What happens when a dashing Englishman and an almost famous pianist collide? Sparks. And lots of them.
Call’s life always seems to be on the cusp of working out, only to unravel at the last moment. For instance, when she meets the guy. The man she’s been fantasizing about from afar. The one who walks his beautiful Siberian husky around her neighborhood. Their first meeting is nothing like she hoped; in fact, she wishes she never met him.
Charles Beckett is in need of a good dog-sitter, but he gets more than he bargained for when a cheeky American bartender shows up at his house fifteen minutes late. The job interview quickly turns into a sparring match and Call leaves vowing to run him over with her truck the next time she sees him.
It’s up to their dogs now to bring the pair together.
Will Call finally have one of her dreams come true? Or will the Englishman be another checkmark in her long list of unrealized promises?
Jennifer 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.
Kindle romance time again! This light contemporary romance novella made for a nice escapist hour or so. Beck and Call - aka Charles Beckett and Edith Call (she hates her first name and insists on everyone calling her, well, Call) - have sparks shooting when they first meet. Unfortunately they were mostly sparks of irritation, though there was definitely an attraction element there. Call leaves Beck's house, where she went to interview as a dog-sitter for a little extra cash, hoping that she'll never meet him again, or if she does that she can run him over with her old truck.
Of course, it's not the last time they'll run into each other, and pretty soon Beck is trying to ask Call out. But she's pretty sure by now that they're not a good match, so she declines. Which probably makes Beck more interested. Besides, when her dog gets his pregnant, there are reasons they need to stay in touch.
Bonus swoony points for having Beck be a sexy British guy. For her part, Call is raising her younger teenage brother alone; she's a talented musician, but gave up a recording contract to take care of her dying mother. Now she's working two jobs (bartending with the occasional music gig, and workout trainer) and still looking for more ways to make money to get by.
Minor irritating plot points: 1. If a female dog jumps over the fence into the yard of a male dog and gets herself in the family way, why on earth would the female dog's owner have any expectation of getting the costs of vet care for his dog partially reimbursed by the other dog's owner? (especially to the tune of $2000) There's no fault! Did. Not. Compute. <-- I get that Beck didn't actually ask Call to pay the $1000, but he hinted at it (possibly he was just looking for a way to spend time with her?) and she felt morally obligated and responsible for it. Which she shouldn't, at all. 2. The ex-girlfriend shows up and tells Call that she's still with Beck - and Call not only believes her, but won't even give Beck a chance to explain. I swear, people in romance novels, I just want to shake some sense into them sometimes. The needless drama ...
Call never imagined her dreams of singing and recording contracts would come to a crashing halt. But that's exactly what happened when she found out her momma was dying and it was up to her to take care of her younger brother Noah. A year and a half later, Call is working two jobs to try to make ends meet and give her brother the best life she can give him. He has experienced way too much heartache in his life. She would do anything for him, including sacrificing her dreams and what little time she has to herself.
When her best friend, Jillian, tells her about a possible job opportunity, she jumps at the chance in order to give Noah an amazing Christmas. And if showing up 15 minutes late to her job interview wasn't bad enough, HE had to open the door looking all handsome and broody. Why oh why did she have to be late?! And why of why was it HIM that had to open the door?!
From the moment Beck met Ms. E. Call, he was drawn to the intriguingly, irritating beauty. Not only had she shown up late to her interview (which is one of his biggest pet peeves) but she was full of sass and not afraid to speak her mind. He had never met anyone like her and because he was in a bad mood during the interview, he may have ruined any chance he had to get to know her better. But if Beck was anything, it was determined. And with the help of both their dogs, Call had finally met her match.
Oh how I loved this book! I was sucked in from the very beginning and I seriously did not want to put it down! I laughed out loud, I cheered on our hero, I let out dreamy sighs, I fell in love and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Beck and Call get their happily ever after! And if that doesn't convince you that this book is amazing then you should know I have read this book twice already! Yes... I said TWICE! It was perfect and just what I needed!
