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My Not So Wicked #2
My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé
He rocked her world. She wrecked his. Now their worlds are colliding again.
Expensive schools and etiquette classes never prepared Shelby Duchane for Ryder Prescott. He taught her more about life in his hay field classroom beneath a blanket of stars than anyone. Under that Georgia sky, she pledged forever to the farm boy with soul-melting chocolate brown eyes, even though it meant forfeiting her large inheritance. She couldn't wait to clip coupons and buy clothes off the sales rack until death do they part. But then she receives some photos of her intended with someone she had not intended. Brokenhearted, Shelby flees her hometown for Colorado without bothering to say goodbye to her cheating ex-fiancé.
A year later and wiser, Shelby's doing her best to move on while running her boutique in Carrington Cove, when Ryder shows up and challenges all she thought she knew. Perhaps he wasn't the wicked ex-fiancé she believed him to be after all. But will Ryder be able to swallow his pride enough to see why she was so persuaded? Will he realize before it's too late that the only way to heal his own broken heart is to mend Shelby's?
Expensive schools and etiquette classes never prepared Shelby Duchane for Ryder Prescott. He taught her more about life in his hay field classroom beneath a blanket of stars than anyone. Under that Georgia sky, she pledged forever to the farm boy with soul-melting chocolate brown eyes, even though it meant forfeiting her large inheritance. She couldn't wait to clip coupons and buy clothes off the sales rack until death do they part. But then she receives some photos of her intended with someone she had not intended. Brokenhearted, Shelby flees her hometown for Colorado without bothering to say goodbye to her cheating ex-fiancé.
A year later and wiser, Shelby's doing her best to move on while running her boutique in Carrington Cove, when Ryder shows up and challenges all she thought she knew. Perhaps he wasn't the wicked ex-fiancé she believed him to be after all. But will Ryder be able to swallow his pride enough to see why she was so persuaded? Will he realize before it's too late that the only way to heal his own broken heart is to mend Shelby's?
250 pages, ebook
First published April 12, 2019
392 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
62 books1,276 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 140 reviews
April 14, 2019
I grew to absolutely adore Shelby in My Not So Wicked Stepbrother and I was sooo excited to get her backstory! Her fiance, Ryder, cheated on her, but when he shows up in her new hometown, she learns that everything didn't happen exactly like she thought. My world was rocked!
Shelby is a privileged rich girl, and I love that she throws that all to the wind to make a name and place for herself in life. How many women could do that? I adore this Southern belle, especially her sass, attitude, and charm, that wrap her beauty and brains up with a big, fluffy bow.
I'm a sucker for a good, loyal Southern boy (yum--I can almost hear that accent...) and Ryder proves to be just that. In fact, he goes above and beyond what I expected of him and I could see exactly why Shelby was so broken up over losing him. Send over a fan because the heat that sizzles between this couple will melt the makeup right off your face!
And can we just talk about the other characters for a minute? Bobby Jay almost stole the show and I loved having the familiarity of Sawyer and Emma (Book 1) throughout this story.
Let's give a big hand to Ms. Peel for delivering a romance so delicious that it rivals buttery biscuits and sugary, secret recipe, birthday cake. I, for one, am completely satisfied.
Content: mild+ romance (swoony, kissing, making out, some innuendo); mild language; mild+ religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Shelby is a privileged rich girl, and I love that she throws that all to the wind to make a name and place for herself in life. How many women could do that? I adore this Southern belle, especially her sass, attitude, and charm, that wrap her beauty and brains up with a big, fluffy bow.
I'm a sucker for a good, loyal Southern boy (yum--I can almost hear that accent...) and Ryder proves to be just that. In fact, he goes above and beyond what I expected of him and I could see exactly why Shelby was so broken up over losing him. Send over a fan because the heat that sizzles between this couple will melt the makeup right off your face!
And can we just talk about the other characters for a minute? Bobby Jay almost stole the show and I loved having the familiarity of Sawyer and Emma (Book 1) throughout this story.
Let's give a big hand to Ms. Peel for delivering a romance so delicious that it rivals buttery biscuits and sugary, secret recipe, birthday cake. I, for one, am completely satisfied.
Content: mild+ romance (swoony, kissing, making out, some innuendo); mild language; mild+ religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
April 15, 2019
Shelby Duchane moved to Carrington Cove for a fresh start away from her cheating ex-fiance, Ryder Prescott. Life was going great. She's finally out from under her controlling parents thumb and able to live the life that she wants to live.
