
I put down the first in large part because of Zander. I'm not exactly sure why I picked this one up after that debacle, but one or two reviews indicated that this one is better and they aren't wrong. Zander isn't any better, I don't think. He's still an arrogant jerk and he still treats women like disposable napkins. But at least Meg calls him on it and doesn't let him get away with being the dirtbag he clearly aspires to become. So it turns out that my problems with him in the first are at least in part that nobody calls him on his bad behavior.
Anyway, my enjoyment is clearly all about Meg. Possibly because she is awesome. I like that she's clear-eyed about Zander. And that she has clear lines and rules and that she doesn't let him push her around. I don't get her attraction to the idiot, but I let that slide so I could hang with her a while. Like you do with friends.
So this is a solid three-star read, almost entirely on Meg's account. Zander is the primary drawback, but so is Meg's unaccountable desire for him and the abrupt ending. At least she sets the terms and he humanizes enough that I can believe she has a solid shot at the HEA.
A note about Chaste: At least part of the plot revolves around Meg's requirement for commitment before sex. And yes, that means she's a virgin and unapologetic about it. And no, this isn't a "missing faith" issue because there's enough church going that you can believe that's part of the cause if you like. It's stated as a personal belief and Meg is so firm about her intentions that I believed she meant it and was glad to see that Zander did as well. Indeed, the biggest part of the evidence that he's humanizing is that he accepts that about her and never pushes her about it. There are some lovely kisses, but they aren't overdone and felt very appropriate to the story.
I put down the first in large part because of Zander. I'm not exactly sure why I picked this one up after that debacle, but one or two reviews indicated that this one is better and they aren't wrong. Zander isn't any better, I don't think. He's still an arrogant jerk and he still treats women like disposable napkins. But at least Meg calls him on it and doesn't let him get away with being the dirtbag he clearly aspires to become. So it turns out that my problems with him in the first are at least in part that nobody calls him on his bad behavior.
Anyway, my enjoyment is clearly all about Meg. Possibly because she is awesome. I like that she's clear-eyed about Zander. And that she has clear lines and rules and that she doesn't let him push her around. I don't get her attraction to the idiot, but I let that slide so I could hang with her a while. Like you do with friends.
So this is a solid three-star read, almost entirely on Meg's account. Zander is the primary drawback, but so is Meg's unaccountable desire for him and the abrupt ending. At least she sets the terms and he humanizes enough that I can believe she has a solid shot at the HEA.
A note about Chaste: At least part of the plot revolves around Meg's requirement for commitment before sex. And yes, that means she's a virgin and unapologetic about it. And no, this isn't a "missing faith" issue because there's enough church going that you can believe that's part of the cause if you like. It's stated as a personal belief and Meg is so firm about her intentions that I believed she meant it and was glad to see that Zander did as well. Indeed, the biggest part of the evidence that he's humanizing is that he accepts that about her and never pushes her about it. There are some lovely kisses, but they aren't overdone and felt very appropriate to the story.
March 14, 2017
WOW!! This is my new favorite! Jennifer Peel just keeps getting better and better! Loved this one.
Content: Clean (mild language)
Content: Clean (mild language)
March 31, 2024
2024 review:
I didn't realize it had been 6.5 years since I'd read this book but my love for the characters came back quickly. I think I loved Mrs. Marshall even more for the way she treated Meg and was so straightforward with Zander about his actions.
I really liked the narrator for this book. I'm from the deep south and didn't think the southern accents were overdone as the book takes place in Atlanta.
Original review:
Of course opposites can fall in love, but can they make it work? Meg and Zander are about to find out. All the main characters from His Personal Relationship Manager are in this one and it picks up just a few months after the previous book ends, but you don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one.
Oh Zander, the full of himself, southern boy with a heart of gold needs a new fake girlfriend since Kenadie (his boss, best friend and former fake girlfriend) is getting married. Meg has been promoted from receptionist to relationship manager at Binary Search and Zander wants her to be his fake girlfriend. Meg is kind of already in love with the confirmed bachelor and has read his profile enough to know they're complete opposites, so when she secretly runs their profiles through the company's matchmaking program and they come up with a score of only 23%--statistically improbable, she thinks she can handle fake dating Zander. She soon finds out she was wrong and falls for Zander's charm.
Meg is from a small town out west whose daddy wants a better life for her than that of a rancher's wife. She's working and going to school online to finish her degree. She holds to her standards, and stands up for herself with Zander which is great. I think that makes him think, at least a little, about what he says and how he acts around her.
Zander is well, Zander. He acts like he has what he wants because what he really wants scares the heck out of him. His parents' strange marriage dynamic and those of a couple of his siblings have him thinking he would probably screw it up if he got married.
I loved most of the characters in this book. I'd love to be friends with them, although Zander would probably drive me crazy and the "Nanettes" would embarrass me. Kenadie's mom, Mrs. Marshall is the best and has the best lines such as "Honey, if I left town every time I made a fool of myself, I'd be gone more than at home." Lol. Meg lost her mom as a teenager so Mrs. Marshall becomes like a second mother to her, which I could relate to since my mom died right after I turned 18 yrs old. I didn't care for Cara or Eva even before the big scene at the bridal shower, they struck me as those nice to your face but will talk about you behind your back coworkers we can all do without. Meg's brother's antics were too juvenile for me, but I didn't grow up with brothers so maybe that's par for the course.
