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Just a Peck: Oakwood Falls Book Two
“I want you to touch me… everywhere.”
Mavis Meyers is thrilled to be teaching at her high school alma mater. However, organizing the end-of-year carnival might be enough to send her back to substitute teaching in Milwaukee. Who knew trying to get a group of teachers and parents to focus on the task at hand would be so hard?
The most difficult person is none other than Lena Laei-Johnson, a local farm owner and co-chair of the carnival. She is used to taking the lead on planning the carnival and despises change. After the first planning meeting with Lena, Mavis understands why no one volunteered to take on this role.
From the theme to the decorations, the two clash over every little detail. But underneath, a simmering attraction grows.
Can the two women stop trying to be right long enough to notice how right they are for each other?
Mavis Meyers is thrilled to be teaching at her high school alma mater. However, organizing the end-of-year carnival might be enough to send her back to substitute teaching in Milwaukee. Who knew trying to get a group of teachers and parents to focus on the task at hand would be so hard?
The most difficult person is none other than Lena Laei-Johnson, a local farm owner and co-chair of the carnival. She is used to taking the lead on planning the carnival and despises change. After the first planning meeting with Lena, Mavis understands why no one volunteered to take on this role.
From the theme to the decorations, the two clash over every little detail. But underneath, a simmering attraction grows.
Can the two women stop trying to be right long enough to notice how right they are for each other?
- GenresRomance
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2025
9 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 15, 2025
“I want you to touch me… everywhere.”
Mavis Meyers is thrilled to be teaching at her high school alma mater. However, organizing the end-of-year carnival might be enough to send her back to substitute teaching in Milwaukee. Who knew trying to get a group of teachers and parents to focus on the task at hand would be so hard?
The most difficult person is none other than Lena Laei-Johnson, a local farm owner and co-chair of the carnival. She is used to taking the lead on planning the carnival and despises change. After the first planning meeting with Lena, Mavis understands why no one volunteered to take on this role.
From the theme to the decorations, the two clash over every little detail. But underneath, a simmering attraction grows.
Can the two women stop trying to be right long enough to notice how right they are for each other?
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I had the privilege of being part of the Traveling ARC book team. I was the fourth to receive it and annotate it. It was so much fun seeing the other notes and drawings inside! Sending to lucky number 5!
I absolutely enjoyed this book! It’s be a while since I read a bi awakening story. That was a great storyline and the two FMCs (Lena and Mavis) relationship growth was swoon worthy. I really loved Mavis’s family and the banter. This had me laughing out loud. And little Chloe! Ugh my heart! I just loved her so much!
Thank you Chelsea for allowing me to be apart of this fun Traveling Arc. I can’t wait for you to get this book back and see all the notes! This was my first annotation and I loved it. I might do it more often
The most difficult person is none other than Lena Laei-Johnson, a local farm owner and co-chair of the carnival. She is used to taking the lead on planning the carnival and despises change. After the first planning meeting with Lena, Mavis understands why no one volunteered to take on this role.
From the theme to the decorations, the two clash over every little detail. But underneath, a simmering attraction grows.
Can the two women stop trying to be right long enough to notice how right they are for each other?
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I had the privilege of being part of the Traveling ARC book team. I was the fourth to receive it and annotate it. It was so much fun seeing the other notes and drawings inside! Sending to lucky number 5!
I absolutely enjoyed this book! It’s be a while since I read a bi awakening story. That was a great storyline and the two FMCs (Lena and Mavis) relationship growth was swoon worthy. I really loved Mavis’s family and the banter. This had me laughing out loud. And little Chloe! Ugh my heart! I just loved her so much!
Thank you Chelsea for allowing me to be apart of this fun Traveling Arc. I can’t wait for you to get this book back and see all the notes! This was my first annotation and I loved it. I might do it more often
April 10, 2025
A super sweet and short sapphic romance with a family first vibe.
