Jagger's idea was crazy. A marriage of convenience? Who did that except in romance novels?
Irresistible playboy Jagger Talbot left his flashy life in New York to properly take care of Kaden, a little boy he vowed to raise, gaining custody when the Kaden's father died and his mother ran off with another man. Starting over in Virginia seemed like the perfect beginning. But when the boy's mother comes back, clean and sober, fighting for custody, Jagger knows he needs a miracle to prove he's what the child needs.
That miracle is Chelsea Beemer, sweet, perky kindergarten teacher. Down and out, and no stranger to tragedy, Chelsea is on the verge of losing her family home. She'd do anything to save the house—and herself—even marry the sexy playboy.
They'll both stop at nothing to protect what means the most to them, even if that means a fake marriage.
I've always had a romantic streak. Even as a kid, my favorite characters on TV were almost always happily married and as a twelve year old, I'd write stories about them (this was before fan fiction or the Internet were invented).
I love to read romantic suspense or mystery, but am disappointed that romances don't follow up on the happily ever after and mysteries rarely provide the sexy, romantic elements I enjoy. So I decided to write my own with the Valentine Mysteries.
When I'm not telling stories, I work by day as romance ghostwriter and run an online community for romance writers at WriteWithHarte.com. I'm an empty nester in central Virginia living my HEA with my hubby and a nutty cat.
*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Wed to You was absolutely amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I've read all three books but my absolute favourites were: Drawn to Her and Wed to You.
Chelsea, a kindergarten teacher, has been lusting after Jagger for years but she's so not his type and she damn well knows it. Its her sodding traitorous hormones that make her drool and pant like an animal in heat around him lol.
Jagger is drawn to Chelsea but he's no good for her. His priority is Kaden; not screwing around with women. When an expected visitor comes into town; Jagger's life feels like it's being shattered. He needs to create a happy family and therefore, propositions Chelsea with a tempting offer that can solve her financial difficulties. However, will Chelsea put aside her pride and accept his proposition?
Wed to You was funny, sweet, beautiful yet heartbreaking. Little Kaden was adorable and cute especially, his little crush on Chelsea.
I loved the thick sexual tension between Jagger and Chelsea; it was intense yet consuming. There were times I wanted to literally put a sock in Jagger's mouth because when things start getting interesting, he usually says the wrong damn thing to put everything back to square one - typical man. Chelsea was sweet and guarded; not that I blamed her - I struggled myself to differentiate what was real and fake. Jagger sends out a lot of mixed messages and I couldn't blame Chelsea for protecting her heart. However, its her raging hormones that make her think of every dirty thing she wants to do to him. I have to give her credit because she lasted longer than I thought - lets face it denying those sexual urges around Jagger is next to impossible but she tried right lol!
My heart broke for Jagger; he's never been loved or wanted, so he fights for the one person that's become his whole world. Chelsea brings peace, happiness and even love in his lonely life. She gives him courage and strength just by being with him.
I couldn't stop laughing when Jagger assisted in Kaden's class,
"No other girls wanted to be sharks?" "Girls aren't sharks" one boy said. " I don't know. I've met a few." Lol
Kaden was so cute when he said;
"When I get bigger, you can marry me and Jagger can carry the rings." Lol
Chelsea made me laugh especially, when she literally ogles and undressed him with her eyes. It makes it worse when Jagger knows exactly what sort of naughty thoughts are going through her mind lol.
When Chelsea meets Jagger's dad, and he says;
"If you ever want to know what it's like with a real Talbot man, let me know." Eww
But I loved how she puts him in his place;
"Great day, ain't that something? He thinks he can show me a better time than you, sugar." "Well bless your heart".
I really enjoyed Jagger and Chelsea's story; it was heartwarming yet beautiful. They may not have come together for the right reasons but their arrangement makes them see the other for the person they truly are. The author captured their emotions, fears and insecurities incredibly well.
The author has truly outdone herself - she wrote a book that completely blew me away.