I was afraid chapter 30 was the end of the book and was going to scream, but then Jennifer Peel rescued me by including an Epilogue. I can't wait to read the next book in the Dating by Design series. From the sneak peak at the end of Statistically Improbable my guess is Meg is pregnant. Can you imagine Zander as a dad? Hold on to your seat.
I didn't realize it had been 6.5 years since I'd read this book but my love for the characters came back quickly. I think I loved Mrs. Marshall even more for the way she treated Meg and was so straightforward with Zander about his actions.
I really liked the narrator for this book. I'm from the deep south and didn't think the southern accents were overdone as the book takes place in Atlanta.
Original review:
Of course opposites can fall in love, but can they make it work? Meg and Zander are about to find out. All the main characters from His Personal Relationship Manager are in this one and it picks up just a few months after the previous book ends, but you don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one.
Oh Zander, the full of himself, southern boy with a heart of gold needs a new fake girlfriend since Kenadie (his boss, best friend and former fake girlfriend) is getting married. Meg has been promoted from receptionist to relationship manager at Binary Search and Zander wants her to be his fake girlfriend. Meg is kind of already in love with the confirmed bachelor and has read his profile enough to know they're complete opposites, so when she secretly runs their profiles through the company's matchmaking program and they come up with a score of only 23%--statistically improbable, she thinks she can handle fake dating Zander. She soon finds out she was wrong and falls for Zander's charm.
Meg is from a small town out west whose daddy wants a better life for her than that of a rancher's wife. She's working and going to school online to finish her degree. She holds to her standards, and stands up for herself with Zander which is great. I think that makes him think, at least a little, about what he says and how he acts around her.
Zander is well, Zander. He acts like he has what he wants because what he really wants scares the heck out of him. His parents' strange marriage dynamic and those of a couple of his siblings have him thinking he would probably screw it up if he got married.
I loved most of the characters in this book. I'd love to be friends with them, although Zander would probably drive me crazy and the "Nanettes" would embarrass me. Kenadie's mom, Mrs. Marshall is the best and has the best lines such as "Honey, if I left town every time I made a fool of myself, I'd be gone more than at home." Lol. Meg lost her mom as a teenager so Mrs. Marshall becomes like a second mother to her, which I could relate to since my mom died right after I turned 18 yrs old. I didn't care for Cara or Eva even before the big scene at the bridal shower, they struck me as those nice to your face but will talk about you behind your back coworkers we can all do without. Meg's brother's antics were too juvenile for me, but I didn't grow up with brothers so maybe that's par for the course.
I was afraid chapter 30 was the end of the book and was going to scream, but then Jennifer Peel rescued me by including an Epilogue. I can't wait to read the next book in the Dating by Design series. From the sneak peak at the end of Statistically Improbable my guess is Meg is pregnant. Can you imagine Zander as a dad? Hold on to your seat.
September 11, 2017
I always enjoy Jennifer Peel's books. This one had me hooked from page one. I really enjoyed Zander in book one and he didn't disappoint in this one. Lots of swoony moments, and smoldering looks. Good stuff. Can't wait to read book 3
Moral Note: Mild talk of past relationships/sex, waiting until marriage. His mom was quite the character - drunk at some points, and talk of bras/getting her girls into one, etc. Passionate kisses, and a handful of mild language (heck)
Moral Note: Mild talk of past relationships/sex, waiting until marriage. His mom was quite the character - drunk at some points, and talk of bras/getting her girls into one, etc. Passionate kisses, and a handful of mild language (heck)
March 11, 2017
I should have known better. Last night, I started reading Statistically Improbable at about 11 PM. I kept reading just one more page, which turned into one more chapter, at the end of which, I still couldn't stop. Two hours later, I had to pry my eyes away from my Kindle app, because I knew that I should get some sleep. It was a really hard battle!
Statistically Improbable is the second book in the Dating by Design series. It doesn't have to be read in order. Whatever order you read it in, you won't want to miss the first book, His Personal Relationship Manager. Two of my favorite things about the first book were Kenedie's mother and her friends, the Nanettes, and Kenedie's best friend, Zander. The Nanette's are a hoot. They tell it like it is, and aren't afraid to tell you that your butt looks good! I was glad to see that they were still shaking things up in this story!
Zander is Kenadie's best friend in the first book. He is a bit of a player. He calls women darlin' and can charm just about everyone. He was constantly making me laugh. I am glad that he got to take center stage in this book. I couldn't get enough of his humor and confidence (or as Meg would say, arrogance).
In this story, Zander approaches his coworker, Meg Dawson, and asks her if she'll be his fake girlfriend. She doesn't plan on saying yes, but Zander isn't taking no for an answer. She's also had a bit of a crush on him.
Meg was an awesome character! She was spunky. Zander affected her, but she wasn't going to fall all over him like other women. When he told her that he never had to kiss a woman, they always kissed him first, she decided to make him be the one to kiss her. Spunk! I loved watching this play out.
There was great chemistry between these two! The romance sizzled off of the page before Zander and Meg even started kissing.
Jennifer Peel is one of the best authors for clean romance! She writes characters who feel real. She's made me laugh and cry on numerous occasions. This book was laughing. Often.
If you like clean romances with a healthy dose of humor, this is the book for you!
Statistically Improbable is the second book in the Dating by Design series. It doesn't have to be read in order. Whatever order you read it in, you won't want to miss the first book, His Personal Relationship Manager. Two of my favorite things about the first book were Kenedie's mother and her friends, the Nanettes, and Kenedie's best friend, Zander. The Nanette's are a hoot. They tell it like it is, and aren't afraid to tell you that your butt looks good! I was glad to see that they were still shaking things up in this story!