Chemistry and frustration build as Mavis and Lena grapple with each other and their feelings. The tension is intoxicating throughout the slow burn. The fiery spice confirms this, even as the characters fight it. Thankfully, it's the perfect length and the plot pulls the story along at a great pace. A cute story that's definitely worth the read :)
Chemistry and frustration build as Mavis and Lena grapple with each other and their feelings. The tension is intoxicating throughout the slow burn. The fiery spice confirms this, even as the characters fight it. Thankfully, it's the perfect length and the plot pulls the story along at a great pace. A cute story that's definitely worth the read :)
March 28, 2025
This novel is an absolute gem! Lena and Mavis are two strong, complex women whose paths cross in unexpected ways, forcing them to navigate their differences and find common ground with Lena being a single mom and Mavis being a school teacher. What starts as a journey of compromise soon turns into something deeper—an undeniable attraction that neither can ignore. Could not put this book down!
March 31, 2025
Mavis is in her first year teaching and volunteers to run the schools fundraising carnival. She wants to change it up this year, but there is one person who is against it, Lena. Mavis realizes she likes Lena, and Lena realizes she likes Mavis. What will come about? Will the fundraiser be a success if they change it up or will it fail? What will happen between Mavis & Lena?
April 21, 2025
Another cute and fun read in the Oakwood Falls world. Mavis and Lena had great tension, banter and chemistry right away. Mavis was such a happy person to Lena's grumpy. Their balance worked so well. Chloe was an absolute delight, her and her bestie Henrietta.
April 8, 2025
This was my first FF only book. It was a well written cozy romance. It's definitely a soul cleaning book that you read after reading a questionable extremely dark romance book. Or even just a sweet romance book for those who like those. Me personally I need drama more than the spicy 🤣🤣 I loved how automatic Mavis bonded with Lena's daughter. I definitely felt like this story was rushed. There could have been so many things to explore. Like Lena's panic attacks. Like more background into them. But a solid ⭐⭐⭐ and 🌶️ so this short romance.
April 21, 2025
This was a delightfully fun read! It was light and sweet and funny. A perfect weekend read.
Mavis is a high school science teacher who moved back to her hometown as soon as a teaching position opened up. In an effort to be a team player and show her worth, she volunteered to lead the annual school fundraiser.
Lena is a single mom to eight year old Chloe and she runs a hobby farmer. She is very active in her daughter's life and has volunteered as parent lead of the annual fundraiser for several years.
The two have a meet uncomfortable at the planning meeting when Mavis proposes a bunch of changes to things Lena helped create. Lena leaves the meeting before it is finished. But the two end up tamping down their irritation and working together for the sake of the children. And a relationship blossoms.
They don't call it a relationship but... it is. They continue to spend time together after the fundraiser is over and they grow closer until the time comes to actually name what they are.
Mavis and Lena are beautiful characters. Both are afraid of a relationship because neither wants to get hurt or hurt Chloe. Chloe is the priority for them both. (Ahh, my heart!) I enjoyed watching them grow close despite their initial negative feelings and fears.
I received this as an ARC and am so thankful for the opportunity. My review is based entirely on the contents of the book and not influenced by the free copy.
I definitely recommend giving this read if you enjoy a little hot grumpy x hot sunshine in your life.
Mavis is a high school science teacher who moved back to her hometown as soon as a teaching position opened up. In an effort to be a team player and show her worth, she volunteered to lead the annual school fundraiser.
Lena is a single mom to eight year old Chloe and she runs a hobby farmer. She is very active in her daughter's life and has volunteered as parent lead of the annual fundraiser for several years.
The two have a meet uncomfortable at the planning meeting when Mavis proposes a bunch of changes to things Lena helped create. Lena leaves the meeting before it is finished. But the two end up tamping down their irritation and working together for the sake of the children. And a relationship blossoms.
They don't call it a relationship but... it is. They continue to spend time together after the fundraiser is over and they grow closer until the time comes to actually name what they are.