Jennifer Peel has done it again! And she succeeded in obtaining something very rare from me. For those that don't know I am really not a novella person. Novellas don't give me enough time to feel connected to the characters and fall in love with them. Novellas usually get 3 star ratings from me. So for me to give a novella 4 stars is pretty big. But giving it 5 stars is HUGE! 5 stars for novellas doesn't happen very often so when it does... you know that I absolutely LOVED the book!
And can we just talk about this casting for a minute?! I mean come on! Aren't they GORGEOUS?! I think this is one of my favorites so far! *dreamy sigh*
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I know that Jennifer Peel can write, but I didn't realize that she's a magician, too--not until I read this book! There are so many moments where magic happens...and it all happens with the way she uses words. I was laughing, smiling, and swooning--in just 125 pages--which is very magical indeed. My heart was singing right along with Call.
Call is raising her younger brother and working two jobs to make ends meet. How many girls in their mid-20s would do that? She's very selfless, sweet, and loving, but boy, oh, boy--she has a sassy and spunky streak that really spices up the story. Beck is a Brit and that accent could melt the paint off a wall. I could totally picture his words in my mind and adored him even more for it. He's a total swoony hero and I grew to love him as the story progressed, as first impressions weren't exactly favorable.
One of my favorite things about this series is how they're each told in first person. I honestly feel like I'm sitting down with a good friend, getting caught up on her life, cheering her on, and giving her advice (if only in my head). It's so easy to understand and connect with the characters this way.
I love the dog interactions and of course, I'm a little partial to Toby, because my little furball is named Toby, too. There are so many sweet moments that are bound together by these pets and I adored them.
All in all, this was the perfect way to spend my morning and I'm so sad it's over with! I'm looking forward to the next book, as usual. Carry on, pip pip, cheerio!
Content: some mild language; very brief religious reference (mainly due to Christmas); mild, spicy, clean romance (kissing, some light innuendo). Clean!
*I received a copy from the author and this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.*
Merged review:
I know that Jennifer Peel can write, but I didn't realize that she's a magician, too--not until I read this book! There are so many moments where magic happens...and it all happens with the way she uses words. I was laughing, smiling, and swooning--in just 125 pages--which is very magical indeed. My heart was singing right along with Call. Call is raising her younger brother and working two jobs to make ends meet. How many girls in their mid-20s would do that? She's very selfless, sweet, and loving, but boy, oh, boy--she has a sassy and spunky streak that really spices up the story. Beck is a Brit and that accent could melt the paint off a wall. I could totally picture his words in my mind and adored him even more for it. He's a total swoony hero and I grew to love him as the story progressed, as first impressions weren't exactly favorable.
One of my favorite things about this series is how they're each told in first person. I honestly feel like I'm sitting down with a good friend, getting caught up on her life, cheering her on, and giving her advice (if only in my head). It's so easy to understand and connect with the characters this way.
I love the dog interactions and of course, I'm a little partial to Toby, because my little furball is named Toby, too. There are so many sweet moments that are bound together by these pets and I adored them.
All in all, this was the perfect way to spend my morning and I'm so sad it's over with! I'm looking forward to the next book, as usual. Carry on, pip pip, cheerio!
Content: some mild language; very brief religious reference (mainly due to Christmas); mild, spicy, clean romance (kissing, some light innuendo). Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
This was a fun novella, you never really know with novellas, but I thought the length was perfect with this one. The story was well-rounded and didn't feel rushed. The characters were fun and the plot was unique and engaging. Beck and Call had a fun relationship, lots of banter and chemistry.
Overall, I thought this was a fun escape. I hadn't read the first book yet, but this totally stands on its own. I look forward to going back and reading the first one now, and of course reading the next one. Fun characters and setting. Definitely one to add to your must read list!