Zander is Kenadie's best friend in the first book. He is a bit of a player. He calls women darlin' and can charm just about everyone. He was constantly making me laugh. I am glad that he got to take center stage in this book. I couldn't get enough of his humor and confidence (or as Meg would say, arrogance).
In this story, Zander approaches his coworker, Meg Dawson, and asks her if she'll be his fake girlfriend. She doesn't plan on saying yes, but Zander isn't taking no for an answer. She's also had a bit of a crush on him.
Meg was an awesome character! She was spunky. Zander affected her, but she wasn't going to fall all over him like other women. When he told her that he never had to kiss a woman, they always kissed him first, she decided to make him be the one to kiss her. Spunk! I loved watching this play out.
There was great chemistry between these two! The romance sizzled off of the page before Zander and Meg even started kissing.
Jennifer Peel is one of the best authors for clean romance! She writes characters who feel real. She's made me laugh and cry on numerous occasions. This book was laughing. Often.
If you like clean romances with a healthy dose of humor, this is the book for you!
March 11, 2017
I really loved Meg! I love how she held her own against Zander and stayed true to who she was... Zander definitely found his match! I can't wait to read Kate's story -- and to continue Zander's and Meg's in the next book! And those Nanettes are still a force to be reckoned with!
June 14, 2017
A Fantastic Story!
This sequel in the dating by design series was so good!! After getting to know the characters from the first book, I was dying to know Zander's story. It did not disappoint!
From reading the first book we get to know Zander really well- a flirt and a playboy who is very cocky and self-assured, but has a heart of gold underneath it all. I loved watching him through the eyes of Meg in this story! She herself is confident and a really likeable heroine.
From the beginning she recognizes her attraction to him, but also knows their relationship is "statistically improbable". She has spunk and easily matches Zander for wit and flirting but she also has such a wonderful inner strength and goodness that attracts Zander more and more.
Sigh!! I just loved watching their romance develop and seeing the changes that came about because of it. I also LOVED seeing other characters from the previous book, especially Kenadie and Jason.
I loved reading about him and Meg and can't wait for the next book!!!! I'm hoping we'll get to see some more of them in this next sequel, through the eyes of Kate 💕
This sequel in the dating by design series was so good!! After getting to know the characters from the first book, I was dying to know Zander's story. It did not disappoint!
From reading the first book we get to know Zander really well- a flirt and a playboy who is very cocky and self-assured, but has a heart of gold underneath it all. I loved watching him through the eyes of Meg in this story! She herself is confident and a really likeable heroine.
From the beginning she recognizes her attraction to him, but also knows their relationship is "statistically improbable". She has spunk and easily matches Zander for wit and flirting but she also has such a wonderful inner strength and goodness that attracts Zander more and more.
Sigh!! I just loved watching their romance develop and seeing the changes that came about because of it. I also LOVED seeing other characters from the previous book, especially Kenadie and Jason.
I loved reading about him and Meg and can't wait for the next book!!!! I'm hoping we'll get to see some more of them in this next sequel, through the eyes of Kate 💕
January 31, 2022
This was fun and I flew through it. I had a lot of logic issues with it, but also didn't care? I have mixed feelings about it, but all in all, it was cute and fun and I'm so glad I read it 💕
Want to read
September 26, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (9/26/18)!💝
Blurb:
Two professional matchmakers. One fake relationship. He's a playboy. She's a good girl. What could possibly go wrong?
According to Binary Search's matchmaking service, Meg and Zander's odds of ever having a successful relationship are statistically improbable. Meg has run the numbers and knows the probability, but for some reason she can't quit thinking about her coworker, Zander--the self-proclaimed eternal bachelor.
To make matters more interesting, Zander approaches her with an unusual proposition. He's in need of a pretend girlfriend. Meg thinks this could be the answer to get him out of her system, and maybe knock the arrogant man down a few notches in the process. But what she doesn't realize is there is more to this man, something he carefully hides behind his arrogant exterior. And when her feelings begin to be anything but pretend, she knows the odds of getting hurt are more than probable.
Will they let the odds over come them, or will they find that all the reasons they are wrong for each other are exactly what make them a perfect fit?
Blurb:
Two professional matchmakers. One fake relationship. He's a playboy. She's a good girl. What could possibly go wrong?
According to Binary Search's matchmaking service, Meg and Zander's odds of ever having a successful relationship are statistically improbable. Meg has run the numbers and knows the probability, but for some reason she can't quit thinking about her coworker, Zander--the self-proclaimed eternal bachelor.
To make matters more interesting, Zander approaches her with an unusual proposition. He's in need of a pretend girlfriend. Meg thinks this could be the answer to get him out of her system, and maybe knock the arrogant man down a few notches in the process. But what she doesn't realize is there is more to this man, something he carefully hides behind his arrogant exterior. And when her feelings begin to be anything but pretend, she knows the odds of getting hurt are more than probable.
Will they let the odds over come them, or will they find that all the reasons they are wrong for each other are exactly what make them a perfect fit?
June 7, 2024
I loved this story, I actually liked it better than the first book. I liked that Meg complimented Zanders personality and they worked today. The first book with Kenadie took so much convincing and it dragged on forever, she was so oblivious but with Meg and Zander they both knew something was going on but Zander was too stubborn due to family history and what his parents went through and Meg was trying to be cautious knowing his history with woman. But I loved the ending and it was super sweet.. I love knowing there is a 3rd book that will give me a glimpse into Meg and Zander and Jason and Kenadie lives. I enjoy and appreciate the romantic gestures and willingness to learn from each other as a couple too.