ARC received from Netgalley. The synopsis is pretty self explanatory and the plot is nothing new. However, I enjoyed the writing, it was quite gripping. What I loved most was the relation between Kaden, Chelsea and Jagger. The way the little boy asked for "Miss Chelsea" was extremely adorable. Jagger was almost insanely protective of Kaden. His need to keep Tanya, Kaden's mother away from Kaden was understandable, even if it was cold-hearted. I didn't personally like Tanya, but that was personal, I don't necessarily think a kid should be kept separated from their mother even if the mother has made past mistakes. If she's willing to change for the better you really need to teach the kid acceptance rather than hatred. I won't go into the details about the reason for my dislike for Tanya, that needs to be read in the book. I liked Chelsea, like most contemporary romance novels, Chelsea was optimistic to Jagger's cynicism and she had a backbone. She is really a likeable heroine. Loved the side characters as well, especially Mitch, who had this brotherly love for Chelsea and has used some well deserved colourful language to Jagger to try to bring him to senses. Overall, I think it's a 4 star read.
This review is based on an ARC received from the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
3.5
This was the third book in the series. It can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn't read the first two, but it's obvious who was in them. You don't need to read them to follow and enjoy this book. The heroine was generally likable, but the hero not so much. He was the epitome of the spoiled and privileged rich kid expecting every one and every thing to fall in with his plans, then throwing a tantrum when they did not.
maybe it's just me but overall it was an okay read for me. i did cry at some point (okay A LOT ACTUALLY but nvm) because it was sad & overwhelming & pretty much emotional but i feel like the book still lacked of something. and i don't really feel the chemistry between chelsea & jagger. even if there was, it was kinda mediocre, i'd say. idk probably because i didn't read the first two books in this series, so i didn't get THAT feels when i was reading this. though one thing that i really LOVE about this book is kaden! he is such a sweetheart!!! i love him to bits!
A touching story of a fake marriage to keep a little boy with his uncle. Kaden’s dad died and his mom, Tanya lost custody of him two years ago when she was on drugs. She now wants custody of him and Jagger will do anything to not lose Kaden, including marrying Chelsea in a fake marriage.
The characters of Chelsea and Jagger really pull you into the story and touch your heart. Chelsea Beemer is a kindergarten teacher whose brother and mom are gone. She has a heart of gold and mountains of debt and a family home she may lose.
Jagger Talbot is known as a rich playboy. He has everything money can buy but does not believe he is lovable. Your heart goes out to him and so does Chelsea’s.
From well meaning friends, an impossible butler, cook, and housekeeper, and Kaden’s mom seeking custody of her child their whole fake marriage is put to the test. I really enjoyed how the story turned out and the epilogue. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
The below are part of this series if you want to read those books(s) first Drawn to Her (Southern Heat #1) Meant to Be (Southern Heat #2)
This is Chelsea and Jagger’s story. Chelsea knows all about loss and what it can do to someone. When Jagger asks her to marry him so he can win custody of a little boy she agrees. What happens when the pretends gets to be too much? Chemistry pulls them together, but will it be just for now or can they build a future on it? All Jagger wants is Kaden and he is willing to do anything he has to so he can keep him. Even if that means getting married or even running with him. Will they be able to pull off being together? Or will it all be for nothing? Do they have a future, or will it all fall apart just when they need each other the most?
Another fabulous addition to the Souther Heat Romance from Jenna Harte.
This book pulled at my heart strings, I felt so bad for Kaden, and Jagger would stop at nothing to make sure he is safe. Even if it means he has to get married to prove he is the right one to raise Kaden. In comes Chelsea, the sweet kindergarten teacher, that needs some help of her own, the solution? A marriage of convenience, but can she put aside her true feelings for Jagger, and not fall in love?
These two have instant chemistry, and with some good communication, they could have cleared up a lot of misunderstandings and heartbreak, but then where would the fun in that be? A great way to end a wonderful series!
"Another fabulous addition to the Souther Heat Romance from Jenna Harte.
This book pulled at my heart strings, I felt so bad for Kaden, and Jagger would stop at nothing to make sure he is safe. Even if it means he has to get married to prove he is the right one to raise Kaden. In comes Chelsea, the sweet kindergarten teacher, that needs some help of her own, the solution? A marriage of convenience, but can she put aside her true feelings for Jagger, and not fall in love?
These two have instant chemistry, and with some good communication, they could have cleared up a lot of misunderstandings and heartbreak, but then where would the fun in that be? A great way to end a wonderful series!"
Jagger gave up his playboy life style and moved to a small town to raise his nephew Kaden. Chelsea who is Kaden’s teacher and an old friend of Jagger’s offers to help him when Kaden’s mother comes back and tries to take custody. Chelsea and Jagger do a fake marriage to help him win custody. It doesn’t take long before the marriage is no longer fake. And they have a real HEA.
All three books in this series were 5 stars for me.
G. W. Talbot men have a reputation that proceeds them: marrying woman out of lust and not giving two thoughts to the children that come out of it. Until Jagger's grandparent has Kaden with a drug addict who runs and leaves the baby behind in Jagger's care. Now, Kaden is five years old and his mother is back to take him with her, but Jagger is not about to allow that, no way in hell, even if he has to marry to make sure Kaden stays with him. And who better than Kaden's teacher to take the part? Chelsea Beemer is a kindergarten teacher who never knew her father, lost her brother to the war and one year later lost her mother to cancer. Now, although she's doing what she loves, she can't deny the bills that keep building up and also the secret crush that she has had on Jagger for years. So, when Jagger asks her to marry him with the promise to pay all her bills and her mortgage, she says yes.
"When I get bigger, you can marry me and Jagger can carry the rings."
I totally loved this one! It was such a delicious read! This was my first book by Jenna Harte and I just loved her writing style. The book was perfectly paced and Chelsea and Jagger are just the perfect match. From the most tense moments to the hot ones I loved everything about this book.
“He burned from the inside out, and only she could contain the fire.”
I just wished Kaden and Chelsea would have gotten more closed. They obviously adore each other but the fact the he kept calling her Miss Chelsea or miss Beemer (like he did when he was in her class) makes their relationship look a little less true.
This is the third book from Jenna Harte's Southern Heat series and it is fantastic. In fact, it was so good that I read it from cover to cover in less than a day. This is a well-written novel and the richly developed characters are authentic, compassionate, and very likable. I absolutely love the Relationship of Convenience trope, and Ms. Harte's interpretation does not disappoint.
Kindergarten teacher Chelsea Beemer, is a sweet and spunky woman that recently lost her brother to war and her mother to cancer. Due to the accumulated debt from her student loans and her mother's medical expenses, she works two jobs. She is also in danger of losing the home that has been a part of her family for over a century. Chelsea has practically no social life to speak of because she works all of the time. In addition, small town living does not provide many dating opportunities.
Jagger Talbot comes from old money, and up until about eighteen months ago he lived the playboy lifestyle in New York City. Now he is the guardian of his late grandfather's five-year-old son Kaden, residing in Charlotte Tavern, the small town where he used to summer during his childhood. Jagger is a changed man and loves being a father figure. Now all he needs is a fake wife, because Kaden's biological mother is suing for custody, and Jagger has a better chance of retaining custody if Kaden is living in a two parent household.
Chelsea and Jagger have been aware of each other for a long time. Eight years ago they attended a mutual friend's wedding, and due to circumstances beyond his control, Jagger brushed Chelsea off. Kaden is Chelsea's student, which brings both of them together again. Chelsea and Jagger have a smoldering chemistry, which slowly involves into much more. Jagger believes he is incapable of romantic love, and Chelsea cannot live a life without it.
I loved this book! To begin with, I really liked the cover. Besides pink being my favorite color, it beautifully contrasts with the white shading. Secondly, the primary characters are tangible, the secondary characters have personality and wit, which adds to an already engaging plot. I found myself cheering for Chelsea and Jagger to work through their misgivings and find their happily ever after with each other. I am definitely going to read the first two books in this series. Overall, this is a solid read from new to me author Jenna Harte, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Though the storyline is nothing new, the characters made all the difference in making this one of the most enjoyable romance stories I've read lately. The scene stealer was hands down Kaden...that little boy captured my heart with his child's innocence and honesty, and his crush on Chelsea. She and Jagger were a perfect match, they had an instant chemistry and kept the story alive through it.
Though this is the third book in the series, it could be read as a stand alone. I felt the ending was rushed and would have given the book five stars if not for that.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
So you read the blurb and think – typical marriage of convenience with a little rich man/poor girl fish-out-of-water thrown in. And you’d be right … but that SO doesn’t stop it from being enjoyable!
I liked Jagger and felt so bad for the start in life he got. Neither his dad nor his mom wanted him, raised by a nanny, and pushed into a shallow life that he didn’t like. But he was saved by a young boy. A young boy who is now in danger of being taken away from him. To Jagger, Kaden is the only good thing in his life and he would do anything to save him, even marry someone he barely knows.
Chelsea’s big heart gets her into a little trouble here, but she lost everything when her brother and mom died. To see Jagger’s pain at the thought of losing Kaden makes it really hard to turn down his offer. But that soft heart is her biggest fear in this relationship – she’s already attracted to Jagger, a fake marriage might start feeling too real.
There were a couple of moments where a little bit of honesty would have cleared up a lot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings, but it’s definitely not easy to reveal that much of yourself to someone else. I think that Harte handled it really well, all the way through. While the story might seem familiar, she gives her readers interesting people and a lot of emotion & depth. It keeps you involved even when you know where things are going. It makes getting there very enjoyable.
(While this book can be read on its own, there were references to other people that I didn’t understand.)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I have not read the other books in this series. I found that this book is easy to follow and consumes the reader. I was so upset when I had to walk away from it.
I would have given this book 5 stars but did not because I felt that the ending was rushed a little.
Jagger is a character with many layers and the author peeled those layers back to reveal an amazing broken soul. Taking care of his "Uncle" who is five and giving up your life to make his a better one truly tells a person about the goodness that one holds inside. But the problems are 1. he doesn't believe he is good, 2. his family is crazy and ruthless, and 3. he is very narrowed focus, on his responsibility as a guardian.
Chelsea is a girl next door sweet heart kindergarten teacher. She has lost her brother and then her mother in a short amount of time. (Would have liked a little more on her brother but it doesn't take away from the story.) Faced with a mountain of bills from her mother's care she may lose her families home. 200 years of Beemers in this house may come to an end because she is too proud to accept money from friends. But when Jagger makes her an offer she can't refuse she agrees. Just keeping her heart straight will pose a challenge.
Jaggger and Chelsea are easy to fall in love with. It was also easy to become so engrossed in the story that the pages melted away. You can't go wrong with this well paced, beautiful story.
Sometimes I struggle with how to rate a book, but this was a clear 5 star read for me. It was such a lovely story and I just adored it!
Chelsea and Jagger were both great characters with a lot of depth. Jagger had the complete opposite of a loving family upbringing, and he doesn't see himself as worthy of love. Chelsea did have a living and happy childhood, but now she is the only family member left. She is warm, loving, sweet, yet independent and tougher than meets the eye. She sees a side of Jagger that no one else does, and her unwavering support of him was moving. I loved Jagger's protectiveness and the little things -- like her house-- show a softer side of him.
The writing was very engaging, and the plot moved along at a great pace. I'm pretty picky about marriage of convenience stories, but this one avoided many of the normal cliches. It was funny, heartfelt, and uplifting, and I couldn't put it down! The epilogue was just perfect and made me fall in love with Jagger even more.
I'm sad to see this series come to an end, but it certainly ended on a high note!
**I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Chelsea is a kindergarten teacher and she's Jagger's ward Kaden. Jagger has been raising Kaden since his father died and his mother took off. When he comes in for a parent teacher conference he runs into Chelsea again. Sparks fly between them but a mutual friend has warned Jagger away from Chelsea. When Kaden asks Chelsea out to dinner with them it starts the beginning of something between them. However Jagger fights his attraction for her because he doesn't feel good enough for her. When Kaden's mother come back and wants to take Kaden away Jagger turns to Chelsea for help. They end up getting married it was supposed to be platonic but soon they give in and sleep together. Will Jagger see that they are good together? Will he lose custody of Kaden?
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jagger was with Kaden since his birth. His grandfather had given his son Kaden and his grandson Jagger the house in Virginia where Jagger took Kaden to have a more normal childhood. Both had trusts established and protected from the less than kind and not so paternal father of Jagger.
Chelsea has Kaden in the Kindergarten class she teaches. Kaden has a bit of a crush on teacher. Teacher Chelsea previously had a bit of a crush on Jagger, but his ditching her at a wedding nearly a year ago leaves Chelsea wary of Jagger.
The threat of a custody battle leads to a fake marriage that is not so faux in heart.
Can Jagger hold onto Chelsea for life, or is he too afraid of more hurt?
Intense KU faux to real romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me start by saying I have never read anything by Jenna Harte, but I plan to start. This book was written so well that I couldn't put it down. It's the run of the mill romance yes, but it was just good. I enjoyed the characters and I felt the chemistry. My heart broke several times reading it, for the situation, but also for the characters. The whole story flowed so well, that I never questioned what was going on or where something came from. Kaden was perfect. All the supporting characters were. The book has everything you need the feels, the chemistry, the drama, the steaminess, the heartbreak and the healing. The epilogue was perfect. I love when it all tied up nice and neat and satisfies your wonder.
Jagger has taken custody of Kaden after his father dies and mother left town. He knows his very public playboy status could hamper his custody of Kaden since his mother has returned so when he meets Kadens kindergarten teacher Chelsea he thinks he has found the solution to his problem. Chelsea is overcome with debt from her parents and her student loans so when Jagger proposes they join together to benefit each other she takes him up on his offer she just hopes she does not lose her heart in the process.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A nice clean romance. Playboy Jagger left New York and is now raising his nephew Kaden after his dad is killed and his mom runs off. Chelsea is about to lose her family home and will do what she needs to do to save it. She is also Kaden's Kindergarten teacher. When Kaden's mom returns and wants custody of him, Jagger will do what he has to do to protect Kaden and give him a promising stable future. When Jagger proposes a fake marriage that can benefit them both, will Chelsea agree? Will she be able to protect her heart from his charm and will they all get a HEA?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was your basic fake marriage turned real relationship plot. I didn't think there was anything that was overly wow. I thought that Miss Z was a little over the top, but I really enjoyed Chelsea. She was a strong heroine who just wanted someone to love her. Jagger was ok. I didn't care for his hot and cold attitude but I can understand why his character is like that. And Kaden. He pretty much made the story for me he was so adorable. Overall cute and quick read.
A fake marriage to keep custody of the little boy he loves and has been caring for since before his more ran off and his father died. Jagger will do anything to protect Kaden, and keep his fortune safe. Chelsea, Kaden's teacher is attracted to Jagger, even more so when she see his love and devotion to the little boy. That is why she agrees to marry Jagger. Join them as they for a team to keep Kaden safe at home equity with Jagger. Loved this story and you will too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was one fantastic read. Jagger who was the guardian of his nephew Kaden and in need of a make believe wife. Chelsea who was Kayden’s teacher knew Jagger from years ago.
When Kaden’s mother comes back and files for custody Jagger ask Chelsea to help him. They marry but agree that it will end when the custody is decided.
Jagger blames Chelsea for doing something he doesn’t agree with. They separate and both are miserable without the other.
This is a wonderful HEA story. Jagger is raising his nephew Kaden. Chelsea is Kaden’s kindergarten teacher. Or was as school just let out for the summer. Kaden’s mother shows up wanting her son back. I was intrigued to find out how this story ended and wasn’t disappointed. It was different than what I expected, but terrific just the same.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from BookSprout.
Wed to You is the third book in the Southern Heat Romance series. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, a wonderful story of two people trying to do what is best for a small child. Will a marriage of convenience keep Kaden's biological mother from regaining custody? Will Jagger and Chelsea realize that they have so much more than a fake relationship?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a wonderful HEA story. Jagger is raising his nephew Kaden. Chelsea is Kaden’s kindergarten teacher. Or was as school just let out for the summer. Kaden’s mother shows up wanting her son back. I was intrigued to find out how this story ended and wasn’t disappointed. It was different than what I expected, but terrific just the same.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from BookSprout.
This was a great book. I was frustrated at times with the characters because altogether issues were lack of communication but its all part of the story and how the characters evolve by the end of the book. Now go read it yourself hehe!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.