Meant to Be by Jennifer Probst

Two broken hearts discover an unpredictable path to healing in an emotional romance about fate and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

It’s been two years since Chiara Kennedy lost her dearest friend, Rory. Chiara misses everything about her. Rory’s widowed husband is another story. Sebastian Ryder is a man Chiara had secretly wanted, let slip away, and hoped to never see again. Then fate throws them together for an unexpected one-night stand and a morning after of new challenges.

Sebastian had a soul mate in Rory. Shutting down after his tragic loss, he kept a cool distance from everyone—including Chiara, with whom he once shared a deep if fleeting affection. That was over and done with a long time ago. But when they meet again, old emotions resurface along with a heart-wounding past that haunts them both.

As Chiara and Sebastian grow closer, finally getting to know each other, Chiara struggles with feelings of guilt even as she cherishes her second chance with Sebastian. Will fate allow them to overcome the past, or are they destined to always wonder if they are truly meant to be?

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~ Also Available with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
I honestly don't know which genre or trope I would slide this into. Jennifer Probst is an excellent author; however, the story seems to be a bit overplayed at times.

Chiara happens to meet Sebastian at a club, they have a great night of talking and getting to know each other and go their separate ways at the end of the night. No kissing, no sex, and no exchange of numbers. Truly a great night of talking about dreams, love and loves lost, and where the universe would take them next.

Still, Chiara uses this "perfect night" as a standard as to what she wants in a longtime partner, and even on occasion thinks, "What if?" As crazy as it sounds, when Chiara runs into him again, it's because one of her besties, Rory, has introduced him as her fiancé. Rather than telling everyone, including her bestie, that she had met Sebastian before, she pretends not to know him and spends the next several years being rude, if not hostile, towards him.

I don't understand why Rory, or their two close friends, didn't confront Chiara about her blatant dislike of Sebastian, nor do I understand why Chiara felt the need to conceal the fact that she knew Sebastian from before. Then Rory dies and Chiara is quick to place blame on Sebastian. Again, not sure why or why her friends let her get away with it.

Sebastian is another story. He allows himself to be the villain in Chiara's story. For whatever reason, he doesn't tell Rory that he spent an innocent night talking to Chiara, yet instead takes the rudeness and hostility from Chiara. And as for Rory's death, he gladly takes on that guilt as well.

The reader is well into the book before Chiara is able to see outside herself to consider Sebastian's feelings regarding his wife and her death. While it doesn't change much, it does allow for a bit of growth in character.

I'm not sure why Sebastian decides he wants to have a relationship with a woman who has treated him badly for so many years, but as they said back in the day "love makes you do the whacky."

I'm not sure I'll read the next book in the series as this one just didn't hold my interest.

 

 

JENNIFER PROBST wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the New York Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews. She is also a proud three-time RITA finalist.

Connect with Jennifer Probst

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Probst Posse Street Team

 

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Meant to Be (Twist of Fate #1) by Jennifer Probst to read and review.

Begin Again by Jennifer Probst Blog Tour

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new story in her Stay series.

Chloe Lake is finally living her dream. As the daughter of the Governor, she’s consistently in the spotlight, and after being dubbed the Most Eligible Bachelorette of NYC, both her career and personal life has exploded. Fortunately, her work as an advocate for animal welfare requires constant publicity and funding, so she embraces her role and plays for the camera—anything for the sake of her beloved rescues.

But when a big case is on the line, she’s faced with the one obstacle she never counted on: the boy who broke her heart is back, and in order to gain justice, they need to work together.

Chloe swears she can handle it until old feelings resurface, and she’s faced with a heartbreaking choice.

Will this time end differently—or are they destined to be only each other’s first love—instead of forever?

Owen Salt fell hard for Chloe when he was a screwed-up kid in college, and spent the next years changing himself into the man his grandfather believed he was capable of. But when his career led him across the country, he knew he needed to leave the woman he loved behind. He’s never forgotten her, but as the new darling of the press, now, she’s way out of his league. When work brings him back to fight for justice by her side, he swears he can handle it.