March 11, 2017
Yall, I knew I would like Statistically Improbable because, c'mon it's Jennifer Peel, but still, I was unprepared. This might be her best yet.
Meg is feisty, no nonsense, but with a heart of gold. She might be my favorite JP heroine, next to Charlee from Trouble in Loveland.
And Zander is...Zander. He cracked me up in book 1 of the series. I loved his smirk, arrogance, and unsurety when it came to Meg.
I could cheerfully reread this book over, which I'm sure will happen. Because arrogant Zander definitely meets his match in witty retorted Meg. I laughed out loud, shed a few tears, and sighed happily.
Can't wait for book 3!
Meg is feisty, no nonsense, but with a heart of gold. She might be my favorite JP heroine, next to Charlee from Trouble in Loveland.
And Zander is...Zander. He cracked me up in book 1 of the series. I loved his smirk, arrogance, and unsurety when it came to Meg.
I could cheerfully reread this book over, which I'm sure will happen. Because arrogant Zander definitely meets his match in witty retorted Meg. I laughed out loud, shed a few tears, and sighed happily.
Can't wait for book 3!
May 9, 2018
So fun!
March 19, 2017
This delightful romance has superb characters I grew to love. Zander is Kenady’s best friend from book 1 in this series, and he’s quite the likable jerk. In this story, Meg, a coworker, discovers more of the man he hides beneath his jerky womanizer exterior, and she has fallen fast for that man. But she’s already run their numbers on the dating site and knows they are statistically improbable…but her heart doesn’t seem to care. I really loved this one. It’s gobble-it-up-in-one-day good. Peel did a great job of making someone who was consistently referred to as a butthead and swine in the last book become someone you could cheer for in this one. Super delicious read, as all Peel’s books have been.
June 11, 2017
I loved it! I am such a sucker for these kind of love stories! They are my favorite! Fast, fun, hot, romantic, and oh so yummy! Clean on top of it all! Give me more!
March 16, 2017
4+ Stars
March 7, 2017
Make sure you have plenty of time to read this book, because once you start reading, you won't be able to stop. Meg is a no nonsense woman, and doesn't let much get past her. Meg knows that Zander is not her "type" but she can't see anyone but him. Zander is determined to keep Meg at a distance, even while she is pretending to be his girlfriend. He only wants her to look good on his arm. I can't begin to tell you how much I love Nan and her meddling ways. What a fun quick read, loved it.
August 22, 2022
Statistically Improbable
The King of Arrogance Meets His Match
"The King of Arrogance". I had to agree with Meg's assessment and nickname for Zander. I think I would have have slapped his face more than once if I'd had to be with a man like that. But Meg sure can hold her own and she doesn't bat an eye at all of Zander's outrageous comments. She grew up on a ranch with brothers that were risk-takers and she's used to their antics, so not much phases her. She's attracted to Zander and wouldn't mind making a love match but she won't lower her standards, nor will she let him treat her less than she's worth. Zander is just looking for some arm candy, someone to ward off women. He thinks Meg will fit the bill. He certainly has met his match in Meg - even though they are statistically improbable to find a love match in each other, she might be just what Zander needs...
-"...After all, we were statistically improbable, so it wouldn’t be like anyone would get hurt. He would be getting a taste of his own medicine and I would get him out of my system. It sounded like a good plan."-
Annoying as he was, I have to admit Zander sounded totally sexy and I probably would've been attracted to him too. The two of them had sizzling hot chemistry.
Jennifer Peel is one of my favourite authors. With this book, she is continuing the trend she began of producing excellent stories that are very hard to put down. As always, the characters are engaging, the pace is fast, the romance is hot, and the stories are fun and humorous. As with all of her books, this is a clean romance. It is a stand-alone novel but it is part of a series which is best read in chronological order. I can't wait to read Kate's story in the next instalment of the series. This is an excellent piece of work and is most worthy of a 5-star rating. I highly recommend it.
The King of Arrogance Meets His Match
"The King of Arrogance". I had to agree with Meg's assessment and nickname for Zander. I think I would have have slapped his face more than once if I'd had to be with a man like that. But Meg sure can hold her own and she doesn't bat an eye at all of Zander's outrageous comments. She grew up on a ranch with brothers that were risk-takers and she's used to their antics, so not much phases her. She's attracted to Zander and wouldn't mind making a love match but she won't lower her standards, nor will she let him treat her less than she's worth. Zander is just looking for some arm candy, someone to ward off women. He thinks Meg will fit the bill. He certainly has met his match in Meg - even though they are statistically improbable to find a love match in each other, she might be just what Zander needs...
-"...After all, we were statistically improbable, so it wouldn’t be like anyone would get hurt. He would be getting a taste of his own medicine and I would get him out of my system. It sounded like a good plan."-
Annoying as he was, I have to admit Zander sounded totally sexy and I probably would've been attracted to him too. The two of them had sizzling hot chemistry.
Jennifer Peel is one of my favourite authors. With this book, she is continuing the trend she began of producing excellent stories that are very hard to put down. As always, the characters are engaging, the pace is fast, the romance is hot, and the stories are fun and humorous. As with all of her books, this is a clean romance. It is a stand-alone novel but it is part of a series which is best read in chronological order. I can't wait to read Kate's story in the next instalment of the series. This is an excellent piece of work and is most worthy of a 5-star rating. I highly recommend it.
September 5, 2017
I really enjoy the way this author writes! She writes great characters with chemistry, I love her plots and I love the love stories between her characters, she's pretty much got it all.