But out of nowhere Shelby's cousin sends her an article about Prescott Technologies moving to Edenvale... a mere 45 minutes away from her. And if that wasn't bad enough, Ryder will be renting a cabin at the Carrington Ranch, where Shelby is currently living, for the summer. She has no idea how Ryder found her or why he's here but she's not ready to face him.
One year. It's been one year since Shelby and Ryder have laid eyes on each other. And the moment they do, sparks start flying. It doesn't matter how much hurt and anger has built up over the year, it can't hide the love that still shines in each of their eyes. Some things are hard to let go of.
But what if Shelby was wrong in leaving? What if things aren't always what they seem? Should she have talked to Ryder before she disappeared? Would it have made a difference? All she knows is she's definitely got her work cut out for her if she's ever going to win Ryder back.
Ryder doesn't want to admit it, but what Shelby did ripped his heart out and left him believing her parents were right. All he wanted was to be good enough for her, to deserve her. Over the last year, he hasn't been able to get her off his mind.
Shelby and Ryder will have to decide if it's too late for a second chance or if they'll be able to put their past behind them and move forward to their HEA.
*dreamy sigh*
You guys! Can I just tell you how much I loved this book?! Holy wowzers! From the moment I picked it up, I had the hardest time putting it down. I found myself reading late into the night and waking up WAY before my alarm just so I can find out what happened next. I am a sucker for second chance love stories and this one did not disappoint.
Shelby and Ryder will have you believing that love is taking that second chance, home is not a place but a person, and infinite love is worth anything you have to endure. I can honestly say that they are definite favorites. And of course I loved seeing some of my favorites from My Not So Wicked Stepbrother and meeting new ones. That Bobby Jay... hahahahaha! I am loving Carrington Cove!
I am absolutely LOVING this series! It is SO good! I cannot WAIT to read the next book!
Y'all! Ms. Peel has done it again! She never ceases to amaze me.
And can I just tell you how much I'm loving this casting?! Definitely one of my favorites! What do you think?
Content: Mild language.
But out of nowhere Shelby's cousin sends her an article about Prescott Technologies moving to Edenvale... a mere 45 minutes away from her. And if that wasn't bad enough, Ryder will be renting a cabin at the Carrington Ranch, where Shelby is currently living, for the summer. She has no idea how Ryder found her or why he's here but she's not ready to face him.
One year. It's been one year since Shelby and Ryder have laid eyes on each other. And the moment they do, sparks start flying. It doesn't matter how much hurt and anger has built up over the year, it can't hide the love that still shines in each of their eyes. Some things are hard to let go of.
But what if Shelby was wrong in leaving? What if things aren't always what they seem? Should she have talked to Ryder before she disappeared? Would it have made a difference? All she knows is she's definitely got her work cut out for her if she's ever going to win Ryder back.
Ryder doesn't want to admit it, but what Shelby did ripped his heart out and left him believing her parents were right. All he wanted was to be good enough for her, to deserve her. Over the last year, he hasn't been able to get her off his mind.
Shelby and Ryder will have to decide if it's too late for a second chance or if they'll be able to put their past behind them and move forward to their HEA.
*dreamy sigh*
You guys! Can I just tell you how much I loved this book?! Holy wowzers! From the moment I picked it up, I had the hardest time putting it down. I found myself reading late into the night and waking up WAY before my alarm just so I can find out what happened next. I am a sucker for second chance love stories and this one did not disappoint.
Shelby and Ryder will have you believing that love is taking that second chance, home is not a place but a person, and infinite love is worth anything you have to endure. I can honestly say that they are definite favorites. And of course I loved seeing some of my favorites from My Not So Wicked Stepbrother and meeting new ones. That Bobby Jay... hahahahaha! I am loving Carrington Cove!
I am absolutely LOVING this series! It is SO good! I cannot WAIT to read the next book!
Y'all! Ms. Peel has done it again! She never ceases to amaze me.
And can I just tell you how much I'm loving this casting?! Definitely one of my favorites! What do you think?
Content: Mild language.
August 4, 2019
Hmm, I read this one a few weeks ago and I guess forgot to review it! Oops. Anyway, I really enjoyed this one, its probably my favorite of the series. I love a good second chance love story, they're always full of yummy tension. I also love the small-town setting and a fun cast of characters. I always get sucked into Jennifer's book, she has a way of writing that draws you in and you want to keep reading to see what will happen next. I always look forward to her books.