But he’s never really gotten over his first love—and he wants one more opportunity to prove he’s a man who’s worthy.

Can Owen convince the woman who holds his heart to take a second chance on forever—or is it too late for them both?

**For fans of Jennifer Probst’s Stay series, Begin Again is the fifth installment in that series.**

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Book 3.6
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

He cut the engine. Leaned in. Her hand drifted up to hesitantly touch his face, smooth and stubble free, his square cut jaw straight, full lips, and cut cheekbones straight from a superhero comic. “You’re very handsome,” she whispered.

He chuckled. “Thank you. But you are a work of art.” He stroked her hair. “And it’s officially our fifth date. Would you invite me up?”

Tension stiffened her muscles. She wasn’t ready to sleep with him yet. There was something sacred about inviting a man into her bed. When she was young and reckless, she’d made a bunch of bad choices, sleeping with bad boys to prove nothing could hurt her, and it only made a bigger mess in her head. Now she accepted her need to go slow and refused to apologize for it. “I don’t think tonight is a good idea,” she said.

He nodded, taking the rejection with his normal ease. “Got it. Then I’ll just have to show you how you make me feel right here.”

He lowered his head and kissed her.

Chloe responded immediately, allowing her mouth to soften under his, her hands gripping his broad shoulders. He smelled of expensive cologne, a musky, ocean scent that should have driven her crazy. He knew what he was doing, expertly applying the perfect amount of pressure, slowly sliding his tongue with subtle precision, allowing her to warm up. Her body responded like a fine-tuned machine and she sank into the kiss, deliberately shutting her mind down to enjoy the moment.

When he finally lifted his head, satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. “You are delicious,” he muttered. “I can’t wait to see you again.”

“Me, too.” She smiled and grabbed her purse. “I better go. Thanks for dinner.”

“Thanks for saying yes.”

Chloe climbed out of the car and walked to her apartment building. Nodding to Art, the doorman, she took the elevator up to the eighth floor and entered her sacred space. Kicking off her heels, she went straight to her living room, got comfortable, and took out her phone.

He answered on the second ring. “Sweetheart! It’s so good to hear from you. What’s up?”

The sound of her father’s voice was everything good in the world, and she leaned her head back on the sofa, closing her eyes. Funny, for so many years, she hid everything from him, refusing to share any of her feelings. Now she looked forward to their talks, and though she had many close friends who’d be there anytime, she preferred going straight to her father. “Hi, Dad. Am I interrupting?”

“There’s nothing I could be doing where I’d consider you an interruption. You sound funny.”

She laughed but it turned into a half sob. “I had a date. With Drew Dinkle.”

A whistle cut over the phone. “That’s great! I’ve always liked Drew. He’s got his priorities straight—family values, hard work, and charity. If I had a choice to set you up with anyone, I’d pick Drew. How’d it go?”

“Great. He took me to Felice’s.”

“Our favorite place. See, he’s winning already. How long have you been seeing him?”

“This was our fifth date. Dad, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Is it better to be ruled by your heart or your head?”

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This installment in the Stay series is very welcome – for fans it will be a perfect opportunity to catch up with all the gang, and to find Chloe and Owen all grown up! You could definitely read this as a lovely introduction to the books too, and I dare you not to be tempted to go back and find out about the adventures that are mentioning in passing in this story.

Chloe has found her calling, and is working hard for animal rescue. She is seeing someone, but there really is no great buzz, and anyway, she is far too busy. Then Owen Salt walks into the office, the new lawyer helping on a big animal abuse case. All her thoughts get thrown to the wind, but she will not allow herself to be hurt by him again. He broke her once, she can't let him do it again.

Owen walked away for only one reason, to become worthy for Chloe. He is single-minded in his plans, and will do all he can, without being pushy, to make Chloe believe him. I loved his tenacity, his honesty, and how he was prepared to make himself vulnerable to prove to her that he is serious. Some of his revelations really do shock her, and give her a better understanding of his thinking.