This one is great! I really loved Meg. I love the way she's doing her best at her job, she runs numbers of whether couples are compatible all day every day. It's no surprise that she's run her own with her crush Zander, a co-worker no less. I loved the way that she knows there is no way they could ever work, but that doesn't stop her from dreaming that they could. So when Zander asks her to be his fake girlfriend, she's thrilled but a little hesitant. I love the way she's constantly putting Zander in his place, she won't put up with even a little of his garbage, and she's one of the few women that are that way for him.
I liked Zander too. This one is all from Meg's point of view, so you see how she sees things. The way she sees things is that Zander is a bad boy playboy, but I'm not sure that's exactly accurate. I really loved the way he went way out of his way for her when she went home for Christmas. He really went through some crazy stuff for her. But I can't say that I liked him through the whole book. There were plenty of times that he seemed like he was a jerk.
There was some interesting relationship stuff going on with Meg's family. Her dad pretty much insisted she leave Wyoming and never come back, not because he doesn't care for her, quite the opposite actually. But I found the parts where she was around her family interesting because they were rare. I love that she found a "new family" in Georgia. It was so fun seeing Meg's boss, Kennadie's, family again. I loved them in His Personal Relationship Manager, and I was excited to see them again in this one!
I loved this romance, I didn't want to put it down!
This one is great! I really loved Meg. I love the way she's doing her best at her job, she runs numbers of whether couples are compatible all day every day. It's no surprise that she's run her own with her crush Zander, a co-worker no less. I loved the way that she knows there is no way they could ever work, but that doesn't stop her from dreaming that they could. So when Zander asks her to be his fake girlfriend, she's thrilled but a little hesitant. I love the way she's constantly putting Zander in his place, she won't put up with even a little of his garbage, and she's one of the few women that are that way for him.
I liked Zander too. This one is all from Meg's point of view, so you see how she sees things. The way she sees things is that Zander is a bad boy playboy, but I'm not sure that's exactly accurate. I really loved the way he went way out of his way for her when she went home for Christmas. He really went through some crazy stuff for her. But I can't say that I liked him through the whole book. There were plenty of times that he seemed like he was a jerk.
There was some interesting relationship stuff going on with Meg's family. Her dad pretty much insisted she leave Wyoming and never come back, not because he doesn't care for her, quite the opposite actually. But I found the parts where she was around her family interesting because they were rare. I love that she found a "new family" in Georgia. It was so fun seeing Meg's boss, Kennadie's, family again. I loved them in His Personal Relationship Manager, and I was excited to see them again in this one!
I loved this romance, I didn't want to put it down!
June 25, 2024
Meg is a such a fun character! She's spunky and sweet! And Zander has met his match when he thinks he can get away with asking her to just be a fake girlfriend. Not gonna fly boy! This girl is made for true and lasting, not fake and pretend. Even if they were purported to be "Statistically Improbable" by the matchmaking software, Meg is going to prove it wrong.
There's a lot in the backstory for both of these characters. Loss, heartache, struggles and much more. That has definitely caused them to be cautious in different aspects of their lives. But I loved watching them grow closer together and build their friendship and challenge those differences and come to realize that they are a perfect match. The hard and good and everything in between shapes them even more. I loved it all! The banter, the chemistry, the friends, the wedding planning (Zander's best friend-see book one), the kisses, the swoon factor! And much, much more!
I listened to the audiobook and couldn't get enough of the way Marie Mitchell brought these characters to life! I was pulled in completely and didn't want it to end once I reached the Epilogue. I need more please!!! Luckily I can go back and read it or listen to it again and again and again!!! *Swoon!!!*
You can read this as a standalone but I loved the first book and how those characters are throughout this book. So I would recommend reading them in order, but again, that's just me and my preferences!
Content: A scattering of mild swear words, some mild innuendos, some kissing between the main characters but nothing further.
I purchased my own ebook and was given a copy of the audiobook from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
There's a lot in the backstory for both of these characters. Loss, heartache, struggles and much more. That has definitely caused them to be cautious in different aspects of their lives. But I loved watching them grow closer together and build their friendship and challenge those differences and come to realize that they are a perfect match. The hard and good and everything in between shapes them even more. I loved it all! The banter, the chemistry, the friends, the wedding planning (Zander's best friend-see book one), the kisses, the swoon factor! And much, much more!
I listened to the audiobook and couldn't get enough of the way Marie Mitchell brought these characters to life! I was pulled in completely and didn't want it to end once I reached the Epilogue. I need more please!!! Luckily I can go back and read it or listen to it again and again and again!!! *Swoon!!!*
You can read this as a standalone but I loved the first book and how those characters are throughout this book. So I would recommend reading them in order, but again, that's just me and my preferences!
Content: A scattering of mild swear words, some mild innuendos, some kissing between the main characters but nothing further.
I purchased my own ebook and was given a copy of the audiobook from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
January 4, 2019
Although this book employs one of the more cliche tropes out there, having a good girl who is saving herself for marriage fall in love with a notorious playboy who possesses that irresistible bad boy vibe, there is thankfully no smut, and it's pretty low on eye-roll moments as well. A genuine love story between two characters you grow to care for, and although it's told purely from the first-person perspective of the female lead (a writing technique I am growing to appreciate more and more!), you still get a deep, three-dimensional picture of the male lead, and come to love him just as much as Meg for much more than just his physical looks (although those are pretty great too, haha!) I will definitely be interested in reading more from this author!
