That's a Wrap

Magnolia Point, SC aka Man of the Month Club #25

by Elyse Kelly

If he thinks he can meddle with my life, he has another think coming…

I’m a small-town girl with a recognizable family name. And that comes with great responsibility that I don’t take lightly.

Sure, I have dreams of leaving this all behind, but I’ve pushed those dreams aside and settled into my duties at the family business. I don’t regret a moment of it until Peter Jacobs storms into my life and turns it upside down with a well-timed argument.

He thinks he’s so charming and irresistible. Truthfully, he is, but I’ll never admit it. I refuse to give him the satisfaction, yet that doesn’t stop my mother from swooning all over the man or pushing me at him every chance she gets.

But the longer I’m stuck with him, the more my carefully crafted life begins to change. I’m beginning to change, and I feel some type of way about it. With him, I’m vivacious and wild, lacking my usual control and restraint.

No, this can’t last. Nothing good can come of this, I’m sure of it.

But what if, just this once, I let go of my tightly held reins and followed my heart? Maybe that’d be one dream I could make true instead of pretending I didn’t want it at all.

That's a Wrap is a fast-paced instalove novella with lots of laughs and all the feels. And, of course, plenty of steamy goodness. This light-hearted, low-angst romance with a grumpy heroine and a hero who brings her sunshine will surely warm you right up.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Just a true southern girl, reading and writing books, asking you to love me! My books are contemporary romances, all with HEAs and no cliffhangers!

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Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Peter and Ella. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She brings them together with sass and spice and delivers some laugh out loud moments. She moves the story quickly and smoothly and delivers an entertaining read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newbie Peter has set his sights on Elle. But Rlle has ideas of her own and they do not include Peter. Peter remains determined, whom is the stronger willed of this pair?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Zoey Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
That's A Wrap By Elyse Kelly
Four Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

That's a Wrap is a fast paced small Town romance. Peter is so funny with how persistent he was towards Elle. I love how he decided to call her Ella Kate like her parents. I also love how he encourages her to go a pursue her photography. Elle is a kind soul who always thinks of others while putting herself behind them, and Peter notices and tells her to think of herself! Even after everything these two were a beautiful couple.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a cute grumpy sunshine romance. It was a short story with a good flow. The storyline was entertaining and only had a hint of drama. Peter and Elle had good chemistry and I liked them together.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Peter and Ella Kate met when he comes into her parent's sandwich shop and he orders a wrap. Peter thinks he gets the wrap free since if you buy a sandwich, soda and chips the sandwich is free. Ella Kate argues with him that he ordered a wrap and that's not a sandwich. Ella Kate finally gives in to Peter so that he will leave. The following day Peter comes into the sandwich shop and talks to Ella Kate's parents, he sweet talks to them. When Ella Kate comes out she tells him he was banned from their shop. Ella Kate's parents get her to go along with Peter since he talked to them about someone who knows Magnolia Points special places, she's going to be his guide. Peter gets Ella Kate to give him her phone number and when he walks out he messages her even when she tells him not to do that. The following day Peter shows up with coffees for Ella Kate when she only wants one they take the rest to the emergency department. Ella Kate shows Peter some of the special places around Magnolia Point. Peter tells Ella Kate that he has reservations at a fancy restaurant that you need reservations for months in advance. Ella Kate protest when he tells her, but Peter gets her to go. Peter watches as Ella Kate takes several pictures around the restaurant, it has a great view of Magnolia Point. After they are seated and order their meals conversation flows between Pete and Ella Kate. Soon Peter kisses Ella Kate but he notices she pulls away, but then she kisses him back. Peter tells Ella Kate he wants to take her home and she agrees. Once inside Peter's home, he carries Ella Kate to his bedroom where he strips her of her clothes then they make love. When Ella Kate wakes the following morning she's up before Peter, so she grabs her camera and takes several pictures of him. Peter wakes and asks Ella Kate what she is doing. When Ella Kate realizes she needs to get to her parent's sandwich shop Peter takes her but asks her if he can see her later. Peter doesn't wait for Ella Kate to massage shim that she's ready. Ella Kate's parents tell her she can have the night off so they head to Peter's home. Peter asks Ella Kate if she'll go out of town with him and after a long conversation he convinces her. Ella Kate and Peter head to Savannah for a few days. Peter gives Ella Kate a new camera and tells her to use it around Savannah. Ella Kate gets several good pictures around and Peter tells her she's good at what she does. Peter tells her he's falling in love with her and Ella Kate tells him she's falling in love with him. Peter tells Ella Kate that she has an offer to go to California after they seen her pictures in Magnolia Point restore's catalog. Ella Kate gets upset with Peter because she can't leave her parents for that long of time. Ella Kate storms off into the bathroom to take a shower. Once Ella Kate is done she tells Peter he needs to take her home. The car ride is quiet as they head back home, and when Peter arrives at Ella Kate's home she tells him she thinks they need a break. When Ella Kate gets inside her home she sobs until no more tears will flow. Four days later, Ella Kate's mother notices she's been snippy with the customers. Ella Kate opens up to her mother about what Peter wanting her to go to California but she needs to stay and help her parents. Ella Kate's mother tells her that when they retire they plan on selling their sandwich shop they don't want her stuck at the same job. Ella Kate's mother tells her she needs to apologies to Peter and go on an adventure. Ella Kate calls the resort in California, gets everything booked. When it's time for Ella Kate to leave for California she goes to see Peter, and tells him how sorry she is. Ella Kate wants Peter to come with her but he can't just drop everything and go. So Ella Kate heads to California on her own, on the plan ride she cries since Peter told her he needs time to think. After a few days of exploring, Ella Kate grabs her camera to head out and take pictures when she runs into Peter who tells her he couldn't stay away from her. Ella Kate tells him she loves him and Peter tells her he loves her. Peter will follow Ella Kate where ever she goes, but she'll follow him too anywhere as long as they're together.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elyse Kelly's That's A Wrap is a delightful addition to the Magnolia Point series, offering readers a charming blend of romance and humor. This novella captures the essence of a cozy, heartwarming story while weaving in the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

The narrative follows the main characters as they navigate their feelings and experiences, showcasing Kelly's talent for creating relatable and endearing characters. The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, making their interactions enjoyable and engaging. The dialogue sparkles with wit, adding a layer of fun to the reading experience.

One of the standout elements of That's A Wrap is its ability to balance lighthearted moments with deeper themes. The characters face challenges that resonate with readers, such as self-acceptance and vulnerability. Kelly handles these themes with sensitivity, allowing for character development that feels authentic and satisfying.

While the story is largely positive, there are moments where pacing could be improved. Some scenes felt rushed, leaving readers wanting more depth in certain areas. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novella.

In conclusion, That's A Wrap earns a solid 4-star rating for its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt themes. Elyse Kelly has crafted a charming read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance looking for a quick yet fulfilling escape.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elyse Kelly brings the sweet and the smut in this instalove offering.
Peter has relocated to Magnolia Point from NYC and what he was least expecting was the small town sandwich shop girl being his forever. One look and he knows she's the one for him, however Elle is slow to catch on.
Working in her parents cafe isn't her dream, she wants to travel, she wants to take photos but she's not allowed her dreams her future is decided for her. Or is it?

Peter definitely falls first and hard for Elle, as with all Elyse's books he works hard to prove she's the one for him (who doesn't love a dirty talking alpha in the sheets and a golden retriever in the streets).
Dual pov writing gives us the depth of the characters emotions, we start to see why Elle is reluctant and holds herself back from Peter.

5/5 stars, I love Elyse Kelly. I've read all her work and I always go back for reread, that's a wrap will be no different.

If you enjoy spice, alpha males, strong willed females, dual pov writing, steamy scenes, pure love, instalove, instaromance, no cheating, no angst, HEAs then Elyse Kelly is the writer for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter is new in town, so when he saw a sign for a free sandwich with an order of drink and chips he decided to take advantage and try the place out. Then the girl behhind the counter made him speechless. He ordered his food but then asked for a wrap instead of a sandwich.
Elle was getting his order ready when he asked for a wrap instead of a sandwich and still wanted it for free. Elle explained that is not how the free item worked. Annoyed she tgave him the wrap and asked him to leave the store and not to come back.
Peter knew he would be back. After coming back and being greeted by her parents, Peter came up with idea to help local shops but needed help since he was new in town. Her parents offered her assistance. Annoyed that he was back, agreed because her parents asked her to.
As much as Peter annoyed her, she was actually enjoying herself with him. Peter made her realize that she could do anything she wanted even though she always thought she'd take over the store but her passion was photography. She was very good at it. Peter made her dreams come true by allowing her to be herself.
As much as he annoyed her in the beginning, he grew on her and fell in love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
That’s A Wrap By Elyse Kelly
4.25 ⭐ / 3🔥🌶

Welcome to Smut Nation! @authorelysekelly is my go to author for all the steamy, spicy reads when I want them! Elyse Kelly never disappoints when it comes to dirty talk and smut. That’s A Wrap from the Man of the Month Club may be a slow burn novella but it brings the HEAT!!

Peter and Elle are a reverse grumpy x sunshine. Peter is an easy going businessman and Elle is the small - town grumpy girl next door who thinks she needs to be responsible all the time and help her parents run the shop. But when her parents suggest she be Peter’s tour guide, the chemistry and banter are plentiful!!!

Peter falls hard and fast, Elle takes a while and when her dreams could possibly be coming true thanks to Peter she has to embark on the journey alone and only has herself to blame!!! But this is an Elyse Kelly story after all and no matter what angst and drama she writes she always delivers an HEA with the right amount of Spice!

Trust me you will not be disappointed in That’s A Wrap by @authorelysekelly. Add it to your TBR Today!

#arc #arcreview #angrycatreads #angrycatreviews #elysekelly #smutnation #thatsawrap #grumpyxsunshine #banterandangst #heatspiceandeverythingnice

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Jacobs is from New York. It is November and he just moved to Magnolia Point, South Carolina. He was hired to be the head of PR and Marketing for the Magnolia Point Resort and Club. He goes to grab something to eat at the Riverside Café. He meets Elle who is behind the sandwich counter. He thinks she is beautiful.

Elle’s parents, Susan and Tim, own the café and she is helping them run it. Her true passion is photography, but she does not want to let her parents down. The Riverside Café is considered a landmark in town and she is an only child so she thinks she will need to take over when her parents retire. Peter gets an idea and tells Susan and Tim that he would like to do a brochure for the resort highlighting all of the landmarks in town. They think it is a wonderful idea and they volunteer Elle to take Peter around town and tell him all about Magnolia Point.

Peter is excited to spend time with Elle. I love that he kept calling their getting together times dates while she kept telling him they were not dates.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is working at her parents Café, knowing she needs to learn the business to take over for them one day. Her real passion lies and photography, but she’s relegated it to just a hobby. He is new in town here to work at the resort. He takes one look at her and knows he wants to get to know her better. She thinks she’s just showing him around town but pretty soon. She realizes it feels like a date. This is a short story format so you don’t expect complicated plot lines or detailed character development. You get a strong sense of each of these characters and their personalities, enough to feel vested in their relationship. He definitely falls first and pursues her relentlessly. Things get steamy and their pursuit of their HEA. This is a sweet little story with a grumpy sunshine reversal. She is the grumpy, one trying to keep distance between them and he is the eager sunshine, flashing her puppy dog eyes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reverse grumpy/sunshine and I’ve never seen a more perfect golden retriever definition than Peter. He was so incredibly sweet, funny and pushed all boundaries in just the right way. I struggled with rating it though, because it was very well written, Peter was amazing and I loved the switch up in tropes at the end, but I found Ella Kate too hard to relate to. There was no real definition of why she was the way she was, and her parents seemed incredibly warm and loving and like they pushed her to do the things she loved. She was just downright mean to Peter many times and it was kind of off putting to me. But she redeemed herself at the end, although I do wish there was just a bit more grovelling on her end and less chasing on his. Overall though, I really liked the switch up of tropes in this one. It felt new and refreshing! And that photoshoot scene…oof the spice was so good! There no cheating or OM/OW drama, HEA and an epilogue in the future. All in all it was a good read!

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s a Wrap is hilariously funny with a grumpy and short-sighted female and a happy and smitten leading man. Peter is a golden Adonis smacked right in the face with the love of his life when he walks into a sandwich shop in his new town. I love how devoted and attentive he is with Elle, despite her grumpy persona and short responses. Nothing she says or does deters him from continually putting a smile on her face. It’s so endearing and beautiful to watch him show her in little ways how much he cares. Elle has built herself inside a regimented tiny box and can’t seem to look beyond the walls, and it’s never really clear what makes her that way. I loved watching Peter disarm her defenses, and Elle’s parents are just absolute gems in this story. It is such a fun and feisty read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Peter and Elle
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Length- about 135 pages, including previews
Heat- They do the things and use the C word whilst describing the parts.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- language, sex, referring to a wrap as a sandwich
Tropes- Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine, Age Gap, Golden Retriever Hero, He Falls First, Small Town, Erotic Photography, Fish Out of Water, Opposites Attract
Mewsings
What I liked- I liked that he was able to help her not be in her head so much. He was also very supportive. They had good erotic chemistry and hot sexytime. Plus there were plenty of Fanservice muscles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hilarious and heart warming with plenty of steam! Elyse is the queen of smut. Needless to say all of her couples have combustible chemistry and attraction between them. Peter is completely smitten at first sight of Elle. She's attracted to him too but she's leery of love. She is focused on helping her parents and their business. Thankfully Peter is determined to show her how to live and love. She doesn't take it well and I absolutely loved the heart to heart talk with her mom. The poor girl needed her her eyes opened to the fact that she could have her own life. I absolutely loved this love story. Peter was so good to her. And their HEA was absolutely perfect.

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Books4Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, the banter between the two characters is great. Elle is a sassy little thing but Peter is a hot, hunk of a golden retriever. They embark on a project together and fall quick and fast. Their chemistry is off the charts. This author writes the best bedroom scenes. Elle is stuck in a life going nowhere until Peter opens her eyes and her heart.
It’s an easy, feel good read but also gets you hot!

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

TROPES:
🥪New Guy in Town
🩷 Forced Proximity
🥪 Grumpy/Sunshine
🩷 Opposites Attract
🥪 Love at First Sight
🩷 Small-Town
🥪 Rom-Com

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I strive for balance in my life, and that includes what I read. I like dark, I like fluffy, I like paranormal, and I really like novellas. It’s good for my brain. I knew Elyse Kelly’s “That’s A Wrap” was a five-star read when I was just a few pages in. Elyse is so good at creating the setting of the beginnings of that meet-cute feeling. It’s as if you, as the reader, are also experiencing it along with the characters. In this case, with Peter and Elle. The shmexual tension, the subtle glances, humorous remarks, and secondhand embarrassment. It’s all there and throughout the story. I had a smile on my face for most of the story. It was sweet, charming, and full of spice. I loved it.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved That's a Wrap: A Man of the Month Club Novella. Peter is new to Magnolia Point and meeting Ella Kate changes his life forever. Ella works in her parents deli but photography is her passion, she keeps her desires hidden until Peter tries to make her dreams come true. He’s trying to help her with her future but she panics and breaks up with him. Now she’s alone and needs to decide what her dreams are. I loved the story and the characters. It’s a short and sweet story. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review of That's A Wrap by Elyse Kelly
* * * * *
A small town romance that starts off slightly one sided but love begins to bloom.

Take a man who instantly falls for the sassy and guarded sandwich maker who has no interest in going on a date with him, let alone showing him around town.
That is until divine intervention AKA her parents.
Every time she goes out that door to meet with him, a part of herself begins to fall for him.
But she has to stay where she is. She is needed. She can't go off having adventures.
Yet the heart is a funny thing and once it is broken, you learn what you really want.

Great read! Another fabulous steamy novella from Elyse.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella is working at her parents sandwich shop and the most annoying man comes in. Peter is handsome muscled and very very annoying! Poor Ella can’t seem to please Peter and he goes out of his way to provoke her. Whenever he sees her he makes little comments and smirks at everting she says. He’s hopelessly in love with Ella Kate but he had to work hard to win her love. On a weekend away he oversteps and she tries to kick him out of her life. Mom finally talks some sense into Ella but Ella is overly confident that Peter will just drop ever to be with her. Peter finally forgives Ella and the set about building their HEA life together.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter is determined to win over Elle and he does a really good job. He goes slow and woos her. Unfortunately, Elle had a difficult time winning me over because she keeps Peter at arms length and tries to deny their chemistry. Peter's patience is award winning. In Elle's defense she has some mixed up conceptions of her life and the path it is supposed to take, so Peter is challenged in helping Elle see the big picture. In the end, all is as it should be...happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michaella Dieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶
Darkness Level: 0

Elyse always manages to pack in plenty of feelings and spice into her bite-sized novellas, and That’s A Wrap is no exception.

Now, I might have wanted to punch Peter in the nose in the beginning, but he definitely grew on me with the way he cared for Ella. There might have been little happy kicks at the Easter egg thrown in, and possibly misty eyes at one point. But just like all of her other books, I enjoyed it immensely, and always finish them off with a smile. Can't wait for the next one.

[Erica YourMomReads Wombles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book! Nice, quick, light and spicy read! Sometimes you just need a novella without drama to get you through the day! Peter and Ella Kate were such fun characters to read, they had great personalities. The way Peter just fell for her so fast and just enjoyed her Sassy attitude was cracking me up! Ella Kate banned him from the sandwich shop I was laughing out loud!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥
I really have been enjoying Elyse Kelly's style of writing, she really writes loveable characters. Cannot wait to see what she writes next!

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter is probably the funniest borderline obnoxious MMC I have read. It is a blast to watch him pursue Elle after his epically awful first impression. The fact that he gets her and sees her better than anyone is magic. Elle is the worst communicator ever and has built her life around all these responsibilities without realizing she’s limiting herself. He’s sweet and naughty but he’s always rooting for her. Loved it!! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Elle

Although in Peter's eyes Elle isn't "just" anything... she's everything.
Fun, flirty and very dirty, Peter and Elle get all wrapped up innuendos, dirty talkin', steamy quickies and lots of fun until reality intrudes. Elle's reality seems to be a little different to everyone else's and I was very disappointed in how she handled that situation and the person she became - I didn't like nasty Elle. Peter was far more gracious and polite than I would have been, you have to respect just how calm and understanding he was, even as his heart was breaking.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter is the new Marketing and PR Director for the Magnolia Point Resort.
Elle works helping her parents in the family sandwich shop.

Peter is new to Magnolia Point and Elle has caught his eye.
Elle has an interest in photography and to travel but feels she needs to help her parents at the cafe.
There is a mutual attraction and chemistry that is slow burn to explosive.
Can they work through their issues and have a Happily Ever After?
You will have to read the book to find out what happens.

This book has sassy, snarky humor and romance.

Great Job. Elyse Kelly. !!!

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable short story..focus is on Ella and Peter. She has lived in Magnolia Point all her life; he has moved into the town as the PR manager at the big hotel.
She is gruff and ill mannered towards him, but he is patient, kind and tolerant. Determined in his attempts to get her number....live their bantering and relationship. Felt her behaviour towards his generosity overbearing.
Love her mother's interest in getting them together. HEA after it all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reverse grumpy sunshine story has a girl who fights ever chance she can against falling for the adorable golden retriever guy. Love that their first encounter was a fight over a wrap vs. a sandwich. Sorry Peter, I'm with Elle on this one - they are completely different. I loved watching Elle's walls slowly break down and allow Peter into her heart. And I loved his tenacity for never giving up on her, knowing that they'd be perfect together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter falls for Elle from the moment he sees her at the café. Elle is a determined girl focused on helping her parents and the family business so she takes a bit longer to fall for Peter. This is a reverse grumpy/sunshine romance and I loved all the push/pull and humor throughout the story. These two were perfect for each other and I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after. That's a Wrap is a fun addition to the multi-author Magnolia Point series and I look forward to reading the whole series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter has just moved to Magnolia Point from New York, most think he is tourist on how he is dressed. He first meets Elle when he walks into her parents' café. He is instantly enchanted and wants to know more, she tries to act like she is not impressed.

He is determined to do anything to get her to go out with him including getting her to show him around town for his new job. The interaction between the two is so entertaining, she make Peter really work for it. Her being sassy just makes him want her more.