Cheyenne by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

What happens when your motto in life has been to always love yourself more than anyone could, but then you find someone that does it better? If you’re Cheyenne Fairchild, you do your best to push him away.

Cheyenne’s life has taught her to never depend on anyone, especially a man. She’s done her best to keep every relationship short and every man at arms-length. That is until the mysterious Aidan Bates moves to town. Not only does he give earth-shattering kisses, but he has the audacity to save her life after a tragic accident. Now Cheyenne can’t stop thinking about him and it’s driving her crazy. Worse, he won’t stop trying to help her.

While Cheyenne is doing her best to keep Aidan from working his way into her no vacancy heart, she finds herself embroiled in more than one Merryton scandal. One that rocks her best friend’s world and shows what Cheyenne is really made of. And one that she’s created in hopes of deterring Aidan. Unfortunately for her, she finds that it only brings them closer together.

Can Cheyenne let her defenses down long enough to see that Aidan is unlike any other man she has ever known? Or will she cling to the past and the mistakes that built the walls she’s carefully constructed around her heart.

My Review: 5 Stars

Over the years, Cheyenne has built a wall around her heart thanks to her father who had crushed her when she was just a young girl. She doesn't need a man in her life to love her or make her feel complete, she does a great job of that on her own. She has seen the lives her friends live and for a second thought that maybe she was missing out on something good. But then her ex-boyfriend, Paxton, showed her that she was wrong. She should have just stuck with her belief... you can never trust a man and you definitely do not need one in your life.

While travelling home one night, Cheyenne is involved in a freak automobile accident that nearly killed her. She would have died if it wasn't for the mysterious Aidan Bates appearing out of nowhere to save her. A near death experience would have anyone changing their ways and latching on to family and friends for help. But not Cheyenne. She is determined to do this alone and get her old self back. Because there is one thing that Cheyenne Fairchild will not do and that is to appear weak. She tries to put on a brave face for everyone around her but that accident did more to her than she is willing to admit.

Aidan came to Merryton to get his life back on track. After getting out of a marriage he had no business being in, he needs to stay away from all women. Enter Cheyenne. One look and he is instantly drawn to her. However, he knows her kind and knows it's best to stay far away from her. But seeing her go over the cliff changed something in him. He wasn't willing to admit it at first but, the more time passes, the more he sees that he was completely wrong about her. All this time he has been fighting his feelings for her but enough is enough. It's time to man up and go after the woman that he has been falling in love with.

Cheyenne refuses to let another man get close enough to hurt her again. She does her best to stay strong and not let Aidan past the walls that she has built. But the more he's around, the weaker her walls become. A piece of advice? Never underestimate a man in love. Especially one who helps her to see that she is not the person she wants everyone to think she is. There is more to her than anyone has ever taken the time to delve into and get to know. No one has ever made her feel the way that Aidan does. No one sees her the way Aidan sees her and it scares the living daylights out of her. This is all new territory and she doesn't know how to maneuver through it. Her head is screaming at her to get back to being the old Cheyenne. But her heart is softly whispering that she is better than that. She is an amazing and beautiful person. She is worth it. She does deserve to have the love of a good man in her life. And she most definitely deserves one big happily ever after!

Oh how I loved Cheyenne! The feels were definitely real my friends! I laughed, I cried, I growled in frustration, yelled at my kindle in anger, you name it and I more than likely felt it! The struggles were definitely real... both physically and emotionally. I loved watching Cheyenne grow and come to terms with who she really was.. not the person her father turned her into. She did a lot of self preservation but I thought Aidan was definitely key in her self-discovery.

And speaking of Aidan... *dreamy sigh* That. Man. Is. A. Saint! I loved how he knew what he wanted and refused to give up. He saw Cheyenne better than anyone else did. He saw the real her even before she did. I'm not going to lie... she could be a pain in the rear at times. But Aidan was extremely patient with her and loved her no matter what. He had all the time in the world and was willing to wait until she admitted to herself that she, too, was in love and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.