May 1, 2017
Fun romance!
Loved this one! It was so fun to get a front seat to Zander and Meg's love story. Can't wait for the next one in the series!
Loved this one! It was so fun to get a front seat to Zander and Meg's love story. Can't wait for the next one in the series!
January 21, 2023
Statistically Wired for Love
Statistically Improbable by Jennifer Peel explores the concept of compatibility and its inability to predict who will really become close in real life. Zander and Meg are Exhibit A of this exception!
Zander and Meg both work for Binary, a matchmaking predictor that analyzes clients' answers to questionnaires and predicts the likelihood of two clients being compatible. Their predictions are as not always right, but successful enough to keep clients satisfied with their services. Every employee must fill out the same questionnaire, and Zander and Meg's compatibility is only 23%. So when he asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend at a party to avoid a stalker's advances, she reluctantly agrees, thinking it will be a one-time deal. He's a player, after all, and she doesn't want to sleep with anybody but her husband. On paper, they would never work. But when do things turn out the way they're supposed to on paper?
After the party, during which the stalker tries to make a move on Zander and he promptly Meg, introduces Meg as his "girlfriend", he explains that he doesn't invite women to his apartment and never kisses a woman before she kisses him first. Meg takes the second rule as a challenge and purposely goes out with him in an unsuccessful effort to make him kiss her first.
Meanwhile, Zander's best guy friend (Jason) and best girl friend (Kenadie) are getting married on New Year's Eve, and Meg, a bridesmaid, is roped into helping the Nanettes (Kenadie's mother and her two best friends) prepare for the bridal shower and wedding, inspired by Pinterest rather than any suggestions from the wedding planner the couple had hired. The poor woman just gets out of the Nanettes' way--they're in Atlanta, and nobody gets between a Southern mama and her daughter's wedding!
Zander and Meg, by this time, have been around each other enough to discuss matters like the reason Kenadie was left at the altar and why they don't seem compatible on paper (Binary would have set him up with a woman uninterested in relationships and would have paired her with someone who wouldn't push her to sleep with him). They realize that their differences enable them to talk to each other about things other couples would take for granted, and that makes them special. She still crowns him "the King of Conceit, though--a title he wears proudly.
Nanette wants to set up Zander and Meg and invites them both to a gathering of bridesmaids In true Zander form, he arrives bearing mistletoe and revels in the attention he gets from the Nanettes and from Meg's co-workers, two of whom she overhears gossiping about her pathetic attempts to hold onto a ladies' man and speculating that he got what he wanted from her and will now dump her for a "real woman". Devastated, Meg goes home to her Wyoming. Her widower father gets a late-night call to drag a stranded motorist our of a ditch. The " idiot" who rented a sports car and tried to drive it in a Wyoming winter? Zander.
Meg's two brothers try to haze the "soft city boy" by making him work with them on the ranch but admit that he 's good at loading hay bales into a truck. Letting a heifer attack him crosses a line, however, and her taciturn father lets his sons have it! Meg is relieved to see that Zander is unhurt, and that gives her insight into the depth of her attraction to the "statistically improbable" man who drove a completely unsuitable rental car to a remote ranch to visit her after she literally ran home. To her father, it's a sign that Zander's not as devoted to being single as he claims.
They spend a cozy but chaste Christmas Eve in her family's living room in front of the fireplace, and they fly back to Atlanta on Christmas Day so that Meg can meet Zander's parents--his alcoholic, braless mom and his dad who's more interested in his phone than his wife and son. Meg finds them more sad than embarrassing and takes on the seemingly impossible task of convincing Zander's mom to wear a bra to the wedding. She succeeds, to the delight of Zander, the Nanettes, and the entire wedding party!
By the wedding day, Zander has broken his rule and kissed Meg before she's kissed him. They are dating for real, and the gossipy co-workers angrily admit that they've missed their chance with the playboy who's fallen for the virgin of the office. As best man, he's supposed to escort the teenage maid of honor, but he rushes to Meg's side and escorts her up the aisle. They also escape the reception early and go on a picnic, where they kiss at midnight.
With the book 95% complete, Zander finally moves from "I like you" to "I love you." That's when Meg reveals a rule of her own: never say "I love you" to a man until he says it first.!
I loved Meg's openness about her virginity and Zander's respect for it. Read this book! I recommend it.
Statistically Improbable by Jennifer Peel explores the concept of compatibility and its inability to predict who will really become close in real life. Zander and Meg are Exhibit A of this exception!
Zander and Meg both work for Binary, a matchmaking predictor that analyzes clients' answers to questionnaires and predicts the likelihood of two clients being compatible. Their predictions are as not always right, but successful enough to keep clients satisfied with their services. Every employee must fill out the same questionnaire, and Zander and Meg's compatibility is only 23%. So when he asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend at a party to avoid a stalker's advances, she reluctantly agrees, thinking it will be a one-time deal. He's a player, after all, and she doesn't want to sleep with anybody but her husband. On paper, they would never work. But when do things turn out the way they're supposed to on paper?
After the party, during which the stalker tries to make a move on Zander and he promptly Meg, introduces Meg as his "girlfriend", he explains that he doesn't invite women to his apartment and never kisses a woman before she kisses him first. Meg takes the second rule as a challenge and purposely goes out with him in an unsuccessful effort to make him kiss her first.
