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Willow Creek #1
Sweetly Scandalous
Her scars run deep. He’s determined to put his past behind him. Their secrets could jeopardize any chance at happiness. Romance novel enthusiast Allie Jordan has a closet secretly stacked full of steamy bodice-rippers and a past relationship gone wrong. Her vicious ex, Travis, demeaned her love of her favorite books, leaving Allie to seriously doubt the existence of happily ever afters beyond their fictional pages. One unfortunate night, Allie falls victim to his rage. Years later, with Travis behind bars, the scars he’s left behind still haunt her. Only through her anonymous—but quite popular—blog does Allie share her excitement of sexy heroes and stubborn heroines. When Doctor Nick Bryant arrives in Willow Creek looking like he might’ve jumped right from the pages of one of Allie’s lusty books, she can’t seem to stay away. And with Nick’s past, she probably should. With Nick harboring secrets of his own and Travis nearing parole eligibility, will Allie take a chance on her own happily ever after, or will her past prove that not all scars heal? Heat Moderate/Steamy Other books in the Willow Creek Secretly Scandalous - Book 2 Simply Scandalous - Book 3 Suddenly Scandalous - Book 4 (Coming Winter 2019)
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2015
333 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Winters
27 books141 followersJacqueline Winters has been writing since she was nine when she'd sneak stacks of paper from her grandma’s closet and fill them with adventure. She grew up in Small-Town Nebraska, and spent a decade living in beautiful Alaska. She writes contemporary sweet romances and contemporary romantic suspense.
She’s a sucker for happily ever after’s, has a sweet tooth that can be sated with cupcakes, and firmly believes sangria was possibly the best invention ever. On a relaxing evening, you can find her at her computer writing her next novel with her dog poking his adorable head out from beneath the desk.
She’s a sucker for happily ever after’s, has a sweet tooth that can be sated with cupcakes, and firmly believes sangria was possibly the best invention ever. On a relaxing evening, you can find her at her computer writing her next novel with her dog poking his adorable head out from beneath the desk.
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June 5, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/5/2019)! 🎁
November 26, 2015
Review originally published on Rach Lawrence Books.
*I was provided a copy of Sweetly Scandalous by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
Allie Jordan only has one year left to save money and leave Willow Creek. One year until her ex, Travis, gets out of jail and returns to their small town to fulfill his promise that Allie belongs to him. Running a romance book blog keeps Allie busy in her free time, but she hides this fact from everyone she knows since Travis demeaned her love of books.
Dr. Nick Bryant is looking to start his life over, and Willow Creek is just the place to do it. He needs to withstand a three-month probationary period, and then the retired doctor’s practice is all his. But if he’s let go before three months are up, he’ll have to return to Georgia where his almost-ex-wife is waiting for him.
Neither Allie nor Nick are looking for love in their temporary situations, but they can’t resist the pull to each other. When outside forces push them apart, they’ll each have to make some tough decisions about their future and their love.
Sweetly Scandalous is a contemporary romance set in a small town where everyone has secrets. Willow Creek is a place where everybody knows your name and knows everyone’s business. Nick is hiding the fact that he’s still married and about to be divorced because he doesn’t want the town to look unfavorably on him before his probationary period is over. Allie has secrets of her own, including exactly what happened the night her ex-boyfriend was arrested and the fact that she enjoys romance novels and runs a successful blog. The plot of a small town girl—especially the fact she was a book blogger—falling in love with a big city doctor is what enticed me to read this story.
While the story was well written in third person point of view, there were a few things that dragged it down. Multiple points of view were included, giving the reader information that would have been more effective coming from one of the main characters. The amount of time Allie and Nick spent together prior to becoming a couple was limited, providing minimal investment in their relationship. I don’t mind a story with insta-attraction, but there didn’t seem to be anything more to their relationship than physical attraction. I would have preferred more interaction between them so I could understand why they fell in love.
There was a fair amount of repetition in the book, which drew me out of the story at times—things like how Lesley, Travis’ mother and Allie and Nick’s boss, raised prices by pennies at the hardware store, how Nick couldn’t let anyone know about his marriage, and how Allie couldn’t let anyone know she was a blogger. The reader should be trusted to remember the facts, and less repetition would have opened the story up for more interactions between the main characters.
A few points were a bit cliché, including the villain admitting all their sins near the end and another character having a sudden change of heart. I also found it difficult to determine how much time had passed throughout the story as scenes jumped from one place and character to another without much transition.
Overall, the story was well-written and mostly lighthearted, other than what happened in Allie’s past, but it just wasn’t for me.
*I was provided a copy of Sweetly Scandalous by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
Allie Jordan only has one year left to save money and leave Willow Creek. One year until her ex, Travis, gets out of jail and returns to their small town to fulfill his promise that Allie belongs to him. Running a romance book blog keeps Allie busy in her free time, but she hides this fact from everyone she knows since Travis demeaned her love of books.
Dr. Nick Bryant is looking to start his life over, and Willow Creek is just the place to do it. He needs to withstand a three-month probationary period, and then the retired doctor’s practice is all his. But if he’s let go before three months are up, he’ll have to return to Georgia where his almost-ex-wife is waiting for him.
Neither Allie nor Nick are looking for love in their temporary situations, but they can’t resist the pull to each other. When outside forces push them apart, they’ll each have to make some tough decisions about their future and their love.
Sweetly Scandalous is a contemporary romance set in a small town where everyone has secrets. Willow Creek is a place where everybody knows your name and knows everyone’s business. Nick is hiding the fact that he’s still married and about to be divorced because he doesn’t want the town to look unfavorably on him before his probationary period is over. Allie has secrets of her own, including exactly what happened the night her ex-boyfriend was arrested and the fact that she enjoys romance novels and runs a successful blog. The plot of a small town girl—especially the fact she was a book blogger—falling in love with a big city doctor is what enticed me to read this story.
While the story was well written in third person point of view, there were a few things that dragged it down. Multiple points of view were included, giving the reader information that would have been more effective coming from one of the main characters. The amount of time Allie and Nick spent together prior to becoming a couple was limited, providing minimal investment in their relationship. I don’t mind a story with insta-attraction, but there didn’t seem to be anything more to their relationship than physical attraction. I would have preferred more interaction between them so I could understand why they fell in love.
There was a fair amount of repetition in the book, which drew me out of the story at times—things like how Lesley, Travis’ mother and Allie and Nick’s boss, raised prices by pennies at the hardware store, how Nick couldn’t let anyone know about his marriage, and how Allie couldn’t let anyone know she was a blogger. The reader should be trusted to remember the facts, and less repetition would have opened the story up for more interactions between the main characters.
A few points were a bit cliché, including the villain admitting all their sins near the end and another character having a sudden change of heart. I also found it difficult to determine how much time had passed throughout the story as scenes jumped from one place and character to another without much transition.
Overall, the story was well-written and mostly lighthearted, other than what happened in Allie’s past, but it just wasn’t for me.
February 7, 2018
After reading the blurb, I really thought I would like this book. Sadly, I didn't.
I thought Allie's addiction to reading romances was crazy. Especially when she was worried about anybody seeing her reading them. Thanks to an ex who belittled her choice of reading material. How can a woman be embarrassed about something but still keep doing it? If she didn't want people to know what she was reading, she should have gotten an ereader. Her ex was in prison but getting out soon. Allie was afraid of him and wanted to be long gone by then. Which is exactly what her ex's mother wanted. She pretty much ran the town and got what she wanted. Usually using underhanded methods. I liked that Allie thought of this woman as Cruella.
When a new doctor moved into town, every woman was trying to hook him. Whether they were 15 or 80. So he was inundated with visitors bringing casseroles. But he had a secret. Since he was on a 90-day probation and his divorce wasn't final, he was worried that if the town found out about this, they wouldn't want to keep him as the town doctor.
I liked the twist toward the end and the way everything was tied up in the last several chapters.
It looks like I'm in a minority with my opinion of this book. The good thing about opinions though is that not everyone has the same ones, so this book will really catch the attention of many readers.
I thought Allie's addiction to reading romances was crazy. Especially when she was worried about anybody seeing her reading them. Thanks to an ex who belittled her choice of reading material. How can a woman be embarrassed about something but still keep doing it? If she didn't want people to know what she was reading, she should have gotten an ereader. Her ex was in prison but getting out soon. Allie was afraid of him and wanted to be long gone by then. Which is exactly what her ex's mother wanted. She pretty much ran the town and got what she wanted. Usually using underhanded methods. I liked that Allie thought of this woman as Cruella.
When a new doctor moved into town, every woman was trying to hook him. Whether they were 15 or 80. So he was inundated with visitors bringing casseroles. But he had a secret. Since he was on a 90-day probation and his divorce wasn't final, he was worried that if the town found out about this, they wouldn't want to keep him as the town doctor.
I liked the twist toward the end and the way everything was tied up in the last several chapters.
It looks like I'm in a minority with my opinion of this book. The good thing about opinions though is that not everyone has the same ones, so this book will really catch the attention of many readers.
September 9, 2024
This is a reread. Read it back in 2020/2021 .. I originally remembered nothing other than her love of romance novels. I would say the biggest barrier for me for this book is the length. Unless the pacing is perfect 500 pages is entirely too long for a contemporary Romance. This does kind of qualify as a romantic suspense. Re: the pg count-> I skimmed whole paragraphs, possibly even whole pages because there is a lot of description and mental conjecture. not that we don’t wanna know how the characters feel, It was just a lot. But overall, I really enjoyed the story. There was a lot going on. I think it could’ve been broken up into it maybe a part one / part two but overall it was a cute read.
January 22, 2018
Small town gossip
This story is led by small town gossip and the painful past. Then a new man moves to town and there is undeniable chemistry. Allie is struggling with her life, her job, her secrets, her need to leave town & her desire for the new Dr. When her ex shows up with a gun she knows what to do to survive. Well worth reading.
This story is led by small town gossip and the painful past. Then a new man moves to town and there is undeniable chemistry. Allie is struggling with her life, her job, her secrets, her need to leave town & her desire for the new Dr. When her ex shows up with a gun she knows what to do to survive. Well worth reading.
February 7, 2018
Allie Jordan loved to read romance novels and Sweetly Scandalous a book she read while still in high school held both good and bad memories for her. She also had a blog where she wrote reviews and had a following of over four thousand readers.
She dated Travis in high school, a nice ambitious and thoughtful guy until his father suddenly left town and he changed suddenly. One night on a date he got into trouble and drug Allie with him and it changed her life.
Five years later, Travis is in prison and Allie has plans to move away from Willow Creek, Nebraska before he returns when he has served his sentence.