Content Romance: Clean, just kissing Language: Very mild, a couple curse words in English and some British slang Violence: None Series: Piano & Promises, Book Two
This is the second book in the Piano & Promises series. This book is lighter and has a completely different feel to it than the first book. It's equally as good but in a different way. It's sparky and snappy and I just dare you not to swoon over Beck and his British accent. (Yes, I hear voices in my head. Doesn't everyone?!) We meet Beck in the first book and he is quite the character there. I just knew this book was going to be fun. Oh, and there is puppies! Who can resist puppies?
Read these in order. It will make you happier. :)
I love everything Jennifer Peel writes. She really knows how to engage me as a reader and connect me to her characters. My emotions are always involved. I love that.
Content: mild swearing
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Jennifer Peel has won herself a spot on my short list of "must read everything they write" authors. I have loved every single book of hers that I have read. That is all the books she has published. This was book #11. I read a lot but there are just a handful of authors who get bumped to the top of my to-read list when they release a new book. Jennifer Peel is one of them. She knows how to make her characters come alive. They seem so real to me when I am reading about them and I think about them long after I close the pages of her books. Beck and Call is no exception. I love Beck! This is such a fun book with many swoon worthy moments.
Edith Call--known as Call to her friends, and who can blame her with a name like Edith--is raising her teenage brother and working two jobs since her mom died, when she has an interview with Charles Beckett for a part-time job. Neither of them make a good impression on the other, but she can't stop thinking about the hunky Englishman. I LOVED this story. I think it's my favorite of the three Pianos and Promises novellas. The zingers Call flings at Beck reminded me of Katherine Hepburn/Spencer Tracy movies. Call is afraid Beck is like all the other guys she's dated who ran when they found out about her teenage brother, so she makes him work hard. With his wonderful British accent and swoony charm Beck wouldn't have had to work so hard to win me over. lol I read this as part of the Pianos and Promises set.
Oh. My. Cuteness. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book! It's definitely lighter on the angst-factor than the first book in the Pianos and Promises series, and the banter is priceless. Call is a super talented musician, but after her mother passes away she's just trying to stay afloat while taking care of her teenage brother. Her first meeting with Beck is a hilarious disaster- I loved how she held her own and left a memorable impression. He is undeniably intrigued by her despite his assumptions, and the attraction between them grows quickly even as they learn more about each other and their personal struggles. I appreciate that the story has deeper layers while still keeping a fun dialogue going throughout. Even though it is technically a novella it reads like a full-length book with a complete story and character arc. Highly recommend to fans of clean contemporary romance!
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)
The story is very sweet and I really did enjoy it. The reason for the 3.5 rating instead of a straight 4 is strictly because the book is priced at the top end for a novella, then ended 86% of the way through - with the rest being a teaser to get you to buy the next book. GAH! That is SUCH a pet peeve of mine! PLEASE allow me to get my money's worth of enjoyment out of THIS story, then let me decide if I want to purchase the next one!
Romance, clean, contemporary This was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader. I did enjoy this, it was a classic case of misunderstanding, and lack of communication with a dose of fear/insecurity tucked in. But a lovely romance, dealing with real issues, and at the core of it a long friendship that beckoned and called to be turned into love if they could go about it the right way. Interesting resolution. Obviously with a novella, some of the longing, and angst wasn't as fully developed as in a full-length novel, but still some lovely characters, some nice dynamics, and most important, obvious mutual attraction that was the foundation for some chemistry and lovely scenes. Can't wait to read the other books in this series!
BECK & CALL was a rather comedic and equally sweet and romantic read. With fun characters, some extra English charm, and some troublesome dogs, it was a fun read from the first page. Recommended to romance readers looking for something on the lighter side.
From the very beginning I adored Call. She's that contradictory character who is equally feisty and soft. Her and Beck definitely don't hit it off well, but it made for some great humor that continues to the end. I loved how this story developed and all the times it made me laugh and sigh.
In the end, was it what I wished for. Another enjoyable story from this author and series and one I'll read again.