Meanwhile, Zander's best guy friend (Jason) and best girl friend (Kenadie) are getting married on New Year's Eve, and Meg, a bridesmaid, is roped into helping the Nanettes (Kenadie's mother and her two best friends) prepare for the bridal shower and wedding, inspired by Pinterest rather than any suggestions from the wedding planner the couple had hired. The poor woman just gets out of the Nanettes' way--they're in Atlanta, and nobody gets between a Southern mama and her daughter's wedding!
Zander and Meg, by this time, have been around each other enough to discuss matters like the reason Kenadie was left at the altar and why they don't seem compatible on paper (Binary would have set him up with a woman uninterested in relationships and would have paired her with someone who wouldn't push her to sleep with him). They realize that their differences enable them to talk to each other about things other couples would take for granted, and that makes them special. She still crowns him "the King of Conceit, though--a title he wears proudly.
Nanette wants to set up Zander and Meg and invites them both to a gathering of bridesmaids In true Zander form, he arrives bearing mistletoe and revels in the attention he gets from the Nanettes and from Meg's co-workers, two of whom she overhears gossiping about her pathetic attempts to hold onto a ladies' man and speculating that he got what he wanted from her and will now dump her for a "real woman". Devastated, Meg goes home to her Wyoming. Her widower father gets a late-night call to drag a stranded motorist our of a ditch. The " idiot" who rented a sports car and tried to drive it in a Wyoming winter? Zander.
Meg's two brothers try to haze the "soft city boy" by making him work with them on the ranch but admit that he 's good at loading hay bales into a truck. Letting a heifer attack him crosses a line, however, and her taciturn father lets his sons have it! Meg is relieved to see that Zander is unhurt, and that gives her insight into the depth of her attraction to the "statistically improbable" man who drove a completely unsuitable rental car to a remote ranch to visit her after she literally ran home. To her father, it's a sign that Zander's not as devoted to being single as he claims.
They spend a cozy but chaste Christmas Eve in her family's living room in front of the fireplace, and they fly back to Atlanta on Christmas Day so that Meg can meet Zander's parents--his alcoholic, braless mom and his dad who's more interested in his phone than his wife and son. Meg finds them more sad than embarrassing and takes on the seemingly impossible task of convincing Zander's mom to wear a bra to the wedding. She succeeds, to the delight of Zander, the Nanettes, and the entire wedding party!
By the wedding day, Zander has broken his rule and kissed Meg before she's kissed him. They are dating for real, and the gossipy co-workers angrily admit that they've missed their chance with the playboy who's fallen for the virgin of the office. As best man, he's supposed to escort the teenage maid of honor, but he rushes to Meg's side and escorts her up the aisle. They also escape the reception early and go on a picnic, where they kiss at midnight.
With the book 95% complete, Zander finally moves from "I like you" to "I love you." That's when Meg reveals a rule of her own: never say "I love you" to a man until he says it first.!
I loved Meg's openness about her virginity and Zander's respect for it. Read this book! I recommend it.
March 31, 2024
Statistically Improbable is the second story in Jennifer Peel’s rom-com series, Dating by Design. It is a sweet, closed-door fake-dating workplace romance full of witty banter, but it contains no profanity or sexual references.
Zander and Meg Dawson were secondary characters in His Personal Relationship Manager. Zander was Kenadie Marshall’s best friend since high school and introduced her to his college roommate, Jason. Later in the story, Kenadie hired Meg to work at her matchmaking firm, Dating by Design, as a receptionist. Zander appeared to be a ladies’ man, but he was secretly in love with Kenadie. However readers knew that Kenadie and Zander’s personalities were vastly different and a romance between them would be doomed to failure.
Statistically Improbable begins with a workplace meeting at Dating by Design. Meg has been promoted to a Relationship Manager position and she is fighting her attraction to Zander. Meanwhile Zander is trying to bury his romantic feelings for Kenadie while still playing the field with other women. When he realizes that he needs a date to Kenadie and Jason’s upcoming wedding, he asks Meg to be his date and fake girlfriend to fend off other women. Meg agrees because she hopes spending more time with him will help wear off his attraction. Then Kenadie’s mom, Mrs. Marshall, proposes that Meg become a bridesmaid to even out the wedding party.
Suddenly Meg becomes absorbed into the Marshall family, just like Zander. Mrs. Marshall fills the motherly role for Meg when she learns that Meg’s mom was killed in a car crash when Meg was 14. Meg grew up on a Wyoming ranch and moved to Georgia to live with her aunt and attend college when she was 18. She wound up dropping out when her father couldn’t support her financially, and she has slowly been trying to complete her degree in Exercise and Wellness. Zander offers to tutor her for her statistics class so they spend even more time together.
While Kenadie likes Meg personally and appreciates her professionalism at work, she is concerned about a romantic relationship developing between Meg and Zander. The matchmaking software that Kenadie developed indicates that it’s statistically improbable for a successful match between them. The other female Relationship Managers at Dating by Design are mean girls and bully Meg both at work and at wedding activities.
Zander is really a great guy underneath his cocky ladies’ man façade. It takes him a while to transfer his affection from Kenadie to Meg. I wished he would have put a stop to the workplace bullying sooner, especially since he ran the operational side of the business. He eventually comes through for Meg and redeems himself.
Statistically Improbable is one of my favorite Jennifer Peel stories because of the engaging characters and emotional realism. I was thrilled when it was finally recorded as an audiobook. The audio narration by Marie Mitchell is great. She does a great midwestern accent for Meg and an authentic Georgia accent for the rest of the characters. She evokes the right amount of emotion into the story.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of the audiobook from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I purchased the Kindle edition of this book from Amazon in 2017.