Ms. Peel always amazes me with each book she releases! She is a natural when it comes to writing! I always know that I will be sucked in and will absolutely love each book she creates! I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for her next book baby to be released! <3

And check out this casting! I am seriously in love with these two! I think they are absolutely perfect! *dreamy sigh* <3

Rachel Laine by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Rachel Whitney’s life changed forever when Drew, the son of her twin sister, Sydney, was placed in her arms—and there he stayed. At twenty-two, she had no idea what she was doing, but in that moment, she knew that raising Drew was what she was meant to do with her life.

Fiercely independent, Rachel makes her own way managing her family's insurance agency. Decidedly against introducing any men into her life, or Drew’s, she protects her heart against all romantic entanglements. But what she didn’t count on was a letter from her sister that leads a famous secret to her door eight years after her sister’s death. A secret with the same eyes as her son’s.

Desperate not to get the courts involved, Rachel allows Drew’s previously unknown father into their lives, and to her surprise, little by little into her heart. But for Rachel, taking that step could open her family to a firestorm of media attention that not even Merryton can protect them from. Is love worth the risk? Or will his fame and ambition ruin their chances?

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Rachel Laine became a mom at the age of 22 when her identical twin sister passed away during childbirth. From the moment little Drew was placed in her arms, she knew that being his mom was what she was meant to do with her life. She knew that she would do anything and everything for that little guy. Being fiercely independent, she was determined to provide the best life she could for him on her own. But all her efforts to stay independent and single until Drew is grown goes right out the window the moment Andrew steps into her office looking for her sister Sydney.

Andrew is a retired baseball player who wants to follow in his father's political footsteps and run for his old seat as a District Representative in CO. But before he can announce his candidacy, he needs to know if something that happened in the past is true. He needs to know if he had fathered a child a little over eight years ago. Determined to do the right thing, he heads to Merryton, CO in search of answers. Andrew never expected that his life would be turned upside down the moment his steps into Rachel Laine's office and discovers that he is indeed a father.

Decisions are made, and against Rachel's better judgement, she allows Andrew to be part of Drew's life as a "friend". There is just too much at stake for all involved if word gets out about Drew's paternity. Rachel hates lying to anyone, especially Drew, but she will play nice for her son's sake. Even though Andrew has sworn he never would, Rachel doesn't want to give him any reason to think about taking Drew away from her. But the more time they spend together, the more drawn to each other they become and the more they are in need of not only protecting Drew, but protecting themselves and their hearts as well.

Tragedy strikes and when Rachel needs him the most, Andrew makes a wrong decision. Feeling brokenhearted and rejected, Rachel builds up the walls around her heart. She will allow Andrew to be apart of Drew's life but she will not let him into her heart again. Andrew regrets making the choice that he did and will do anything to make it up to Rachel. Can he gain her forgiveness so they can finally move forward to become a family? Or will it be too little, too late?

I just have to tell you the feels are real people! I laughed, I cried, I growled in frustration, I wanted to throw my kindle across the room, I let out little dreamy sighs, I fell in love with Merryton all over again! And little Drew was absolutely adorable! Such a well behaved, fun, loving kid! I loved watching his and Andrew's relationship develop. You can see how much they both loved each other and needed each other in their lives.

Rachel Laine is my new favorite book in this series! I absolutely LOVED it! Jennifer really does have a way of sucking me in and not letting me go until the journey is over. I didn't even want to sleep until I finished reading this book. But alas, after my kindle hit me in the face for the third time, I decided it was time for bed. BUT I woke up extra early the next day so I could finish! Hehe. I am loving this series! I can't wait for Cheyenne's book! :)

And check out this casting! I am seriously in love with these two! <3

Taylor Lynne by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Determined not to repeat the same mistakes as her mother, Taylor Cole left her husband with their toddler in tow fourteen years ago and vowed never to return to Merryton. Now she is finally ready to face her demons and put the past and her ex-husband behind her, but to do that she and her daughter must return to the place that haunts her memories. A place where she lost not only the love of her life, but her childhood hopes and dreams.

When they move back, Taylor can’t seem to remain apathetic toward her ex-husband or his nine-year-old daughter. She discovers that maybe all wasn’t as it seemed so many years ago. And maybe—just maybe—she and her ex-husband need each other more now than they ever have before. But can the exes put the past behind them and find a way to forgive each other? Or will they let past mistakes and misunderstandings keep them from future happiness?

Return to Merryton and join Taylor and Easton on their journey, and catch up with old friends you grew to love in Jessie Belle.

My Review: 5+ Amazingly Beautiful Second Chance Stars!

Taylor Lynne ran away from the small town of Merryton, CO 14 years ago and swore she would never return. When her ex-husband Easton wants to build a relationship with their daughter Ashley and have her get to know her sister, Emmy, Taylor decides this is just what she needs to finally get over Easton. Little did she know that fate had something else in store for her.

Easton knows he made a huge mistake by letting Taylor go all those years ago without a fight. Now that she is back in Merryton, he will do his best to right his wrongs. He definitely has a fight on his hands but it's totally worth it if the prize is having Taylor and Ashley back in his life.

Ashley was such a strong, amazing girl! Even though she had been hurt by her father's lack of contact, she was willing to move back to Merryton and give him a second chance, give themselves a chance to get to know the each other and build a strong father/daughter relationship.

And little Emmy won my heart from the very beginning. Even though she is only 9 years old, the adorable little girl is broken.. haunted by her mother. Taylor tried her best to stay away from Emmy, but she too fell in love with the little girl. She showered her with love and affection and the little girl blossomed! Oh how my heart melted with all their interactions!

This book was absolutely AMAZING! I LOVED it! The message of love, forgiveness, growth, family, friendship, fresh starts, new beginnings, second chances... it was all prominent throughout the book. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I stayed up way too late and woke up way too early just to finish it. I had to see how Taylor, Easton, Ashley and Emmy would become a family... I had to see them get their HEA! And I was definitely NOT disappointed! Have I told you that this book is absolutely AMAZING?!

If you guys have not read anything by Jennifer Peel yet then you are seriously missing out! She has a way of capturing you and not letting you go until the journey has been completed. I have devoured and loved every single one of her books! She is truly talented! I can't wait for her next book to be released!

And of course I could not forget my casting! These two are pretty perfect in my opinion.. ;) Hehe.

Jessie Belle by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, lies the quaint town of Merryton, Colorado. You will never find finer people or better friends. But try keeping a secret in Merryton and you will soon find that the good townspeople are better than any private investigator or undercover journalist. The men and women of Merryton are like living barometers, and when a storm is brewing in the life of one of their own, they are sure to get to the bottom of it--and forecast it on the Merryton grapevine.

Jessica and Blake Summers know a thing or two about what it’s like to be the latest and greatest news on the vine. Their thirteen year marriage has had more than its fair share of heartache and loss. Then the past comes knocking, in the form of a teenage girl, a daughter Blake never knew existed. The news sets the Merryton grapevine on fire.

In the wake of this revelation and firestorm, Blake and Jessica are forced to reevaluate their own relationship and priorities, all while learning that raising a teenage girl is not for the faint of heart. But in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, they discover that Madeline may just be what the doctor ordered to heal their broken hearts and mend their own tattered relationship.

Will they have the courage to look forward and find a greater love than they could ever imagine? Or will past hurts and the town grapevine tear them apart?

My Review: 5 Beautiful Stars!

Jessie and Blake have been put through the ringer over and over again. But instead of them growing closer together, they are growing further and further apart. It's gotten to the point that Jessie doesn't know whether or not she can continue going on the way they have been. Then Blake shows up at Jessie Belle's Cafe and drops the ultimate bomb... he's the father of the almost teenager, Maddie, from a one night stand over 13 years ago. 

Jessie has always dreamed of being a mother. She and Blake have been trying for years. But after several miscarriages and a still birth that resulted in emergency surgery to save Jessie's life, that dream would not come to pass. So when she learns that Blake shares a daughter with another woman, a woman that Jessie hates, she is devastated. She really does not know how to take the news or where they go from here. 

With the help of her parents, her best friends and even Blake himself, she decides that she is going to try to make things work with Blake and try to be the best stepmom that she can possibly be. This does not mean the road is going to smooth sailing. Oh no... quite the opposite in fact. Things will get rougher before they even think to get smoother. 

