Unwrapping Noel

by Jennifer Theriot

Noel Calabrese hates the holidays as much as she hates her life. Overweight, insecure and heartbroken, she retreats into a world of misery.
While in the Silicon Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could he be her ticket to happiness? Can she learn to trust men again? Are second chances at happiness even remotely possible?
Unwrap this steamy little contemporary romance, complete with a palindrome about second chances, discovering self-worth and watch as the sexy silver fox falls for the full figured beauty just in time for the holidays. Is Leon Hallas Mr. Right and will he and Noel find their happy ever after?
This short story contains adult language and situations, and is intended for readers over the age of 18.

Genres: Holiday, Christmas, Romance, Contemporary

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2015

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Theriot (pronounced 'Terrio') hails from the Great State of Texas. She is a career woman, working as CFO for a Texas based, female-owned real estate investment firm. She felt something was missing and discovered her passion for writing novels–mostly at night and on weekends.

Jennifer took a chance that there could be an interest in romance with middle aged couples who are finding themselves at a crossroads and wrote her debut novel Out of the Box Awakening, which centers on the hope of finding happiness and passion through unexpected heartache. "Grownup Romance from the Other Side of 30' is how she describes her writing.
She and her silver fox hubby have three grown kids and five grand kids - all of whom they adore!

Social Media Links:

WEBSITE: http://www.jennifertheriot.com
BLOG: http://blog.jennifertheriot.com
TWITTER: @ JenTheRiot https://twitter.com/JenTheRiot
AUTHOR FACEBOOK: Jennifer Theriot, Author https://www.facebook.com/JenniferTher...

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this world there are givers and there are takers, and Noel Calabrese just happens to be the biggest giver there is. Giving all her free time helping her unfaithful, uncaring, good for nothing ex who happens to have cancer get back on his feet while he’s off taking care of his secretary (if you know what I mean.) With Christmas coming faster than she’d care for, Noel is at a complete loss of what to do with her life. Taking an invitation from an old friend and customer, Noel takes a business trip. Now we meet, Leon Hallas. Every girl’s walking dream. A gorgeous hunk of a man, with a sweet loving personality, Leon is just the man to teach Noel she’s worth more than she believes.

Unwrapping Noel is a cute spicy romance perfect for the holidays. It teaches Noel about self-worth and about love. The narrator does an amazing job at bringing the characters to life. The narrator has such an important job and can make or break a book, and Sara has a real talent of delivering this story. I really enjoyed listening to Unwrapping Noel, I had a smile on my face the entire time I was listening to it, well except for when I was cursing the horrible rotten ex.

*I received a free Unabridged Audible File in exchange for an honest review*
*This Book Contains Sexual Content*

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Unwrapping Noel
Author: Jennifer Theriot
Publication Date: 12/8/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW

*May contain spoilers *

This is a fantastic love story.
We have Noel who is a public relations specialist. She has done very well for herself. Noel had a crap marriage though and finally divorced her husband Dave after 13 years of marriage. But he reeled her back in at least to get her help after being diagnosed with cancer. Do you think that changed him? Nope think again but finally Noel opens her eyes to the horrible man she was once married to. Noel hates the Christmas holidays and it just gets worse for her. She has never really felt that she was sexy or attractive.
Noels dear friend Tony is getting married so Noel is off to California and with some luck have some fun.
Well as they say when you are not looking. While in California, she attends a meeting with Tony and some others to discuss a new project. Little does she know her life and heart is about to change thanks to one Mr. Leon Hallas the trainer / business partner of Tonys that is if ex-husband Dave don't mess it up.

Again very well written and truly a romantic story. I enjoyed it very much.
I read this book in the boxed set Mischief Under the Mistletoe
Jennifer Theriot

[Renegade ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 to 3 1/2 stars

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author I have read, I am hoping there is a second part to this story I could not put it down ! Noel Calabrese’s husband Dave had cheated on her so they got a divorce, but when he gets cancer she moves in with him to help him through it. She decides to surprise him with lunch, well the surprise is on her ! He is found with another woman , but the worst thing is that he did not tell Noel his cancer was in remission for awhile, so she could move on with her life. Noel decides to go help Tony Tolbert out they have been friends for years, she thinks it is to help him and RaeLynn get ready for their upcoming wedding! The night before the meeting she meets Leon Hallas in the hotel bar where she is staying they have a good evening, unknown to either one they are part of Tony’s group. Everything is going really well with Leon and Noel until Dave shows up uninvited , Leon thinks Dave and Noel are having a reunion ,but Noel does not want Dave back ! Leon takes off the next day and goes back to New York , will they get the misunderstanding solved ? I was gifted a copy for an honest review barwatts@telus.net

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unwrapping Noel presents a story about learning to break
free of the past while being willing to walk into the future.
The story is well paced with adventure, intense romance,
twist and turns with interesting characters.
Checkout the play on names…until it was explained in the
story, I missed it.
It is a short, power packed read.