Zander and Meg Dawson were secondary characters in His Personal Relationship Manager. Zander was Kenadie Marshall’s best friend since high school and introduced her to his college roommate, Jason. Later in the story, Kenadie hired Meg to work at her matchmaking firm, Dating by Design, as a receptionist. Zander appeared to be a ladies’ man, but he was secretly in love with Kenadie. However readers knew that Kenadie and Zander’s personalities were vastly different and a romance between them would be doomed to failure.
Statistically Improbable begins with a workplace meeting at Dating by Design. Meg has been promoted to a Relationship Manager position and she is fighting her attraction to Zander. Meanwhile Zander is trying to bury his romantic feelings for Kenadie while still playing the field with other women. When he realizes that he needs a date to Kenadie and Jason’s upcoming wedding, he asks Meg to be his date and fake girlfriend to fend off other women. Meg agrees because she hopes spending more time with him will help wear off his attraction. Then Kenadie’s mom, Mrs. Marshall, proposes that Meg become a bridesmaid to even out the wedding party.
Suddenly Meg becomes absorbed into the Marshall family, just like Zander. Mrs. Marshall fills the motherly role for Meg when she learns that Meg’s mom was killed in a car crash when Meg was 14. Meg grew up on a Wyoming ranch and moved to Georgia to live with her aunt and attend college when she was 18. She wound up dropping out when her father couldn’t support her financially, and she has slowly been trying to complete her degree in Exercise and Wellness. Zander offers to tutor her for her statistics class so they spend even more time together.
While Kenadie likes Meg personally and appreciates her professionalism at work, she is concerned about a romantic relationship developing between Meg and Zander. The matchmaking software that Kenadie developed indicates that it’s statistically improbable for a successful match between them. The other female Relationship Managers at Dating by Design are mean girls and bully Meg both at work and at wedding activities.
Zander is really a great guy underneath his cocky ladies’ man façade. It takes him a while to transfer his affection from Kenadie to Meg. I wished he would have put a stop to the workplace bullying sooner, especially since he ran the operational side of the business. He eventually comes through for Meg and redeems himself.
Statistically Improbable is one of my favorite Jennifer Peel stories because of the engaging characters and emotional realism. I was thrilled when it was finally recorded as an audiobook. The audio narration by Marie Mitchell is great. She does a great midwestern accent for Meg and an authentic Georgia accent for the rest of the characters. She evokes the right amount of emotion into the story.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of the audiobook from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I purchased the Kindle edition of this book from Amazon in 2017.
September 30, 2018
I'm never disappointed with a Jennifer Peel book. She is one awesome writer!
This one focuses on Zander. If you've read the first one from this series, he is Kenadie's best friend. He has this arrogant air about him and is considered a "playboy". But then Meg, who used to be a receptionisit in Binary Search, and now is one of the relationship/date person harbors a huge crush on player Zander. Zander then approaches Meg with a proposal to be his 'stand in' girlfriend to ward off other girls.
At first Meg thought of jumping into the chance because she figured it would get Zander "out of her system" since they are statistically improbable according to Kenadie's compatilibity system. But then things take a turn when she realizes that what she has for Zander is more than a little crush.
My favorite part of this story was the banter. I always love a good banter between the two main characters, especially when the girl has some good comebacks. I like it when a girl can put a cocky man in his place. And Meg sure does it. I'm just kind of confused that she feels very intimidated by the other girls in her office and yet has such confidence to go toe to toe with Zander and her brothers. Can someone have that mix confidence/insecurity?
I also love the 'Nanettes' and their meddling ways. They are too cute. I especially like their southern drawl and comments.
Another thing that I've found becoming a "thing" in each of Ms. Peel's books is the inclusion of some kind of psychological study. In this one Meg was given a suggestion to read a certain book and in it showed some reasoning behind good girls gravitating to bad boys. I found that really interesting. Of course since this is a work of fiction, I'm sure I need to do my own research about the truth to that plot, but I still find it fascinating. When it comes to reading, you really do learn something new every time.
I can't wait to read Kate's turn and learn more about the progression of the characters that we've already been introduced to.
This one focuses on Zander. If you've read the first one from this series, he is Kenadie's best friend. He has this arrogant air about him and is considered a "playboy". But then Meg, who used to be a receptionisit in Binary Search, and now is one of the relationship/date person harbors a huge crush on player Zander. Zander then approaches Meg with a proposal to be his 'stand in' girlfriend to ward off other girls.
At first Meg thought of jumping into the chance because she figured it would get Zander "out of her system" since they are statistically improbable according to Kenadie's compatilibity system. But then things take a turn when she realizes that what she has for Zander is more than a little crush.
My favorite part of this story was the banter. I always love a good banter between the two main characters, especially when the girl has some good comebacks. I like it when a girl can put a cocky man in his place. And Meg sure does it. I'm just kind of confused that she feels very intimidated by the other girls in her office and yet has such confidence to go toe to toe with Zander and her brothers. Can someone have that mix confidence/insecurity?
I also love the 'Nanettes' and their meddling ways. They are too cute. I especially like their southern drawl and comments.
Another thing that I've found becoming a "thing" in each of Ms. Peel's books is the inclusion of some kind of psychological study. In this one Meg was given a suggestion to read a certain book and in it showed some reasoning behind good girls gravitating to bad boys. I found that really interesting. Of course since this is a work of fiction, I'm sure I need to do my own research about the truth to that plot, but I still find it fascinating. When it comes to reading, you really do learn something new every time.
I can't wait to read Kate's turn and learn more about the progression of the characters that we've already been introduced to.
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