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Makeover Romance #1
Immersed
Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever. But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just to have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.
The bad wig, icky makeup and puffy sweaters work like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest. Lisette’s totally relieved.
Until...Erik.
Erik Gunnarson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Every day as his tutor is making her fall for him more. Even though he seems to have a secret, and she’s sworn she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—although it could mean jeopardizing her career.
The Ripple Effect Romance Series
Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors.
"Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."
Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford
Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin
Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson
Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White
Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver
Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith
The bad wig, icky makeup and puffy sweaters work like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest. Lisette’s totally relieved.
Until...Erik.
Erik Gunnarson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Every day as his tutor is making her fall for him more. Even though he seems to have a secret, and she’s sworn she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—although it could mean jeopardizing her career.
The Ripple Effect Romance Series
Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors.
"Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."
Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford
Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin
Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson
Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White
Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver
Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2014
58 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Griffith
90 books350 followersDo you love free e-books? Check out my website to see how to get a free book. http://authorjennifergriffith.com
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 28, 2017
Kindle freebie romance time again! A weak 3 stars for this one, which had a very cute if contrived concept but kind of stumbled in the execution. This one is for non-critical, sweet romance fans only.
Lisette is gorgeous and brilliant (though you wouldn't know it from most of the choices she makes ...) and speaks several different language fluently. After graduating and getting dumped by her idiot boyfriend - from his limited dialogue, it's hard to understand what she saw in him - she comes up with a business plan: language immersion services for business people trying to learn a new language. She shadows them all day long, helping with the language. After too many clients try to pick her up and harass her, Lisette gets herself a "make-under": wearing an awful wig, makeup that ages and uglifies her, and schlumpy clothing.
All works well, until Erik comes along: a hot, Icelandic dude and successful businessman. Suddenly Lisette wants to dump the whole make-under and show Erik her real self. But she's afraid of ruining her business and her friendship with Erik.
Both the characters and the storyline are pretty shallow and improbable, and the plot gets disjointed, giving some subplots short shrift (like the whole thing with Lisette's mother and the guy who wants her, and how that got resolved in the end, which should have been developed a lot more fully or just left out) and skimming over time periods that could have used some more delving into. But it's a cute, very light romance if you want to just put your brain on autopilot and roll with it.
Lisette is gorgeous and brilliant (though you wouldn't know it from most of the choices she makes ...) and speaks several different language fluently. After graduating and getting dumped by her idiot boyfriend - from his limited dialogue, it's hard to understand what she saw in him - she comes up with a business plan: language immersion services for business people trying to learn a new language. She shadows them all day long, helping with the language. After too many clients try to pick her up and harass her, Lisette gets herself a "make-under": wearing an awful wig, makeup that ages and uglifies her, and schlumpy clothing.
All works well, until Erik comes along: a hot, Icelandic dude and successful businessman. Suddenly Lisette wants to dump the whole make-under and show Erik her real self. But she's afraid of ruining her business and her friendship with Erik.
Both the characters and the storyline are pretty shallow and improbable, and the plot gets disjointed, giving some subplots short shrift (like the whole thing with Lisette's mother and the guy who wants her, and how that got resolved in the end, which should have been developed a lot more fully or just left out) and skimming over time periods that could have used some more delving into. But it's a cute, very light romance if you want to just put your brain on autopilot and roll with it.
April 13, 2015
This was a lot of fun and really cute. Lisette has finished school and is excited to start her own company. She has lived all over the world and has a knack for learning languages. She starts a company where she hires herself out to help businessmen learn other languages. The only problem is she is gorgeous and the men think she is offering a lot more than linguistic skills. In order to be taken seriously she decides to do a make-under (I thought she went a little extreme, but it was funny).
Fast forward a couple years and in walks the handsome Erik Gunnarson looking for a six week session to help his with his English. Erik seems to overlook her ugly appearance and comes up with fun "work" outings to help improve his English. I had my suspicions of what he was up to, but it was still fun to see how everything unfolds.
I liked the premise and thought everything played out well. The end was a tad rushed. I wanted a little more groveling from Erik and a little more closure with Mort and her Mom (their story also seemed a bit rushed). Her mom was really pathetic, didn't like her much.
Overall, a lighthearted read that was hard to put down. I'm sad this is the end of the series and hope there will be more in the future!
Content: Clean
Fast forward a couple years and in walks the handsome Erik Gunnarson looking for a six week session to help his with his English. Erik seems to overlook her ugly appearance and comes up with fun "work" outings to help improve his English. I had my suspicions of what he was up to, but it was still fun to see how everything unfolds.
I liked the premise and thought everything played out well. The end was a tad rushed. I wanted a little more groveling from Erik and a little more closure with Mort and her Mom (their story also seemed a bit rushed). Her mom was really pathetic, didn't like her much.
Overall, a lighthearted read that was hard to put down. I'm sad this is the end of the series and hope there will be more in the future!