2.5 stars. This was a sweet little romance novella and had all the right elements. However, the weird way the author chose to write the hero's dialogue continuously threw me out of the story and disrupted my enjoyment. It's obvious that I am an outlier in this as I see most other reviews are highly positive. So take this with a grain of salt--YMMV. There's a lot of Cinderella-ish wish fulfillment going on in this one, so you may also enjoy that.
Note: (I read a lot of British authors and NO ONE talks like this in their books. Seriously, this made me think of Dick Van Dyke. Very over the top and silly.)
This was a super cute novella, that totally could have been a full length book. I wanted so much more from the little brother, the evil OW did not get the page time she deserved, and the story just felt rushed. It was an insta-love book, but the characters felt like they had so much more to give.
I loved this book! First, it helped me by teaching me real British words, as opposed to things like cheerio, that I probably would say, and sound idiotic while doing so. Second, the characters were amazing. Beck and Call were both snarky, which made me laugh. I don't have enough sarcastic friends in real life! The romance was sweet, and well developed, especially for a novella.
I can't wait for the last novella in this series!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so happy that I decided to wait until the box set for these novellas cane out to read them all because I would have gone crazy waiting for the next one to come out. This one was just as amazing as the first. Call is a spitfire like me and puts Beck in his place I love it! Just a great read I honestly didn't want to put it down.
Best of the Music City (formerly Pianos & Promises) series
I've just read this again for the 4th or 5th time & decided to update my review. You know a book is good when you enjoy it as much *every* time you reread it as you did the first time!
This story is so entertaining as our couple meets-NOT-so-cute. Their banter is fun, Beck is like 007 level swoony, and Call has no problem going toe-to-toe with him.
It does have some flaws: Of course Call wouldn't be financially responsible for Beck's dog getting pregnant since it was his dog who got into her yard.
Beck gave away too much when Call told him about the big tip, so it makes Call look kinda dumb not to pick up on it. And Jaime couldn't possibly have been that cluelessly out of control, could she? She had to realize that if Beck got with Call, they would meet each other, & Call would realize who she was & what had happened.
I agree a bit with the reviewer who complained that the story didn't support Call's over-reaction well enough, though unlike that person, I believe it did the job partially just not fully. Call's suspicion & distrust would certainly be understandable, but *particularly* someone who has competed in talent shows would know full well that women are just as capable of being dishonest & conniving as men.
However, the story is yummy enough that it's easy to overlook these things. This is one of the stories that I enjoy rereading when I'm in the mood for a fun story with witty dialogue & tingly romance!
Happily continuing on to Cole and Jillian's story from here...
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic *Language: very minor, 8 or 9 uses of h---
I am not musically inclined, so when I saw this series was pianos, they held no appeal. As I started reading their stories, I fell in love with the characters & hoped they would have a chance at love. These novellas just get better & better! On to the next one & hoping there are more to come!
I read this book in 2016 and am finally getting to review it. It was another amazing book by Jennifer Peel. It is a novella, but felt like reading a novel. The love story is so sweet between Beck and Call with a great ending that you will enjoy. (No spoilers). :) This is actually part of a 3 book set.
I'm not sure I ever really liked Call. Whiny comes to mind when I think of her. And I can't stand when the girl sees something, jumps to conclusions, and stalks off. Ugh. Super wish Beck would have ended up with someone else.
A plot with a nice slant, and good characters, in a fast paced story that will hold your interest. For me not as powerful a story as P&P Book 1, but a good read. Nice to see what happens to Beck, as well
Another sweet clean romance from Jennifer Peel. I think this is the first book that I have read that had a romantic lead with a beard. I loved his letter to her and the sweet banter between them. I have read almost all of her books and they never disappoint.
Definitely better than book one but not by much. I like Call better (but what a dumb name, I kept calling her Cal). I genuinely do like Jennifer Peel, but these have not been my favorite
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of all the fields. I felt like I really understood. Call so well. She and I are kindred spirits. I really loved how the story played out and how it ended.