What do you think?
Rate this book
Thirsty Hearts #2
Choosing You
Taryn Lieber has a date set to marry a man beyond her dreams. Jeff McConnell, and his feisty daughter, Olivia, transformed her life. She never thought she’d want a ready-made family. Now, she can’t wait.
The only good to come out of Jeff McConnell’s first marriage was his curly-haired daughter and the unfulfilled desire for a woman to stand with him as he conquered the world. When he met Taryn, he knew instantly she was the one.
Taryn and Jeff have plans for marriage, adoption, and a life together, but those plans fall apart when Jeff’s ex-wife shows up, wanting to be part of Olivia’s life. What does the woman want? Taryn’s instincts tell her Shannon Nelson is an unreliable, scheming opportunist. Jeff’s compassion compels him to find a way for Olivia to reconnect with her biological mother.
Conflict, mistrust, and danger follow as Taryn and Jeff try to hang on to the love that brought them together and make it down the aisle.
The only good to come out of Jeff McConnell’s first marriage was his curly-haired daughter and the unfulfilled desire for a woman to stand with him as he conquered the world. When he met Taryn, he knew instantly she was the one.
Taryn and Jeff have plans for marriage, adoption, and a life together, but those plans fall apart when Jeff’s ex-wife shows up, wanting to be part of Olivia’s life. What does the woman want? Taryn’s instincts tell her Shannon Nelson is an unreliable, scheming opportunist. Jeff’s compassion compels him to find a way for Olivia to reconnect with her biological mother.
Conflict, mistrust, and danger follow as Taryn and Jeff try to hang on to the love that brought them together and make it down the aisle.
Unknown Binding
51 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Kris Jayne
31 books796 followersKris Jayne is a devoted writer, reader, and traveler who crafts steamy contemporary romances with heat and heart. She spends her days blissfully sweating out the writing process in the Dallas area with her dogs, Otis the Shih Tzu, Rocco the Terrier, and Red the Foxy Mutt.
Her passion for writing is matched only by her passion for the adventures of travel. In 2008, she let a friend talk her into sleeping outside for the first time in her life when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
P.S. If you're buying her a gift, she has a penchant for single-malt Scotch and scarves.
Her passion for writing is matched only by her passion for the adventures of travel. In 2008, she let a friend talk her into sleeping outside for the first time in her life when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
P.S. If you're buying her a gift, she has a penchant for single-malt Scotch and scarves.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Want to Read
March 11, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/11/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Taryn Lieber has a date set to marry a man beyond her dreams. Jeff McConnell, and his feisty daughter, Olivia, transformed her life. She never thought she’d want a ready-made family. Now, she can’t wait.
The only good to come out of Jeff McConnell’s first marriage was his curly-haired daughter and the unfulfilled desire for a woman to stand with him as he conquered the world. When he met Taryn, he knew instantly she was the one.
Taryn and Jeff have plans for marriage, adoption, and a life together, but those plans fall apart when Jeff’s ex-wife shows up, wanting to be part of Olivia’s life. What does the woman want? Taryn’s instincts tell her Shannon Nelson is an unreliable, scheming opportunist. Jeff’s compassion compels him to find a way for Olivia to reconnect with her biological mother.
Conflict, mistrust, and danger follow as Taryn and Jeff try to hang on to the love that brought them together and make it down the aisle.
Blurb:
Taryn Lieber has a date set to marry a man beyond her dreams. Jeff McConnell, and his feisty daughter, Olivia, transformed her life. She never thought she’d want a ready-made family. Now, she can’t wait.
The only good to come out of Jeff McConnell’s first marriage was his curly-haired daughter and the unfulfilled desire for a woman to stand with him as he conquered the world. When he met Taryn, he knew instantly she was the one.
Taryn and Jeff have plans for marriage, adoption, and a life together, but those plans fall apart when Jeff’s ex-wife shows up, wanting to be part of Olivia’s life. What does the woman want? Taryn’s instincts tell her Shannon Nelson is an unreliable, scheming opportunist. Jeff’s compassion compels him to find a way for Olivia to reconnect with her biological mother.
Conflict, mistrust, and danger follow as Taryn and Jeff try to hang on to the love that brought them together and make it down the aisle.
November 15, 2024
Book title is a lie. Because hero did not, not even once, choose the heroine over his shitty ex.
If I was Taryn I’d have dumped Jeff’s sorry ass and refused to marry him till he was crawling on the floor every day begging me to take him back.
Jeff is a sorry excuse for a man. I don’t know what Taryn sees in him. He gave me the ick so bad every time he rolled around and dropped everything to rescue his mess of a first wife. I can’t believe even after everything that happened, he still expected Taryn to be accommodating and stick with his decisions. Jesus christ I can’t believe Taryn, not even once has considered leaving him. Even after she almost died because of his ex wife’s drama!
I can’t believe the author let the ex wife get scot free. And she has apparently gotten her own book? give me a fucking break.
If I was Taryn I’d have dumped Jeff’s sorry ass and refused to marry him till he was crawling on the floor every day begging me to take him back.
Jeff is a sorry excuse for a man. I don’t know what Taryn sees in him. He gave me the ick so bad every time he rolled around and dropped everything to rescue his mess of a first wife. I can’t believe even after everything that happened, he still expected Taryn to be accommodating and stick with his decisions. Jesus christ I can’t believe Taryn, not even once has considered leaving him. Even after she almost died because of his ex wife’s drama!
I can’t believe the author let the ex wife get scot free. And she has apparently gotten her own book? give me a fucking break.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2018
Taryn is a beast. Trust me I say this as a compliment because she's good at it, and it's her job. She's a take control kinda gal. In her personal life that also transfer to protection, love and care for her soon to be family. Life can't always go according to plan and things are definitely gonna get bumpy but love and trust will have to pull them thru. This is a great story with some baby mama drama in the best of ways. Trust and habits will be tested. Lines will be crossed. Loyalties are tried.
Having a great time with this series with women who show some back bone and aren't afraid to get the job done. Sometimes they just have to dig a little deeper to get there, but they do. This boxset is proving to be a great read as I move to the story of Shannon.
Having a great time with this series with women who show some back bone and aren't afraid to get the job done. Sometimes they just have to dig a little deeper to get there, but they do. This boxset is proving to be a great read as I move to the story of Shannon.
November 7, 2023
My first book by this author. (I won a copy from Fresh Fiction.). Even though this is a second in a series, I had no problem with this book. There were plenty of twists in the story of Shannon - the ex-wife who shows up to put a bit of a spanner in Taryn and Jeff's happy plans for their upcoming wedding. Poor little girl Olivia = with a mother like Shannon. Will things work out for everyone? You'll have to read to find out. I thought the story was good.
April 21, 2018
review to come
January 5, 2021
This is the second book in the series. It was a great read and looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 19, 2021
**Actually a 4.5-rating**
This book was close to being a solid 5-star read for me but I couldn’t help but get this "spidey-sense" that the storytelling was going to take a cheap "out" and force a Dramatic/Angsty twist.
I was fully prepared for something to go wrong.
We saw the two MCs, an engaged couple -- Jeff & Taryn... all over Book 1 since the female MC of that story is in their wedding party and a BFF of the Bride-to-Be.
Anyway, the Jeff's Ex makes a terrible return after being gone for 5-yrs; the Ex also becomes a secondary proportional character to this couple as the an OW and the "mother to Olivia", the poor daughter Jeff has been rearing as she struggles to learn who this stranger [her Bio-Mom] is who loved drugs and theft more than being her mother.
Taryn, our female MC is prepared to sign adoption papers to become Olivia's Mom as she has known her for 2yrs and about to marry her father, Jeff, in a month or so.
Thing is as Jeff sends a PI to investigate and find/locate his Ex he stirs up her interest and as she's been sobering for 6-months on probation, she returns to show a sudden interest. As in...not just wanting to be Mom to Olivia, but also a wife to Jeff.
Taryn, with her good instincts and conscience feels the dreaded Ex has returned for only terrible reasons...and man was she more than right.