Though a novella, there is plenty of depth, lots of fabulous characters – and whilst names (thanks to Disney) have always been a feature of this series, Chloe's suitor being called Drew Dinkle just had me in stitches, lol!

I highly recommend this to you. Enjoy!

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the New York Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews. She is also a proud three-time RITA finalist.

Connect with Jennifer

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Begin Again (Stay #3.6) by Jennifer Probst to read and review for this tour.

Something Just Like This by Jennifer Probst Blog Tour

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new story in her Stay series.

Jonathan Lake is the beloved NYC mayor who’s making a run for Governor. His widowed status and close relationship with his daughter casts him as the darling of the press, and the candidate to beat, but behind the flash of the cameras, things are spinning out of control. It all has to do with his strait laced, ruthlessly organized assistant. Her skills and reserved demeanor are perfect to run his campaign, but her brilliant brain has become a temptation he’s been fighting for too long. Can he convince her to take a chance on a long-term campaign for love or will his efforts end up in scandal?

Alyssa Block has admired the NYC mayor for a long time, but her secret crush is kept ruthlessly buried under a mountain of work. Besides, she’s not his type, and office scandals is not in her job position. But when they retreat to an upstate horse farm for a secluded weekend, the spark between them catches flame, and Jonathan sets those stinging blue-eyes on winning her. Can she convince him to focus on the upcoming election, or will she succumb to the sweet promise of a different future?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Book 3.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This book 3.5 in the series – I think you can certainly enjoy it as a standalone, but once you have met the human and animal inhabitants of Hudson Valley, I am sure that you will be intrigued by their stories too.

Although this is a novella, it is a very satisfying read. Jonathan and Alyssa have worked together for the last couple of years and spend a lot of their time together. Both have been feeling much more than professional interest in each other, but the public nature of Jonathan's life would make even thinking about having a relationship dangerous. This set up means that they can jump over any concept of insta-love, rather it is admita-love... but is that enough, and is life in the public eye too much for the very reserved Alyssa.

Their weekend at the B&B with the rest of the "Stay" family is a wonderful oasis in the crazy of public life, and gives them and us a chance to see how they could be.

I loved the mixture of politics and country, of family and public responsibilities, but most of all, I loved that the interactions between Jonathan and the very well read Alyssa. I am very much looking forward to Chloe's story.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is a novella and is very much a part of a series. And while you don't necessarily need to read the other books to know what's happening in this one, I highly recommend reading them. They make this novella that much stronger.

Jonathan is the mayor of New York City. He loves what he does and really wants to make his city a better place. He has been widowed for five years and in that time, he's tried to bury his grief in his work. He also had to re-work his relationship with Chloe, who we met in a previous book. Now that he has a handle on his job and his home life, he knows that he wants something more.

Alyssa is amazing at her job. She can multitask and handle a crowd whenever she's called to do so. But she has always had a crush on her boss and over the years, it's only gotten stronger. Alyssa loves her job and doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize it. She'll just continue to push down her feelings and do her job.

After a benefit that left both Alyssa and Jonathan flustered, these two will have to decide if they can take the leap and allow their mutual attraction to blossom. Jonathan knows what he wants. He wants Alyssa. But Alyssa will have to decide whether or not love is worth the risk. Can Chloe and Jonathan show Alyssa that it is? Or will she be destined to pine for Jonathan as she helps him with yet another campaign?

Also Available in the Stay Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our The Start of Something Good post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our A Brand New Ending post.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our All Roads Lead to You post.

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012, and spent 26 weeks on the New York Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews.

Connect with Jennifer

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Something Just Like This (Stay #3.5) by Jennifer Probst to read and review for this tour.

All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst

All bets are off in this heartfelt romance by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.

After a bitter betrayal, horse trainer Aidan O’Connor has fled Ireland for a vacation in New York’s Hudson Valley. When he sees the horse with the fighting spirit, he’s inspired with a new goal: to train Phoenix to win. He’s also facing an unexpected new challenge: his feelings for Harper.

How can she dare to open her heart to a man who’ll be there only long enough to break it?

So Harper and Aidan agree: try to keep it professional, and focus only on Phoenix and the finish line. But along the way, they could also learn a few lessons in love, trust, and taking chances. And, as painful as it promises to be, saying goodbye.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is a gentle book with a huge heart and characters who feel fresh and original.

I love everything about Harper’s animal rescue farm and the work she and Aidan do to train Phoenix as a racehorse. Harper and Aidan are both driven, capable, and fiercely secretive. I love the spark between them, and I love the passion they both have for their work.

I love the combination of humour and excitement in the story. Phoenix’s training provides great suspense but the characters and animals on the farm provide humour and entertainment. There are some crazy, steamy hot scenes between Harper and Aidan, but I also loved the sense of family in the book and I thoroughly enjoyed the animals.

This is the first book I’ve read in the series and it works well as a standalone. I loved it so much that I intend to purchase the previous books and catch up but I didn’t need to read them to understand Harper’s book.

And finally a grumble – I can’t for the life of me understand what the cover has to do with the story. Most of the book takes place on a working farm with the characters in sensible work clothing. It’s a pretty cover but it really doesn’t fit the book.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This is Harper's story. She is the quiet one of the siblings. She loves her animals and relates to them much better than she relates to people. Harper learned a long time ago that animals will never judge her for being her and won't hurt her like people can.

Aidan is in need of a change. He is re-examining his life and his priorities after he's betrayed by some people in his life whom he thought loved him and had his back.

Aidan is staying at Harper's family farm. He wants some time to think, relax, reflect, and lick his wounds. To say that as soon as he arrives, he's bored, is an understatement. Aidan is used to being in the action. As a horse trainer, he's used to early mornings, late nights, and victories. Now on a farm that's far from what he's used to, Aidan will need to really listen to his surroundings. Is he ready?

Harper's life work is rehabilitating abused animals. She knows that she can't save them all, but in her heart, just saving the ones she can is enough. Harper knows that Phoenix is destined to be more than a family horse. Phoenix's spirit is one that shines bright and long and looking at this horse run, Harper knows that if she can get a trainer, Phoenix could win a lot of races. His best friend is a goat that wears a chicken costume and let me tell you, that itself was laugh worthy.

When Aidan sees Harper on Phoenix, he's instantly captivated. He knows that Phoenix is a winner. If he can convince Harper and her family that he's the man for the job, he could be back on top in no time. He could go back home, head held high, and show his former partner that he is the man for any job.

Aidan and Harper form a friendly alliance and want what's best for Phoenix. However, along the way, both see their connection and both realize that they could be so much more. When they decide that they can just have a relationship while Aidan is around, neither really believes that. Their hearts and minds are at war with each other and both will have to decide what they are truly wanting. Does love really win all other arguments?

I really liked watching Aidan and Harper. They were truly a wonderfully passionate couple and loved what they did. Their connection grew organically, and it was one of deep respect and compassion. It was a great read and I would love to see them more down the road.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, but I must admit my first. I am sure that I will be going back to read the earlier ones, and whilst I may have missed some 'in' jokes, I never felt that I was not fully up to speed with the family dynamics.

Harper has watched her siblings find love, and is feeling a little alone, but at the same time is happy that her life of animal rescue work gives her so much fulfilment. Her latest rescue, a beaten racehorse prospect, Phoenix is finally starting to relax and show signs of his potential – now she needs someone experienced to help him win. And then Irishman Aidan turns up, hiding out from a disaster back home, and he may be the one to warm her heart and train her horse.

Watching these two independent souls work together, house share, and then finally acknowledge their feelings for each other is by turns amusing, intense, and always fun. There is a lot of humour and love at the core of this book, and it is absolutely entrancing. Ophelia, Kyle, Ethan, and Mia all join in the effort to get Phoenix to his very best, and yet it is a runt-of-the-litter goat (and a crazy chicken) who actually are the key to success.

I loved the drama of the racing world, the price of success, and the intimacy between two people who are very down-to-earth, hard-working, and honest folk. There was an underlying tension borne of them coming from very different places, and how that could ever be reconciled, but as any Probst fan will know, the outcome will be everything we could ever want!

Also Available in the Stay Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our The Start of Something Good post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our A Brand New Ending post.

Jennifer Probst is the New York Times bestselling author of The Billionaire Builders series, The Searching for... series, The Marriage series, and The Steele Brothers series, among others. The Start of Something Good and A Brand New Ending. Like some of her characters, Probst, along with her husband and two sons, calls New York’s Hudson Valley home. When she isn’t traveling to meet readers, she enjoys reading, watching “shameful reality television,” and visiting a local Hudson Valley animal shelter.

Connect with Jennifer

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of All Roads Lead to You (Stay #3) by Jennifer Probst to read and review.

A Brand New Ending by Jennifer Probst

A love story will be rewritten in this heartfelt romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Ophelia Bishop was a lovestruck teenage girl when she and Kyle Kimpton chased their dreams to Hollywood. Kyle’s dreams came true. Ophelia’s did not. When Kyle chose his career over their relationship, Ophelia returned home to rural New York to run the family’s B & B—wiser, and more guarded against foolish fantasies. Now Kyle has come crashing back into her life, and all her defenses are down.

Kyle can’t think of a better place to write his latest screenplay than his hometown. After all, that was where he met the heart of his inspiration—his first love. He knows the damage he’s caused Ophelia, and he wants a chance to mend their relationship. If anyone can prove to Ophelia that happy ever afters aren’t only for the movies, it should be him.

As much as Ophelia’s changed, she still has feelings for Kyle. But her heart has been broken before, and she knows that Kyle could run back to Hollywood at any time. She gave up her dreams once, but maybe she can dare to change her own love story… one last time.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Second Chance Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Ophelia and Kyle had a puppy love that they thought would last a life time. They planned to live their dreams and the fairy tale that came along with them. But when their dreams do not seem to be merging, it will be up to each of them to decide whether or not they can truly be happy.

Ophelia knew fairly early on that she loved singing. She knew that if she wanted to keep Kyle, she would have to seek out that dream, because he was going to Hollywood to live his. When Ophelia realizes what she truly wants, she makes her own choice and has to live with what that choice means for her relationship.

Kyle is a successful screenplay writer. He has a lot of blockbusters and knows what it's like to rub elbows with the rich and famous. But now that he's lived his dream, he wonders what's missing and why he feels so lost. He takes a chance to go back to where it all began to see if he can see the magic again.

This is a second chance romance where both characters have their own baggage. I was slightly worried about this premise, as it seemed that with second chance romances, either one has to work too hard or too little to win the other back. This was somewhere leaning more towards the work too little. I thought that for all of the forgiveness that Kyle wanted, he was pretty stubborn in his own right.

Overall, this was a successful second chance romance, but I thought that it needed something else. I'm not quite sure what, but it was missing something. I did like that there was a secondary story and that it had a great resolution. Also, I wanted to see more into the future – where were the two main characters down the road? But it was an enjoyable read, nonetheless.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
A sweet second chance romance that I liked very much. However, for me, the story seemed to drag in places.

When Kyle returns to town after living in California for years, he yearns to get reacquainted with his high school sweetheart, Ophelia. Ophelia has other ideas. When she left Kyle in California, she left that part of her behind. She doesn't need the constant accolades or criticism from strangers to make her life complete. She knows that Kyle loved her with all he had back then, but it wasn't enough and she's not willing to trade the happiness she has now to go back to that life.

Kyle knows what he lost and he's back to reconnect with Ophelia. He lost a lot when Ophelia left him and he thought he was over her, but everything always comes back to her. To loving her, to being with her, and he's willing to give it all up for a lifetime with her. The only thing he needs to do is to convince her that she's more important than anything Hollywood has to offer, and to do that Kyle has to embrace the life that Ophelia has created in their hometown.

I did enjoy the book, and the subplot surrounding Kyle's father added an element that to the story that made Kyle's growth as a person even more relatable.

Also Available in the Stay Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our The Start of Something Good post.

Jennifer Probst is the New York Times bestselling author of The Billionaire Builders series, The Searching for... series, The Marriage series, and The Steele Brothers series, among others. The Start of Something Good is the first book in her new Stay series. Like some of her characters, Probst, along with her husband and two sons, calls New York’s Hudson Valley home. There, she enjoys reading, watching “shameful reality television,” and visiting an animal shelter, when she isn’t traveling to meet readers.

Connect with Jennifer

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Brand New Ending (Stay #2) by Jennifer Probst to read and review.

The Start of Something Good by Jennifer Probst

An enriching story of family ties, broken hearts, and second chances from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

When Ethan Bishop returns to the Hudson Valley, his body and spirit are a little worse for wear. As a former Special Forces paratrooper, he saw his fair share of conflict, and he came home with wounds, inside and out. At his sisters’ B & B and farm, he can keep all his pain at a safe distance. But quiet time isn’t easy when a fiery woman explodes into his life…

It’s business—not pleasure—that brings Manhattan PR agent Mia Thrush reluctantly to the farm. Tightly wound and quick tempered, Mia clashes immediately with the brooding Ethan. Everything about him is irritating—from his lean muscles and piercing blue eyes to his scent of sweat and musk.

But as the summer unfolds and temperatures rise, Ethan and Mia discover how much they have in common: their guarded histories, an uncontrollable desire, and a passion for the future that could heal two broken hearts. But will their pasts threaten their fragile chance at a brand-new future?

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Ethan is back home after a harrowing mission that left him injured, both physically and mentally. Coming home to the family farm and bed and breakfast is not exactly what he wanted to do, but he knows that he needs the peace and quiet.

Mia is spending the summer in the hinterlands, as she calls it, as a favor to one of the clients of her PR firm. His daughter was in some legal trouble and has to spend the summer doing community service and needs a baby sitter. It’s not her ideal way to spend her time but knowing that her client would make a fabulous mayor, she's willing to do whatever she can to make sure that nothing gets in the way.

What Mia doesn't expect is that she likes being at the farm, and that she likes spending time with Ethan and his sisters. As the summer winds down, Mia realizes that she doesn't want to leave the farm but knows she has to go back to the city. Ethan doesn't want her to leave either and vows to make their relationship work no matter what it takes. Even if the city makes his PTSD worse.

The story gives the reader a strong sense of what it takes to deal with tragedy and come through the other side. I can't wait to read the second book in the series.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Ethan is coming home feeling a little broken. He was once a very good horse whisperer. Now, being back home, he has lost some of his confidence. But he loves being back at his family's ranch, even if it now is his job to oversee a delinquent there to serve out her community service.

Mia is an amazing PR person. However, her candidate's daughter has been getting into trouble lately and it is now Mia's job to watch over her. Mia is tasked with being the "aunt," and making sure that she stays on the straight and narrow isn't Mia's idea of a job well done. However, she believes in her client and will do this to ensure he is elected.

Ethan and Mia both have preconceived notions of each other. When they both realize they might have jumped the gun a little, sparks fly. Ethan realizes that Mia has been hurt in the past and Mia recognizes Ethan's own troubles. They both help each other heal and it was a sweet story to watch unfold.

I also really got to like the secondary characters. I hope that we get to see more of them in future books!

Jennifer Probst is the New York Times bestselling author of The Billionaire Builders series, The Searching for... series, The Marriage series, and The Steele Brothers series, among others. The Start of Something Good is the first book in her new Stay series. Like some of her characters, Probst, along with her husband and two sons, calls New York’s Hudson Valley home. There, she enjoys reading, watching “shameful reality television,” and visiting an animal shelter, when she isn’t traveling to meet readers.

Connect with Jennifer

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Start of Something Good (Stay #1) by Jennifer Probst to read and review.

Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst

Hot on the heels of her beloved Marriage to a Billionaire novels, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst nails it with the first in an all-new sexy romance series featuring red-hot contractor siblings who give the Property Brothers a run for their money!

Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father’s luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss’s chair. But his father’s will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers.

Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T—or she’ll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers’ reputation. Not one to ignore a challenge, Caleb vows to get the job done—if only he can stop getting distracted by his new client’s perfect…amenities.

But there’s more to icy Morgan than meets the eye. And Caleb’s not the only one who knows how to use a stud-finder. In fact, Morgan is pretty sure she’s found hers—and he looks quite enticing in a hard hat. As sparks fly between Morgan and Caleb despite his best intentions not to mix business and pleasure, will she finally warm up and help him lay the foundation for everlasting love?

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

He closed the distance between them. Was that his heart beating? Stupid. Of course not. He was a grown man, and he didn’t get those feelings anymore. She tilted her head back, and he saw the slight tremble of her lips as she gazed back at him, refusing to look away.

“I like you now.”

She cleared her throat. The pulse at the base of her neck and the dilation of her pupils gave her away. She felt it, too. His nostrils flared like a predator’s on the hunt, but he moved slow, bending his head so his mouth was inches from hers, so he could feel the warm rush of her breath against him. So she had plenty of time to pull away and cry foul. Still, she rallied.

She spoke his name on a ragged whisper. “What are you doing, Cal?”

“I’m sorry.”

She shuddered. His hands clasped her shoulders, and he breathed her in.

“For misjudging me? Calling me a coward? Or not liking me at first?”

He locked his gaze with hers to show her his intention. Paused. “For this.”

Cal covered his mouth with hers.

The moment her lips yielded under his, Caleb realized Morgan Raines was more dangerous than he’d ever imagined.

She tasted like all the things he loved in his past—sugar cookies and bourbon-infused chocolate. Freshly squeezed orange juice and key lime pie. Deliciously sweet and tart and tasty. Everything he craved and couldn’t get enough of, wrapped up in this one gorgeous female.

The kiss was slow and deep and oh, so thorough. Cal kept his hands firmly on her shoulders, not trusting himself to be cool. Who would’ve thought Morgan Raines would inspire violent lust instead of lukewarm interest? His body shook with the effort to control his instincts. Instead, he teased her, gathering her taste with his tongue and capturing the sexy little moan that spilled from her throat. It was a kiss that introduced, welcomed, lingered. It was the hottest kiss he’d ever shared with a woman, and he didn’t know what he was going to do about it.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
The joy of reading a Ms. Probst book is that the characters become friends (or non-friends) very quickly. Their quirks, dreams, and desires become things we wish for them. I find myself holding my breath in anticipation of when what must happen, will happen. The buildup is always exquisite, almost taking one over the edge, and then holding back. Fun, sexy, intriguing, the builder brothers are set to give us a fabulous series of stories. Already hints abound, and the reader is definitely left wanting more.

In this story, we concentrate on Caleb and Morgan – who know from the first second they meet that things have irrevocably changed for them, but still fight it for every good reason they can conjure up. Delicious, highly entertaining, and sneakily romantic, this book is a winner. And, if by any chance you like house building, design, and decor, then the subplot is very enjoyable too.

Can't wait for the next installment!

Jennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of both sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her novel, The Marriage Bargain, was the #6 Bestselling Book on Amazon for 2012. Her first children's book, Buffy and the Carrot, was co-written with her 12 year old niece, and her short story, "A Life Worth Living" chronicles the life of a shelter dog. She makes her home in New York with her sons, husband, two rescue dogs, and a house that never seems to be clean. She loves hearing from all readers! Stop by her website for all her upcoming releases, news and street team information.

Connect with Jennifer

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Everywhere and Every Way (Billionaire Builders #1) by Jennifer Probst to read and review.