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
May 3, 2019
There's something about a Jennifer Peel book that sucks me right into the world of the main character immediately! I enjoyed Shelby in the first book as she befriended the reluctant Emma; she's one you can't help but like. So it was great to get into her head and hear her voice with the first person narrative. She's been on a bit of a journey as she distanced herself from her controlling parents, and she's not the same person she was when she was engaged. I liked seeing she and Ryder get to know each other in their new circumstances and sort out the hurt feelings and truth about their past. A perfect blend of humor, angst, and chemistry-filled romance in this second chance at love story!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
April 2, 2020
So confused
I did not really like Ryder. Yes she walked away but she honestly thought he cheated on her. Once that was settled I expected more from him. He just seemed to self righteous or something. Yes she should have talked to him, but he had pretty much checked out on her anyway. I did like the heroine and the cousin was okay but he didn't rea!ly amuse me like he should have. I pictured him as a Chris Farley type physique but I don't really remember his being described in detail. Now Ryder I liked his description. I just wish he'd been a better hero earlier. He did come through in the end but I didn't like how retreated her for like 60% of the book. I do like this author very much and I am looking forward to reading about Aspen. I missed the first book but I am not sure I will go back and read it. They were apart a year and it was mentioned he dated. I am not sure if there was more than that. The book glossed over the intimate part of their relationship. I know it's supposed to be chaste but it sounded like they had been lovers. I guess I don't understand what clean means. I would still read the author again. I might even give this another star but have to let it sink in.
I did not really like Ryder. Yes she walked away but she honestly thought he cheated on her. Once that was settled I expected more from him. He just seemed to self righteous or something. Yes she should have talked to him, but he had pretty much checked out on her anyway. I did like the heroine and the cousin was okay but he didn't rea!ly amuse me like he should have. I pictured him as a Chris Farley type physique but I don't really remember his being described in detail. Now Ryder I liked his description. I just wish he'd been a better hero earlier. He did come through in the end but I didn't like how retreated her for like 60% of the book. I do like this author very much and I am looking forward to reading about Aspen. I missed the first book but I am not sure I will go back and read it. They were apart a year and it was mentioned he dated. I am not sure if there was more than that. The book glossed over the intimate part of their relationship. I know it's supposed to be chaste but it sounded like they had been lovers. I guess I don't understand what clean means. I would still read the author again. I might even give this another star but have to let it sink in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2019
Review coming soon!!
Merged review:
Oh. My. Lan. Ta. Somewhere between Shelby's southern charm and Ryder's brooding masculinity, all my senses came alive. I was right there in the thick of it with Shelby; tormented, confused, sorry, desperate, determined, happy. My eyes saw Ryder (amen!), my ears heard Bobby Jay's support and confidence, my nose smelled those mouthwatering southern biscuits, and my heart twittered, pinged and pounded. It was SO, SO good.
We first meet Shelby in My Not So Wicked Stepbrother. She is a big part of the story but she isn't someone I was rooting for in that book. I love that I had this chance to know her better and to love her. She is a vibrant character who came across so clearly to me as a reader. Her attraction to Ryder is palpable. Yumma. The intensity between Shelby and Ryder grows on every page.
I also loved that the main characters in the previous book (Emma and Sawyer) were featured in this book as well. It felt so good to have their familiar vibe threaded through Shelby's story.
Thank you, Jennifer Peel, for another fantastic, romantic escape. I could live in your books forever.
Oh, and one more thing. I absolutely LOVE this cover. The blue against the black and the sparkle!! I just love it.
Content: kissing, mild swearing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Merged review:
Oh. My. Lan. Ta. Somewhere between Shelby's southern charm and Ryder's brooding masculinity, all my senses came alive. I was right there in the thick of it with Shelby; tormented, confused, sorry, desperate, determined, happy. My eyes saw Ryder (amen!), my ears heard Bobby Jay's support and confidence, my nose smelled those mouthwatering southern biscuits, and my heart twittered, pinged and pounded. It was SO, SO good.
We first meet Shelby in My Not So Wicked Stepbrother. She is a big part of the story but she isn't someone I was rooting for in that book. I love that I had this chance to know her better and to love her. She is a vibrant character who came across so clearly to me as a reader. Her attraction to Ryder is palpable. Yumma. The intensity between Shelby and Ryder grows on every page.
I also loved that the main characters in the previous book (Emma and Sawyer) were featured in this book as well. It felt so good to have their familiar vibe threaded through Shelby's story.
Thank you, Jennifer Peel, for another fantastic, romantic escape. I could live in your books forever.
Oh, and one more thing. I absolutely LOVE this cover. The blue against the black and the sparkle!! I just love it.
Content: kissing, mild swearing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 28, 2019
Book 2
I really enjoyed book 2 in the Not So Wicked Series and seeing Shelby get her happily ever after. I adore her. I had the hardest time putting this one down. I love so many of the characters.