Content: Clean
May 27, 2019
Billionaire romance
Stayed clean the whole story.
Fun characters. It could have been deeper in the relationship development. Stayed pretty light, when it could have been much more emotionally charged in her grief and heartbreak. Still a nice read.
Stayed clean the whole story.
Fun characters. It could have been deeper in the relationship development. Stayed pretty light, when it could have been much more emotionally charged in her grief and heartbreak. Still a nice read.
February 19, 2018
Cute and fun romance!
I would have never thought that a "make-under" would be necessary, but it definitely is in the case of Lisette. I enjoyed the storyline immensely, and the romance was cute and swoon-worthy. Sometimes I felt things were rushed or summarized too much. I would have loved for there to have been more to their interactions. Still a cute and fun (and clean!) romance.
I would have never thought that a "make-under" would be necessary, but it definitely is in the case of Lisette. I enjoyed the storyline immensely, and the romance was cute and swoon-worthy. Sometimes I felt things were rushed or summarized too much. I would have loved for there to have been more to their interactions. Still a cute and fun (and clean!) romance.
October 31, 2014
Lisette is pretty fluent in many languages, since she grew up moving all over the world. After graduating from college, she wants to start a business helping clients learn a language by immersing them in it. Things don't go quite as planned because her good looks get in the way and most clients want more than to just learn a language. She decides to get a "make under" and turn herself into a more homely looking woman. She has a strict policy not to date her clients, but things change when she meets Erik. He's Icelandic and wants to become better at English to help his business along. He seems charmed by her, despite her looks, but it seems like he's hiding something to me.
Lisette isn't the type of woman to give in to her beauty and the demands men place on her because of it. She's very smart and independent, trying so hard to make her business work and to help her mom out with a shady contract. She fights her feelings so hard because she believes in being true to her word. My favorite part was the ski escapade in Aspen. I was laughing out loud over it!
Erik is a good-looking guy, yet he seems to look past the outward appearance and sees the inner beauty. I couldn't decide if he was a good guy or a bad guy because he didn't seem to be up front about everything. I loved how he deterred the burglars at McDonald's. He's either brave or stupid--maybe both. :)
The romance in this one was very gradual and hesitant, which fit the storyline well. I enjoyed watching the story unfold--it didn't feel forced or rushed, as some novellas do.
Content: no language; some mild violence; mild romance. Clean!
Lisette isn't the type of woman to give in to her beauty and the demands men place on her because of it. She's very smart and independent, trying so hard to make her business work and to help her mom out with a shady contract. She fights her feelings so hard because she believes in being true to her word. My favorite part was the ski escapade in Aspen. I was laughing out loud over it!
Erik is a good-looking guy, yet he seems to look past the outward appearance and sees the inner beauty. I couldn't decide if he was a good guy or a bad guy because he didn't seem to be up front about everything. I loved how he deterred the burglars at McDonald's. He's either brave or stupid--maybe both. :)
The romance in this one was very gradual and hesitant, which fit the storyline well. I enjoyed watching the story unfold--it didn't feel forced or rushed, as some novellas do.
Content: no language; some mild violence; mild romance. Clean!
April 26, 2014
Lisette wants to use her business degree and language experience in her business, Immersed. She offers herself as a private language tutor immersing her client in the language they wish to learn. Unfortunately, most of her clients seem confused about her job description. In order to ward off unwanted attention, Lisette undertakes a "make-under." She has no problems with her no dating policy anymore, until Erik Gunnerson comes along. Now he seems to see past her disguise, and she can't remember why dating clients is such a bad thing.
Immersed was a great conclusion to the Ripple Effect series. My only complaint is that the series is over! The romance was sweet, and the story somewhat predictable, but that didn't disappoint me at all. I loved Erik and the lengths he went to to get to know Lisette.
Immersed was a great conclusion to the Ripple Effect series. My only complaint is that the series is over! The romance was sweet, and the story somewhat predictable, but that didn't disappoint me at all. I loved Erik and the lengths he went to to get to know Lisette.
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August 1, 2017Not my thing.
May 7, 2014
I thought this was a great way to end the series! I now want to go read every book Jennifer Griffith has ever written! :)
Lisette was horrified on graduation day to find out that the guy she thought was going to propose to her (she had gone ring shopping with him, after all) was actually using her and was planning to propose to someone else. She starts her own business out of grad school as a linguist for hire -- if someone wants to learn one of the 5 languages she speaks, she will do a 1:1 immersion program with them. She has a great business plan, but she has one recurring problem: she's too good-looking and her clients keep wanting "more" from her (even though they signed a contract that firmly stated there were no other "benefits" besides the language immersion). So her aunt talks her into doing a make-under. Which works well until she meets Erik Gunnarson.