Jessie and Blake's journey was definitely tough but one worth watching. Before I even finished the first chapter I was hooked. I sat back and held on tight while enjoying the emotional roller coaster that is Jessie Belle. I found myself cheering them on when things were going right, growling and getting frustrated when Blake was being dense or things weren't going my way, rolling my eyes at certain characters that seriously needed to be Gibbs slapped, laughing at the antics of teenagers, getting teary eyed at the sad and even tender moments, and letting out dreamy sighs throughout the whole journey. I seriously felt like I was right there in Merryton experiencing the whole journey with Jessie, Blake and Maddie. It. Was. AMAZING!!  

I have decided that I'm giving Jessie her own theme song. Fight Song by Rachel Platten. She definitely needs one in my opinion. Not only does she have to work on strengthening and bettering her marriage with Blake and learn to be the best stepmom ever, she also has to learn to love herself again. Her poor body and self esteem have taken hit after hit after hit and she doesn't even recognize herself anymore. It was a constant uphill battle for poor Jessie. But dang it... she fought every step of the way!

And while driving to work rocking out to Rachel Platten, I discovered Blake's song for Jessie! It is absolutely PERFECT in my opinion! Are you ready?! Are you sure?! ;) Hehe. It's Stand By You by Rachel Platten. Blake did a lot of growing himself and one thing that he realized was that he could not go a day without Jessie. He knew that he hadn't been the best of husbands and he knew he had a lot to make up for! And make up for it he did! He was her faith, courage and strength when she didn't know if she could go on the way they were going. He set out to prove that he was always going to stand by her no matter what! *dreamy sigh* Have I told you how much I LOVE Blake?! <3

Jennifer Peel did another FANTABULOUS job of sucking me into yet another one of her books! I literally started it yesterday mid-morning, read until midnight when my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer and then woke up at 6am to continue reading to find out what happened next! It has been awhile since a book has done that to me and I loved every minute of it! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! :) 

As for the casting... I literally saw Jessie from the very first chapter! She just totally fit! Blake took a little longer but I love him just as much as I love Jessie! What do you think?! ;) 

  

Weekend Ramblings

Hey party people! It has been forever since I've done a Weekend Ramblings post. After reading an author's blog post yesterday I decided that I would dedicate this post to authors.

As a reader, I feel the need to apologize to authors everywhere. You all work extremely hard to publish books for readers like me. I, for one, am extremely grateful to each and every one of you. You put your heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears and love into these creations. I'm in awe every single time I read a book. If you ask me, authors are magical. Who else can transport you to another world and take you on many adventures using only 26 letters?! It's magic I tell you!

When I heard there are readers out there who are not only leaving negative reviews, but also sending personal messages to authors that are even more negative, I found it extremely disturbing. Are people's lives so miserable that they have to hide behind a computer screen and tear down authors because they didn't write what you wanted them to write?

I get that not everyone is going to LOVE every book they read. But, in my opinion, us, as readers, need to have some class when it comes to writing reviews and reaching out to authors. There is a way to express your thoughts and feelings without saying cruel and mean things. Personally attacking an author is seriously unacceptable to me. How would we like it if people started tearing our work apart for no other reason than because they wanted to?! I mean come on... authors are humans too! Yes, I know that they have to have a tough skin in this industry and they are not always going to have glowing 5 star reviews all the time. But they also don't need to be torn apart for how they write their books. This is, after all, THEIR creation! These characters speak to THEM. They each have their own individual writing style that makes them unique and puts their mark in the book world.

To the reviewers who are doing these horrible things, grow up! If you don't like a book, you don't like a book. Move on! There is no reason to be so hateful. There are millions of authors in the world. I'm sure there's at least one out there that will be your cup of tea.

I hope I haven't offended anyone for putting my thoughts and opinions into this post. But since yesterday I have felt like I needed to get this out there for others to read. Hopefully, as readers and reviewers, we can help to lift up and encourage our favorite writers, new writers and future writers.

To all authors reading this post... YOU are amazing! YOU are rockstars! YOU can do this! And THANK YOU for creating a magical place that we can disappear into and discover new worlds whenever we open a book!