Trouble in Loveland (The Loveland Series Book 1)
B**!
Grabs your attention, holds it and the sparks just fly!
Okay, let's just say that it has been a long time since a book has just stolen my complete attention and held it captive for the entire book. Trouble in Loveland did just that! I was sucked into Charlee's world and I could not escape and I didn't want to escape either! Peel has a way of writing that is real, down to earth, and resonates with the reader. Charlee could be your own neighbor or friend. Peel also does a fantastic job of writing sizzling romance with all the sparks while still keeping it clean! I was so engrossed in this story that when it was finished I was totally distraught. But then I realized there was a second book and I started reading that the same night! Yup, her story telling is that good! I cannot wait to read more from Jennifer Peel!!!
A**N
A Good Read But Watch Out For Errors!
I almost didn't read this book. I get so annoyed when I find spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes when I read anything, a book, article, newspaper, etc.. So imagine how I felt when the 4th word in the FIRST sentence - a word that's included in the three word title - was spelled wrong!! Really, I almost lost my mind.But I did read it and I'm (mostly) glad I did. The story was a good one, a familiar plot line, but told really well. Charlee came to life in a way that many other writers try for, but don't succeed at. The writing got to my emotions, I laughed and teared up at different times. I very much enjoyed seeing the progression of these characters.That being said, there were still some spelling errors and wrong words used. I've seen other authors use this, (maybe it's a geographical thing, words being used in one part of the country but not in others) where the word 'drug' is used where 'dragged' or maybe 'brought' should be used - several times! Example: "I drug her to the kitchen and sat her down at the breakfast bar." Also, there were many times where a comma was inserted where no comma was needed! Example: "It helped that, Aiden kind of fascinated me." Annoying!Now, before you think I'm being petty, my feeling is that if you write something; a letter, article or book, if your name is on it you own it! It is a reflection of who you are. Any author should read, reread, and triple read their work to be sure that any errors are kept to a minimum. Then they should give it to a friend or two to read it also.While I liked Ms. Peel's writing style, I am not sure I will read any of her other books.
M**A
A not so smooth journey to love
I read More Trouble in Loveland almost 3 years ago as a review book, but I just got around to reading this one which tells us how Charlee and Ryan got together. Let me tell you, it was anything but smooth sailing.Charlee had a huge crush on Ryan Carter as soon as his family moved in next door, but she was 15 and he was 23 so needless to say nothing happened. Skip ahead a couple of years and the same day Ryan gets married to "perfect" Victoria, Charlee's parents' marriage comes to a sudden and devastating end after her father confesses to her mother about a recent alcohol aided one-night stand. Charlee's mom takes Charlee and moves to Kansas to be near her own parents.Fast forward 8 years. Charlee's mother has remarried, Charlee has Bachelor and Master degrees in accounting (which she doesn't really like), but she can't find a job because she has no experience. So she moves back to Loveland, Colorado to live with her dad, that she hasn't really spoken to in 8 years, to work at his firm to gain the experience she needs while she studies to take the CPA exam. Once she's back in the old neighborhood she discovers that hottie Ryan Carter is now a divorced, single father of an adorable 3 year old, and has bought his parents old house! Maybe now she can get him to see her as an adult woman and not the 17 year old girl she was when he got married and she moved to Kansas. Oh, I forgot to mention Ryan is now a partner at her dad's accounting firm!!I loved Charlee--she's smart, and isn't afraid to speak her mind. She doesn't care what others think--like getting in a firetruck bounce house with some 4 year olds at a birthday party, or going down a kiddie slide at the park. That's not to say she doesn't have some insecurities or doubts every now and then (who doesn't?). She's a great friend and daughter. After her parents divorce she basically became a parent to her mother who seemed to have an early mid-life crisis. I loved how she mended her relationship with her father. He wasn't a bad guy and she shouldn't have listened to her mother's post-divorce rantings about him. I loved her with Ryan's little boy Josh. She was great with him from the beginning.Ryan, Ryan, Ryan. How could a smart man be so stupid over and over again? It amazed me. If I could've reached through my Kindle I would've smacked him hard several times to try and knock some sense into him. Seriously!! He and Victoria (the ex-wife) really needed some post-divorce counseling or at least he could have used some to learn how to stand up to his demanding and overbearing ex. She's your ex for a reason, she doesn't get a say in your life anymore. I felt so bad for Charlee the first time Ryan took her to the sports bar to watch a game with his friends. I know I wouldn't have been brave enough to try it a second time, but Charlee did and again it didn't go well. But the straw that broke the camel's back was the way Ryan reacted after the car accident. There was no way I'd take him back after that. I couldn't believe it and completely understood why Charlee felt and acted the way she did. On the other hand, Ryan's little boy Josh is adorable! If this book was a movie, he'd steal every scene.I cringed for Charlee the day Ryan crashed her psychology class, but that was the catalyst that made her consider taking him back. My favorite part was Charlee getting to say her piece and make Ryan listen to all the times he'd put Victoria ahead of her, when she was supposed to be the women he cared for. I'm still upset it took a month without Charlee for Ryan to finally find his backbone when it came to his snooty ex-wife. She didn't want you so why are you letting her call the shots in your life? Can you tell I have strong feelings about this? Don't get me started on Charlee's mother!!This is one reason I love Jennifer Peel's books. She makes the characters come alive and you feel all types of emotions when reading her books. After you read this one, you'll want to read More Trouble in Loveland.
J**3
Enjoyable read with a great heroine
This is the first book I've read by this author, and it certainly made me want to read more.This is a little thing that probably only matters to me, but I like that most of the places appear to be real. Obviously I know the big landmarks (Denver, Boulder, Red Rocks, etc.) were real, but I also liked that other things were as well, like Estes Park or the restaurant Charlee and Ryan go to before the concert. It helps me picture the story a lot better.Charlee is a great heroine; you're rooting for her the whole way. She's smart, witty and sassy, its a great combination; I can see why Ryan would be attracted to her. Love her relationship with Josh especially. Ryan can be really frustrating, but he comes through at the end. Its also heartwarming to see Charlee rebuild her relationship with her father over the course of the story.I'm not sure I liked the way her mom was portrayed, although upon re-reading the opening chapter it's clear the clues were there as to how it would end. But she seemed so sad to see Charlee leave and it appeared she at least had made her peace with her ex, but then she seemingly has no interest in ever seeing Charlee again. It just felt a little off to me, though maybe its just sad that Charlee started with no relationship with her father, and ended with that healed but no relationship to her mother.But still, it was an enjoyable fun read. I definitely left it wanting to see more of Charlee and her life with Ryan and Josh, and that's always a good thing to me.
B**E
one of my favourites
I go back and read this book. It is such a healthy relationship. Like the heroine sticks up for herself and is confident and knows her worth. The hero shows signs of growth and emotional intelligence. Like it’s actual growing pains of love and at times heart wrenching, but just so good.
A**T
Rocky road to love
Damn i loved this book so much . Ryan and Charlee,s story had me feeling all kinds of emotions. Did I cry, hell yes i did , did I want to shake Ryan to make him see what he said , or didn't say , or what he did , or didn't do , how it broke Charlee every time , again yes I did .Oh this really is a great read
K**S
A brilliant read that will make you laugh and cry.
This book captured me from the start. Charlee's story had me laughing and in tears as she navigated her way through life and fighting for the man she had loved since she was a young girl. The author drew me in with her real-to-life characters and the challenges they faced. Five stars - and I would also rate it more for being clean. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
M**.
I loved this book - it was fun
I loved this book - it was fun, heartfelt and the story was full of romance without needing to give explicit details. I really enjoyed it :)
R**K
Loved it
On the beach reading this had me smiling throughout. Plus the odd tear. Defo would recommend it!!! Was hard to put down
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