Doctor Nick Bryant, the new doctor at the hospital has his secrets too. Both Allie and Nick are attracted to each other when things start to go wrong. An early release, an soon to be ex-wife, a couple of concerned sisters, a lovable dog, concerned friends and the controlling hospital director are just a few of the challenges the budding romance faces to find a happy ending. The plot also offers a few surprises.
She dated Travis in high school, a nice ambitious and thoughtful guy until his father suddenly left town and he changed suddenly. One night on a date he got into trouble and drug Allie with him and it changed her life.
Five years later, Travis is in prison and Allie has plans to move away from Willow Creek, Nebraska before he returns when he has served his sentence.
Doctor Nick Bryant, the new doctor at the hospital has his secrets too. Both Allie and Nick are attracted to each other when things start to go wrong. An early release, an soon to be ex-wife, a couple of concerned sisters, a lovable dog, concerned friends and the controlling hospital director are just a few of the challenges the budding romance faces to find a happy ending. The plot also offers a few surprises.
October 15, 2015
Received a copy for my honest review.
Such a good book! How can you not love Allie? A closet romance novel junkie and secret blogger has been scarred. Both physically and emotionally. Living in a small town, there are no secrets. Until hottie Doctor Nick comes to town. But he's got secrets of his own.
The story line just flows. You don't want to stop reading! The connection between the characters is so good! I could not put this book down!
Such a good book! How can you not love Allie? A closet romance novel junkie and secret blogger has been scarred. Both physically and emotionally. Living in a small town, there are no secrets. Until hottie Doctor Nick comes to town. But he's got secrets of his own.
The story line just flows. You don't want to stop reading! The connection between the characters is so good! I could not put this book down!
March 7, 2022
While fairly well written, this was the most unpleasant collection of characters I've encountered in a while. You might like it more than me, but I was very happy to end my time in Willow Creek. 1 star.
Romance reader Allie (h) escapes from her past painful, abusive romance into the pages of her books. New town doctor Nick (H), himself leaving a painful romance, looks like he's stepped out of those same pages. Plenty of soap opera angst and drama ensues, involving a lot of small town manipulators, two angry exes, two meddlesome sisters, and the OTT Queen Bee to end all.
It is well written, and while not fast paced, it keeps your attention and keeps the plot moving. However, there were a number of plot points that bothered me and I don't think there was a single character who I actually liked (Ed the neighbor maybe? Norman the dog? Yeah, that's about it). So here we go.
The plot.
* What is the problem with communication in this town?? Is it something in the water? Because even when Nick arrived, he soon was not being honest and forthcoming. Seriously though - Allie wouldn't talk about her hobby/her reading, her incident with Travis, her strong reactions to Nick's anger, her plans to leave. Amanda wouldn't talk about her plans to leave. Pam wouldn't tell the girls about why they were subjected to bullying from Lesley and Rachel - even though it had been going on for decades. Nick wouldn't talk about his past, his pending divorce, his future plans, or his efforts to push Allie away for her safety. Lesley and Rachel had so many convoluted plans and secrets, it was almost hard to keep straight. Basically, everyone seemed to have a secret agenda and an inherent desire to make things more complicated by not discussing a problem with those concerned.
* Too much Mean Girl action. Lesley being the Queen B* but Rachel not falling far behind. Dana as the manipulative soon-to-be ex. Even Miranda as the pushy Sister-Knows-Best. Made for lots of soap opera drama. Too much soap opera drama, quite honestly.
* On that note, how would Lesley's blackmail schemes work effectively? More than one person talked about how small the town is, and honestly, my high school was nearly 3 times as large as this town. Ally even straight out says "The town couldn’t keep a secret if their existence depended upon it." How could there be so many secrets of prominent, influential, popular and recognized people in town to keep Lesley's schemes in place? The town's a paradox - everyone has secrets but everyone knows all your business.
* Another issue with Lesley's plans. Allie wants to leave town. Lesley wants her to leave town. Why is there so much drama???
* Minor point, but what decade was Allie living in? "Oh I can make money from a blog?"
* Another minor point. While fraternization policies might be legal, Lesley's 'lunchtime reading' policy was absurd. Federal Labor Laws - breaks are mandated for certain shift lengths, and if they are unpaid (as would be most common in a job like Allie's), the employer has no say in what the employee does during said break. Allie could leave the building on her lunch break and meet a friend, or read in the park, or whatever - it's unpaid time.
The characters.
* Allie. Completely spineless. Completely and utterly. It was 90% of the way through the book before she finally thought "I’m not going to run anymore. I’m going to stay and fight." Finally! And her reading - She has thousands of followers for her blog, but never thinks that these books are popular for a reason? That other people might enjoy them too? That they're nothing to be embarrassed about? I realize that Travis's reaction was rather scarring, but she also has come to terms with him being controlling and abusive, right? Why is she still basing her opinion on his? Or if she's still so embarrassed about them, get an e-reader! If you're worried about cost, use a free downloaded app! No one can see the shirtless guys on the cover on a Kindle! Either way, if you're going to be that hooked on something, then own it. I guess she's just 23, but still. It was frustrating. Same with her plans to leave Willow Creek. No wonder her friends and family didn't take things seriously - she didn't either! If you're planning on leaving because you are scared for your life, You. Make. Plans. Not toss around a new city every month, "oh, I'll live here." If you think it's a serious threat, then you plan accordingly. You look for jobs, you look for places, you do research. She's just daydreaming! And finally, her annoying Dr. Pepper habit. Can't you just say she got a pop or a drink from the fridge? Must you mention every time that it's a Dr. Pepper? 19 mentions in a book with 38 chapters - literally, we averaged a Dr. Pepper mention every other chapter. Yet we couldn't tie up some of the loose ends in the story?
* Nick. Also fairly spineless. He let Rachel walk all over him, for starters, and his sister too. But then had random flare-ups of alpha - didn't seem to fit his character. And why would his divorce be a hang-up? It's almost finalized, so why should the town object? Never followed the logic on that one. Also - cheating. Yes, the divorce was almost finalized, and he had moved out of state to restart his life. But he's still sleeping with Allie while technically married. I'm just a huge fan of "Clean up your mess before you make another!" when it comes to relationships. He could have easily explained things to her and waited a little to actually start something. You know, actually become friends first, spend platonic time together (which they didn't seem to do a lot of). They keep talking about the size of the town - it would have been perfectly simple to become friends in the meantime and keep everyone's reputations spotless.
* Lesley. Way OTT villain. She was only missing a giant black handlebar mustache, she was that cartoonish of a villain. She's willing to blackmail and commit multiple murders to maintain her status as the Queen Bee of a town of less than 800 people? She had power in town, but literally no friends, and her son and sister hated her. With all her political maneuvering and schemes and blackmail, how did anyone believe her caring facade at the hospital? Again, this is a town of less than 800 people! Reminded me of a line from "Firefly": "Just a sad little king, of a sad little hill."
* Rachel. Also rather OTT. She's pretty weak as a character too. She hates Allie and Amanda, but why? Because her sister hates them, for something that happened so long ago? As an adult, she's picking on high school girls for no personal reason! Would have been a solid rebellion against Lesley on Rachel's part, to actually be friends with the Jordan girls. And then there's the marriage manipulations. I get that she's desperate to get away from Lesley too, but it was all very OTT soap drama, the way she was trying to trap Nick into marriage. And since we got to be in her head for it... not a fun handful of scenes. Seriously, she's a teacher and a coach and could get a job anywhere in the state and with the right paperwork, anywhere in the country. Why does she stay!?
* Dana.
* Miranda. Yes, even Nick's sister wasn't likable. And she kinda bordered on some Mean Girl antics herself. Well, at least pushy Queen Bee antics. She was such an overbearing older sister that she literally never listened to Nick telling her - in as many words! - what he wanted and where he wanted to live. He's a grown man with plenty of education. Give him a chance to be an adult!
And then with all that, the ending is mighty unsatisfying. All these soap opera plot threads, and we really don't get a lot of resolution. I get that Amanda's story will be saved, probably for her own book. But there are still a lot of questions unanswered. There's no epilogue, and the last scene is only a week after the Big Climax. So, I'll call it HFN.
Some minor editing and word choice/use errors. Nothing bad though - actually very readable from a grammar and punctuation standpoint (a nice change from some of the ones I've read recently).
Lots of 3rd person POV - Kinda rotates between sections or chapters whose thoughts we're in. Mostly Allie and Nick, but also Lesley, Travis, Dana, both sisters, Rachel... No love triangles, but plenty of OW drama. I guess you can count Travis's story arc as OM drama too (I think of it as angry ex drama, personally). And cheating - even though the divorce is filed, Nick is still technically married when he starts things with Allie. Lots and lots and lots of small town drama and OTT characters (and not in the fun, entertaining way). Actually very few characters I liked. HFN, and while no cliffhangers, there are quite a number of unanswered questions. At least it was a free find on Kindle.
Would I read more in this series? No. And probably not more by the author either. Just better small towns to visit in Romancelandia.
Romance reader Allie (h) escapes from her past painful, abusive romance into the pages of her books. New town doctor Nick (H), himself leaving a painful romance, looks like he's stepped out of those same pages. Plenty of soap opera angst and drama ensues, involving a lot of small town manipulators, two angry exes, two meddlesome sisters, and the OTT Queen Bee to end all.
It is well written, and while not fast paced, it keeps your attention and keeps the plot moving. However, there were a number of plot points that bothered me and I don't think there was a single character who I actually liked (Ed the neighbor maybe? Norman the dog? Yeah, that's about it). So here we go.
The plot.
* What is the problem with communication in this town?? Is it something in the water? Because even when Nick arrived, he soon was not being honest and forthcoming. Seriously though - Allie wouldn't talk about her hobby/her reading, her incident with Travis, her strong reactions to Nick's anger, her plans to leave. Amanda wouldn't talk about her plans to leave. Pam wouldn't tell the girls about why they were subjected to bullying from Lesley and Rachel - even though it had been going on for decades. Nick wouldn't talk about his past, his pending divorce, his future plans, or his efforts to push Allie away for her safety. Lesley and Rachel had so many convoluted plans and secrets, it was almost hard to keep straight. Basically, everyone seemed to have a secret agenda and an inherent desire to make things more complicated by not discussing a problem with those concerned.
* Too much Mean Girl action. Lesley being the Queen B* but Rachel not falling far behind. Dana as the manipulative soon-to-be ex. Even Miranda as the pushy Sister-Knows-Best. Made for lots of soap opera drama. Too much soap opera drama, quite honestly.
* On that note, how would Lesley's blackmail schemes work effectively? More than one person talked about how small the town is, and honestly, my high school was nearly 3 times as large as this town. Ally even straight out says "The town couldn’t keep a secret if their existence depended upon it." How could there be so many secrets of prominent, influential, popular and recognized people in town to keep Lesley's schemes in place? The town's a paradox - everyone has secrets but everyone knows all your business.
* Another issue with Lesley's plans. Allie wants to leave town. Lesley wants her to leave town. Why is there so much drama???
* Minor point, but what decade was Allie living in? "Oh I can make money from a blog?"
* Another minor point. While fraternization policies might be legal, Lesley's 'lunchtime reading' policy was absurd. Federal Labor Laws - breaks are mandated for certain shift lengths, and if they are unpaid (as would be most common in a job like Allie's), the employer has no say in what the employee does during said break. Allie could leave the building on her lunch break and meet a friend, or read in the park, or whatever - it's unpaid time.
The characters.
* Allie. Completely spineless. Completely and utterly. It was 90% of the way through the book before she finally thought "I’m not going to run anymore. I’m going to stay and fight." Finally! And her reading - She has thousands of followers for her blog, but never thinks that these books are popular for a reason? That other people might enjoy them too? That they're nothing to be embarrassed about? I realize that Travis's reaction was rather scarring, but she also has come to terms with him being controlling and abusive, right? Why is she still basing her opinion on his? Or if she's still so embarrassed about them, get an e-reader! If you're worried about cost, use a free downloaded app! No one can see the shirtless guys on the cover on a Kindle! Either way, if you're going to be that hooked on something, then own it. I guess she's just 23, but still. It was frustrating. Same with her plans to leave Willow Creek. No wonder her friends and family didn't take things seriously - she didn't either! If you're planning on leaving because you are scared for your life, You. Make. Plans. Not toss around a new city every month, "oh, I'll live here." If you think it's a serious threat, then you plan accordingly. You look for jobs, you look for places, you do research. She's just daydreaming! And finally, her annoying Dr. Pepper habit. Can't you just say she got a pop or a drink from the fridge? Must you mention every time that it's a Dr. Pepper? 19 mentions in a book with 38 chapters - literally, we averaged a Dr. Pepper mention every other chapter. Yet we couldn't tie up some of the loose ends in the story?
* Nick. Also fairly spineless. He let Rachel walk all over him, for starters, and his sister too. But then had random flare-ups of alpha - didn't seem to fit his character. And why would his divorce be a hang-up? It's almost finalized, so why should the town object? Never followed the logic on that one. Also - cheating. Yes, the divorce was almost finalized, and he had moved out of state to restart his life. But he's still sleeping with Allie while technically married. I'm just a huge fan of "Clean up your mess before you make another!" when it comes to relationships. He could have easily explained things to her and waited a little to actually start something. You know, actually become friends first, spend platonic time together (which they didn't seem to do a lot of). They keep talking about the size of the town - it would have been perfectly simple to become friends in the meantime and keep everyone's reputations spotless.
* Lesley. Way OTT villain. She was only missing a giant black handlebar mustache, she was that cartoonish of a villain. She's willing to blackmail and commit multiple murders to maintain her status as the Queen Bee of a town of less than 800 people? She had power in town, but literally no friends, and her son and sister hated her. With all her political maneuvering and schemes and blackmail, how did anyone believe her caring facade at the hospital? Again, this is a town of less than 800 people! Reminded me of a line from "Firefly": "Just a sad little king, of a sad little hill."
* Rachel. Also rather OTT. She's pretty weak as a character too. She hates Allie and Amanda, but why? Because her sister hates them, for something that happened so long ago? As an adult, she's picking on high school girls for no personal reason! Would have been a solid rebellion against Lesley on Rachel's part, to actually be friends with the Jordan girls. And then there's the marriage manipulations. I get that she's desperate to get away from Lesley too, but it was all very OTT soap drama, the way she was trying to trap Nick into marriage. And since we got to be in her head for it... not a fun handful of scenes. Seriously, she's a teacher and a coach and could get a job anywhere in the state and with the right paperwork, anywhere in the country. Why does she stay!?
* Dana.
* Miranda. Yes, even Nick's sister wasn't likable. And she kinda bordered on some Mean Girl antics herself. Well, at least pushy Queen Bee antics. She was such an overbearing older sister that she literally never listened to Nick telling her - in as many words! - what he wanted and where he wanted to live. He's a grown man with plenty of education. Give him a chance to be an adult!
And then with all that, the ending is mighty unsatisfying. All these soap opera plot threads, and we really don't get a lot of resolution. I get that Amanda's story will be saved, probably for her own book. But there are still a lot of questions unanswered. There's no epilogue, and the last scene is only a week after the Big Climax. So, I'll call it HFN.
Some minor editing and word choice/use errors. Nothing bad though - actually very readable from a grammar and punctuation standpoint (a nice change from some of the ones I've read recently).
Lots of 3rd person POV - Kinda rotates between sections or chapters whose thoughts we're in. Mostly Allie and Nick, but also Lesley, Travis, Dana, both sisters, Rachel... No love triangles, but plenty of OW drama. I guess you can count Travis's story arc as OM drama too (I think of it as angry ex drama, personally). And cheating - even though the divorce is filed, Nick is still technically married when he starts things with Allie. Lots and lots and lots of small town drama and OTT characters (and not in the fun, entertaining way). Actually very few characters I liked. HFN, and while no cliffhangers, there are quite a number of unanswered questions. At least it was a free find on Kindle.
Would I read more in this series? No. And probably not more by the author either. Just better small towns to visit in Romancelandia.
November 28, 2020
Two characters, running from or held back by the pain and trauma in their past caused by ex lovers, collide and can’t seem to stop running into each other in this small Nebraskan town. Allie is a high school former track star whose dreams of a full scholarship were smashed to bits by a dangerous incident involving her ex boyfriend, Travis. Nick, a new doctor scarred by his soon to be ex-wife’s indiscretion moved from Georgia in an attempt to start over. Neither of them need or want a new Romance. Both desperately try to keep it friendly yet distant but can’t deny the attraction between each other.
Characters 4/5
Alli spends her leisure as a romance novel aficionado and blogger. what more can you ask for?
I liked the character developed of the main characters.
You had to keep up with about ten tertiary characters to understand the plot and the role they played. There were actually four villains/antagonists soo someone the it got a little iffy.
Nick: didn’t make sense about the secret he kept from the town about the marriage when there clearly was references to other characters who had similar outcomes.
Alli: for the life of me I logically don’t understand why one works for your ex boyfriend’s mom when she clearly hates you. Why not find another job that doesn’t have her Alli under the control of this evil woman.
I’m so confused as to why so many people dislike Alli, the protagonist. Her boss at work, and her old volleyball coach. The haste from these two women seem unwarranted.
Plot 4/5
This book is dramatic with a capital D! Prime time TV level drama. There’s so many secrets and plotting to keep up with. Of course it teases along slowly then all comes to the head at the end of the book.
At first the pacing was a bit slow for me but I soon found it very effective in developing the character’s storylines and creating effective tension for story arcs. Just when you think the main characters have arrived then bam! Something happens to intercede.
Mid way through the book The plot gets a little lost and unbalanced on Alli and seems to forget the brewing drama that Nick has been avoiding with his estranged ex wife back in Georgia.
Writing 3/5
Great writing of physical scenes and interactions. Very visual and vivid.
There are some annoying ticks about the writing. Namely, the author uses a lot of unparallel sentences without subject verb agreement. Many of the sentence fragments seem flipped and it’s quite distracting.
Also, sometimes the third person writing jumps back and forth between characters in ways that are unclear as to who is being referenced. The perspective would jump from a supporting character to a main character, but I’d have to re read the section to understand to whom the content refers.
Characters 4/5
Alli spends her leisure as a romance novel aficionado and blogger. what more can you ask for?
I liked the character developed of the main characters.
You had to keep up with about ten tertiary characters to understand the plot and the role they played. There were actually four villains/antagonists soo someone the it got a little iffy.
Nick: didn’t make sense about the secret he kept from the town about the marriage when there clearly was references to other characters who had similar outcomes.
Alli: for the life of me I logically don’t understand why one works for your ex boyfriend’s mom when she clearly hates you. Why not find another job that doesn’t have her Alli under the control of this evil woman.
I’m so confused as to why so many people dislike Alli, the protagonist. Her boss at work, and her old volleyball coach. The haste from these two women seem unwarranted.
Plot 4/5
This book is dramatic with a capital D! Prime time TV level drama. There’s so many secrets and plotting to keep up with. Of course it teases along slowly then all comes to the head at the end of the book.
At first the pacing was a bit slow for me but I soon found it very effective in developing the character’s storylines and creating effective tension for story arcs. Just when you think the main characters have arrived then bam! Something happens to intercede.
Mid way through the book The plot gets a little lost and unbalanced on Alli and seems to forget the brewing drama that Nick has been avoiding with his estranged ex wife back in Georgia.
Writing 3/5
Great writing of physical scenes and interactions. Very visual and vivid.
There are some annoying ticks about the writing. Namely, the author uses a lot of unparallel sentences without subject verb agreement. Many of the sentence fragments seem flipped and it’s quite distracting.
Also, sometimes the third person writing jumps back and forth between characters in ways that are unclear as to who is being referenced. The perspective would jump from a supporting character to a main character, but I’d have to re read the section to understand to whom the content refers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2018
Why the hell did I keep reading?
I didn't much like the plot, despite initially thinking I would love it. And it wasn't just the poor execution; this book's poor execution made me realise that I don't want to read about stalkers in a romance novel ever again. Yup. It ruined an entire sub-genre for me.
I like the characters even less than I like the plot. WTF was wrong with her friends?!?!?!? Why the hell did they think Allie was overreacting for being scared of her violent, controlling ex? I can kind of understand why trauma had turned her into a wimp, though I don't understand why she was with her abusive boyfriend as a teen because there really wasn't enough insight into her younger self's character. No matter; she deserved better than the friends and family Winters gave her.
And since Nick started out nearly as wimpish as Allie (at least trauma gave her a good reason to act the way she did), I couldn't bring myself to like him, either.
But the final characterisation death knell was the villain (not who you'd expect) being portrayed in such a cartoonish way.
I didn't much like the plot, despite initially thinking I would love it. And it wasn't just the poor execution; this book's poor execution made me realise that I don't want to read about stalkers in a romance novel ever again. Yup. It ruined an entire sub-genre for me.
I like the characters even less than I like the plot. WTF was wrong with her friends?!?!?!? Why the hell did they think Allie was overreacting for being scared of her violent, controlling ex? I can kind of understand why trauma had turned her into a wimp, though I don't understand why she was with her abusive boyfriend as a teen because there really wasn't enough insight into her younger self's character. No matter; she deserved better than the friends and family Winters gave her.
And since Nick started out nearly as wimpish as Allie (at least trauma gave her a good reason to act the way she did), I couldn't bring myself to like him, either.
But the final characterisation death knell was the villain (not who you'd expect) being portrayed in such a cartoonish way.
June 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for Fallen for Books.
Sweetly Scandalous is the first book in the A Willow Creek Novel series by Jacqueline Winters and boy what a ride it was!
Allie Jordan is a native of Willow Creek and also one of the most talked about people in town, whether she likes it or not. Allie has a past that she wishes would just go away, but with the clock ticking on when that past could come back to haunt her, she has been saving nearly every penny she has made for years so that she can leave Willow Creek.
Dr. Nick Bryant is running from his own past. That running has lead him right to Willow Creek where he is on probation as the new doctor in town. He quickly finds out that there are certain people in the community that you have to please or it doesn’t end well for you. Mix that with his own past interfering with his chance at any kind of future. Dr. Nick Bryant needs to fight for what he wants.
Allie and Nick both try to fight the attraction they feel for each, both for their own reasons. When they finally admit there is something there, they must determine what is worth fighting for.
I loved the characters in this book! The emotions that the characters felt, you also felt as a reader which just adds an amazing element to the story. I look forward to more of A Willow Creek Novel series and Jacqueline Winters!
Sweetly Scandalous is the first book in the A Willow Creek Novel series by Jacqueline Winters and boy what a ride it was!
Allie Jordan is a native of Willow Creek and also one of the most talked about people in town, whether she likes it or not. Allie has a past that she wishes would just go away, but with the clock ticking on when that past could come back to haunt her, she has been saving nearly every penny she has made for years so that she can leave Willow Creek.
Dr. Nick Bryant is running from his own past. That running has lead him right to Willow Creek where he is on probation as the new doctor in town. He quickly finds out that there are certain people in the community that you have to please or it doesn’t end well for you. Mix that with his own past interfering with his chance at any kind of future. Dr. Nick Bryant needs to fight for what he wants.
Allie and Nick both try to fight the attraction they feel for each, both for their own reasons. When they finally admit there is something there, they must determine what is worth fighting for.
I loved the characters in this book! The emotions that the characters felt, you also felt as a reader which just adds an amazing element to the story. I look forward to more of A Willow Creek Novel series and Jacqueline Winters!
June 15, 2017
Such a beautiful read! Nick and Allie really captivated me.
With her wonderful prose and description, Jaqueline lets us in the omniscient perspective of the story. Two hurt souls who find each other in a little town, one of them with dreams, and the other one with fear. Their past may have tarnished them but they still find a way to each other, and when that happens, the plotwists! I'm a huge fan of them, you won't see it coming from a mile away.
Rich, complicated characters, Sweetly Scandalous is such an amazing read, it has a little bit of everything: pain, angst, suspense, love, sexy time! It's a beautiful concoction of words that will keep you glued to it!
Amazing job!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
With her wonderful prose and description, Jaqueline lets us in the omniscient perspective of the story. Two hurt souls who find each other in a little town, one of them with dreams, and the other one with fear. Their past may have tarnished them but they still find a way to each other, and when that happens, the plotwists! I'm a huge fan of them, you won't see it coming from a mile away.
Rich, complicated characters, Sweetly Scandalous is such an amazing read, it has a little bit of everything: pain, angst, suspense, love, sexy time! It's a beautiful concoction of words that will keep you glued to it!
Amazing job!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 15, 2018
Great Novel
I'm so glad I found this book on my day off. I literally could not put it down!
From the description I thought it was another -the past is going to haunt the main characters- type of novel where the ex comes back to ruin their lives but it's not. I'm not one to spoil the book in a review though so you'll have to read it to see what I mean.
One of my favourites of this book, however, is Allie being a closet romance reader- I was able to connect with her because I am embarrassed to read my books in public or at work for fear of being made fun of.
I'm so glad I found this book on my day off. I literally could not put it down!
From the description I thought it was another -the past is going to haunt the main characters- type of novel where the ex comes back to ruin their lives but it's not. I'm not one to spoil the book in a review though so you'll have to read it to see what I mean.
One of my favourites of this book, however, is Allie being a closet romance reader- I was able to connect with her because I am embarrassed to read my books in public or at work for fear of being made fun of.
June 14, 2017
Small-town girl Allie escapes an abusive relationship, determined to never travel that road again. She is a heroine most readers can enjoy. Strong yet with her own vulnerabilities. Physician, Nick, is haunted by his ex wife's infidelity. Set in small town Nebraska, this plot is well-developed and had me from beginning to end. I rooted for hero and heroine from the get-go and hated the bad guys! Recommended read!
January 21, 2018
Good read
This book was OK. A little to PG for me though. I wanted to know what happened to Rachel? Does anyone find out about what she was doing and does power and money go to her head like her sister had? Did they ever find the body? And does Rachel's sister get out of anything? I know I probably have to read book 2 for that but I'm wondering if that's even in there. I will give these "gentle" books one more go.
This book was OK. A little to PG for me though. I wanted to know what happened to Rachel? Does anyone find out about what she was doing and does power and money go to her head like her sister had? Did they ever find the body? And does Rachel's sister get out of anything? I know I probably have to read book 2 for that but I'm wondering if that's even in there. I will give these "gentle" books one more go.
January 27, 2018
I want to go to Nebraska !
I definitely found this author's way of telling a story very interesting. I love how this author discussed more than just the hero and heroine's point of view . It was interesting to see each character unfold whether they were good or bad and complete the story . I enjoyed how the story Blossomed. The story was developed and not just rushed. Needs some proofreading other than that definitely worth the read . A charming easy read .
I definitely found this author's way of telling a story very interesting. I love how this author discussed more than just the hero and heroine's point of view . It was interesting to see each character unfold whether they were good or bad and complete the story . I enjoyed how the story Blossomed. The story was developed and not just rushed. Needs some proofreading other than that definitely worth the read . A charming easy read .
January 29, 2018
Good book
The book was really good but towards the end it wasn’t catching my attention as in the beginning, I was hoping for more in the end of the story when Travis got out of jail it seems as though it was basic not real action, or maybe it wasn’t enough details, but overall it wasn’t a bad book just small things that can be improved.
The book was really good but towards the end it wasn’t catching my attention as in the beginning, I was hoping for more in the end of the story when Travis got out of jail it seems as though it was basic not real action, or maybe it wasn’t enough details, but overall it wasn’t a bad book just small things that can be improved.
May 15, 2018
Drama and Romance in a small town
If your into drama, action, suspense and sizzling romance; read this book. Allie and Nick have both been used and abused. Gate as brought them together. Can they hold up to small town rumors, a treacherous boss and obsessed and dangerous exes. They deserve a happy ending! Read this book to find out if they get it.
If your into drama, action, suspense and sizzling romance; read this book. Allie and Nick have both been used and abused. Gate as brought them together. Can they hold up to small town rumors, a treacherous boss and obsessed and dangerous exes. They deserve a happy ending! Read this book to find out if they get it.
June 3, 2017
I usually find that new authors start off with a good plot and seem to get lost, panic, and everything feels rushed at the end, but you will not find that with this book. I enjoyed the plot, the development, and found this book to be entertaining.
January 18, 2018
Allie was extremely immature, which makes sense when you realize she's only 23. Her sister was an annoying twit that I could not stand. Lesley being some sort of villain from a bad B rated movie felt really out of place for a small town story. It was a huge stretch to believe.
January 18, 2018
Enjoyable
A nice story with a thorough set up of the small town and lifestyle. The characters were well developed with depth and layers. Norman, the shepherd, brought some levity throughout.
A nice story with a thorough set up of the small town and lifestyle. The characters were well developed with depth and layers. Norman, the shepherd, brought some levity throughout.
January 18, 2018
Playing doctor with Dr. Nick
Author Jacqueline Winters has given us a fast-paced thriller romance. Allie Jordan and Dr. Nick Bryant are star-crossed lovers who fight for their right to love. A good read!
Author Jacqueline Winters has given us a fast-paced thriller romance. Allie Jordan and Dr. Nick Bryant are star-crossed lovers who fight for their right to love. A good read!
January 24, 2018
The hunk of a new doctor
Travis rules Allie's mind until hunky Nick shows up and steals her heart. Nick will not let Allie live fearfully. He helps her face down her last as he deals with his own. A lovely read with a great ending!
Travis rules Allie's mind until hunky Nick shows up and steals her heart. Nick will not let Allie live fearfully. He helps her face down her last as he deals with his own. A lovely read with a great ending!
January 24, 2018
Heartwarming
This is a sweet love story with a little violence, blackmail, and mystery mixed in. The characters are well-developed. Allie is a strong heroine, and Nick is a gem. Really enjoyed this book.
This is a sweet love story with a little violence, blackmail, and mystery mixed in. The characters are well-developed. Allie is a strong heroine, and Nick is a gem. Really enjoyed this book.
January 25, 2018
Doctor comes to town
Allie has been terrified for far too long. Travis has demons he doesn’t realize he has. Along come Dr Nick and sets Allies world upside down. Very well written, easy to read, appropriate amount of tension and lust. Loved this book.
Allie has been terrified for far too long. Travis has demons he doesn’t realize he has. Along come Dr Nick and sets Allies world upside down. Very well written, easy to read, appropriate amount of tension and lust. Loved this book.
January 31, 2018
This was a difficult read for me
I really didn't like anyone in this, especially Allie (if she mentioned Dr. Pepper one more time, I was going to scream!), Amanda, Travis, Travis' mom, that hero, the hero's sister. They were all irritating.
I really didn't like anyone in this, especially Allie (if she mentioned Dr. Pepper one more time, I was going to scream!), Amanda, Travis, Travis' mom, that hero, the hero's sister. They were all irritating.
March 19, 2018
I wasn't too sure when I started reading thus book. I was wrong. The fact that Allie was abused so she was afraid to let people now she reads romance novels is kind of odd ; but I enjoyed the rest of the stoty.
December 5, 2019
Great read!
Loved the suspense and romance. There were different interests going on at the same time keeping you captivated throughout the story. The main characters were special, each having their own story.
Loved the suspense and romance. There were different interests going on at the same time keeping you captivated throughout the story. The main characters were special, each having their own story.
May 7, 2017
Sweetly scandalous
Was hooked as soon as I started reading it. Finished it in just a couple hours. Can't wait for the next one to read.
Was hooked as soon as I started reading it. Finished it in just a couple hours. Can't wait for the next one to read.
January 17, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters and setting were well thought-out and the story kept me intrigued through the end.
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