Stand

Southern Heartbeats #1

by Jennifer Rebecca

What's there left to do when life kicks you in the teeth and takes everything you have? You stand back up.

Cody Reynolds had the world at the tip of his fingers: a beautiful fiancée, a promising professional football career, and a Super Bowl ring within his grasp. He was living the American Dream… until a tragic accident threatens everything he knows, sending him home to Tall Pines, Texas.

Angellica Andrews was the best trauma nurse in New York City. Her life revolved around her career and her boyfriend… until the night there was one more tragedy on the job. When it seemed like her heart couldn’t take anymore, her aunt convinces her to give Tall Pines, Texas a chance for a new life. A new adventure.

What happens when the two people least interested in love meet in a small town?

When life knocks you down, you stand.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

158 pages, ebook

First published November 10, 2016

About the author

Jennifer is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Claire Goodnite series and the Presidential Affair. She is a native of San Diego, California. She credits her love of books and reading to her mother and her knowledge that real heroes do exist to her dad.

Jennifer is a graduate of California State University San Marcos where she studied Criminology and Justice Studies. She is also a member of Alpha Xi Delta.

She currently lives in East Texas with her husband, Sean, and their three children along with an entire menagerie of lovable but sofa eating animals. She can often be found on the soccer or baseball fields, reading, or wondering what the hell her senior citizens have gotten up to now. Jennifer is convinced that if she puts her fitbit on one of the dogs, she might finally make her step goals.

She loves a great romance, an alpha hero, and lots and lots of laughter.

Reviews

[Quinn's Quippy Quotes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I'll be honest. I pick my ARCs kind like how I pick my clothing. I look at the cover and weed them out from there. If I like the cover, I’m always going to check out the blurb. First of all, I LOVE this cover. It's gorgeous and catches your eye immediately. After reading the blurb I was sold.

I love a good 'coming home' story. Even though Tall Pines, TX wasn't technically Angie's hometown, it still had the feels of such. Sometimes you just need a book like this. Something that you know is going to put a smile on your face. Seeing that this was a short novel, I was hoping that this would be short, sweet, sexy and fun. And it was…..for the most part. I knew that in 160 pages what this book was going to be. Man meets woman, they fall in love, there's a short separation, and then all is forgiven. And that's pretty much how this goes more or less, until about 80% through.

There was a complete turn in the storyline that took me for a loop. I knew the reasoning was to set up for the next book, but as a reader I felt betrayed. I felt that there was a perfectly good alternative that I would've been more intrigued to follow through with, but now I'm not sure.

I felt like this was a good first stepping stone for a first release, but I would've loved to see this story expounded on, developed into a full-fledged novel more so. Will I be moving on in this series? I guess I'll have to see.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author and it won't;t be the last. I really enjoyed this cute instalove story set in a quaint southern town. Ange and Cody were great characters and I couldn't help but root for them. Excited to see where the author takes this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every now and again, you can pick up books and not be sure what you are going to expect. For me, that was Stand by Jennifer Rebecca. To be honest, what drew me to this book was the fact that the author has two first names. The cover was the second thing that drew me in and lastly it was the idea of a small town called Tall Pines. Stand by Jennifer Rebecca sparked for me a few things when I was reading it. The first was that sports star Cody Reynolds was in an accident while playing NFL and his WAG ended up dumping him in the hospital, good riddance to bad rubbish. When this happened it did give me an idea of what was going to happen as when athletes like this have an accident, they often head back to their hometowns. The another thing that sparked for me was that our main female lead Ange aka Angellica lived a life that resembled Chicago Med or Heartbeat. I could imagine her a bit like Melissa George's character in Heartbeats, and then after a cheating boyfriend/boss, she does a Zoe Hart from Hart of Dixie and heads to the small town of Tall Pines where her parents were from as they need a new school nurse. The rest of the book Stand was your usual predictable contemporary romance where the two outsiders hate each other and clash and then eventually despite their personal obstacles fall in love. The one thing I had hoped was that the book would have touched deeper into Ange's parents especially who her father was as it touched briefly. This would have been an interesting twist since Ange hasn't seen her or heard from her father since she was a baby. If you are in the mood for a sweet contemporary romance, then check out Stand by Jennifer Rebecca. Perfect for those lovers of small-town romances.

[Elizabeth Horbaczek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me for an honest review.