From the beginning, you can tell there is more to Erik Gunnarson than he is telling. He is from Iceland and looking to improve his English and so he signs up for a six-week session with her. He is the opposite of everything she has learned to hate about men. And her ugly disguise doesn't seem to phase him at all... it's as if he can see right through it! I loved the scene where he took her ring-shopping and convinced her to play the role of his fiancee so he could learn to negotiate a business deal in English.
There were a few minor distractions in this story (for example, the whole story of Mort and her mother -- I feel like I must have accidentally skipped a few pages in the story because parts of that didn't even make sense to me), but overall I loved the characters of Erik and Lisette so much that I didn't really care! I usually like the novella length, but I would have loved to have seen this story a little more developed - mostly because I didn't want it to end so soon!
Content: Squeaky Clean
Lisette was horrified on graduation day to find out that the guy she thought was going to propose to her (she had gone ring shopping with him, after all) was actually using her and was planning to propose to someone else. She starts her own business out of grad school as a linguist for hire -- if someone wants to learn one of the 5 languages she speaks, she will do a 1:1 immersion program with them. She has a great business plan, but she has one recurring problem: she's too good-looking and her clients keep wanting "more" from her (even though they signed a contract that firmly stated there were no other "benefits" besides the language immersion). So her aunt talks her into doing a make-under. Which works well until she meets Erik Gunnarson.
From the beginning, you can tell there is more to Erik Gunnarson than he is telling. He is from Iceland and looking to improve his English and so he signs up for a six-week session with her. He is the opposite of everything she has learned to hate about men. And her ugly disguise doesn't seem to phase him at all... it's as if he can see right through it! I loved the scene where he took her ring-shopping and convinced her to play the role of his fiancee so he could learn to negotiate a business deal in English.
There were a few minor distractions in this story (for example, the whole story of Mort and her mother -- I feel like I must have accidentally skipped a few pages in the story because parts of that didn't even make sense to me), but overall I loved the characters of Erik and Lisette so much that I didn't really care! I usually like the novella length, but I would have loved to have seen this story a little more developed - mostly because I didn't want it to end so soon!
Content: Squeaky Clean
July 29, 2015
Immersed is the last book in the Ripple Effect Romance Series and honestly, probably the most amusing of the bunch. This has been such a fun series to review and I'm so glad I had the chance.
Lisette is a smart, talented girl. All she wants is to use those smarts and talents to make a career for herself but things aren't going so well. She is desperate to make it work, not just for her sake but for her mother's as well. Desperation and determination are what drive Lisette to the whole "make-under" idea. The whole thing is just so amusing. It had me smiling practically the whole way through.
I love Erik. I love how the relationship evolves between Erik and Lisette. Lisette slowly begins to shed her protective layers (figuratively and literally) as she falls for Erik.
I hope if you haven't already, you will pick up this series. These are all quick, romantic books, completely clean and completely fun. I hope there will be more to come from these authors with another series like this. I have really enjoyed it. These can be stand alone books but I think it's more fun if you read them in order.
Lisette is a smart, talented girl. All she wants is to use those smarts and talents to make a career for herself but things aren't going so well. She is desperate to make it work, not just for her sake but for her mother's as well. Desperation and determination are what drive Lisette to the whole "make-under" idea. The whole thing is just so amusing. It had me smiling practically the whole way through.
I love Erik. I love how the relationship evolves between Erik and Lisette. Lisette slowly begins to shed her protective layers (figuratively and literally) as she falls for Erik.
I hope if you haven't already, you will pick up this series. These are all quick, romantic books, completely clean and completely fun. I hope there will be more to come from these authors with another series like this. I have really enjoyed it. These can be stand alone books but I think it's more fun if you read them in order.
January 1, 2016
Lisette is very good at what she does. She also looks like a model. Her problem is finding clients that are there because of her business and not to make moves on her. The answer? A make-under. With a bad wig, some make up, frumpy clothes, and even a piece to give her a unibrow, she knows that anyone that hires her is only there for business. For 18 months it works great, then Erik Gunnarson hires her. Now she wishes she hadn't made herself quite so ugly.
This was such an enjoyable read! I smiled, I laughed, I sighed. The whole Ripple Effect series has been great!!
This was such an enjoyable read! I smiled, I laughed, I sighed. The whole Ripple Effect series has been great!!
August 29, 2015
Sad to see this series come to an end. Loved this one. Erik hires Lisette to follow him around for six weeks working on his English for business purposes. Lisette has undergone a make-under so she can avoid the sexual moves of uncouth men. But Erik is different. She likes when he touches her arm or their legs touch while sitting next to each other. But she's got to keep her focus on getting through this time. Erik will free her of debt and her mother's also, if she gets her check from him. But so much more is going on. This was a great story and I really enjoyed it. Good clean reading.
May 21, 2014
Talk about a fun read! Jennifer's writing style is engaging and hilarious, and I really grew to adore her characters and this story. The funny moments, the sweet moments, and the romantic moments all came together to make the perfect finale for this series. I really loved this book!
January 1, 2017
Intriguing plot with likeable but shallow characters, unfortunately the writing had no depth and it turned out to be stereotypical fluffy chick-lit. Disappointing since the earlier novellas in the series were well-written.
September 2, 2014
Loved it! Review coming next week.
November 4, 2017
Such a fun, cute, quirky romance. I laughed and enjoyed every page of this light, fluffy read. This story has a gorgeous, smart girl who gets tired of being appreciated only for her outward appearance, especially in her business where she immerses clients in language training. She’s sick of guys making passes at her, and thinking she’s a paid escort. So Lisette undergoes a make-under, using makeup to transform her into an older, plainer woman, one who won’t appeal to anyone. But when Erik Gunnar, an Icelandic Norse god, signs up for her services, she almost wishes he could see the real her.
I loved Lisette and Erik. She is hilariou, and her thoughts made me laugh all the time. Erik is the perfect hero that every romance reader adores. A gentleman who sees under the surface layer to the awesome girl underneath. Loved the premise of this book (kind of the ugly duckling story turned and twisted inside out), and the cute dialogue and funny scenes. This author always writes great fluffy reads that make me feel good and smile real big. Love her books!
I loved Lisette and Erik. She is hilariou, and her thoughts made me laugh all the time. Erik is the perfect hero that every romance reader adores. A gentleman who sees under the surface layer to the awesome girl underneath. Loved the premise of this book (kind of the ugly duckling story turned and twisted inside out), and the cute dialogue and funny scenes. This author always writes great fluffy reads that make me feel good and smile real big. Love her books!
March 12, 2023
Will a reverse make over help Lisette's business thrive?
Ava has her MBA and has come up with a business plan with a unique premise. Because of extensive traveling with her parents due to her father's job she is fluent in several languages. She offers her services to help people learn a new language, generally businessmen doing business internationally. The problem being some of them expect services she has no intention of offering. After dismissing several clients her Aunt offers the idea to make herself less attractive. The idea works but unfortunately she is attracted to her client.
I admired Ava for sticking up for herself and being devoted to her business. I enjoyed here adventures but was less impressed with her mother. Ava doesn't need to marry for security because she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
This took a realtively short time to read and I really enjoyed it.
Ava has her MBA and has come up with a business plan with a unique premise. Because of extensive traveling with her parents due to her father's job she is fluent in several languages. She offers her services to help people learn a new language, generally businessmen doing business internationally. The problem being some of them expect services she has no intention of offering. After dismissing several clients her Aunt offers the idea to make herself less attractive. The idea works but unfortunately she is attracted to her client.
I admired Ava for sticking up for herself and being devoted to her business. I enjoyed here adventures but was less impressed with her mother. Ava doesn't need to marry for security because she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
This took a realtively short time to read and I really enjoyed it.
August 17, 2024
Cute Romantic Comedy
Lisette is a natural, gorgeous blonde, but unfortunately, she is underestimated by others, some of whom try to take advantage of her and objectify her. Erik saw her value, but moved too slowly and lost his first chance at making her acquaintance. He makes a plan and works his plan and doesn’t give up. Erik works on a “make-over”, while Lisette works on a “make-under”. They have some interesting experiences as they work together to improve Erik’s English and to maintain a business relationship. Very cute.
Lisette is a natural, gorgeous blonde, but unfortunately, she is underestimated by others, some of whom try to take advantage of her and objectify her. Erik saw her value, but moved too slowly and lost his first chance at making her acquaintance. He makes a plan and works his plan and doesn’t give up. Erik works on a “make-over”, while Lisette works on a “make-under”. They have some interesting experiences as they work together to improve Erik’s English and to maintain a business relationship. Very cute.
August 22, 2021
3.5 stars
The idea for this story is interesting and there is some fun humor in it. I didn't get the mom and how she got caught up in her situation or why she was not supportive of her daughter. But I think the book is enjoyable if you just take it as the little piece of fluff romance that it is.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: sexual assault-mild
The idea for this story is interesting and there is some fun humor in it. I didn't get the mom and how she got caught up in her situation or why she was not supportive of her daughter. But I think the book is enjoyable if you just take it as the little piece of fluff romance that it is.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: sexual assault-mild
March 12, 2018
Short, VERY Romantic, and so much fun! I literally laughed out loud. In fact, my husband looked at me and I said (between laughs), “It’s the same author who had me howling last week at her “Aussie” book.”
September 3, 2024
Sweet Romance
While I knew that Erik was Erik, it was a little obnoxious with the pretending not to know what to say. Lisette was right to do the makeunder. Poor lady! Otherwise it was a sweet romance that she fought the whole way.
While I knew that Erik was Erik, it was a little obnoxious with the pretending not to know what to say. Lisette was right to do the makeunder. Poor lady! Otherwise it was a sweet romance that she fought the whole way.
June 8, 2017
This story kept me on edge. I really enjoyed reading it.
content: clean
content: clean
January 14, 2018
☺☺☺☺
An interesting plot with good engaging characters and nice pacing. That Lose the funds her make-under necessary is believable, which makes the story better.
An interesting plot with good engaging characters and nice pacing. That Lose the funds her make-under necessary is believable, which makes the story better.
April 1, 2019
Excellent
Another laugh out loud and swoon worthy romance from this Author! She teaches languages to businessmen but she wasn't prepared for her newest client.
Another laugh out loud and swoon worthy romance from this Author! She teaches languages to businessmen but she wasn't prepared for her newest client.
May 19, 2019
Aww, cute story
Not your usual makeover story. This time the pretty girl made herself LESS attractive... for a good reason.
The story was cute and sweet and I enjoyed reading it.
Not your usual makeover story. This time the pretty girl made herself LESS attractive... for a good reason.
The story was cute and sweet and I enjoyed reading it.
January 9, 2022
3.5
Different and very cute.
Moral Note: Clean language, wandering unwelcome hands.
Different and very cute.
Moral Note: Clean language, wandering unwelcome hands.
May 2, 2014
You couldn’t have ended the Ripple Effect Romance series more superbly then with this remarkable story! The depth of emotion and the pull on your heart during this enter journey has been building up to this astonishing crescendo! What a marvelous way to end such a beautiful voyage into the unknown where love can bring about unfathomable results in the daily struggle of cause and effect.
Lisette Pannebaker has the talent and high hopes of starting her own business to offer her clients a full immersion into one of the many languages that she can speak. The only hitch is that far too many of her clients come to her for a chance to do more than just take in the beautiful eye candy that she is. With the help of her aunt, Lisette transforms herself into an ugly “duckling” in order to ensure that her clients keep things strictly business. Much to her dismay, her disguise doesn’t work on her latest client. Erik Gunnarson isn’t repulsed by her appearance, and in fact he seems to be able to see far beneath the surface. Frantically fighting a losing battle, Lisette is desperately trying to keep her business thriving while keeping her heart under lock and key. Will a painful past keep her from revealing her Cinderella charm and her desperate heart from a man who appears to be everything she wants, or will she finally risk it all and follow her heart to her prince charming?
This is such a sigh worthy storyline. What woman doesn’t want to be seen for who she really is and not just for her appearance? While the appearance serves to catch the eye of a man, it is her heart that should enthrall and captivate him into never wanting to leave her side. Appreciating and cherishing the entire package is what every woman longs for. Oh how more often than not do we see an epic fail in that area, but who is to blame for that? Do we as a society put way too much emphasis on the external while belittling the heart, the mind, the personality, and the soul? Beauty fades all too quickly with age, but the wisdom, heart, and soul of a woman lives on and endures. It is in those qualities that we should encourage and focus our attention on.
Erick and Lisette find in each what they have been desperately and patiently waiting for – a true friend, a soulmate, and a future lover. Without even paying attention they waded through the normal steps of any relationship. Pealing back the layers of each other, they come to recognize that which their soul have been longing for and is missing. The only question that remains is what will they do with this information once they finally see it for what it is? Will they give in to their empty and hurting heart, or will they continue to follow the safe demands of their stubborn mind?
Jennifer Griffith is such a gifted and outstanding author to create an exquisite romance that doesn’t even start out as a love story in any sense of the word. This emotional ride was a tear jerker in some places while in others I found myself walking on cloud nine. I was so sad to see it end, but I was so ready for what might come next. We all dream of a happy ending, but no matter how our story ends, we all have to make choices along the way. I hope that you make good ones that will bring you a life filled with love, hope, and never-ending joy.
Lisette Pannebaker has the talent and high hopes of starting her own business to offer her clients a full immersion into one of the many languages that she can speak. The only hitch is that far too many of her clients come to her for a chance to do more than just take in the beautiful eye candy that she is. With the help of her aunt, Lisette transforms herself into an ugly “duckling” in order to ensure that her clients keep things strictly business. Much to her dismay, her disguise doesn’t work on her latest client. Erik Gunnarson isn’t repulsed by her appearance, and in fact he seems to be able to see far beneath the surface. Frantically fighting a losing battle, Lisette is desperately trying to keep her business thriving while keeping her heart under lock and key. Will a painful past keep her from revealing her Cinderella charm and her desperate heart from a man who appears to be everything she wants, or will she finally risk it all and follow her heart to her prince charming?
This is such a sigh worthy storyline. What woman doesn’t want to be seen for who she really is and not just for her appearance? While the appearance serves to catch the eye of a man, it is her heart that should enthrall and captivate him into never wanting to leave her side. Appreciating and cherishing the entire package is what every woman longs for. Oh how more often than not do we see an epic fail in that area, but who is to blame for that? Do we as a society put way too much emphasis on the external while belittling the heart, the mind, the personality, and the soul? Beauty fades all too quickly with age, but the wisdom, heart, and soul of a woman lives on and endures. It is in those qualities that we should encourage and focus our attention on.
Erick and Lisette find in each what they have been desperately and patiently waiting for – a true friend, a soulmate, and a future lover. Without even paying attention they waded through the normal steps of any relationship. Pealing back the layers of each other, they come to recognize that which their soul have been longing for and is missing. The only question that remains is what will they do with this information once they finally see it for what it is? Will they give in to their empty and hurting heart, or will they continue to follow the safe demands of their stubborn mind?
Jennifer Griffith is such a gifted and outstanding author to create an exquisite romance that doesn’t even start out as a love story in any sense of the word. This emotional ride was a tear jerker in some places while in others I found myself walking on cloud nine. I was so sad to see it end, but I was so ready for what might come next. We all dream of a happy ending, but no matter how our story ends, we all have to make choices along the way. I hope that you make good ones that will bring you a life filled with love, hope, and never-ending joy.
May 28, 2014
Ah, this is the last book in the Ripple Effect Romance series and was my favorite!!
Lisette Pannebaker was prepared to have her life set the day she graduated from college. She just knew her boyfriend Justin was going to propose to her. However, when he comes up to her, he introduces her to his fiance, Sasha, and tells her that he was just using her to get good grades. It's a funny scene and you can tell her mother and Aunt Corky are glad she's rid of Justin.
Her mother hints to her that there's a job for her at her father's company but Lisette is determined to make a go of her business. She speaks a lot of languages and wants to open a small business: total language immersion in a one-on-one format, 8-10 hours/day, two weeks minimum. A year and a half later, we learn that she's struggling to keep her business afloat and most men just try to come on to her. Her Aunt Corky suggests she do a make-under to prevent that from happening. (You can read that conversation in the excerpt I share on my blog.) This is also the ripple effect, where we briefly see Sam again from Second Chances.
It's now a year and a half after that and her make-under is working. She's being taken a lot more seriously. She's getting ready to meet a new client, Erik Gunnarson, and his fees will help her pay off the loan her mother gave her to start her business. He's from Iceland and wants help with his English. When she meets him, she's flustered because he's so good looking. He's not phased by her looks at all and enjoys spending time with her. He's great, but does appear to have a secret.
Their relationship was fun to read about! I couldn't wait to see what situation they would be in next and how she would handle it. I'm pretty sure I smiled and/or laughed the entire time. Lisette wants to shed her disguise so badly and let him see who she really is. When the moment of truth comes for both of them, it isn't pretty.
There's also a side story with her mom and a guy named Mort which was there to put pressure on Lisette to make her business work. I wasn't impressed with her mom and thought she could have handled things differently. Aunt Corky, though, was awesome and I thought she added to the story and was someone Lisette could confide in.
This is a fabulous series and I love that it's clean!! I also love the novella length so I was able to read most of them in one sitting, although I would love to see this one and Second Chances as full-length novels since parts of them seemed a little rushed. I enjoyed reading the stories from the authors I was already familiar with and found some new authors to check out. If you enjoy clean romance, this is a must-read series!!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Lisette Pannebaker was prepared to have her life set the day she graduated from college. She just knew her boyfriend Justin was going to propose to her. However, when he comes up to her, he introduces her to his fiance, Sasha, and tells her that he was just using her to get good grades. It's a funny scene and you can tell her mother and Aunt Corky are glad she's rid of Justin.
Her mother hints to her that there's a job for her at her father's company but Lisette is determined to make a go of her business. She speaks a lot of languages and wants to open a small business: total language immersion in a one-on-one format, 8-10 hours/day, two weeks minimum. A year and a half later, we learn that she's struggling to keep her business afloat and most men just try to come on to her. Her Aunt Corky suggests she do a make-under to prevent that from happening. (You can read that conversation in the excerpt I share on my blog.) This is also the ripple effect, where we briefly see Sam again from Second Chances.
It's now a year and a half after that and her make-under is working. She's being taken a lot more seriously. She's getting ready to meet a new client, Erik Gunnarson, and his fees will help her pay off the loan her mother gave her to start her business. He's from Iceland and wants help with his English. When she meets him, she's flustered because he's so good looking. He's not phased by her looks at all and enjoys spending time with her. He's great, but does appear to have a secret.
Their relationship was fun to read about! I couldn't wait to see what situation they would be in next and how she would handle it. I'm pretty sure I smiled and/or laughed the entire time. Lisette wants to shed her disguise so badly and let him see who she really is. When the moment of truth comes for both of them, it isn't pretty.
There's also a side story with her mom and a guy named Mort which was there to put pressure on Lisette to make her business work. I wasn't impressed with her mom and thought she could have handled things differently. Aunt Corky, though, was awesome and I thought she added to the story and was someone Lisette could confide in.
This is a fabulous series and I love that it's clean!! I also love the novella length so I was able to read most of them in one sitting, although I would love to see this one and Second Chances as full-length novels since parts of them seemed a little rushed. I enjoyed reading the stories from the authors I was already familiar with and found some new authors to check out. If you enjoy clean romance, this is a must-read series!!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
May 27, 2014
I love the concept of this series. Different author's taking one of the secondary characters in a previous book and giving them a story. It's fun to see a character that we met in one book, and discover their personality/hopes/dreams in another.
In this story Lisette is a beautiful woman, who is too beautiful. She has launched her own business. She helps people who want or need to learn another language. She stays by them during the day for their contracted time, and speaks to them in the language that they want to learn. It is an Immersion program. It would work well, if the men didn't think of her as their own personal escort, trying to take liberties that are not offered.
Her dilemma takes a new twist when she makes herself under. The beautiful woman is no longer beautiful when she meets her clients. This works well for a year and a half, until Erik hires her to help him with his English. Erik is handsome and kind. The kind of man that she would like to know as herself, rather than the frumpy women he has hired.
I really enjoyed the characters of Lisette and Erik. There are some fantastic secondary characters that provided a great comic element. The book is well written and flows at a quick pace. It was easy to get caught up in the events and anxiously await the page turn and continuation of the story.
This novella is the sixth in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Merged review:
I love the concept of this series. Different author's taking one of the secondary characters in a previous book and giving them a story. It's fun to see a character that we met in one book, and discover their personality/hopes/dreams in another.
In this story Lisette is a beautiful woman, who is too beautiful. She has launched her own business. She helps people who want or need to learn another language. She stays by them during the day for their contracted time, and speaks to them in the language that they want to learn. It is an Immersion program. It would work well, if the men didn't think of her as their own personal escort, trying to take liberties that are not offered.
Her dilemma takes a new twist when she makes herself under. The beautiful woman is no longer beautiful when she meets her clients. This works well for a year and a half, until Erik hires her to help him with his English. Erik is handsome and kind. The kind of man that she would like to know as herself, rather than the frumpy women he has hired.
I really enjoyed the characters of Lisette and Erik. There are some fantastic secondary characters that provided a great comic element. The book is well written and flows at a quick pace. It was easy to get caught up in the events and anxiously await the page turn and continuation of the story.
This novella is the sixth in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
In this story Lisette is a beautiful woman, who is too beautiful. She has launched her own business. She helps people who want or need to learn another language. She stays by them during the day for their contracted time, and speaks to them in the language that they want to learn. It is an Immersion program. It would work well, if the men didn't think of her as their own personal escort, trying to take liberties that are not offered.
Her dilemma takes a new twist when she makes herself under. The beautiful woman is no longer beautiful when she meets her clients. This works well for a year and a half, until Erik hires her to help him with his English. Erik is handsome and kind. The kind of man that she would like to know as herself, rather than the frumpy women he has hired.
I really enjoyed the characters of Lisette and Erik. There are some fantastic secondary characters that provided a great comic element. The book is well written and flows at a quick pace. It was easy to get caught up in the events and anxiously await the page turn and continuation of the story.
This novella is the sixth in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Merged review:
I love the concept of this series. Different author's taking one of the secondary characters in a previous book and giving them a story. It's fun to see a character that we met in one book, and discover their personality/hopes/dreams in another.
In this story Lisette is a beautiful woman, who is too beautiful. She has launched her own business. She helps people who want or need to learn another language. She stays by them during the day for their contracted time, and speaks to them in the language that they want to learn. It is an Immersion program. It would work well, if the men didn't think of her as their own personal escort, trying to take liberties that are not offered.
Her dilemma takes a new twist when she makes herself under. The beautiful woman is no longer beautiful when she meets her clients. This works well for a year and a half, until Erik hires her to help him with his English. Erik is handsome and kind. The kind of man that she would like to know as herself, rather than the frumpy women he has hired.
I really enjoyed the characters of Lisette and Erik. There are some fantastic secondary characters that provided a great comic element. The book is well written and flows at a quick pace. It was easy to get caught up in the events and anxiously await the page turn and continuation of the story.
This novella is the sixth in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
June 6, 2014
Immersed by Jennifer Griffith is the 6th novella in The Ripple Effect Romance Series. This is the second book that I have read by Jennifer, and I am not at all disappointed. Immersed did not have any of the characters in it from the previous novellas in the series, which was a little confusing at first. Confusing, because I just ‘assumed’ that it would. That’s what I get for assuming!
Never the less I was not disappointed at all. At the start of the book we met Lissette. She is graduating from college, and possibly getting a marriage proposal all in the same day. The first few pages of the book, I was thinking that she was really shallow, and I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy her story at all. That changed quickly as the story progressed.
Lissette starts her own business as a ‘Language Teacher’, where she teaches either French, Chinese or English to business men. She goes along with them on meetings, and business diners to help translate between them and their prospective business clients. Pretty soon it seems that all the men think she should be offering more than her language services.
That’s when her aunt Corky steps in and recommends Lissette have a make-under, because she is just too beautiful. Lissette’s make-under consist of a matted up wig, pale face makeup, dowdy clothes, and a mole!
Erik is tall, sweet, Greek god handsome, and wants to hire Lissette for 6 weeks to help him with his English. Lissette’s make-under does not have a negative effect on Erik. In fact it seems to have the opposite affect on him. He seems to genuinely like Lissette, ugliness and all! Too bad he is a client, because dating clients goes against her work policy.
I enjoyed reading Lissette and Erik’s story. It was clean (only a few kisses), heartfelt, and fun! There is even a little surprise toward the end. I loved Lissette’s aunt Corky, and I bet if she had her own story, she would be a hoot. Even though this novella didn’t have any of the characters from the other books in it, it was still a wonderful way to end the series. Wonderful job, Jennifer!
Never the less I was not disappointed at all. At the start of the book we met Lissette. She is graduating from college, and possibly getting a marriage proposal all in the same day. The first few pages of the book, I was thinking that she was really shallow, and I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy her story at all. That changed quickly as the story progressed.
Lissette starts her own business as a ‘Language Teacher’, where she teaches either French, Chinese or English to business men. She goes along with them on meetings, and business diners to help translate between them and their prospective business clients. Pretty soon it seems that all the men think she should be offering more than her language services.
That’s when her aunt Corky steps in and recommends Lissette have a make-under, because she is just too beautiful. Lissette’s make-under consist of a matted up wig, pale face makeup, dowdy clothes, and a mole!
Erik is tall, sweet, Greek god handsome, and wants to hire Lissette for 6 weeks to help him with his English. Lissette’s make-under does not have a negative effect on Erik. In fact it seems to have the opposite affect on him. He seems to genuinely like Lissette, ugliness and all! Too bad he is a client, because dating clients goes against her work policy.
I enjoyed reading Lissette and Erik’s story. It was clean (only a few kisses), heartfelt, and fun! There is even a little surprise toward the end. I loved Lissette’s aunt Corky, and I bet if she had her own story, she would be a hoot. Even though this novella didn’t have any of the characters from the other books in it, it was still a wonderful way to end the series. Wonderful job, Jennifer!
May 26, 2014
Such a wonderful fast beach read. This story begins with LIsette and Erik's graduation. Lisette is dating someone she thinks is the one turns out he was using her to get good with the professors but as she is reeling she bumps into Erik who asks her to dinner. She turns him down politely but he doesn't understand why so he goes off to transform himself into what he thinks she wants. Little does he know.
Lisette opens a language immersion business and comes to find many of her clients hire her only for her looks and what they think she will give them. This crushes her and as she is barely holding on her mom informs her of how she got the money for Lisette. With all this in mind, Lisette turns to drastic measures. She transforms herself into a less desirable person. This is when Erik comes back into her world and asks for language lessons. the six week that they are together have some great adventures. The McDonalds mishap, ring shopping, skiing and the bear to name a few. He sees who she is on the inside. She is falling for him although for someone who hates being judged by her looks she seems to do that alot with Erik. Well all is going well until the awards dinner when they run into her old boyfriend. Erik was about to confess but her ex beat him to the punch. This crushes her and she walks away. I know Erik was aweseome. Kind and gentle a true book boyfriend.
As she is lost and hoping to find the light or peace she stumbles into graduation. Yup graduation and there is the cutey pie Erik. Yay. I so wanted them together. She hears his speech and realizes who Erik is and who she is and what she wants.
a wonderful fast light romance that will have you laugh at the mishaps and smile at the love that is exuded by Erik and LIsette. Also I have to say her aunt was a hoot and a half. A enjoyable beach read.
Lisette opens a language immersion business and comes to find many of her clients hire her only for her looks and what they think she will give them. This crushes her and as she is barely holding on her mom informs her of how she got the money for Lisette. With all this in mind, Lisette turns to drastic measures. She transforms herself into a less desirable person. This is when Erik comes back into her world and asks for language lessons. the six week that they are together have some great adventures. The McDonalds mishap, ring shopping, skiing and the bear to name a few. He sees who she is on the inside. She is falling for him although for someone who hates being judged by her looks she seems to do that alot with Erik. Well all is going well until the awards dinner when they run into her old boyfriend. Erik was about to confess but her ex beat him to the punch. This crushes her and she walks away. I know Erik was aweseome. Kind and gentle a true book boyfriend.
As she is lost and hoping to find the light or peace she stumbles into graduation. Yup graduation and there is the cutey pie Erik. Yay. I so wanted them together. She hears his speech and realizes who Erik is and who she is and what she wants.
a wonderful fast light romance that will have you laugh at the mishaps and smile at the love that is exuded by Erik and LIsette. Also I have to say her aunt was a hoot and a half. A enjoyable beach read.
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