Jeff, of course had to play favorites and well, he kept getting upset with Taryn over his EX and giving his Ex way-too many 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances.
I was really perturbed how the wedding was still going strong and no one called it off, even for a brief time...and then...
... AND THEN!!!!! the Ex's lies and secrets caught up to her... to Jeff, to Olivia and to Taryn specifically putting her Life in peril.
THIS is why it loses a half-star from being perfect...I mean I saw it from a mile away and yeah, it irked me but what irked me more was how listless and passive Taryn was about her very LIFE being in danger and how she could've died and never gotten married...and a simple, "sorry, you were right, you did tell me this would happen" from Jeff appeased Taryn and they still got married.
Oh, and The Ex is getting her own book which is the next one up -- Book 2...I dunno if I want to read it.
I think she was written in certain ways for me to be sympathetic, or empathetic, as a possible redeemable character who has major flaws, but man she went too-too-too far in way-too many ways.
This book was close to being a solid 5-star read for me but I couldn’t help but get this "spidey-sense" that the storytelling was going to take a cheap "out" and force a Dramatic/Angsty twist.
I was fully prepared for something to go wrong.
We saw the two MCs, an engaged couple -- Jeff & Taryn... all over Book 1 since the female MC of that story is in their wedding party and a BFF of the Bride-to-Be.
Anyway, the Jeff's Ex makes a terrible return after being gone for 5-yrs; the Ex also becomes a secondary proportional character to this couple as the an OW and the "mother to Olivia", the poor daughter Jeff has been rearing as she struggles to learn who this stranger [her Bio-Mom] is who loved drugs and theft more than being her mother.
Taryn, our female MC is prepared to sign adoption papers to become Olivia's Mom as she has known her for 2yrs and about to marry her father, Jeff, in a month or so.
Thing is as Jeff sends a PI to investigate and find/locate his Ex he stirs up her interest and as she's been sobering for 6-months on probation, she returns to show a sudden interest. As in...not just wanting to be Mom to Olivia, but also a wife to Jeff.
Taryn, with her good instincts and conscience feels the dreaded Ex has returned for only terrible reasons...and man was she more than right.
Jeff, of course had to play favorites and well, he kept getting upset with Taryn over his EX and giving his Ex way-too many 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances.
I was really perturbed how the wedding was still going strong and no one called it off, even for a brief time...and then...
... AND THEN!!!!! the Ex's lies and secrets caught up to her... to Jeff, to Olivia and to Taryn specifically putting her Life in peril.
THIS is why it loses a half-star from being perfect...I mean I saw it from a mile away and yeah, it irked me but what irked me more was how listless and passive Taryn was about her very LIFE being in danger and how she could've died and never gotten married...and a simple, "sorry, you were right, you did tell me this would happen" from Jeff appeased Taryn and they still got married.
Oh, and The Ex is getting her own book which is the next one up -- Book 2...I dunno if I want to read it.
I think she was written in certain ways for me to be sympathetic, or empathetic, as a possible redeemable character who has major flaws, but man she went too-too-too far in way-too many ways.
February 15, 2016
CHOOSING YOU is the second book in THE THIRSTY HEARTS SERIES by KRIS JAYNE. Kris Jayne hooked me in the first book of the series, CHARMING YOU. Her writing and storytelling is so unique and dazzling. Her characters are delightful. She will keep you under her spell as you follow their story. As with the first book in the series, I think it could be read as a stand alone, but don't miss the opportunity to read all of the books in this unforgettable series.
This book is Taryn and Jeff's story.
Taryn is a stunningly beautiful, blonde, corporate event planner. Jeff is a quiet, maybe nerdy computer programmer. They compliment each other and are madly in love. Jeff had been previously married with a child. His daughter, Olivia, is six years old and Jeff has custody.
Taryn has dreamed about her fairy tale wedding forever. Being an event planner gives her a unique advantage and she hopes to make this wedding one she and Jeff will always remember. They decided on a destination wedding in northern California at Chapparal Estate and Gardens in Napa Valley in the summer. It would be held outside in the gardens with all the beautiful flowers in bloom if the weather was nice. This wedding promises to be a very elaborate and fun event.
Until Taryn met Jeff she had commitment issues if the man had children. But after meeting Jeff, she fell in love with him and Olivia. She couldn't wait to marry Jeff and become Olivia's step-mother. When Jeff surprised Taryn with an over-the-top proposal, she knew that marrying him and becoming Olivia's step-mother was her destination in life. Olivia is so excited about being the flower girl, and as the wedding draws closer, Taryn and Jeff make plans for her to adopt Olivia. Taryn can't wait. Life can't get any better.
Just as Taryn and Jeff think life is perfect, his ex-wife shows up. Taryn has a very bad feeling about it.
Will the return of Jeff's ex-wife threaten the happiness that he and Taryn have found? Will Taryn get the dream wedding with Jeff that she so desperately wants?
This book is Taryn and Jeff's story.
Taryn is a stunningly beautiful, blonde, corporate event planner. Jeff is a quiet, maybe nerdy computer programmer. They compliment each other and are madly in love. Jeff had been previously married with a child. His daughter, Olivia, is six years old and Jeff has custody.
Taryn has dreamed about her fairy tale wedding forever. Being an event planner gives her a unique advantage and she hopes to make this wedding one she and Jeff will always remember. They decided on a destination wedding in northern California at Chapparal Estate and Gardens in Napa Valley in the summer. It would be held outside in the gardens with all the beautiful flowers in bloom if the weather was nice. This wedding promises to be a very elaborate and fun event.
Until Taryn met Jeff she had commitment issues if the man had children. But after meeting Jeff, she fell in love with him and Olivia. She couldn't wait to marry Jeff and become Olivia's step-mother. When Jeff surprised Taryn with an over-the-top proposal, she knew that marrying him and becoming Olivia's step-mother was her destination in life. Olivia is so excited about being the flower girl, and as the wedding draws closer, Taryn and Jeff make plans for her to adopt Olivia. Taryn can't wait. Life can't get any better.
Just as Taryn and Jeff think life is perfect, his ex-wife shows up. Taryn has a very bad feeling about it.
Will the return of Jeff's ex-wife threaten the happiness that he and Taryn have found? Will Taryn get the dream wedding with Jeff that she so desperately wants?
February 14, 2016
With their wedding date set, Taryn Liever and Jeff McConnell are headed down the aisle. They are equally excited about planning and the actual event. They only have one thing they are just as anxious about, Jeff's beautiful daughter Olivia. Olivia's mother had ran out on her when she was two and has not been seen since, Taryn and Jeff want to proceed with Taryn adopting Olivia but first they need her mother to be found to sign off on it.
Enter Shannon Nelson back into Jeff's life. Shannon is a loose cannon and doesn't want to give up her rights to Olivia. With a scheming husband and trying to fight herself from self destructing, Shannon is trying to clean up her act. Taryn doesn't trust Shannon and Jeff sees he needs to give Shannon a chance to become the mother she should be. Tension builds and then the unthinkable happens, will it destroy everything?
Taryn is a firecracker and Jeff is the perfect man to light her up. I thought Jeff was romantic and pure fun. Olivia is adorable and you can totally relate to dynamics this new family is trying to navigate through. I think the bright spot in these stories is that you may know someone who reminds you of some of the characters. Another great read.
Enter Shannon Nelson back into Jeff's life. Shannon is a loose cannon and doesn't want to give up her rights to Olivia. With a scheming husband and trying to fight herself from self destructing, Shannon is trying to clean up her act. Taryn doesn't trust Shannon and Jeff sees he needs to give Shannon a chance to become the mother she should be. Tension builds and then the unthinkable happens, will it destroy everything?
Taryn is a firecracker and Jeff is the perfect man to light her up. I thought Jeff was romantic and pure fun. Olivia is adorable and you can totally relate to dynamics this new family is trying to navigate through. I think the bright spot in these stories is that you may know someone who reminds you of some of the characters. Another great read.
August 4, 2016
As much as I loved Mickey and Nick's story....I totally loved Taryn and Jeff more. Taryn and Jeff are planning their upcoming wedding when Jeff's ex-wife, Shannon, and the mother of his child, Olivia returns after 5 years. Shannon's appearance comes at a time when Jeff and his partners are selling their company. Taryn's instincts tell her that there is more to Shannon's reappearance than she is letting on. Jeff, a perpetual knight in shining armor, refuses to see it until he almost loses Taryn.
There were so many times when I just wanted to yell at Jeff for his perception of the situation with Shannon. Those times were the ones where I was Team Taryn.
When I read the last page...all I could think of was "it can't be ending."
There were so many times when I just wanted to yell at Jeff for his perception of the situation with Shannon. Those times were the ones where I was Team Taryn.
When I read the last page...all I could think of was "it can't be ending."
March 8, 2016
There is no such thing as smooth sailing. Just ask Jeff and Taryn. At the time where there happiness is within reach, there is an upset in their happily ever after. Choosing You is their story. No child deserves a mother like Shannon. The most important task in a parent's life is to look at the well-being of their child, not use the child as a stepping stone for you. Olivia deserved to be protected from this poor excuse of a human being. Ms. Jayne chose an appropriate title. Choosing You is a story about finding joy in the darkest of times and fighting for all you want to achieve. The story is a realistic journey of love between a family despite the odds.
February 16, 2016
My Review of Choosing You by Kris Jayne
My Rating 4 Stars
Taryn and Jeff’s story was very well written and quite an enjoyable read.
This was the sequel from the first book, we were able to revisit some characters from the first book.
Taryn and Jeff are the perfect match, and they have to overcome some hurdles that stand in their way of happiness, The question is will they get their Happy Ever After? I guess you'll have to read it to find out!
* Received an ARC from the Author in exchange for an honest review*
*Reviewed for Hellmouth’s Bookblog & Reviews*
My Rating 4 Stars
Taryn and Jeff’s story was very well written and quite an enjoyable read.
This was the sequel from the first book, we were able to revisit some characters from the first book.
Taryn and Jeff are the perfect match, and they have to overcome some hurdles that stand in their way of happiness, The question is will they get their Happy Ever After? I guess you'll have to read it to find out!
* Received an ARC from the Author in exchange for an honest review*
*Reviewed for Hellmouth’s Bookblog & Reviews*
March 31, 2016
Okay so yeah, I read this book before Book 1 - but!!! it doesn't matter. Choosing you is a great read. Jump in where you can I say. Choosing You is the story of Taryn & Jeff. Insta-family for Taryn, and a mom for Olivia once Taryn and Jeff marry. Choosing You picks up right were Charming You left off.
Wedding plans, a birthday party and Olivia's mom suddenly pops back into the picture. Distress and distrust go hand in hand while everyone tries to figure out why and how Shannon is to fit into their lives. You'll love the ups and downs, twists and turns.
Wedding plans, a birthday party and Olivia's mom suddenly pops back into the picture. Distress and distrust go hand in hand while everyone tries to figure out why and how Shannon is to fit into their lives. You'll love the ups and downs, twists and turns.
February 28, 2016
WHOA!! I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was AMAZING! I was instantly hooked and pulled into the story. The realism of the story and the characters is so refreshing. I was angry, I was crying, I was screaming. Love this book and am looking forward to the next one! I reviewed an ARC provided by the author.
March 16, 2016
I enjoyed this story. This is Taryn and Jeff's story. The story pulls you in and has great storyline. It takes you through lots of emotions. Taryn and Jeff ready to plan their life together are thrown a curve ball. Will they be able over come the new obstacles they face? Kris did a great job. Looking forward to reading more. Received copy for honest review
February 14, 2016
ARC review:
I loved the writing style Jayne gives, but I struggled with reading this. I adored the first in the one so much, I was hoping the sequel would continue with the original characters. In many ways this one is fantastic on it's own, but it's even better when you read it as the sequel.
I loved the writing style Jayne gives, but I struggled with reading this. I adored the first in the one so much, I was hoping the sequel would continue with the original characters. In many ways this one is fantastic on it's own, but it's even better when you read it as the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews