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Influence
Brand influencer, Lizzy Cray, is killing it.
She’s got a list of high profile clients who pay her handsomely to help their products explode on social media. Everything from cameras to cashmere, shoes to smoothies. One picture of her with a product and the money practically prints itself.
Why does this trust fund-baby need to work so hard to rake in the cash? That’s a question journalist Dominick Templeton wants an answer to, because Lizzy Cray used to be known in the gossip pages as socialite and wild-child Mackenzie Craymore.
Mackenzie disappeared from the public’s eye twelve years ago, right after her fiancé, hotel-heir, Lucky Blumenthal, died in a fiery car crash rumored to be fueled by drugs and alcohol. But now she’s back, still hauntingly beautiful, rebranded, and from everything Dominick’s researched about her, a much different person. When she ignores all his attempts at an interview, Dominick tries a different tactic and soon becomes embroiled in a world he never imagined…with a woman he’s rapidly falling for.
She’s got a list of high profile clients who pay her handsomely to help their products explode on social media. Everything from cameras to cashmere, shoes to smoothies. One picture of her with a product and the money practically prints itself.
Why does this trust fund-baby need to work so hard to rake in the cash? That’s a question journalist Dominick Templeton wants an answer to, because Lizzy Cray used to be known in the gossip pages as socialite and wild-child Mackenzie Craymore.
Mackenzie disappeared from the public’s eye twelve years ago, right after her fiancé, hotel-heir, Lucky Blumenthal, died in a fiery car crash rumored to be fueled by drugs and alcohol. But now she’s back, still hauntingly beautiful, rebranded, and from everything Dominick’s researched about her, a much different person. When she ignores all his attempts at an interview, Dominick tries a different tactic and soon becomes embroiled in a world he never imagined…with a woman he’s rapidly falling for.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2023
3 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Peggy Jaeger
73 books1,667 followersPeggy Jaeger is an award winning author of contemporary romance.
https://linktr.ee/peggyjaeger
Peggy is a contemporary romance writer who writes #RomComs about #strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them.
#Family and #food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, Peggy brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she has created the families she wanted as that lonely child.
Her #hobbies include #painting #crafting #scrapbooking and #decoupaging old steamer trucks that she then gives as gifts to her friends
As a lifelong diarist, Peggy caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she's blogging about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!" daily.
She's a lifelong and avid #romance reader and writer, is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter
https://linktr.ee/peggyjaeger
Peggy is a contemporary romance writer who writes #RomComs about #strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them.
#Family and #food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, Peggy brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she has created the families she wanted as that lonely child.
Her #hobbies include #painting #crafting #scrapbooking and #decoupaging old steamer trucks that she then gives as gifts to her friends
As a lifelong diarist, Peggy caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she's blogging about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!" daily.
She's a lifelong and avid #romance reader and writer, is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 23, 2023
Once you start reading you find it hard to stop. The story pulls you in before you even realize it and keeps you wanting more. Secrets, twists and turns and romance keep you engaged while the characters have you falling in love with them and their romance. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2023
This book is about Nick and MacKenzie. It will contain Influence, clubs, charity, secrets, passion. Definitely should read.
August 11, 2023
I WANT TO BE YOUR EVERYTHING
The story is part of the New York Socialites series but will read well as a stand-alone. I was enthralled with the storyline, the characters, the mystery, and the suspense, and now, I want to go read the first three books. I will admit it was one of the best books I have read in quite some time. It was original and did a great job of keeping the pages turning, and the mystery unfolding—slowly.
The story is mainly about Mackenzie ‘Lizzy Cray’ Craymore and Dominick ‘Nick’ Templeton. Both come from wealthy and social families.
Mackenzie grew up in a wealthy family and was an outgoing socialite—until the accident her fiancé, Lucky Blumenthal was in. Mackenzie will stay out of the limelight for nearly eight years and when she comes back, she will be Lizzy Cray, Influencer. What became a photo of her drinking her favorite water, will become her new life—wearing designer clothing, shoes, makeup, and snapping pictures for social media. She has a huge following, invitations to clubs and events, and doing what influencers do. But the one thing she is adamant about is keeping her personal life private.
Nick Templeton works for a magazine that is showcasing women, from their past to the present and his editor wants him to interview Lizzy Cray. What starts out as a way to personally meet her at a charity function will escalate—but no matter what, Mackenzie will turn him down flat for the interview.