4 stars

This is a fast paced story and it is fun. I love being able to find that quick story that can make you laugh about life, but also put things in perspective. This story is quick so you will be done with this book in a couple of hours. The characters are a hoot and some of the things they say are hilarious, but so true. I love the opening with Angie at the hospital and it only gets better when she gets home to her aunt. Her aunt all my goodness, I would love to have an aunt like that. I think she knows everything. She had to be psychic in this book.. I really liked how her aunt had everything figured out for her in one day. Douche bag boyfriend gone, check; getting drunk, check; filling out application for new job, check; moving down to texas, check; finding a good man, check. Absolutely the most fun I had in a book because it is so true how things can be fixed without knowing it. Cody on they other hand had a bit of seriousness at the beginning, but he found his angel at the beginning. It just sucks how he got there. He gets hurt, fiance breaks up with him, he moves back to Texas, and finds his angel again. What could possibly go wrong. This book really has everything you want. The characters are funny but serious, have such a open mind. They say what they want and tell you like it is. I enjoyed every minute of this book.

So I can tell you what is going all the way through the book, but it is such fast read I recommend you reading this. It will make you laugh in every chapter. The characters are priceless and I love how the epilogue bounces you into the next book of the series. This author made a serious book about a relationship fun and worthy of wanting more from this author. I really think Holt's book is going to be epic.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the premise of this book. However, the delivery fell short for me.

This was an extremely quick read and I felt that it could have been longer and more detailed in a lot scenarios throughout the book.

As a debut novel, it's not too bad. Jennifer has a lot of potential in her writing. The characters were good, but some could use a little more depth to them. I didn't feel a strong connection to any of them but I did enjoy them. I just had a hard time with some of the reactions of the characters in certain situations - they just didn't seem natural.

I do like that this story does take place in a small town. I enjoy those types of atmospheres. It gives the book a more homey feeling and helps set a good foundation for future books and other characters.

As I said before, Jennifer has potential here. I just wish the characters had more depth to them. The scenes need more details and the overall picture needs more strength to it. The plot is great is just lacked some background details that I think would have helped strengthen everything.

Overall, not a bad a debut novel.

[Christina Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Rebecca debut novel Stand is a great read if you are looking for some romance. Cody and Angie find each other in a small town of Tall Pines, Texas. Cody, an ex NFL player turned football coach and Angie a nurse from New York turned school nurse seem to be destined to come together as co workers at a local high school. I'm a big fan of insta-love. Well cause it could very well happen. That's why it's called a love story. Stand had some drama and and epic twist that I for one didn't see happening. Awesome job on your debut Jennifer Rebecca. Can't wait for book 2.

[Stacy Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a sweet romance, and that is exactly what Jennifer Rebecca gives readers.
Two people from different walks of life end up in the same small town.
There's just something about a small town romance that just gives you all the feels. Angie and Cody are very much the love story I needed right now. A little drama and a lotta love.
Well done Jennifer Rebecca, I'm ready for Volume 2!!!

[Andrea Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut.

Quick, easy and fun. This couple is cute. The side characters are funny. A short read that is smoking hot.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review can be found at Http://www.thegraduatedbookworm.com

I ended up meeting Jennifer one year at Holidays With The Belles in Texas, and she was super kind and sweet, it was so awesome to meet her in person and grab a copy of her book while I was there!


So right from the beginning, this novel is super fast paced. I mean it kind of has to be since it's under 200 pages, but WOW it's a lot! A lot of things are happening in the book, and of course it was an insta-love, but I really wish that the book was larger so the romance part would be dragged out a little bit more. Normally I'm good with insta-love stories, but I totally felt like it could have be spread out for sure!

"Don't throw away your happiness out of hurt and anger."

Overall, this was a great read! There were hot and heavy scenes, it was a roller coaster of emotion, and a major twist in the novel that really left me in pieces... I'm still not okay about it, alright! What didn't make it a five star for me was the fact that it was so short, I felt like there could have been more to write into the novel to bring out the characters more!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cody was living his best life as an NFL played engaged to a beautiful girl, but it all disappears in an instant. Angie is a nurse in NYC living her dreams with her boyfriend/boss by her side or at least she thought she was. While starting over is hard , having to start over after heartbreak brings it to a new level. These two are both a little fun she on starting a new relationship but their pull us just too strong. They fight through the pain and finally start to get their footing when a bomb is dropped at their feet and in the midst of the carnage the unthinkable occurs sending them off to find out what is truly important in life. This book was absolutely amazing! I lived all the characters and their personalities. This book was funny and heart wrenching and uplifting all at the same time and I did not want it to end!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Angie/Angel. She is one strong, independent, fierce woman who is just a little bit broken. I love Cody. He is so strong and his determination allows him to overcome a defeating tragedy. Their interactions from the start are fascinating and lovable and so much fun. Their downs make your heart beat slow to a crawl. I love Mabel, Holt, Sam, Jim and all of the friends and family that surround this couple. The writing is good, the characters are three dimensional, realistic and likeable. I laughed a lot. I cried great big fat, rolling tears when the author chose to tear my heart out. I am not sure I can figure her for that. I am also not sure I can read the next story, no matter how badly I want to. After days of finishing this book, I am still sad and reader miserable with a little ache in my soul for Aliza and all of the friends. This one is well worth the time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many ways that life can knock you down. It doesn't always mean physically, but life did knock Cody physically on his back. The dream he had worked so hard and for so long came to an end. It took a bit, but he was able to stand back up and find a new dream and a way to succeed. The initial meeting/run-in between Cody and Angie could be a little cheesy, but sometimes meeting a person that you have an instant connection with doesn't work and the timing could be all wrong. That is why I like the second-chance stories. Life and people can disappoint you, sometimes to where it feels like there will never be an upside. But you cry and grieve and stand up and look for the beauty in life. It could be a new love, it could be a new (or maybe old) friend, new job, new hobby. You never know what is waiting around the corner. I also love the song that the title is based on.

[Rosie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not sure what it was but something was missing and I really couldn't get into the story. I tried hard but in the end I skim read through the last 25% because I wanted to see how it ended. The twist I saw coming but the drama at the end was unnecessary and heartbreaking, I don't really know why it was part of the plot.

I tried but there were a lot of editorial errors too, which became frustrating in the end.

It had a good premise and I was intrigued to see where the couples' story went, but it was slightly off base and something was missing towards the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cody is a professional ball player and gets hurt. He wakes up in the hospital in New York and sees his nurse Angie and calls her angel. Then his girlfriend breaks up with him because of his injuries. He moves back home to Texas to rebuild his life. Angie catches her doctor boyfriend with another nurse and breaks it off with him and quits her job. Her aunt talks her into getting a job as a school nurse in Texas where she grew up. When Cody sees his Angel again he knows he has to have her for always. Their courtship was fun and interesting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie Can Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monthly Book Club Review by Yvonne the Sweetest One

*Jennifer Rebecca is a lovely person and although this wasn’t exactly my cup of tea I will get another one of her books because she shows promise.*
I just finished reading Stand by up and coming author Jennifer Rebecca. I love reading new authors! There were several grammatical errors and a lot going on through most of the book but the plot line and story line showed promise but needs work. It was a quick read and I will try another of her books since this was her first book ever.

[Shanna D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stand (Southern Heartbeats, Volume 1) by Jennifer Rebecca. I liked this heartfelt story. The connection between characters, the banter between them seemed genuine and it made you feel like you were part of the story as it unfolded. Truly tragic and heartbreaking circumstances of past events lead main characters together which leads to a beautiful story. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to reading more of her work. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I crave for a man like Cody. Sweet, lovable, caring, and an instant melt your pants off look. He is hurting in more ways than one. In comes Angie, Angel. His nurse, his instant love, and she is what a man wants. Not afraid to eat meat, likes his dog, and his hometown. Their world gets turned upside down in one night when Angel finds the truth about her life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book I've read written by Jennifer Rebecca; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance story was an excitement filled love story with tons of action and a fast moving plot line.
This was a great heart pounding read. The story was very well written with great characters. The story was very well written with great characters. It drew me in and I had it finished in one sitting. I would highly recommend this read.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other titles by this author and this is just as good as those. The author did a great job with giving these characters life. The chemistry is undeniable and steamy. The storyline flows smoothly from beginning to end.
It’s always a pleasure to read books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sugary Sweet!

I really enjoyed Stand, it was a sweet and steamy read. There were a couple of times while reading that just didn't seem right and kinda made me do a "huh" but I liked it enough that I just downloaded Vol. 2.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable steamy and sweet romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Howerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting enough to make me want to read more of the series.

[Laura Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldnt put down

I love how the auother makes thr story seem so real. She made laugh and cry. Amazing work. Ready for the next.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. There were only a couple of errors. It's her first book, give her a break! Believe me, you are going to love her others! I was all in by page 8.

[Janet Werme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

What a great introduction to a great writer. Felt every emotion imaginable, which is how it should be. Looking forward to the next book. Thank you.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are in between laughter and tears. It’s a rollercoaster and you cannot stop it until the last pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B]

DNF

[Eli3abethreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Story started out with mistakes. Had a glimmer of hope with the dialogue but quickly devolved. Not for me

[Lori Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story! I giggled, laughed, cheered and cried. Loved the main characters and side ones too!