[Jan Mcclung-short · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand Noel's unhappiness at Christmas. How do you survive a marriage that has torn your self-esteem from you, made you feel unloved for years, and thinking that life isn't ever going to change for you. Until she gets dragged to California and meets the sexy silver fox. Can Leon change my life?

[E.G. Manetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable holiday read with some nice twists to keep it interesting. One nit, and it might not bother others -- the main characters are both well educated but use 'wanna' and 'gonna' when speaking. I found it distracting.

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unwrapping Noel by Jennifer Theriot
Narrated by Sara Gordon
Five Stars

Unwrapping Noel is hands down the best holiday story I read/listened to this year. It made me laugh and cry, which is how I like to judge my books. This one brought awareness to being happy with yourself no matter your size. Noel and Leon are wonderful characters with a real connection. The witty banter was extremely entertaining. If you're looking for a good holiday romance, I highly recommend this book.
This is the first book I listened to narrated by Sara Gordon, but definitely not the last. She brought the characters to life. Her voice was smooth and she really landed those sarcastic quips thrown about.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio book had me laughing within the first chapter. Noel is hilarious and real I can feel myself in her. She's a true inner womens dialogue. A women scron is not one to be messed with.
Dave what a dickhead. He is what you call a despicable human been. If your ears are delicate you may need an adjustment. Leon is amazing I love his character. The narrative who does this book both female and male do. It very well.
I have throughly enjoy all the voices who have done this audio book. I listen to this book in one sitting it is brilliant and I would highly recommend it to someone who wants a realistic romance story with the real world aspects.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unwrapping Noel is a wonderful story about hope and healing. Noel owns a Public Relations Firm in Texas. Her client and long time friend Tony is getting married in California and he asks her to fly there a few weeks before the wedding. She thinks the trip is to help him with the wedding plans, but he wants her to run the public relations for his new business venture. She was having troubles at home with her ex-husband and is having doubts about her own self worth. It's Christmas time and she wants to work on getting a new start on her life, so she takes Tony up on his offer to fly to California earlier than she planned. After she settles into her room at the hotel, she goes to the hotel restaurant and sits at the bar. A handsome man named Leon who was sitting a few stools down buys her a drink and she accepts. They have a great time getting to know each other and he wants to spend more time with her. She wonders how he could find her attractive, but he makes her feel at ease and helps her to set aside her insecurities, even if for a little while. When she goes to the meeting the next day to meet up with Tony, she was shocked and pleasantly surprised to see Leon there. This is a beautiful, heartwarming story and I can't wait to read what happens next with Noel and Leon. I highly recommend this book!

[Anna Salamatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really Liked the cast of characters in this story. They developed into true to life people. These are adults, with adult issues and all the good or bad that implies. I like it when I "know" who they are, and I really idenified with Noel and her struggles, within herself and in her life... Like, being "curvy," she can't see how beautiful she really is. And coming out of a toxic, 14 year marrage to a cheating husband hasn't helped. Now, being single for about a year she is starting to develope some independence. (and right here I had a mental rant) Dave, her ex-husband, announces he has testicular cancer and begs her to move back in through his chemo treatments and take care of him just until things get better! (what nerve).... So now her ex is also her roommate!.....then, while on a business trip for one of her clients, she meets Leon Hallas. The draw is Instant. It's relentless. It's a freaking hot whirlwind.... with the hottest man she's ever seen, and he wants her! But how is this going to work out... (because of Dave) ....and Dave is keeping a couple secrets of his own. All I will say is, if you look up the meaning of "Cad" in the dictionary, I'm pretty sure his picture will be there.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

ME AND YOU, BACKWARDS AND FORWARD
I enjoyed this emotional story of two people in a second chance romance. Noel Calabrese was married to Dave for thirteen years but caught him cheating and divorced him. Then he finds out he has testicular cancer and who does he call to help him through it, yes, Noel. Dave is a user and player and some things in life never change. Noel is called to Silicon Valley by Tony, former Nascar driver, her friend, and client for a new project that will offer services for children with spinal injuries and soldiers who have been injured and suffer PTSD. Meeting Leon Hallas in the bar and having dinner and then dancing is the most carefree that Noel has been in years. What a shock to learn he is part of the fitness project with Tony. From passion to pain happens on a dime between Noel and Leon. How will these two people who have both suffered at the hands of former spouses be able to let go and trust again? This is a steamy erotic story, with detailed sex scenes. The lesson is to never assume, and always be open, honest and fair. Disclosure: I received an audiobook of this story in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and rating are my own.

[Holly Bargo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written, mature romance

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This romance is more realistic than many and I like that the main characters are mature adults, not teeny boppers. Noel has baggage: insecurities and a manipulative ex-husband who uses her as an unpaid nurse and housekeeper. She's a successful businesswoman professionally and a doormat personally. Sexy silver fox Leon has just enough of assertive alpha male tendencies to make a woman swoon and he is perfect for helping Noel dredge up some self-worth.

Overall, editing is clean and without egregious errors except that NASCAR is an acronym with all letters capitalized. "Nascar" as written in the book is incorrect. Ms. Theriot, Google is your friend. The book is written in the present tense, which I find contrived. In the beginning of the book, Noel comes across as bitter and resentful, which she has reason to be, but altogether too spineless and unlikable.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noel has her own Public Relations Firm. She and her cheating ex husband Dave still live together due to Dave needing her help after he was diagnosed with Cancer. A long time client of hers asks her to come out to California to help with a secret project. Noel is undecided until she uncovers a secret that Dave has been keeping from her.
In California, she meets Leon.... a gorgeous, caring perfect man. Feelings of insecurity arise as their relationship progresses. Her ex really did a number on her self esteem along with the weight she has gained over the last year. So does not feel good enough for Leon. Just as she decides to trust, Dave shows up......and Leon walks out. Can Noel finally stand up for herself and extricate herself from Dave's manipulations?
I great story about finding your voice and learning to value yourself!

[Jennifer Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensually Descriptive Read!

Unwrapping Noel by Author Jennifer Theriot is a sensually, intricately described piece of literature that shows women can be sexy at any size as long as they have good self-esteem and self-confidence. The word choices Jennifer Theriot uses to set her scenes in this book help create vivid images in the reader's mind. The character of Noel becomes more empowered as the story takes shape gaining confidence. This character is an excellent choice of role model for young girls today. The underlying message of empowerment for the main character is one that is needed today. The storyline for Unwrapping Noel is well-paced, inserting plot twists to capture the reader's attention from start to finish. Grab your copy of Unwrapping Noel by Author Jennifer Theriot today on Amazon for a fun, entertaining read!

[Jennifer Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unwrapping Noel was a short story jam-packed with a lot of feeling. One of them was anger, I seriously wanted to knock Noel's ex-husband out. He was so selfish, taking advantage of Noel's kindness. I saw her kindness, in the beginning, as weakness because I wished she would have had more self-value to be someone else's doormat.
But it's when she meets a gorgeous silver fox of a man that she starts to see how much she's worth and she grows a backbone. Yes!!
Noel and Leon (look, their names are the same just spelled backward) started off strong and had a blip, because Leon had a past that scarred him as well. Of course, the ending was sweet and the beginning of their second chance.
I'd love to read more about them. Overall, it was a great story and the audio narrator was pretty good too.

[Mary Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is Jennifer Theriot's best book so far.  It is a view of real life.  Noel has been divorced from her cheating husband for a year.  She delayed moving on with her life for a year to care for her ex while he is treated for cancer,  only to find out he is still cheating and lying to her. 

Noel owns her own company and is asked to come to California for a special project by her best client.  She meets Leon on her arrival in California, neither know they are there for the same meetings.

Noel and Leon are attracted to one another from the beginning.  They both experience difficulties from past relationships.  Both looking for a second chance at love.

I am really looking forward to reading more about Noel and Leon.

[Love Africa Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about a woman who's had to put up with deceit and betrayal from her ex. She isn't exactly full of the Christmas spirit until she meets a man who makes her feel good about herself again. Noel and Leon (nice play on words) sizzled together and I really wanted them to get a happy ever after. But there is so much left unresolved at the end of this book. I really wanted so see/hear more of these two on the page and it's a shame that we waste so much time on the ex at the start of the story and only get to meet Leon a third of the way into the story. I know there's a sequel. So watch out for that. All in all, a good audiobook and the narrator held her own.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a really late review and i do apologize for that . this was given to me in exchange for an honest review i also used my KU to read it .
so what do you do when you live with your now ex husband but because of something that turns out is no longer existent . and what if you are called to help a friend who knows someone who is a stranger but becomes so much more . and can she believe in christmas as she once had . can she find the one man who can mend her heart or will he break her heart and make her feel all men are the same when it comes to women and breaking hearts . and stay tuned for a sequel in the future .

[Mystipul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for the holidays! The Story of Noel and Leon was wonderful and very insightful! Noel has had a rough few years where her husband cheated on her, she divorced him, but then he became sick and she got suckered into taking care of him and still living with him. Time and again the guy abuses her trust and she keeps catching him in one lie after another. Then she meets Leon, but is she willing to open up and trust another man after being so abused by the last one. Will Leon realize in time that she is his every dream come true!... I really loved this story.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Noel and Leon's story. First off I absolutely loved the play on their names. It was something that I didn't catch until it was mentioned. I loved this story and as you read it, you want Noel to experience great things. She has been through hell and has become a better woman for it. Leon and Noel make a couple that you completely root for. I loved this story and can't wait to read more of it.

[Rachel-RN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noel has been divorced from Dave for a year. They were married for 13 years before that. Dave's an asshole and was cheating on her. Then he was diagnosed with cancer, and being the nice person she is, Noel moved back in with him and helped him through his treatments.
This was a good story of a doormat, who finds her self-worth again. And someone who loves her. Just. As. She. Is. Nice that Leon is Noel spelled backwards.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I couldn't put it down once I started. Strong characters and story line. The things that Noel has to endure with her Ex makes her hesitant to move on with low self esteem. Will she be able to stand up and move on with her life?

[Danielle Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Theriot's "Unwrapping Noel" is a standalone read. It's gritty and real. Poor Noel, we have all been someone's doormat. Very realistic and the characters are very well written. The sexy stuff is hawt! I will definitely see what else this author has out there.

[Hunter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader & I LOVED this sweet romance!

[Gale Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is steamy novella about love and second chances. It's an entertaining read, well written with interesting characters.

[Kristina Applegate · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this world there are givers and there are takers, and Noel Calabrese just happens to be the biggest giver there is. Giving all her free time helping her unfaithful, uncaring, good for nothing ex who happens to have cancer get back on his feet while he’s off taking care of his secretary (if you know what I mean.) With Christmas coming faster than she’d care for, Noel is at a complete loss of what to do with her life. Taking an invitation from an old friend and customer, Noel takes a business trip. Now we meet, Leon Hallas. Every girl’s walking dream. A gorgeous hunk of a man, with a sweet loving personality, Leon is just the man to teach Noel she’s worth more than she believes.

Unwrapping Noel is a cute spicy romance perfect for the holidays. It teaches Noel about self-worth and about love. The narrator does an amazing job at bringing the characters to life. The narrator has such an important job and can make or break a book, and Sara has a real talent of delivering this story. I really enjoyed listening to Unwrapping Noel, I had a smile on my face the entire time I was listening to it, well except for when I was cursing the horrible rotten ex.

*I received a free Unabridged Audible File in exchange for an honest review*
*This Book Contains Sexual Content*

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fresh off a nasty divorce with her cheating husband, Noel isn't looking forward to the holidays. When a client invites her to California to help with the PR for his new business venture, Noel is happy to jump on a plane and escape her ex. She meets a handsome silver fox at her hotel and sparks fly and passion blooms. But can she leave her insecurities behind and enjoy her holiday fling?

This is a steamy read with explicit sex scenes and some cursing. If you like your heroines meek and mild, Noel is anything but a wilting violet! She's been dealt a crap hand in the relationship game, and it's made her abrasive and sarcastic. She's confrontational and angry, not a person I'd spend time with in real life, which made it a little hard to warm up to her. I did really want a happy ending for her. Leon was a sweetheart and a good mellowing presence. I'd definitely like to see more of Tony's story.

The narration was dramatic and read with a lot of spirit. She performed accents and voices for the characters and they all fit well. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course this wasn't my favorite book, it's not really my favorite genre--it's a sexcapade that made me cringe at the language at times. However, I found myself really invested in the story.

Noel is a big ole' girl who finds herself in this horrible relationship rut with her ex-husband who treats her like garbage.

She gets flown away for work and meets this hot silver fox, Leon.

Obviously, things get steamy and Noel gets to spend a glorious Christmas in the arms of a real man.

Yasssssss!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Get it!!!!

Honestly though, I could give this book a 2.5 and not lose sleep at night, but I'll keep it at a 3 just because I was rooting for Noel by the end of the book.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this holiday romance!!!

This is a sweet and steamy holiday romance that's sure to put a smile on your face and get you into the mood for the season.
My only complaint about this book is that it's listed as a BBW romance but the main character is a size large. Size large isn't a bbw and as a bbw I was so happy and feeling positive about Leon falling for Noel until the last chapter when I found out her size tag was large.