Mavis and Lena are beautiful characters. Both are afraid of a relationship because neither wants to get hurt or hurt Chloe. Chloe is the priority for them both. (Ahh, my heart!) I enjoyed watching them grow close despite their initial negative feelings and fears.
I received this as an ARC and am so thankful for the opportunity. My review is based entirely on the contents of the book and not influenced by the free copy.
I definitely recommend giving this read if you enjoy a little hot grumpy x hot sunshine in your life.
April 25, 2025
Mavis is the new science teacher and somehow gets herself volunteered to organize the annual school fundraiser. She has to work with the parent lead, Lena, who wants to keep everything the same while Mavis has lots of new and exciting ideas and they’re constantly butting heads. But does the disagreement actually come from fighting the chemistry between them?
This was such a cute gay awakening story. I was kind of annoyed that there were parts that frequently sounded very juvenile, mostly Mavis’s voice. For example, she’s always saying that Lena has “poo-pooed” all of her ideas (at least three times through the book). Mavis just feels very immature and it didn’t seem to fit the narrative but the other characters were a lot more fleshed out so it balanced. Also the fact that they’re trying to pull together such a big event in less than 6 weeks is literally insane, that would never happen. The spice was great, love a good sapphic romance. They both handled their newfound attractions in a very realistic and compelling way. I haven’t read any of the other stories in the universe but I’m definitely going to find them now.
This was such a cute gay awakening story. I was kind of annoyed that there were parts that frequently sounded very juvenile, mostly Mavis’s voice. For example, she’s always saying that Lena has “poo-pooed” all of her ideas (at least three times through the book). Mavis just feels very immature and it didn’t seem to fit the narrative but the other characters were a lot more fleshed out so it balanced. Also the fact that they’re trying to pull together such a big event in less than 6 weeks is literally insane, that would never happen. The spice was great, love a good sapphic romance. They both handled their newfound attractions in a very realistic and compelling way. I haven’t read any of the other stories in the universe but I’m definitely going to find them now.
March 30, 2025
“What the fu**ker knuckles was I thinking?” Thank you @chelseajeanauthor for an early read of Just a Peck. This is Book 2 from the Oakwood Falls series, and I hope it’s not the last! I love this hometown atmosphere that the author put together. It’s charming, beautiful, and can get a little crazy… especially when it comes to planning the school fair. Enter Mavis and Lena. Two people who couldn’t be anymore opposite are put together to plan this school event. The school needs the extra funds, but can these two different personalities mesh together to create a successful event? What are these feelings coming to light… that neither have felt before. This read brings to light the life of a single mother, working hard so her daughter lives a good life. Chloe is the cutest and her best friend Henrietta is sure to make you smile. I enjoyed how the neighbors helped Lena, and how Mavis bonded with Chloe. There might be a couple of scenes that will make you tear up, and a few spicy scenes as well.
April 5, 2025
I had the chance to read Just a Peck early as an ARC reader, and I honestly didn’t expect it to hit me so hard in the best way. I finished it in under 48 hours because I just had to know how Mavis and Lena’s story unfolded. Mavis was such a warm, relatable character—funny, resilient, and trying her best to navigate life and love. And Lena? She completely won me over with her strength, quiet tenderness, and the way she loved her daughter, Chloe. Chloe added such a sweet, heartfelt layer to the story every scene with her made me smile. The chemistry between Mavis and Lena was undeniable, but what really pulled me in was the emotional depth—the slow, steady build of trust and affection. It felt real, raw, and incredibly touching. The small-town setting gave it that cozy, comforting backdrop while still letting their personal journeys shine. If you’re into stories with soft but strong romance, genuine emotional growth, and characters who feel like real people, Just a Peck needs to be on your list.
April 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Moderately spicy with three total scenes.
Single mom, frustration between the two FMCs off the get-go, sweet (but still a spitfire!) school teacher.
Let’s be real…Chloe saw it coming and made it happen.
This was a really sweet romance, spread out across several months to ensure the timeline stayed in tact but the story didn’t suffer for it. It was a bi-awakening for sweet Lena, who was so focused on her child having a decent life, that she almost missed what was right in front of her.
Mav and her sibs were so cute. The epilogue really just made me smile a super cheesy grin. The instant connection between Mav and Chloe was the absolute cutest thing. Mav and Lena got to soften each other up around the edges, and I was invested in their love story. Would have loved to hear more details about that (tiny) grand gesture, though.
🌶️🌶️/5
Moderately spicy with three total scenes.
Single mom, frustration between the two FMCs off the get-go, sweet (but still a spitfire!) school teacher.
Let’s be real…Chloe saw it coming and made it happen.
This was a really sweet romance, spread out across several months to ensure the timeline stayed in tact but the story didn’t suffer for it. It was a bi-awakening for sweet Lena, who was so focused on her child having a decent life, that she almost missed what was right in front of her.
Mav and her sibs were so cute. The epilogue really just made me smile a super cheesy grin. The instant connection between Mav and Chloe was the absolute cutest thing. Mav and Lena got to soften each other up around the edges, and I was invested in their love story. Would have loved to hear more details about that (tiny) grand gesture, though.
March 6, 2025
BETA READ
Wow. Just wow. Chelsea has done it again. I absolutely adore Chelsea’s writing style, it’s all around easy to understand making her reads the best! Just a peck is a LGBTQ /wlw read that will leave you wanting just one more chapter. From the classroom to the bedroom, Lena and Mavis are a wild ride. A rambling teacher, grumpy farmer, and most importantly a bubbly little girl who just loves her chicken will not disappoint. Lena, Mavis, and Chloe (Can't forget Henrietta🐓) will keep you glued to the book for hours!
-Dual POV
-Rivals to Lovers
-Open Door
-Bi- Awakening
#chelseajeanauthor #justapeck #farmer/teacherromance #newromanceread #lgbtqromanceread #opendoor #rivalstolovers #chickens
Wow. Just wow. Chelsea has done it again. I absolutely adore Chelsea’s writing style, it’s all around easy to understand making her reads the best! Just a peck is a LGBTQ /wlw read that will leave you wanting just one more chapter. From the classroom to the bedroom, Lena and Mavis are a wild ride. A rambling teacher, grumpy farmer, and most importantly a bubbly little girl who just loves her chicken will not disappoint. Lena, Mavis, and Chloe (Can't forget Henrietta🐓) will keep you glued to the book for hours!
-Dual POV
-Rivals to Lovers
-Open Door
-Bi- Awakening
#chelseajeanauthor #justapeck #farmer/teacherromance #newromanceread #lgbtqromanceread #opendoor #rivalstolovers #chickens
March 28, 2025
Charming & Cozy Sapphic Romance ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just A Peck by Chelsea Jean is an absolute delight! This short and sweet sapphic romance delivers all the cozy vibes, with a heartwarming found-family dynamic and an unexpected love story between Lena and Mavis. Set against the backdrop of farm life, their journey is filled with humor, tenderness, and the joys (and chaos) of raising little Chloe.
The writing is engaging, the characters feel real, and the romance unfolds naturally in such a charming way. While I wished for just a bit more time with Lena and Mavis to deepen their connection, the story still left me smiling. If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good read with love, laughter, and a touch of farm magic, this one’s for you!
Huge thanks for the ARC—I adored it!
Just A Peck by Chelsea Jean is an absolute delight! This short and sweet sapphic romance delivers all the cozy vibes, with a heartwarming found-family dynamic and an unexpected love story between Lena and Mavis. Set against the backdrop of farm life, their journey is filled with humor, tenderness, and the joys (and chaos) of raising little Chloe.
The writing is engaging, the characters feel real, and the romance unfolds naturally in such a charming way. While I wished for just a bit more time with Lena and Mavis to deepen their connection, the story still left me smiling. If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good read with love, laughter, and a touch of farm magic, this one’s for you!
Huge thanks for the ARC—I adored it!
April 26, 2025
Just a Peck will follow Mavis and Lena as they navigate organizing a school carnival together and struggle to see eye-to-eye. All the while Chloe completely captivates Mavis, dandelions and all.
This story was full of sweet moments from start to finish! Mavis is just trying to find her footing being a new teacher and finds herself going toe to toe with the town farmer, who is not a fan of change.
Well… summer comes and things take a change. Mavis and Lena become friends despite Lena being a grumpy Gus, Mavis does all she can to break down Lena’s walls, helps her thru a panic attack, and shows her who she is.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book.
4✨ 3🌶️
This story was full of sweet moments from start to finish! Mavis is just trying to find her footing being a new teacher and finds herself going toe to toe with the town farmer, who is not a fan of change.
Well… summer comes and things take a change. Mavis and Lena become friends despite Lena being a grumpy Gus, Mavis does all she can to break down Lena’s walls, helps her thru a panic attack, and shows her who she is.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book.
4✨ 3🌶️
March 20, 2025
Gilmore Girls + Small Town Vibes!!!
This was such a cozy, comfort read! I love how Chelsea has main characters in the 30s, it’s very relatable to still be figuring out everything about life in this age range. This is a bi- awakening and I think it was done beautifully!
& the shower scene? OMG that was hot!
I loved the heritage we saw from Lena’s background in this book, it really made me love her as a character.
This was such an easy read and so wholesome, I was so happy to be back in Oakwood Falls <3
This was such a cozy, comfort read! I love how Chelsea has main characters in the 30s, it’s very relatable to still be figuring out everything about life in this age range. This is a bi- awakening and I think it was done beautifully!
& the shower scene? OMG that was hot!
I loved the heritage we saw from Lena’s background in this book, it really made me love her as a character.
This was such an easy read and so wholesome, I was so happy to be back in Oakwood Falls <3
May 23, 2025
Just a Peck gets 5 ⭐️ and 1 🐓
Well I absolutely inhaled this!!!!!! 🌼🦋💝
I’m so happy to be part of the traveling ARC crew for Just a Peck!! Thank you Chelsea for the opportunity!
Take Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows and make it sapphic and Midwestern… and you have this book. (Mavis IS a science teacher!) Super sweet, fluffy, and funny. Can’t wait to read the first book and prequel!
Them tropes:
Sapphic (ft. bi awakening)
Single mom
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Midwest small town
Dad jokes
“I made you this” as a love language
TW: absent dad
Well I absolutely inhaled this!!!!!! 🌼🦋💝
I’m so happy to be part of the traveling ARC crew for Just a Peck!! Thank you Chelsea for the opportunity!
Take Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows and make it sapphic and Midwestern… and you have this book. (Mavis IS a science teacher!) Super sweet, fluffy, and funny. Can’t wait to read the first book and prequel!
Them tropes:
Sapphic (ft. bi awakening)
Single mom
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Midwest small town
Dad jokes
“I made you this” as a love language
TW: absent dad
March 29, 2025
This was a pretty cute slow burn and an easy read. Mavis is set out to prove herself during her first year teaching and volunteers to run the schools fundraising carnival. She starts butting heads with one of the school district parents, Lena… but she’s also attracted to her as well. Mavis is openly bi but these feelings are new for Lena. And Lena is not used to letting people in…she’s a total grump. Lena’s daughter Chloe was a cutie and the bond that Mavis has with her is adorable!
April 10, 2025
This was such a sweet love story Lena and Mavis are two independent, strong ladies who couldn’t be more opposite than each other, but their past cross when Mavis needs a parent volunteer for the school carnival. The school needs the money they get from it but can they get along to make it work?
Will Lean okay with the changes she is totally against?
Will Mavis idea actually bring in more money?
I so love the recipes at the start super cute add on. I really want these monster cookies.
Will Lean okay with the changes she is totally against?
Will Mavis idea actually bring in more money?
I so love the recipes at the start super cute add on. I really want these monster cookies.
April 16, 2025
I absolutely loved this little book. I also read her other book Minor Inconvenience which again has the small town, contemporary love story (with HEA) with open door romance (combination with closed door). It is an interconnected standalone but you meet Mavis in book 1.
I absolutely loved the story between Mavis and Lena, but we can’t forget about Chloe either. Just a Peck is a contemporary sapphic romance that is an enemies to lovers like story. Mavis is a teacher in charge of the school carnival, Lena is the parent volunteer that likes absolutely nothing about Mavis and they have to learn to work together. Then you have the wrench, Chloe Lena’s 8 year old daughter, who Lena wants to protect at all costs.
Overall I loved the story and look forward to reading more from Chelsea.
I absolutely loved the story between Mavis and Lena, but we can’t forget about Chloe either. Just a Peck is a contemporary sapphic romance that is an enemies to lovers like story. Mavis is a teacher in charge of the school carnival, Lena is the parent volunteer that likes absolutely nothing about Mavis and they have to learn to work together. Then you have the wrench, Chloe Lena’s 8 year old daughter, who Lena wants to protect at all costs.
Overall I loved the story and look forward to reading more from Chelsea.
May 2, 2025
What a short and sweet romance! This sapphic romance was the perfect blend of family-first and grumpy X sunshine. Mavis is a teacher who volunteers to run the annual school carnival. When running her first meeting with parents from the school, she meets Lena, a single mom who is not impressed with Mavis' new ideas for the event. Through their time working together, these two begin to form a connection that deepens into something more.
Such a cute read, if you're looking for a sweet summertime/end of school year romance!
Thank you to Chelsea Jean for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Such a cute read, if you're looking for a sweet summertime/end of school year romance!
Thank you to Chelsea Jean for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2025
This was an overall cute quick read featuring a rivals to lovers trope with a single mom.
The plot was good, and the story was there. I just personally couldn't get over the fact that one of the FMCs leaves her 8 year old child home alone sometimes.
Other than that, tough I enjoyed the overall story.
The plot was good, and the story was there. I just personally couldn't get over the fact that one of the FMCs leaves her 8 year old child home alone sometimes.
Other than that, tough I enjoyed the overall story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
“What the f*cker knuckles was I thinking?” This is a book with lots of laughs and witty inner thoughts. The characters start out bickering and slowly grow into something more beyond their own complexities. If you’re looking for a short book with an easy storyline to follow and some laughs this is a book for you!
July 1, 2025
Bisexual read to end pride month? Yes please. Single Polynesian mom meets bisexual high school science teacher plus some farm animals and a cute little girl makes for a fun and cozy read. Also Grayson needs his own book and a HEA for being a one of a kind guy. Chloe, my dear, your spunk was everything!
March 29, 2025
I loved every single character I was introduced to in this story. Such a nice easy to read story! Bonus points to the Grumpy/Sunshine trope, which is one of my favourites!
Thank you for the ARC copy!
Thank you for the ARC copy!
April 18, 2025
This was a cute little hometown romance book. I love the slow burn aspect of it and the fact that it wasn’t heavy on the spice. It was almost like a mental cleanse after some of the books I read 🥴.
April 24, 2025
Just a Peck was cute and sweet, think Hallmark movie but make it sapphic. I thought the characters were written well, but it was all just a little precious for my taste. The spice scenes were okay. This would be a good read for someone going through a queer awakening or a fan of sweet romance.
March 31, 2025
Was a great read. it was fast paced but really cute. I truly enjoyed it.
April 11, 2025
Short and sweet! Slow burn with low spice. It was worth watching the relationship grow between Mavis and Lena. Lots of great, funny characters.
April 15, 2025
A super cute short and sweet romance! The way this author writes can be described as a warm hug! I was throughly entertained!
April 27, 2025
4.5 rounded up!
Loved this dynamic between Lena and Mavis! Just warm, cozy, and a side of spice!
Loved this dynamic between Lena and Mavis! Just warm, cozy, and a side of spice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews