From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel comes a toe-curling second chance romance.
He rocked her world. She wrecked his. Now their worlds are colliding again.
Expensive schools and etiquette classes never prepared Shelby Duchane for Ryder Prescott. He taught her more about life in his hay field classroom beneath a blanket of stars than anyone. Under that Georgia sky, she pledged forever to the farm boy with soul-melting chocolate brown eyes, even though it meant forfeiting her large inheritance. She couldn't wait to clip coupons and buy clothes off the sales rack until death do they part. But then she receives some photos of her intended with someone she had not intended. Brokenhearted, Shelby flees her hometown for Colorado without bothering to say goodbye to her cheating ex-fiancé.
A year later and wiser, Shelby's doing her best to move on while running her boutique in Carrington Cove, when Ryder shows up and challenges all she thought she knew. Perhaps he wasn't the wicked ex-fiancé she believed him to be after all. But will Ryder be able to swallow his pride enough to see why she was so persuaded? Will he realize before it's too late that the only way to heal his own broken heart is to mend Shelby's?
Jennifer Peel is a USA Today bestselling author who didn’t grow up wanting to be a writer, she was aiming for something more realistic like being the first female president. When that didn’t work out, she started writing just before her fortieth birthday. Now after publishing several award-winning and bestselling novels she’s addicted to typing and chocolate. When she’s not glued to her laptop and a bag of Dove dark chocolates, she loves spending time with her family, making daily Target runs, reading, and pretending she can do Zumba.
Shelby Duchane moved to Carrington Cove for a fresh start away from her cheating ex-fiance, Ryder Prescott. Life was going great. She's finally out from under her controlling parents thumb and able to live the life that she wants to live.
But out of nowhere Shelby's cousin sends her an article about Prescott Technologies moving to Edenvale... a mere 45 minutes away from her. And if that wasn't bad enough, Ryder will be renting a cabin at the Carrington Ranch, where Shelby is currently living, for the summer. She has no idea how Ryder found her or why he's here but she's not ready to face him.
One year. It's been one year since Shelby and Ryder have laid eyes on each other. And the moment they do, sparks start flying. It doesn't matter how much hurt and anger has built up over the year, it can't hide the love that still shines in each of their eyes. Some things are hard to let go of.
But what if Shelby was wrong in leaving? What if things aren't always what they seem? Should she have talked to Ryder before she disappeared? Would it have made a difference? All she knows is she's definitely got her work cut out for her if she's ever going to win Ryder back.
Ryder doesn't want to admit it, but what Shelby did ripped his heart out and left him believing her parents were right. All he wanted was to be good enough for her, to deserve her. Over the last year, he hasn't been able to get her off his mind.
Shelby and Ryder will have to decide if it's too late for a second chance or if they'll be able to put their past behind them and move forward to their HEA.
*dreamy sigh*
You guys! Can I just tell you how much I loved this book?! Holy wowzers! From the moment I picked it up, I had the hardest time putting it down. I found myself reading late into the night and waking up WAY before my alarm just so I can find out what happened next. I am a sucker for second chance love stories and this one did not disappoint.
Shelby and Ryder will have you believing that love is taking that second chance, home is not a place but a person, and infinite love is worth anything you have to endure. I can honestly say that they are definite favorites. And of course I loved seeing some of my favorites from My Not So Wicked Stepbrother and meeting new ones. That Bobby Jay... hahahahaha! I am loving Carrington Cove!
I am absolutely LOVING this series! It is SO good! I cannot WAIT to read the next book!
Y'all! Ms. Peel has done it again! She never ceases to amaze me.
And can I just tell you how much I'm loving this casting?! Definitely one of my favorites! What do you think?
I grew to absolutely adore Shelby in My Not So Wicked Stepbrother and I was sooo excited to get her backstory! Her fiance, Ryder, cheated on her, but when he shows up in her new hometown, she learns that everything didn't happen exactly like she thought. My world was rocked!
Shelby is a privileged rich girl, and I love that she throws that all to the wind to make a name and place for herself in life. How many women could do that? I adore this Southern belle, especially her sass, attitude, and charm, that wrap her beauty and brains up with a big, fluffy bow.
I'm a sucker for a good, loyal Southern boy (yum--I can almost hear that accent...) and Ryder proves to be just that. In fact, he goes above and beyond what I expected of him and I could see exactly why Shelby was so broken up over losing him. Send over a fan because the heat that sizzles between this couple will melt the makeup right off your face!
And can we just talk about the other characters for a minute? Bobby Jay almost stole the show and I loved having the familiarity of Sawyer and Emma (Book 1) throughout this story.
Let's give a big hand to Ms. Peel for delivering a romance so delicious that it rivals buttery biscuits and sugary, secret recipe, birthday cake. I, for one, am completely satisfied.
Content: mild+ romance (swoony, kissing, making out, some innuendo); mild language; mild+ religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I did not really like Ryder. Yes she walked away but she honestly thought he cheated on her. Once that was settled I expected more from him. He just seemed to self righteous or something. Yes she should have talked to him, but he had pretty much checked out on her anyway. I did like the heroine and the cousin was okay but he didn't rea!ly amuse me like he should have. I pictured him as a Chris Farley type physique but I don't really remember his being described in detail. Now Ryder I liked his description. I just wish he'd been a better hero earlier. He did come through in the end but I didn't like how retreated her for like 60% of the book. I do like this author very much and I am looking forward to reading about Aspen. I missed the first book but I am not sure I will go back and read it. They were apart a year and it was mentioned he dated. I am not sure if there was more than that. The book glossed over the intimate part of their relationship. I know it's supposed to be chaste but it sounded like they had been lovers. I guess I don't understand what clean means. I would still read the author again. I might even give this another star but have to let it sink in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Hmm, I read this one a few weeks ago and I guess forgot to review it! Oops. Anyway, I really enjoyed this one, its probably my favorite of the series. I love a good second chance love story, they're always full of yummy tension. I also love the small-town setting and a fun cast of characters. I always get sucked into Jennifer's book, she has a way of writing that draws you in and you want to keep reading to see what will happen next. I always look forward to her books.
There's something about a Jennifer Peel book that sucks me right into the world of the main character immediately! I enjoyed Shelby in the first book as she befriended the reluctant Emma; she's one you can't help but like. So it was great to get into her head and hear her voice with the first person narrative. She's been on a bit of a journey as she distanced herself from her controlling parents, and she's not the same person she was when she was engaged. I liked seeing she and Ryder get to know each other in their new circumstances and sort out the hurt feelings and truth about their past. A perfect blend of humor, angst, and chemistry-filled romance in this second chance at love story!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Oh. My. Lan. Ta. Somewhere between Shelby's southern charm and Ryder's brooding masculinity, all my senses came alive. I was right there in the thick of it with Shelby; tormented, confused, sorry, desperate, determined, happy. My eyes saw Ryder (amen!), my ears heard Bobby Jay's support and confidence, my nose smelled those mouthwatering southern biscuits, and my heart twittered, pinged and pounded. It was SO, SO good.
We first meet Shelby in My Not So Wicked Stepbrother. She is a big part of the story but she isn't someone I was rooting for in that book. I love that I had this chance to know her better and to love her. She is a vibrant character who came across so clearly to me as a reader. Her attraction to Ryder is palpable. Yumma. The intensity between Shelby and Ryder grows on every page.
I also loved that the main characters in the previous book (Emma and Sawyer) were featured in this book as well. It felt so good to have their familiar vibe threaded through Shelby's story.
Thank you, Jennifer Peel, for another fantastic, romantic escape. I could live in your books forever.
Oh, and one more thing. I absolutely LOVE this cover. The blue against the black and the sparkle!! I just love it.
Content: kissing, mild swearing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed book 2 in the Not So Wicked Series and seeing Shelby get her happily ever after. I adore her. I had the hardest time putting this one down. I love so many of the characters. A few swear words and kissing scenes.. I would consider this a clean adult read though...but not YA....as there are situations mentioned that are not ya appropriate in my opinion.
Second book! I love the found family & continued story! Second chance romance, broken heart, Betrayal, miscommunication, slow burn trope. Cute banter. Perfect sweet but sour pallet cleanser book.
I haven't been steered wrong with Jennifer Peels Books. I prefer the angsty ones to the rom-com. This book is part of a series and is a light hearted second chance romance between 2 exes who broke up because the fmc, Shelby recieved photo of her ex, Ryder with another woman. She ghosted him. He comes back angry and resentful. Shelby learns later that she made a mistake and the photos were doctored by someone trying to break them up. She works hard to regain his trust.
My minor issue with the book is although the Hero was wronged by the heroine and she left he didn't fight for her. I want to see him fight more or come back because he still loved her not because of anger or revenge. It was light and just skimmed the surface of angst. Overall, a cute read but I like my books more on the angsty side so I cant say its my favorite of Jennifer Peels but its still well written.
I’ve had the ebook of My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé waiting in my TBR too long, so when I saw I had a chance to listen to the audiobook, I jumped at the opportunity, especially since it’s narrated by Stephanie Rose, one of my favorite narrators. I love second-chance romance and this one has it all: heartbreak, misunderstanding, and that unresolved tension.
After Shelby and Ryder's love story crashed and burned, Shelby left without a word and built a new life for herself in Colorado. When Ryder shows up a year later in Carrington Cove, things get complicated fast! There’s tension, hurt feelings, stubborn pride, and things that were never said. I wanted to lock them in a room and yell, “Just talk to each other!” I understood their feelings and reactions but it drove me crazy!
I really liked Shelby. She walks away from her inheritance for love, then has to rebuild her life after everything falls apart. That kind of strength made it easy to root for her. Ryder's not perfect, but who is? Watching him wrestle with his pride and try to figure out how to fix what went wrong made the eventual payoff worth all the angst.
Stephanie Rose's narration was amazing, as usual. She gave Shelby so much warmth, personality, and just the right amount of sass. The emotion in her performance made everything feel real, and I honestly forgot I was listening to a book.
This was such a satisfying second-chance romance—full of heart, misunderstandings, growth, and a love worth fighting for. Shelby & Ryder forever.
I received an audiobook from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
I have been rather impatiently awaiting the release of this next book in the My Not So Wicked Series. I adored the first book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book to read Shelby’s story.
It did NOT disappoint!
I ate this book up- I stayed up over half the night because I just had to know what would happen next! Grab your tissues and get comfortable because this is a second chance romance you definitely don’t want to miss!
Shelby is a true southern belle, and while she is so put together and polished on the outside, inside she is a hot mess of tears and anguish over her ex fiancé Ryder. Oh Mylanta- RYDER!! Talk about swoon- there were moments so intense between him and Shelby that made my insides melt! I love how Jennifer Peel can write such toe-curling romance and still keep it clean and classy.
Getting to revisit favorite characters from the first book in the series just added to the story. New characters like Bobby Jay made me giggle and watching returning ones open up a little more only whets my appetite for the next book! This was another fantastic book by Jennifer Peel, and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!!
I am no stranger to the works of Jennifer Peel. Of the 25 reviews I have written of her work, I have awarded her five stars 15 times. This will be the first time I have chosen to award only three stars. I found that she maintained her reputation for writing clean romance, but there were times when the narrative nudged my version of “squeaky clean.” Bobby Jay, Ryder’s cousin, came off as too much of a womanizer for my taste. The relationship he had with Shelby was a significant downer for me. I agree with the reviewer who described the characters as “a little shallow and the “southern” a little too thick.” It is difficult for an author to consistently be at the top of their game, so I continue to recommend Jennifer Peel to my friends. However, don’t accept this novel as the best example of her work.
I had a half hour wait in the carpool line, so I thought I would take a book along with me. I grabbed my copy of Jennifer Peel's My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiance, thinking that would be an easy way to pass the time, but after half an hour I was HOOKED! I ended up reading the whole rest of the book and got nothing else done today! But it was so worth it for that ending and I only feel a tiny bit guilty.
I love a good Jennifer Peel novel and My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiance delivers everything I expect from her. Heartache. Romance. And a happily ever after. Even better, the series isn't over! Now to wait patiently for the next one.
So this was bad, like really bad. I didn’t find the characters likeable. The fact that the author chose to make the FMC grovel and make herself out to be the villain while never really addressing the part the MMC had in the relationship breakdown was… a choice. Does the MMC have a personality? I feel like we heard about it but never actually saw it. He also has like 3 lines (hyperbole) in the whole book. The book was boring, the characters poorly fleshed out, the dialogue trite.
2 stars instead of 1 because even with all its faults, I couldn’t write a book so who am I to judge so harshly? 🤷🏾♀️
She doesn’t recognize herself in a photo? For an entire year? Then, one look, and she knows? Addicted to Dr. Pepper. All-in-all it’s just to high school for my taste.
This was amazing! I gobbled it up in one day—just took a break from my own writing to splurge on Peel’s latest. And I don’t regret a second. 😊 This romance feast had everything I loved—clean sizzle, a heart-tugging plot that made me grieve with the heroine for much of the book, and spectacular Southern characters with grace and charm I adored. Peel’s good at making me gain long-lasting friendships with her characters, and Ryder and Shelby are some of her best yet! And the chemistry between them—sizzling hot. I loved seeing Emma in here from her last Wicked book, and can hardly wait for the next one in this series that will feature Aspen. Short non-spoiler summary of this book is: Shelby escaped to Colorado in the last book when she was shown pics of her fiancé cheating on her with another woman. When she learns that he’s moving to her same city to open a new dot.com business, she wants to die. It’s been a year since she saw Ryder, and her heart can’t stand to see him again…because she still hasn’t gotten over him. Ryder is ticked when he sees Shelby. He’s still bitter about how she ran and left him without even a goodbye…or an address. Or a reason for breaking off their engagement. And the story begins. Dum-dum-dum! And it’s a wild ride I enjoyed the whole way through. I highly recommend this one!
Spoilers to come. I really enjoyed the first book, this one was super frustrating. Apparently the MMC worked more to help give the FMC the "life she deserved." While being away and basically ignoring her and neglecting her. The FMC's mother, aka Cruella de Ville sock-puppet villain, then uses the FMC/her daughters ACTUAL PICTURES and photoshops them with MMC into another women's head. Okay now. Let's assume this was super professional job. But they were the same pictures, places and poses of your own pictures and you can't figure that out (that it was her photos)? Ouch. Then what does she do? Runs to a different state without talking through anything. Then MMC follows her to Colorado and even when he finds out what the parents did she is the villain? Hmm. If you hate her why did you move to Colorado? Then there are a series of other misunderstandings that are frustration and ridiculous. The MMC has zero personality, and is turning into a neglectful jerk. Like he doesn't know falling asleep with two beautiful twins snuggled against him might make her jealous? What does she do? She flips out and gives him back the ring. I am surprised this has a better rating than the first one.
Have you ever hesitated to read a book because you just knew it was going to be amazing? That’s been me with My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé. I knew this book was going to suck me in with no regard for schedules, housework, or dinner. And it did.
I fell in love with Shelby by the end of My Not So Wicked Step-Brother, and I loved seeing more of her in this book. I loved her southern charm, “Oh mylantas!”, and her spunk. She might have started out as a spoiled southern belle, but through her experiences with Ryder she became a woman who knew what was important in life.
This story was everything I have come to love from Jennifer Peel: heart wrenching, sweet, funny as heck, and romantic. Her characters feel so real to me. I feel like I experience their joys and sorrows.
A big thank you to the rain and thunderstorms that gave me some blissful hours cuddled up with a great book this afternoon!
Content: clean (a handful of curse words, mild innuendo, making out)
I love Jennifer Peel books. I have read them all and own several in my kindle but also audible so I can listen while driving. Ryder just wasn’t in enough of the book. He seemed just like her dad and I didn’t buy his falling asleep on the sofa between the two sisters as believable.
I loved Shelby but she took too much of the blame and Ryder never took responsibility for his part of the relationship falling apart. I never really felt the love between the two. I like his cousin more than him maybe because he had more time in the storyline.
It’s still a Jennifer Peel book and I can recommend I just wish Shelby had a more deserving Hero.
I am loving this cute series! I couldn’t put this book down (just like the one before it)!
Such a cute story of second-chance love! I loved sweet Shelby from the first book and was happy to see that this book was about her getting her chance at love. And, of course, I loved Ryder and how devoted he was to making sure Shelby was happy!
I enjoyed this one but I am disappointed in who Shelby ended up with. I think she had a connection with someone else and I would have loved to see that relationship develop. Though I like how she found the courage to stand up to her parents and be true to herself.
At 45% of the book and there’s just like two pages of interaction between the hero and the heroine, I was so totally ticked! I don’t want to waste my time reading the side characters dialogues because hello I’m so not interested.
My night keeps getting worse by the minute. Two DNF books and I’m still here reeling..
The perfect southern bell that needed to move because her fiancé was cheating she was told. It took the whole book to find out all the truths over the pictures and to finally find their way back together. Enjoyed on kindle and audible.
Oh my heart!!! I've been thinking a lot about this series. It's been several years since I read the books but these characters and their stories have never left me. I kept thinking that I wanted to read them again so when I had the chance to listen to the audiobook, it felt like perfect timing!!! Stephanie Rose is a phenomenal narrator! She portrays these characters so well and has me thinking I'm right along for their journey. And she leaves me giggling and grinning reading the book!
Shelby Duchane and Ryder Prescott have quite the history! Life was perfect even with her parents meddling in everything. But when Shelby discovers something she is heartbroken and flees Georgia for Colorado. You can read this book as a standalone, but if you wanted to read them in order, Shelby is in the first book and you get to know her story then or the author does a great job filling in everything in this book. Just when she's feeling a little more settled and running her own cute boutique clothing store, Ryder Prescott shows up and wrecks havoc on Shelby's heart once again!
I can't even tell you how much I adore this author's books. I love her style of writing and how she creates these real and raw characters who have their struggles and has to figure out life. I love the humor and banter and swoony clean romance! It all keeps me coming back for more! Shelby and Ryder's story is no different! It's full of goodness! Some heartache, some healing, some forgiveness, some friendship, some family, and a whole lotta swoon and chemistry!!! I loved it all!!! I had a couple tears that showed up for Shelby. You might too. Just sayin'! But I loved how she decided she was going to take matters into her own hands, and had the support of some awesome ladies who are her dear friends! Ryder won't know what hit him!!!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses, some talk of previous kissing/making out. Some mild innuendos.
I received an audiobook from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
3.5 stars! It was super cute and had funny banter but I’m not for the woman doing the groveling and there seemed to be quite a bit of emphasizing about how pretty and skinny Shelby is. Not a bad little read though!