A few swear words and kissing scenes.. I would consider this a clean adult read though...but not YA....as there are situations mentioned that are not ya appropriate in my opinion.
I really enjoyed book 2 in the Not So Wicked Series and seeing Shelby get her happily ever after. I adore her. I had the hardest time putting this one down. I love so many of the characters.
A few swear words and kissing scenes.. I would consider this a clean adult read though...but not YA....as there are situations mentioned that are not ya appropriate in my opinion.
February 7, 2022
Oh Mylanta!!!!!!
I have been rather impatiently awaiting the release of this next book in the My Not So Wicked Series. I adored the first book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book to read Shelby’s story.
It did NOT disappoint!
I ate this book up- I stayed up over half the night because I just had to know what would happen next! Grab your tissues and get comfortable because this is a second chance romance you definitely don’t want to miss!
Shelby is a true southern belle, and while she is so put together and polished on the outside, inside she is a hot mess of tears and anguish over her ex fiancé Ryder. Oh Mylanta- RYDER!! Talk about swoon- there were moments so intense between him and Shelby that made my insides melt! I love how Jennifer Peel can write such toe-curling romance and still keep it clean and classy.
Getting to revisit favorite characters from the first book in the series just added to the story. New characters like Bobby Jay made me giggle and watching returning ones open up a little more only whets my appetite for the next book! This was another fantastic book by Jennifer Peel, and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!!
I have been rather impatiently awaiting the release of this next book in the My Not So Wicked Series. I adored the first book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book to read Shelby’s story.
It did NOT disappoint!
I ate this book up- I stayed up over half the night because I just had to know what would happen next! Grab your tissues and get comfortable because this is a second chance romance you definitely don’t want to miss!
Shelby is a true southern belle, and while she is so put together and polished on the outside, inside she is a hot mess of tears and anguish over her ex fiancé Ryder. Oh Mylanta- RYDER!! Talk about swoon- there were moments so intense between him and Shelby that made my insides melt! I love how Jennifer Peel can write such toe-curling romance and still keep it clean and classy.
Getting to revisit favorite characters from the first book in the series just added to the story. New characters like Bobby Jay made me giggle and watching returning ones open up a little more only whets my appetite for the next book! This was another fantastic book by Jennifer Peel, and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!!
December 18, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5.0
“My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé” is a carefree comedy filled with angst as Shelby tries to correct her mistake.
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé” is a carefree comedy filled with angst as Shelby tries to correct her mistake.
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 13, 2021
I am no stranger to the works of Jennifer Peel. Of the 25 reviews I have written of her work, I have awarded her five stars 15 times. This will be the first time I have chosen to award only three stars. I found that she maintained her reputation for writing clean romance, but there were times when the narrative nudged my version of “squeaky clean.” Bobby Jay, Ryder’s cousin, came off as too much of a womanizer for my taste. The relationship he had with Shelby was a significant downer for me. I agree with the reviewer who described the characters as “a little shallow and the “southern” a little too thick.” It is difficult for an author to consistently be at the top of their game, so I continue to recommend Jennifer Peel to my friends. However, don’t accept this novel as the best example of her work.
August 31, 2019
I had a half hour wait in the carpool line, so I thought I would take a book along with me. I grabbed my copy of Jennifer Peel's My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiance, thinking that would be an easy way to pass the time, but after half an hour I was HOOKED! I ended up reading the whole rest of the book and got nothing else done today! But it was so worth it for that ending and I only feel a tiny bit guilty.
April 21, 2019
Between 3 1/2 and 4.
April 24, 2019
Another lovely offering from my all-time favorite sweet romance author!
April 16, 2019
I love a good Jennifer Peel novel and My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiance delivers everything I expect from her. Heartache. Romance. And a happily ever after. Even better, the series isn't over! Now to wait patiently for the next one.
I'd give this a 4.5
I'd give this a 4.5
April 17, 2019
This was amazing! I gobbled it up in one day—just took a break from my own writing to splurge on Peel’s latest. And I don’t regret a second. 😊 This romance feast had everything I loved—clean sizzle, a heart-tugging plot that made me grieve with the heroine for much of the book, and spectacular Southern characters with grace and charm I adored. Peel’s good at making me gain long-lasting friendships with her characters, and Ryder and Shelby are some of her best yet! And the chemistry between them—sizzling hot. I loved seeing Emma in here from her last Wicked book, and can hardly wait for the next one in this series that will feature Aspen. Short non-spoiler summary of this book is: Shelby escaped to Colorado in the last book when she was shown pics of her fiancé cheating on her with another woman. When she learns that he’s moving to her same city to open a new dot.com business, she wants to die. It’s been a year since she saw Ryder, and her heart can’t stand to see him again…because she still hasn’t gotten over him. Ryder is ticked when he sees Shelby. He’s still bitter about how she ran and left him without even a goodbye…or an address. Or a reason for breaking off their engagement. And the story begins. Dum-dum-dum! And it’s a wild ride I enjoyed the whole way through. I highly recommend this one!
July 5, 2019
Wickedly Good
Have you ever hesitated to read a book because you just knew it was going to be amazing? That’s been me with My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé. I knew this book was going to suck me in with no regard for schedules, housework, or dinner. And it did.
I fell in love with Shelby by the end of My Not So Wicked Step-Brother, and I loved seeing more of her in this book. I loved her southern charm, “Oh mylantas!”, and her spunk. She might have started out as a spoiled southern belle, but through her experiences with Ryder she became a woman who knew what was important in life.
This story was everything I have come to love from Jennifer Peel: heart wrenching, sweet, funny as heck, and romantic. Her characters feel so real to me. I feel like I experience their joys and sorrows.
A big thank you to the rain and thunderstorms that gave me some blissful hours cuddled up with a great book this afternoon!
Content: clean (a handful of curse words, mild innuendo, making out)
Have you ever hesitated to read a book because you just knew it was going to be amazing? That’s been me with My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé. I knew this book was going to suck me in with no regard for schedules, housework, or dinner. And it did.
I fell in love with Shelby by the end of My Not So Wicked Step-Brother, and I loved seeing more of her in this book. I loved her southern charm, “Oh mylantas!”, and her spunk. She might have started out as a spoiled southern belle, but through her experiences with Ryder she became a woman who knew what was important in life.
This story was everything I have come to love from Jennifer Peel: heart wrenching, sweet, funny as heck, and romantic. Her characters feel so real to me. I feel like I experience their joys and sorrows.
A big thank you to the rain and thunderstorms that gave me some blissful hours cuddled up with a great book this afternoon!
Content: clean (a handful of curse words, mild innuendo, making out)
April 15, 2019
Ryder is not my favorite hero
I love Jennifer Peel books. I have read them all and own several in my kindle but also audible so I can listen while driving. Ryder just wasn’t in enough of the book. He seemed just like her dad and I didn’t buy his falling asleep on the sofa between the two sisters as believable.
I loved Shelby but she took too much of the blame and Ryder never took responsibility for his part of the relationship falling apart. I never really felt the love between the two. I like his cousin more than him maybe because he had more time in the storyline.
It’s still a Jennifer Peel book and I can recommend I just wish Shelby had a more deserving Hero.
I love Jennifer Peel books. I have read them all and own several in my kindle but also audible so I can listen while driving. Ryder just wasn’t in enough of the book. He seemed just like her dad and I didn’t buy his falling asleep on the sofa between the two sisters as believable.
I loved Shelby but she took too much of the blame and Ryder never took responsibility for his part of the relationship falling apart. I never really felt the love between the two. I like his cousin more than him maybe because he had more time in the storyline.
It’s still a Jennifer Peel book and I can recommend I just wish Shelby had a more deserving Hero.
June 8, 2023
Loved It!
I am loving this cute series! I couldn’t put this book down (just like the one before it)!
Such a cute story of second-chance love! I loved sweet Shelby from the first book and was happy to see that this book was about her getting her chance at love. And, of course, I loved Ryder and how devoted he was to making sure Shelby was happy!
I am loving this cute series! I couldn’t put this book down (just like the one before it)!
Such a cute story of second-chance love! I loved sweet Shelby from the first book and was happy to see that this book was about her getting her chance at love. And, of course, I loved Ryder and how devoted he was to making sure Shelby was happy!
February 5, 2020
Good story
I enjoyed this one but I am disappointed in who Shelby ended up with. I think she had a connection with someone else and I would have loved to see that relationship develop. Though I like how she found the courage to stand up to her parents and be true to herself.
I enjoyed this one but I am disappointed in who Shelby ended up with. I think she had a connection with someone else and I would have loved to see that relationship develop. Though I like how she found the courage to stand up to her parents and be true to herself.
November 15, 2020
At 45% of the book and there’s just like two pages of interaction between the hero and the heroine, I was so totally ticked! I don’t want to waste my time reading the side characters dialogues because hello I’m so not interested.
My night keeps getting worse by the minute. Two DNF books and I’m still here reeling..
My night keeps getting worse by the minute. Two DNF books and I’m still here reeling..
May 4, 2019
I liked the story. This is a good author. However I was annoyed by all the name dropping of characters from other series was really annoying. I don’t know if I’ve read the books and even if I have I’ve forgotten it all.
June 25, 2019
A little too high school for my taste
She doesn’t recognize herself in a photo?
For an entire year? Then, one look, and she knows?
Addicted to Dr. Pepper.
All-in-all it’s just to high school for my taste.
She doesn’t recognize herself in a photo?
For an entire year? Then, one look, and she knows?
Addicted to Dr. Pepper.
All-in-all it’s just to high school for my taste.
April 1, 2020
Oh Mylanta! hahahaha! this is what Shelby, our heroine in this story says all the time. And honestly at first it was getting a little annoying to me to read this every other paragraph but at the end, it grew on me, and she grew on me.
She reminds me very much of Elle from Legally Blonde. You know that pretty barbie blonde from head to toe. She is beautiful physically but some people think she's just that, and only that. But in this story we learn that she's smart and sassy, but she's also heart broken. We met her in the first book of this series. She moves to Colorado from Georgia because she discovered some pictures of her fiancee with another girl. In the pictures they are shown in some risque poses. Anyways, she literally ran away and tried to find her own path, away from the wicked Ex-fiance but also from her overbearing parents.
After a year of living in Colorado she is surprised to see that her ex Riley moves into her area too. This forces both of them to face each other and their "unfinished" business.
I really liked Shelby's personality. She's one of those people that are so beautiful and have had bad rap, especially with other women. But here we see her trying to get through her challenges and being welcomes by the women in Covington Cove. It shows that once you get to know people, you'd be surprised who will be a real friend to you.
I also thought that Riley and Shelby's issues are very relatable. The issue that they had is a little corny and it surprised me that Shelby didn't look at the images really well to see the "problem" in the images. That was a little "dumb" moment for her. But over all I thought the story line was very believable and I love getting reacquainted with all of the characters that we've been introduced in the first book.
I can't wait to read the 3rd one in this series.
She reminds me very much of Elle from Legally Blonde. You know that pretty barbie blonde from head to toe. She is beautiful physically but some people think she's just that, and only that. But in this story we learn that she's smart and sassy, but she's also heart broken. We met her in the first book of this series. She moves to Colorado from Georgia because she discovered some pictures of her fiancee with another girl. In the pictures they are shown in some risque poses. Anyways, she literally ran away and tried to find her own path, away from the wicked Ex-fiance but also from her overbearing parents.
After a year of living in Colorado she is surprised to see that her ex Riley moves into her area too. This forces both of them to face each other and their "unfinished" business.
I really liked Shelby's personality. She's one of those people that are so beautiful and have had bad rap, especially with other women. But here we see her trying to get through her challenges and being welcomes by the women in Covington Cove. It shows that once you get to know people, you'd be surprised who will be a real friend to you.
I also thought that Riley and Shelby's issues are very relatable. The issue that they had is a little corny and it surprised me that Shelby didn't look at the images really well to see the "problem" in the images. That was a little "dumb" moment for her. But over all I thought the story line was very believable and I love getting reacquainted with all of the characters that we've been introduced in the first book.
I can't wait to read the 3rd one in this series.
February 24, 2024
Heroine dumps the hero because she receives the usual pictures of him with a woman. One year later he is back to her, and the mystery is solved. The woman in the pictures was … herself! Really.? lol! I’ve read some bizarre things but that someone doesn’t recognize themselves in the pictures, that was gross.
The hero behaves like an injured child for three quarters of the book which disappointed me a lot because I like my heroes more forceful and determined to win the heroine back if they love her. This one made her do all the chase. The heroine was quite naive but she was a cute southern belle with a lot of spirit and humor, he should have been happier that she chose his grumpy self.
There are a lot of women who like him. Which I didn’t much appreciate. Celibacy unclear for him, he dated some women not seriously and this thing than a man says he dated but he was hurt, in love and always trying to find the heroine stinks of inconsistency. Either you love a woman, and in this case you don’t even think about dating, or you don’t, and you can be interested in all the women you like. He wasn’t a hormonal teenager and he could have kept it in his pants. This is me being grumpy, btw.
There are a lot of interesting and funny characters that I appreciated more than the hero, but the book in the whole was good.
The hero behaves like an injured child for three quarters of the book which disappointed me a lot because I like my heroes more forceful and determined to win the heroine back if they love her. This one made her do all the chase. The heroine was quite naive but she was a cute southern belle with a lot of spirit and humor, he should have been happier that she chose his grumpy self.
There are a lot of women who like him. Which I didn’t much appreciate. Celibacy unclear for him, he dated some women not seriously and this thing than a man says he dated but he was hurt, in love and always trying to find the heroine stinks of inconsistency. Either you love a woman, and in this case you don’t even think about dating, or you don’t, and you can be interested in all the women you like. He wasn’t a hormonal teenager and he could have kept it in his pants. This is me being grumpy, btw.
There are a lot of interesting and funny characters that I appreciated more than the hero, but the book in the whole was good.
April 15, 2019
Totally satisfying
The 2nd installment of this wonderful series has another loveable, strong heroine like Emma, though not like Emma.
Shelby's a different kind of strong - she's soft and sweet and loving, but she's learning how to stand up for herself *without* altering her wonderful personality to do it.
The story does an excellent job of nailing the vibe of Jane Austen's "Persuasion" though without annoying by hewing overly closely to its plot. The emotions it evoked were very similar - I ached for both of the main characters. I got mad at Ryder for hurting Shelby, I could understand her response to the photos to a large extent, and yet I really could sympathize with Ryder, too, and how much she had hurt him by running away from him like she did.
I loved the wrap up and the epilogue, and had that warm, fuzzy satisfied feeling at the end, but...
... the hints of Arwen's story within the book were exciting and then I read the sneak peek at the end of Ryder & Shelby's story, and now I'm right back to dying for Jennifer Peel's next book to come out just hours after she released her new one. Again.
This addiction is tough, lol.
The 2nd installment of this wonderful series has another loveable, strong heroine like Emma, though not like Emma.
Shelby's a different kind of strong - she's soft and sweet and loving, but she's learning how to stand up for herself *without* altering her wonderful personality to do it.
The story does an excellent job of nailing the vibe of Jane Austen's "Persuasion" though without annoying by hewing overly closely to its plot. The emotions it evoked were very similar - I ached for both of the main characters. I got mad at Ryder for hurting Shelby, I could understand her response to the photos to a large extent, and yet I really could sympathize with Ryder, too, and how much she had hurt him by running away from him like she did.
I loved the wrap up and the epilogue, and had that warm, fuzzy satisfied feeling at the end, but...
... the hints of Arwen's story within the book were exciting and then I read the sneak peek at the end of Ryder & Shelby's story, and now I'm right back to dying for Jennifer Peel's next book to come out just hours after she released her new one. Again.
This addiction is tough, lol.
April 24, 2019
So, I wasn’t crazy about the first book in this series, My Not So Wicked Step-Brother, because I had a hard time connecting with Emma and the story line seemed a bit unbelievable. However, I wanted to give this one a chance because I did like Shelby from the first book.
Once I started this book, though, I felt like the whole premise of the misunderstanding was a bit out there as well. If your fiancé cheats on you, or you see pictures that might point in that direction, I highly doubt someone would just up and leave and never confront them about it. So, that was a bit annoying to me and then the explanation as to what actually happened seemed a bit silly. How would she not know or notice? So, I was a bit annoyed with the story line but then about half way through, it changed paces and got cute. The old Shelby from book one came out and there was more banter and chemistry between Shelby and Ryder. From then on, I enjoyed the book and was happy with how it ended.
I think the main reason I’ve struggled with this series is that I hate big misunderstandings that could have been solved with a simple text or honesty. It’s one of my pet peeves I guess. ;-)
Once I started this book, though, I felt like the whole premise of the misunderstanding was a bit out there as well. If your fiancé cheats on you, or you see pictures that might point in that direction, I highly doubt someone would just up and leave and never confront them about it. So, that was a bit annoying to me and then the explanation as to what actually happened seemed a bit silly. How would she not know or notice? So, I was a bit annoyed with the story line but then about half way through, it changed paces and got cute. The old Shelby from book one came out and there was more banter and chemistry between Shelby and Ryder. From then on, I enjoyed the book and was happy with how it ended.
I think the main reason I’ve struggled with this series is that I hate big misunderstandings that could have been solved with a simple text or honesty. It’s one of my pet peeves I guess. ;-)
June 11, 2019
I loved the first book in the series, My Not So Wicked Step-Brother, and I was surprised this book followed Shelby. I didn't really love or hate it in the first book. It was slow at the beginning but predictable. I wish there were more scenes of her with Ryder at the beginning to have a bigger pull to the book. I LOVED Bobby Jay. To be honest, I still got the twins confused of who was supposed to be who.
My 2 biggest issues with the book, first one isn't huge just a minor editing mistake. This book is in Shelby's POV and at one point, Shelby walked away from Ryder. Then Peel said that Ryder make a look that said something like he meant this...how would Shelby know that if he walked away. The other I'm still thinking over...in this book the girl friends have their own book club. While I think its clever that Peel inserted one of her books as the book to review, I don't like how it basically was a spoiler alert. Now I don't know if I'm going to even spend time reading it since it was discussed in the book club.
I'll be interested to read the next book in the series.
My 2 biggest issues with the book, first one isn't huge just a minor editing mistake. This book is in Shelby's POV and at one point, Shelby walked away from Ryder. Then Peel said that Ryder make a look that said something like he meant this...how would Shelby know that if he walked away. The other I'm still thinking over...in this book the girl friends have their own book club. While I think its clever that Peel inserted one of her books as the book to review, I don't like how it basically was a spoiler alert. Now I don't know if I'm going to even spend time reading it since it was discussed in the book club.
I'll be interested to read the next book in the series.
January 10, 2023
So many Persuasion vibes that it's hard for me not to love. I devoured this book in less than twenty-four hours because I could not stop. And when I took a four/five hour nap, I was in that in between state where I was asleep but thinking—not dreaming—anyway, back to the point.
This second chance romance is *probably* my favorite type of romance and this book delivers. We have our girl who is still heartbroken, the guy comes rolling into town much wealthier ready to prove himself to his former girl and easily attracts every available female in his vicinity (I see you Persuasion!!), causing said girl to be jealous but to back off, and we can see that he is bitter but still head over heels for her. And a well meaning friend gently pushes them together.
I loved the issue about work that came up—I really liked the theme that the people in your life are more important and how it was dealt with by the characters. Just it was so good.
The characters, like in My Not So Wicked Stepbrother, are perfectly delightful.
This second chance romance is *probably* my favorite type of romance and this book delivers. We have our girl who is still heartbroken, the guy comes rolling into town much wealthier ready to prove himself to his former girl and easily attracts every available female in his vicinity (I see you Persuasion!!), causing said girl to be jealous but to back off, and we can see that he is bitter but still head over heels for her. And a well meaning friend gently pushes them together.
I loved the issue about work that came up—I really liked the theme that the people in your life are more important and how it was dealt with by the characters. Just it was so good.
The characters, like in My Not So Wicked Stepbrother, are perfectly delightful.
March 19, 2024
I started this book with a big smile 😊 on my face after reading the synopsis because I love reading second-chance trope romance.
That smile turned into a grimace and then into a scowl as I reached the end 😡 The reason for their first break up was so ridiculous 🫤 The FMC saw some edited pics and decided to just run. Come on lady, this 21st century for god sake! And then when the truth finally comes out, there's no grovel from her end, no retribution at all for her cowardly act. It's all just me, me, me for her in the entire book 👎
Imagine this scenario with a role reversal. The MMC sees her doctored pics with some dude and dumps her without a single word. That guy would have been called an SOB, an MF and every bad word under the sun, who dared to break a poor girl's heart because he chose not to trust her.
In this one, the FMC just bats her eyelashes and he takes her back🤮 Not sure why I end up with such books..
When she made him that cake, I really wished that he'd dump it on her head and tell her to go to hell.
That smile turned into a grimace and then into a scowl as I reached the end 😡 The reason for their first break up was so ridiculous 🫤 The FMC saw some edited pics and decided to just run. Come on lady, this 21st century for god sake! And then when the truth finally comes out, there's no grovel from her end, no retribution at all for her cowardly act. It's all just me, me, me for her in the entire book 👎
Imagine this scenario with a role reversal. The MMC sees her doctored pics with some dude and dumps her without a single word. That guy would have been called an SOB, an MF and every bad word under the sun, who dared to break a poor girl's heart because he chose not to trust her.
In this one, the FMC just bats her eyelashes and he takes her back🤮 Not sure why I end up with such books..
When she made him that cake, I really wished that he'd dump it on her head and tell her to go to hell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2023
This is the second book in the series. I remember finding the first to be quite in my and frustrating for the characters. I read it so long ago I didn’t remember a lot of details. While the two main characters and some of the side characters are found a lot in book two, book two can be enjoyed without knowing all the background connections. I would recommend reading book one first as some of the things referenced made more sense as I recalled book one.
The plot itself was a bit predictable but a fun take on the second chance romance. I liked both of the characters even if I was getting a bit frustrated with Ryder. Shelby was a bit stupid in how she reacted in the beginning but it took Ryder longer than I would expect for him to forgive.
All in all an enjoyable book. I’m looking forward to book three and some of this authors other books.
The plot itself was a bit predictable but a fun take on the second chance romance. I liked both of the characters even if I was getting a bit frustrated with Ryder. Shelby was a bit stupid in how she reacted in the beginning but it took Ryder longer than I would expect for him to forgive.
All in all an enjoyable book. I’m looking forward to book three and some of this authors other books.
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