I loved the story and the mystery and there are several times within the story I will admit I didn’t see that coming. Secrets, protection, and preparation for the future all play a role. You have to admire Lizzy for her style and the way she helps brand products, and she is selective about what she uses, wears, or promotes. She has street sense in not tagging where she will be so she doesn’t have stalkers or the paparazzi tailing her everywhere she goes. Best of all, she is smart, astute and uses that to her advantage. The one thing that crosses her path that she wasn’t counting on was Nick. Their story is what makes this fascinating with angst, and passion.
“People show you who they are, so don’t listen to what they say; watch what they do instead.”
The story is part of the New York Socialites series but will read well as a stand-alone. I was enthralled with the storyline, the characters, the mystery, and the suspense, and now, I want to go read the first three books. I will admit it was one of the best books I have read in quite some time. It was original and did a great job of keeping the pages turning, and the mystery unfolding—slowly.
The story is mainly about Mackenzie ‘Lizzy Cray’ Craymore and Dominick ‘Nick’ Templeton. Both come from wealthy and social families.
Mackenzie grew up in a wealthy family and was an outgoing socialite—until the accident her fiancé, Lucky Blumenthal was in. Mackenzie will stay out of the limelight for nearly eight years and when she comes back, she will be Lizzy Cray, Influencer. What became a photo of her drinking her favorite water, will become her new life—wearing designer clothing, shoes, makeup, and snapping pictures for social media. She has a huge following, invitations to clubs and events, and doing what influencers do. But the one thing she is adamant about is keeping her personal life private.
Nick Templeton works for a magazine that is showcasing women, from their past to the present and his editor wants him to interview Lizzy Cray. What starts out as a way to personally meet her at a charity function will escalate—but no matter what, Mackenzie will turn him down flat for the interview.
I loved the story and the mystery and there are several times within the story I will admit I didn’t see that coming. Secrets, protection, and preparation for the future all play a role. You have to admire Lizzy for her style and the way she helps brand products, and she is selective about what she uses, wears, or promotes. She has street sense in not tagging where she will be so she doesn’t have stalkers or the paparazzi tailing her everywhere she goes. Best of all, she is smart, astute and uses that to her advantage. The one thing that crosses her path that she wasn’t counting on was Nick. Their story is what makes this fascinating with angst, and passion.
“People show you who they are, so don’t listen to what they say; watch what they do instead.”
July 22, 2023
Influence is about trust and love and responsibility and the way the 1% lives. A social media influencer and brand ambassador is attracted to a handsome man she meets at a fundraising gala until she discovers he's a reporter who wants to write a story about her that could expose her and hurt the people she loves.
This was a complex love story with lots of issues and a couple of sympathetic and likable characters (ya, I know, I didn't think I'd like the social media diva either at first glance) and a worthwhile say to spend a few hours discovering that the other side of the fence has it's brown patches too.
This was a complex love story with lots of issues and a couple of sympathetic and likable characters (ya, I know, I didn't think I'd like the social media diva either at first glance) and a worthwhile say to spend a few hours discovering that the other side of the fence has it's brown patches too.
August 19, 2023
Peggy Jaeger has once again written a book that I fell in love with! Set in the world of the New York social elite, Mackenzie and Nick are easy to to root for. With secrets, twists and turns; I I didn’t want to put the book down.
My favorite aspect of the book was that Mackenzie as the FMC is so complex, strong and completely committed to her goals.
I highly recommend this book!
My favorite aspect of the book was that Mackenzie as the FMC is so complex, strong and completely committed to her goals.
I highly recommend this book!
September 8, 2023
Spicyyyy fast-paced modern city romance with a serious twist!
August 11, 2023
I WANT TO BE YOUR EVERYTHING
The story is part of the New York Socialites series but will read well as a stand-alone. I was enthralled with the storyline, the characters, the mystery, and the suspense, and now, I want to go read the first three books. I will admit it was one of the best books I have read in quite some time. It was original and did a great job of keeping the pages turning, and the mystery unfolding—slowly.
The story is mainly about Mackenzie ‘Lizzy Cray’ Craymore and Dominick ‘Nick’ Templeton. Both come from wealthy and social families.
Mackenzie grew up in a wealthy family and was an outgoing socialite—until the accident her fiancé, Lucky Blumenthal was in. Mackenzie will stay out of the limelight for nearly eight years and when she comes back, she will be Lizzy Cray, Influencer. What became a photo of her drinking her favorite water, will become her new life—wearing designer clothing, shoes, makeup, and snapping pictures for social media. She has a huge following, invitations to clubs and events, and doing what influencers do. But the one thing she is adamant about is keeping her personal life private.
Nick Templeton works for a magazine that is showcasing women, from their past to the present and his editor wants him to interview Lizzy Cray. What starts out as a way to personally meet her at a charity function will escalate—but no matter what, Mackenzie will turn him down flat for the interview.
I loved the story and the mystery and there are several times within the story I will admit I didn’t see that coming. Secrets, protection, and preparation for the future all play a role. You have to admire Lizzy for her style and the way she helps brand products, and she is selective about what she uses, wears, or promotes. She has street sense in not tagging where she will be so she doesn’t have stalkers or the paparazzi tailing her everywhere she goes. Best of all, she is smart, astute and uses that to her advantage. The one thing that crosses her path that she wasn’t counting on was Nick. Their story is what makes this fascinating with angst, and passion.
“People show you who they are, so don’t listen to what they say; watch what they do instead.”
The story is part of the New York Socialites series but will read well as a stand-alone. I was enthralled with the storyline, the characters, the mystery, and the suspense, and now, I want to go read the first three books. I will admit it was one of the best books I have read in quite some time. It was original and did a great job of keeping the pages turning, and the mystery unfolding—slowly.
The story is mainly about Mackenzie ‘Lizzy Cray’ Craymore and Dominick ‘Nick’ Templeton. Both come from wealthy and social families.
Mackenzie grew up in a wealthy family and was an outgoing socialite—until the accident her fiancé, Lucky Blumenthal was in. Mackenzie will stay out of the limelight for nearly eight years and when she comes back, she will be Lizzy Cray, Influencer. What became a photo of her drinking her favorite water, will become her new life—wearing designer clothing, shoes, makeup, and snapping pictures for social media. She has a huge following, invitations to clubs and events, and doing what influencers do. But the one thing she is adamant about is keeping her personal life private.
Nick Templeton works for a magazine that is showcasing women, from their past to the present and his editor wants him to interview Lizzy Cray. What starts out as a way to personally meet her at a charity function will escalate—but no matter what, Mackenzie will turn him down flat for the interview.
I loved the story and the mystery and there are several times within the story I will admit I didn’t see that coming. Secrets, protection, and preparation for the future all play a role. You have to admire Lizzy for her style and the way she helps brand products, and she is selective about what she uses, wears, or promotes. She has street sense in not tagging where she will be so she doesn’t have stalkers or the paparazzi tailing her everywhere she goes. Best of all, she is smart, astute and uses that to her advantage. The one thing that crosses her path that she wasn’t counting on was Nick. Their story is what makes this fascinating with angst, and passion.
“People show you who they are, so don’t listen to what they say; watch what they do instead.”
August 21, 2023
All the feels. All. The. Feels.
More than a simple romance, this book takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions, with ups and downs, twists and turns, and a cast of fun characters. Set in high society New York City, Mackenzie and Nick make the reader actually care about them and root for a happily ever after. I'm not one to care about social influencers, but Mac's character gives insight into what a truly interesting business it can be. Loved this story, love this author! With each book she writes, Peggy Jaeger hones her craft and keeps getting better! 5+ sparkling stars for this fast, fun read.
More than a simple romance, this book takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions, with ups and downs, twists and turns, and a cast of fun characters. Set in high society New York City, Mackenzie and Nick make the reader actually care about them and root for a happily ever after. I'm not one to care about social influencers, but Mac's character gives insight into what a truly interesting business it can be. Loved this story, love this author! With each book she writes, Peggy Jaeger hones her craft and keeps getting better! 5+ sparkling stars for this fast, fun read.
September 8, 2023
Swoon Worthy!
In the days of social media, a timeless romance bloomed despite secrets and past trauma. The characters were well developed and this book played like a movie in my mind. I'm sorry it's over. Well done!
In the days of social media, a timeless romance bloomed despite secrets and past trauma. The characters were well developed and this book played like a movie in my mind. I'm sorry it's over. Well done!
August 16, 2023
This was an older in life romance.
This story was heartbreaking and heartwarming, have a box of tissues handy. The female character is inspirational. Highly recommend! Must read!
Mackenzie Craymore is a socialite with a tragic past. After years out of the public eye the former wild child re-entered the public as Lizzy Cray a social media infuencer. Now in her late thirties she is meticulous about controlling the narrative of her life. Her closest friends Trinny and Dillon work for her.
Dominick Templeton is a journalist. He is also the brother-in-law to one of Mac's former schoolmates and used the relationship to attend a charity gala where he can meet Mac.
They meet at a charity gala and he asks her out. She agrees to have lunch with him and the kiss they share afterwards is captured by a paparazzi. She is infuriated to find out about his real name and occupation and cuts off contact. After copious apologies she forgives him and they date on the down low. He follows her to a club opening where he sees she is distressed so he follows her to Connecticut. Her security grabs him and she explains the situation with her former fiance Lucky and her daughter Clemmie. After Lucky's funeral she stays with him for a few days hiding from the media. While there she overheard a phone call that devastated her. She goes to Maui with her daughter and friends to recover. He shows up where they reconcile and get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story was heartbreaking and heartwarming, have a box of tissues handy. The female character is inspirational. Highly recommend! Must read!
Mackenzie Craymore is a socialite with a tragic past. After years out of the public eye the former wild child re-entered the public as Lizzy Cray a social media infuencer. Now in her late thirties she is meticulous about controlling the narrative of her life. Her closest friends Trinny and Dillon work for her.
Dominick Templeton is a journalist. He is also the brother-in-law to one of Mac's former schoolmates and used the relationship to attend a charity gala where he can meet Mac.
They meet at a charity gala and he asks her out. She agrees to have lunch with him and the kiss they share afterwards is captured by a paparazzi. She is infuriated to find out about his real name and occupation and cuts off contact. After copious apologies she forgives him and they date on the down low. He follows her to a club opening where he sees she is distressed so he follows her to Connecticut. Her security grabs him and she explains the situation with her former fiance Lucky and her daughter Clemmie. After Lucky's funeral she stays with him for a few days hiding from the media. While there she overheard a phone call that devastated her. She goes to Maui with her daughter and friends to recover. He shows up where they reconcile and get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2023
4.5 Candles
In life not everything comes out perfectly every time, so after becoming a fan of Peggy Jaeger’s, I didn’t expect to find the fifth book I read from this author to be just as good as the other four. In Influence, readers will not only get an awesome look at Lizzy Cray, Influencer extraordinaire, but also an insight into the woman behind Lizzy—MacKenzie Craymore. You might think, at one time, this spoiled little rich girl would grow up to be snobby and treat others who weren’t as wealthy to a shrill tongue and no patience. This is not the case with Mac. She is totally rockstar wonderful. After losing the love of her life in an accident, she realizes being a party girl is not going to sustain her in the coming years, and the debutante she once was is no more. She takes some time off from high society, and then returns in the guise of Lizzy Cray, an influencer who will only advertise products she believes in. Anything from bling to shampoo. Her life, although not exactly where she wants it to be, is close enough she finds herself allowing another man into her life when she meets Nick Churchill at a fundraiser. He sweeps her off her feet, yet his flattering looks, soulful eyes, and sexy body does not immediately lead her to trust him. Nick or Dominick Templeton has never met Lizzy before, but he does know that MacKenzie is one and the same. What he doesn’t know is she could be the one to make him fall in love. Something he didn’t think he wanted until he met the woman of his dreams. He was merely there to get Lizzy to allow him to do an interview for his boss, but her refusal stops him in his tracks. He waffles back and forth in deciding to convince Lizzy he means her no harm when it comes to publicity. And although Ms. Jaeger does go into his point of view, for me the star of the show is Lizzy. It is her determination to do the right thing, to treat others kindly, and to make certain a project close to her heart is finalized that made me love her. I don’t want to give away any surprises, but I will tell you this, the way Mac handles a situation that would probably put someone else in the grave, made me want to stand up and yell, you go girl. I could feel her angst, her pain, her sadness, her anger, and her love which included the people closest to her. Suffice it to say the attraction between Nick and Lizzy burns hotter than a New Year’s Eve’s fireworks. The back and forth in their relationship definitely works for this book. Each of the main characters has something to learn and something to lose. Kudos once again to Peggy Jaeger for not only giving us a new book, but one that I positively did not want to put down.
In life not everything comes out perfectly every time, so after becoming a fan of Peggy Jaeger’s, I didn’t expect to find the fifth book I read from this author to be just as good as the other four. In Influence, readers will not only get an awesome look at Lizzy Cray, Influencer extraordinaire, but also an insight into the woman behind Lizzy—MacKenzie Craymore. You might think, at one time, this spoiled little rich girl would grow up to be snobby and treat others who weren’t as wealthy to a shrill tongue and no patience. This is not the case with Mac. She is totally rockstar wonderful. After losing the love of her life in an accident, she realizes being a party girl is not going to sustain her in the coming years, and the debutante she once was is no more. She takes some time off from high society, and then returns in the guise of Lizzy Cray, an influencer who will only advertise products she believes in. Anything from bling to shampoo. Her life, although not exactly where she wants it to be, is close enough she finds herself allowing another man into her life when she meets Nick Churchill at a fundraiser. He sweeps her off her feet, yet his flattering looks, soulful eyes, and sexy body does not immediately lead her to trust him. Nick or Dominick Templeton has never met Lizzy before, but he does know that MacKenzie is one and the same. What he doesn’t know is she could be the one to make him fall in love. Something he didn’t think he wanted until he met the woman of his dreams. He was merely there to get Lizzy to allow him to do an interview for his boss, but her refusal stops him in his tracks. He waffles back and forth in deciding to convince Lizzy he means her no harm when it comes to publicity. And although Ms. Jaeger does go into his point of view, for me the star of the show is Lizzy. It is her determination to do the right thing, to treat others kindly, and to make certain a project close to her heart is finalized that made me love her. I don’t want to give away any surprises, but I will tell you this, the way Mac handles a situation that would probably put someone else in the grave, made me want to stand up and yell, you go girl. I could feel her angst, her pain, her sadness, her anger, and her love which included the people closest to her. Suffice it to say the attraction between Nick and Lizzy burns hotter than a New Year’s Eve’s fireworks. The back and forth in their relationship definitely works for this book. Each of the main characters has something to learn and something to lose. Kudos once again to Peggy Jaeger for not only giving us a new book, but one that I positively did not want to put down.
August 9, 2023
Lizzy isn't your average socialite out partying and throwing herself into the limelight. Although, she used to be. Up until tragedy turned both her public and private world upside down.
And really she doesn't make a move these days that her true self isn't hidden away where only a handful of people know where it is.
But her ever present public self can do what she needs to to make her past tragedy account for something.
Keeping a tight wrap on her heart and secrets gets a bit harder as a writer continually attempts to learn the whole truth behind "MacKenzie's" (Lizzy's) story.
Dominick knows there's more than just what the public sees with the former socialite. And as his editor is pushing him to write his story, He begins to see there's a lot more depth to the former socialite than anyone knew.
And secrets are definitely part of that depth.
But are the secrets the reason for her "comeback" into society, or is the "comeback" the reason for the secrets?
And really she doesn't make a move these days that her true self isn't hidden away where only a handful of people know where it is.
But her ever present public self can do what she needs to to make her past tragedy account for something.
Keeping a tight wrap on her heart and secrets gets a bit harder as a writer continually attempts to learn the whole truth behind "MacKenzie's" (Lizzy's) story.
Dominick knows there's more than just what the public sees with the former socialite. And as his editor is pushing him to write his story, He begins to see there's a lot more depth to the former socialite than anyone knew.
And secrets are definitely part of that depth.
But are the secrets the reason for her "comeback" into society, or is the "comeback" the reason for the secrets?
October 7, 2023
Lizzy Cray is a world famous influencer who seems to have everything figured out. She has brand deals, famous friends, and millions of followers. She also has a secret. This secret comes from her past life when she was Mackenzie Craymore, a socialite from an ultra wealthy family who was always in the spotlight for her partying. 12 years ago her fiancee and love of her life was killed in a car accident, and Makenzie disappeared from the spotlight. 8 years pass and she suddenly reappears as influencer Lizzy Cray.
Where was Mac hiding and why? That's what journalist Nick Templeton wants to know. He devises a plan to get Lizzy to open up, but ends up falling for her instead.
This book has romance, drama, spice, and a really good plot twist! I enjoyed this book, it was a fun fast paced read with a great ending. I recommend this book to fans of romance.
Where was Mac hiding and why? That's what journalist Nick Templeton wants to know. He devises a plan to get Lizzy to open up, but ends up falling for her instead.
This book has romance, drama, spice, and a really good plot twist! I enjoyed this book, it was a fun fast paced read with a great ending. I recommend this book to fans of romance.
September 25, 2023
MacKenzie has led a lonely life. She is so strong. She is determined, she is driven, she is protective, she is caring and so loving. Her guilt has weighed on her so heavy. I love that she can finally let go and can trust again and live. This story is riveting. Nick turns into a protector as well. I love that he doesn't let his current life stand in the way of his happiness. I love the way he stretches and grows and loves. The emotions are felt deeply. The writing is excellent. The characters are well crafted and three dimensional.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2023
Read as a standalone or as part of the series - this is a rollicking good read that zips along as we get pulled into the glittering and seductive world of the NY Socialites series. There's plenty of spice, plenty of steam and a surprising amount of mystery and intrigue that caught my attention and kept me reading through to the very last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2023
Lizzy Cray is not content to live and play off her trust fund, preferring hard work as an influencer, while she remakes herself after a tragic accident. In an attempt to uncover her secrets, Dominick tricks her into an interview. He has his own secrets. A tale filled with mystery and suspense, imperfect lives find perfect love, if they can learn to trust again. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews