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Cedar Ridge #1
Wrecked
Take one sexy bartender. Add a badass cop. A splash of sweet, that's me. One sour, that's him... and serve over ice.That’s how you’ll get to my current situation.You know the girl - the one who commands the scene, bottle of liquor in hand, pouring liquid fire into the willing throats of patrons as they let loose at the local bar?That's me.I may be known as the town party girl, but in reality I'm this close to my dream of opening my own bar - McConaugheys. Yes, it will be named after the acclaimed actor. What can I say? I’m a sucker for that sexy Texan.Everything was going as planned until the night I had a few drinks and accepted a ride home from a friend. A misunderstanding leads to an arrest, and now I'm at the mercy of the one man I can’t stand, and trust me, the feeling is definitely mutual.Adam Reingold is six-feet-tall and built like a stallion -- the man is the epitome of male. He also happens to be the town narc and hates my guts. There’s a story to our past and it's not a pretty one.So, now, here I am, chained to him for the summer like a hardened criminal, doing whatever he tells me to do. Problem is, I can’t help but look at him when he’s not watching and wonder what our future could be like if things were different.There are so many reasons why he’s all wrong for me. Even more reasons why I need to stay away from him.It’s a cocktail of trouble. Best served shaken, not stirred.
287 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2017
647 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
About the author
Jeannine Colette
47 books1,550 followersWhen I was little, my mom was part of the Double Day book club. She had piles and piles of books lying around the house; most of them with Fabio-esque men and a scantily clad woman set in a different century. I made up stories in my head just from looking at the covers.
When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.
When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.
When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.
When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.
When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.
When I was 32, my someday came.
----------------------------------------
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.
When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.
When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.
When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.
When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.
When I was 32, my someday came.
----------------------------------------
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
June 29, 2017
➦Ok, so check this out. VISUALIZE THIS. You asked another chick for a ride from a bar because you're too drunk to drive yourself. You saw this chick barely drank anything but, when she starts driving like a MANIAC, you realize she's
➦Yeah, she's on something. And then she crashes your car and bails into the woods and YOU get arrested. What would you do? I'll tell you what I would do.
➦I mean, as long as soon as I find her. lol But since I'll be in handcuffs I guess I'll just do what the heroine of this novel did. Cuz that's, like, more realistic.
➦But then, cuz I'm so totally FAB, a certain cop would come to my rescue. Except he's not really as pleasant as he used to be back in the day. Still as hot though.
➦I know, it pleased me immensely too. But I'm not about to put a whole bunch of hot cop pics up again. I mean, been there, done that. Use your imagination :D So back to the point of this review. This cop gets the heroine to do 100 hours of community service. With him. Because, he's sneaky.
➦If you like second chance stories with a bunch of flashbacks to the past (my fave) then give this one a look! The hero was a best friend of the heroine's ex. So just a heads up, there is a "dead ex" but also the "I'm in a relationship with the wrong guy" situation. I didn't mind any of it, but just fyi for anyone who might be sensitive to such things.
consider-later
June 21, 2017LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK|
LIVE! STALLION YOU SAY?!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK|
Blurb:
Take one sexy bartender. Add a badass cop. A splash of sweet, that's me. One sour, that's him... and serve over ice.
That’s how you’ll get to my current situation.
You know the girl - the one who commands the scene, bottle of liquor in hand, pouring liquid fire into the willing throats of patrons as they let loose at the local bar?
That's me. Leah Marie Paige.
I may be known as the town party girl, but in reality I'm this close to my dream of opening my own bar - McConaugheys. Yes, it will be named after the acclaimed actor. What can I say? I’m a sucker for that sexy Texan.
Everything was going as planned until the night I had a few drinks and accepted a ride home from a friend. A misunderstanding leads to an arrest, and now I'm at the mercy of the one man I can’t stand, and trust me, the feeling is definitely mutual.
Adam Reingold is six-feet-tall and built like a stallion -- the man is the epitome of male. He also happens to be the town narc and hates my guts. There’s a story to our past and it's not a pretty one.
So, now, here I am, chained to him for the summer like a hardened criminal, doing whatever he tells me to do. Problem is, I can’t help but look at him when he’s not watching and wonder what our future could be like if things were different.
There are so many reasons why he’s all wrong for me. Even more reasons why I need to stay away from him.
It’s a cocktail of trouble. Best served shaken, not stirred.
LIVE! STALLION YOU SAY?!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK|
Blurb:
Take one sexy bartender. Add a badass cop. A splash of sweet, that's me. One sour, that's him... and serve over ice.
That’s how you’ll get to my current situation.
You know the girl - the one who commands the scene, bottle of liquor in hand, pouring liquid fire into the willing throats of patrons as they let loose at the local bar?
That's me. Leah Marie Paige.
I may be known as the town party girl, but in reality I'm this close to my dream of opening my own bar - McConaugheys. Yes, it will be named after the acclaimed actor. What can I say? I’m a sucker for that sexy Texan.
Everything was going as planned until the night I had a few drinks and accepted a ride home from a friend. A misunderstanding leads to an arrest, and now I'm at the mercy of the one man I can’t stand, and trust me, the feeling is definitely mutual.
Adam Reingold is six-feet-tall and built like a stallion -- the man is the epitome of male. He also happens to be the town narc and hates my guts. There’s a story to our past and it's not a pretty one.
So, now, here I am, chained to him for the summer like a hardened criminal, doing whatever he tells me to do. Problem is, I can’t help but look at him when he’s not watching and wonder what our future could be like if things were different.
There are so many reasons why he’s all wrong for me. Even more reasons why I need to stay away from him.
It’s a cocktail of trouble. Best served shaken, not stirred.
June 20, 2017
Take one sexy bartender. Add a badass cop. A splash of sweet, that's me. One sour, that's him... and serve over ice.
That’s how you’ll get to my current situation.
You know the girl - the one who commands the scene, bottle of liquor in hand, pouring liquid fire into the willing throats of patrons as they let loose at the local bar?
If that piece of the blurb didn’t make you want to read this book, I don’t know what will. Who doesn’t love a hot cop and sexy bartenders that have a love/hate history? I know I do, and let me tell you, I drank this story in faster a glass of wine!
🍻🍻 “If he’s being Wrecked by me, then I’ve been shattered, damaged, destroyed, by him.”
Most girls dream of a having a glamorous career with a husband and 2.5 kids and a cute little dog. That is not the case for Leah Paige. She’s a bartender and soon to be owner of the very same bar that she works in and she wouldn’t trade any of that for the world. Being the life of the party, having good friends, and a family that’s behind her dreams one hundred percent? What more could a girl possible ask for?
Now the only thing that would make her life much more better, is having the town’s most grumpy and brooding cop to stop looking at her like she pissed in his cereal and made him ate it. But Adam and Leah wasn’t always like this. You see, these two have a history and with a past like theirs, there’s only a matter of time before the unresolved issues get the best of them.
🍻🍻 “Funny thing about trying to distance yourself from someone when you’re in a tight space is, the further you move away from each other, the closer you become”.
With a past like theirs, can Leah and Adam have a happily ever after?
I really liked the premise of this story and the female heroine was so different and refreshing to me. Leah did what she wanted and made no apologies for it and I admired that I about her. Adam on the hand, made my hands burn with the need to smack him but thank god he pulled himself together to keep me out of fictional jail. I loved seeing the flashbacks and how Adam and Leah were as teenagers and I think the author balanced their connection perfectly even from an early age.
If you love a second chance romance, I think you’re going to enjoy this one.
Please Note: *Teaser is from the author's page.
June 22, 2017
This was a wonderfully delightful friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance. WRECKED was unexpected but in such a good way. Leah and Adam share a rich history. Once friends, at one time they were almost there, not quite... and then tragedy struck. Circumstances were what they were and their deep friendship no longer existed. This story took me through their pain and devastation, their youth and nostalgia, and their eventual newfound friendship and destiny.
If you're a sucker for second chances like I am, then choose to get wrecked by this book!
Release Date: June 21, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Second Chance Romance
POV: Heroine - 1st person
Heat: 3 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone
If you're a sucker for second chances like I am, then choose to get wrecked by this book!
Release Date: June 21, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Second Chance Romance
POV: Heroine - 1st person
Heat: 3 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone
June 30, 2017
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: Again, I think I went into this expecting more and was disappointed. I hate it when I do that! I didn't hate it, but I just didn't love it either. The reason for the change in their relationship was understandable -- so there's that at least! I am not a huge fan of the "slow burn" romances, and this was sloooow. We don't get a kiss between the mcs until 63%, and they aren't intimate or confess their true feelings until 82%, and they don't become a couple where everyone knows until 92%!! It was all just too slow for my liking. AND we don't get much of them as an actual couple either! It was like someone then hit the fast forwarded button and it was over (I know that ages me there 😒). I also didn't connect with the H at all. I think it was a big error on the author's part in not including his POV. Don't get me wrong -- I've read single mc POV books and it has worked out fine for me, but the way he was portrayed made it hard to understand his character traits and overall intentions. Bummer, because I love second chance AND the hate-to-love-you romance themes and this seemed right up my alley...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Leah and Adam's story. They've known each other since high school when Leah dated Adam's best friend. They had formed a strong friendship, but never crossed the line to something more even though both of them were tempted. There is a tragic event that pushed the couple away from each other, and they have become enemies of sorts. Leah finds herself arrested, and local cop Adam gets her out of trouble by having her do community service hours with him. The more time they spend together, the more it is hard for them to keep up the facade of hating each other. There is some friend and town drama, a few laugh-out-loud moments, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This was told in Leah's POV (and the epilogue in Adam's). I think this was the main reason I didn't fully connect with the H.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the abrupt ending. There are brief flashbacks that I though blended well with the present tense. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well for the most part.
Instalove: No, but they have residual feelings from when they were younger when the story starts.
H rating: 3 stars. Adam. He was ok. It was really hard to get a read on him at times.
h rating: 4 stars. Leah. I liked her. She was sassy and strong, and a good combination of confident and insecure (I know that doesn't sound right, but she makes it work!).
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Decent. They have some decent tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. I'd definitely call this one "slow burn".
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Not really. Once they are a couple, they stay together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had ok closure with what I would call a HFN ending . I wanted more!! I wanted to see them as an actual functioning and healthy couple! We hardly got any time with them as a couple through the whole book.
How I got it: I got it with my scribed subscription.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: Again, I think I went into this expecting more and was disappointed. I hate it when I do that! I didn't hate it, but I just didn't love it either. The reason for the change in their relationship was understandable -- so there's that at least! I am not a huge fan of the "slow burn" romances, and this was sloooow. We don't get a kiss between the mcs until 63%, and they aren't intimate or confess their true feelings until 82%, and they don't become a couple where everyone knows until 92%!! It was all just too slow for my liking. AND we don't get much of them as an actual couple either! It was like someone then hit the fast forwarded button and it was over (I know that ages me there 😒). I also didn't connect with the H at all. I think it was a big error on the author's part in not including his POV. Don't get me wrong -- I've read single mc POV books and it has worked out fine for me, but the way he was portrayed made it hard to understand his character traits and overall intentions. Bummer, because I love second chance AND the hate-to-love-you romance themes and this seemed right up my alley...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Leah and Adam's story. They've known each other since high school when Leah dated Adam's best friend. They had formed a strong friendship, but never crossed the line to something more even though both of them were tempted. There is a tragic event that pushed the couple away from each other, and they have become enemies of sorts. Leah finds herself arrested, and local cop Adam gets her out of trouble by having her do community service hours with him. The more time they spend together, the more it is hard for them to keep up the facade of hating each other. There is some friend and town drama, a few laugh-out-loud moments, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
POV: This was told in Leah's POV (and the epilogue in Adam's). I think this was the main reason I didn't fully connect with the H.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the abrupt ending. There are brief flashbacks that I though blended well with the present tense. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well for the most part.
Instalove: No, but they have residual feelings from when they were younger when the story starts.
H rating: 3 stars. Adam. He was ok. It was really hard to get a read on him at times.
h rating: 4 stars. Leah. I liked her. She was sassy and strong, and a good combination of confident and insecure (I know that doesn't sound right, but she makes it work!).
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Decent. They have some decent tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. I'd definitely call this one "slow burn".
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Not really. Once they are a couple, they stay together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had ok closure with what I would call a HFN ending . I wanted more!! I wanted to see them as an actual functioning and healthy couple! We hardly got any time with them as a couple through the whole book.
How I got it: I got it with my scribed subscription.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
June 30, 2017
I first discovered the Paige family in Reckless Abandon and fell head over heels for the lot of them, Leah especially with her unapologetic confidence, her hidden vulnerability, and her charming quirkiness that includes, but isn’t limited to, her Matthew McConaughey obsession.
Adam was a mystery. His role in Reckless Abandon was minor, and I remember wondering, what kind of man can win over a girl like Leah?
Wrecked gave me my answer. On the surface, Adam's a straight-laced man of the law—a good boy who plays by the rules…or at least claims to. Beneath that, he’s a complicated soul, intent to right the wrongs that haunt him. His feelings for Leah are conflicted and his reasons, which unfold as the story progresses, will break your heart.
The chemistry between Adam and Leah is undeniable and their sexual tension is off the charts. There is so much more between them than initially meets the eye, and while they both know it, they both fight hard to deny it, thus a sweet slow burn that will keep you flipping pages until the wee hours of the morning. Adam and Leah’s history is told through a series of flashbacks, but they’re presented as memories. You won’t be pulled back and forth between chapters. But be forewarned, the second you see a block of italicized text your heart will clench. Some flashbacks are the definition of swoon, others are positively heart wrenching.
Wrecked takes place prior to Reckless Abandon, but both are standalones, as are the other books in the Abandon series, and can be read in any order.
Adam was a mystery. His role in Reckless Abandon was minor, and I remember wondering, what kind of man can win over a girl like Leah?
Wrecked gave me my answer. On the surface, Adam's a straight-laced man of the law—a good boy who plays by the rules…or at least claims to. Beneath that, he’s a complicated soul, intent to right the wrongs that haunt him. His feelings for Leah are conflicted and his reasons, which unfold as the story progresses, will break your heart.
The chemistry between Adam and Leah is undeniable and their sexual tension is off the charts. There is so much more between them than initially meets the eye, and while they both know it, they both fight hard to deny it, thus a sweet slow burn that will keep you flipping pages until the wee hours of the morning. Adam and Leah’s history is told through a series of flashbacks, but they’re presented as memories. You won’t be pulled back and forth between chapters. But be forewarned, the second you see a block of italicized text your heart will clench. Some flashbacks are the definition of swoon, others are positively heart wrenching.
Wrecked takes place prior to Reckless Abandon, but both are standalones, as are the other books in the Abandon series, and can be read in any order.
June 24, 2017
3.75 - 4 McConaughey Stars
December 18, 2018
Well written strong female character.
I would never call her shallow, she was a smart bright girl; mature for her 23 years.
I fliked her almost through the whole story, despite some childish acting like setting up the male character with her BFF and spying after them.
But her willingness to be intimate with him while we was still together with her BFF didn’t sit well with me. Male protagonist had not a real relationship with the girl (no sex, no actual kissing), but he was still aka dating her.
As to his character – I didn’t care much for him (neither in the past, nor in the present). And after they told me at 78% what he actually DID tell the heroine 7 years ago after the funeral of his BFF/her bf, I crossed his character asa wimp highly unlikable.
Maybe if I had his POV…, but the story was written solely from female POV, except 1 short chapter/epilogue at the end.
I liked the book, but due to some doubtful (IMO) “proceeding” I’m a bit conflicted about the actual message of the story.
HNF ending.
Safety:
I would never call her shallow, she was a smart bright girl; mature for her 23 years.
I fliked her almost through the whole story, despite some childish acting like setting up the male character with her BFF and spying after them.
But her willingness to be intimate with him while we was still together with her BFF didn’t sit well with me. Male protagonist had not a real relationship with the girl (no sex, no actual kissing), but he was still aka dating her.
As to his character – I didn’t care much for him (neither in the past, nor in the present). And after they told me at 78% what he actually DID tell the heroine 7 years ago after the funeral of his BFF/her bf, I crossed his character as
Maybe if I had his POV…, but the story was written solely from female POV, except 1 short chapter/epilogue at the end.
I liked the book, but due to some doubtful (IMO) “proceeding” I’m a bit conflicted about the actual message of the story.
HNF ending.
Safety:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2017
4.25 stars
This was VERY GOOD. I really enjoyed this book!
Smart, sassy heroine who is a go-getter.
Sweet,sexy bad-ass cop hero.
Second chance romance, the-one-that-got-away-but-soon-turned-into-enemies plot line.
Just the right amount of angst, sweet and heat.
We learn why they went from close friends to hating each other as we get glimpses of the past. I did not get that bit as i felt it was nearly a non-issue which could have just been sorted out then and there...and not carried on for seven whole years..but, the author made it up by the sweet factor!
This was VERY GOOD. I really enjoyed this book!
Smart, sassy heroine who is a go-getter.
Sweet,sexy bad-ass cop hero.
Second chance romance, the-one-that-got-away-but-soon-turned-into-enemies plot line.
Just the right amount of angst, sweet and heat.
We learn why they went from close friends to hating each other as we get glimpses of the past. I did not get that bit as i felt it was nearly a non-issue which could have just been sorted out then and there...and not carried on for seven whole years..but, the author made it up by the sweet factor!
June 21, 2017
Leah is the bartender of The Bucking Bronco’s she’s sassy, feisty when needed, smart-mouth, and sensitive, intelligent and knows what she likes and go for it!
Adam is an enigma to me right from the start. A tall, gorgeous, sexy as hell cop that can’t seem to forgive Leah for whatever she did in the past. But as the story progress you'll be able to feel how protective, sweet, and romantic Adam can be when it comes to Leah!
One incident led to the arrest of Leah and Adam as her probation officer; sanction her to 100 hours of community service. Together they help build a house for the "Homes for All Souls" project. At first these two have some awkward moments, witty banter between Adam & Leah will give you some laugh-out-loud moments. Through flashback, we learned what really happened seven years ago that created a rift between Adam & Leah. Will they be able to buried the past and move on?
I greatly enjoyed Wrecked from beginning to end. It's a feel good book that will make you laugh at some scene and at the same time felt the angst between two people who certainly have feeling for each other but can't seem to let go of what happened in the past. The characters are well-developed and the pacing of the story moved steadily. This isn’t my first book from Jeannine Colette and every time I read her book it was time well-spent! If you’re in the mood for some rom-com read, I highly recommend this one!
***Note: ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2017
All the stars for Wrecked!!!
"He's looking at me like he's trying to see my truth, decipher my lies and learn everything he's ever thought about me is true, right or wrong, good or bad."
That right there has officially become one of my favorite quotes ever. I mean, perfection!!!
I loved this book. LOVED IT. Not because I'm biased, but because I honestly loved it. There's nothing better than just being able to devour a book. And this one I've read twice already!
This is a beautiful beautiful story and full of feels as all other books by Jeannine. It's also super duper funny. And it's also slow burn fantastic. This heroine is funny and amazing and will steal your heart. This hero is hot and so swoony. You will definitely not be disappointed with his one so add to the TBR cause it's releasing soon.
I will never stop saying this, Jeannine is one of the best writers I've ever read and so totally underrated. As long as she writes books, I'll keep reading them! Can't wait to see what she writes next! Super recommend!
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
"He's looking at me like he's trying to see my truth, decipher my lies and learn everything he's ever thought about me is true, right or wrong, good or bad."
That right there has officially become one of my favorite quotes ever. I mean, perfection!!!
I loved this book. LOVED IT. Not because I'm biased, but because I honestly loved it. There's nothing better than just being able to devour a book. And this one I've read twice already!
This is a beautiful beautiful story and full of feels as all other books by Jeannine. It's also super duper funny. And it's also slow burn fantastic. This heroine is funny and amazing and will steal your heart. This hero is hot and so swoony. You will definitely not be disappointed with his one so add to the TBR cause it's releasing soon.
I will never stop saying this, Jeannine is one of the best writers I've ever read and so totally underrated. As long as she writes books, I'll keep reading them! Can't wait to see what she writes next! Super recommend!
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
October 22, 2018
4 ⭐'s
“It’s protocol to remove any dangerous items from the criminal when detained.”
Okay, so I had no idea this book was part of the Abandon series. The title doesn't go along with the rest of the books so just a head's up that this is about Emma's (from the second book) sister, Leah.
In that book, we do find out about Emma and Adam, at least that they are together so really there aren't any real spoilers there. The spoilers are what happen to Leah's siblings. It was hard to read about them knowing what was going to happen.
Leah is very much her own person and she has a plan of what to do with her life. She also had a best friend once upon a time that was Adam, however, that was seven years ago and they have both changed...or have they?
Likes:
💓Matthew McConaughey.
💓All the bar festivities (I wanna go there!)
💓Luke.
💓Suzanne.
💓Homes for All Souls.
💓Song lyrics.
💓Listening to romance books together (hot!)
💓Epilogue....all right, all right....ALL RIGHT!
Dislikes:
💔What happened with Brad.
💔Nico.
💔Victoria.
💔Overall issue, too descriptive of character's "actions".
Another great story from Jeannine Colette. I really enjoyed Leah and Adam together and their history.
If you would like to read this book in order, I would suggest reading it before Reckless Abandon.
“It’s protocol to remove any dangerous items from the criminal when detained.”
Okay, so I had no idea this book was part of the Abandon series. The title doesn't go along with the rest of the books so just a head's up that this is about Emma's (from the second book) sister, Leah.
In that book, we do find out about Emma and Adam, at least that they are together so really there aren't any real spoilers there. The spoilers are what happen to Leah's siblings. It was hard to read about them knowing what was going to happen.
Leah is very much her own person and she has a plan of what to do with her life. She also had a best friend once upon a time that was Adam, however, that was seven years ago and they have both changed...or have they?
Likes:
💓Matthew McConaughey.
💓All the bar festivities (I wanna go there!)
💓Luke.
💓Suzanne.
💓Homes for All Souls.
💓Song lyrics.
💓Listening to romance books together (hot!)
💓Epilogue....all right, all right....ALL RIGHT!
Dislikes:
💔What happened with Brad.
💔Nico.
💔Victoria.
💔Overall issue, too descriptive of character's "actions".
Another great story from Jeannine Colette. I really enjoyed Leah and Adam together and their history.
If you would like to read this book in order, I would suggest reading it before Reckless Abandon.
June 23, 2017
Wrecked by Jeannine Colette
5 stars!!!
Wrecked by Wrecked, that is how I feel today, but Wrecked in a good way, yes it was emotional at times and the tears freely fell, but most of all was that sense of when you turn the last page and realise that you have read a fantastic book. Jeannine Colette is an author that was introduced to me by a friend and for that I will be eternally grateful. Having read every single book this author has written I can say hand on heart that this is her best book by a country mile and I never thought I would say that seeing as how much I adored Wild Abandon.
Sometimes a book and its characters grab you from the get go and this was such an instance. Jeannine Colette created lovable, honest, real, relatable characters that everyone will be able to resonate with. Two characters that were chalk and cheese yet had so much in common. Two characters that were best friends until they weren’t, two characters that had that undeniable chemistry when they were younger but could never act upon it. Now seven years later it is their turn. Seven years of hurt, frustration and animosity. Seven years of denying what was written in the stars all along. Seven years was a long time but when their paths cross once again, seven years that dissolved in a heartbeat.
These two characters have appeared in previous Jeannine Colette books but never too much to truly get a grip of them and as such this can be read as a standalone. Leah was a quirky character, wildly confident, yet vulnerable, a face of happiness and yet inside was a woman emotionally stifled by her past. Leah was a woman you would want to be best friends with, her personality infectious and her demeanour and what she stands for insanely charming. Leah was a woman I respected, a character I fell insanely in love with and a woman I desperately wanted to find her happy ever after, if anyone deserved it…Leah did.
Adam was a cop, extremely professional, protective and comes across as aloof and a bit of an asshole in the first instance. But, and this is a huge but, he is far from an asshole, so far from an asshole that assholes don’t exist. This was Adam’s protection. He was a man that again was stifled emotionally by his past, a past that he has in common with Leah. A past that had determined his future in more ways than one. A man that was determined to make a difference. Adam had a heart of gold, a heart he also had in common with Leah. Adam was a man that was easy to fall in love with.
Jeannine Colette delivers the slow burn to rival all slow burns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat for an age. Jeannine Colette decimated my heart with one of the most emotional scenes I have ever had the pleasure of reading. A scene that I read so many times as I took in its raw, unadulterated, emotion, passion and honesty. A scene that seriously broke me and yet uplifted me on the flip side. But this book was far from just about the tears.
Jeannine Colette delivered on point dialogue and Leah’s quirkiness to Adam’s inherent professionalism delivered some fantastic scenes that will have you grinning from ear to ear. As these two meander through the path of reconnection your heart will beat faster and the swoon worthy moments will have you grinning from ear to ear. This book ticked all my boxes. Seriously fantastic and this will be a book that I re-read time and time again and will definitely be on my favourites list at the end of the year. Once again Jeannine Colette delivered, I have never had a “bad” book from her and I wish that this author would get the notoriety that she deserves. If you haven’t read this author before, this is a great place to start. Fall in love with her words like I did.
www.theromancecover.com
5 stars!!!
“Life is a series of commas, not periods.”
Wrecked by Wrecked, that is how I feel today, but Wrecked in a good way, yes it was emotional at times and the tears freely fell, but most of all was that sense of when you turn the last page and realise that you have read a fantastic book. Jeannine Colette is an author that was introduced to me by a friend and for that I will be eternally grateful. Having read every single book this author has written I can say hand on heart that this is her best book by a country mile and I never thought I would say that seeing as how much I adored Wild Abandon.
“My cheeseburger.”
Sometimes a book and its characters grab you from the get go and this was such an instance. Jeannine Colette created lovable, honest, real, relatable characters that everyone will be able to resonate with. Two characters that were chalk and cheese yet had so much in common. Two characters that were best friends until they weren’t, two characters that had that undeniable chemistry when they were younger but could never act upon it. Now seven years later it is their turn. Seven years of hurt, frustration and animosity. Seven years of denying what was written in the stars all along. Seven years was a long time but when their paths cross once again, seven years that dissolved in a heartbeat.
“He’s not the monster I thought he’d become. He’s a saint. An angel to my devil.”
These two characters have appeared in previous Jeannine Colette books but never too much to truly get a grip of them and as such this can be read as a standalone. Leah was a quirky character, wildly confident, yet vulnerable, a face of happiness and yet inside was a woman emotionally stifled by her past. Leah was a woman you would want to be best friends with, her personality infectious and her demeanour and what she stands for insanely charming. Leah was a woman I respected, a character I fell insanely in love with and a woman I desperately wanted to find her happy ever after, if anyone deserved it…Leah did.
“…He takes her bowling. You know who bowls? Real couples – that’s who. It’s so Joanie and Chachi that I can’t even.”
Adam was a cop, extremely professional, protective and comes across as aloof and a bit of an asshole in the first instance. But, and this is a huge but, he is far from an asshole, so far from an asshole that assholes don’t exist. This was Adam’s protection. He was a man that again was stifled emotionally by his past, a past that he has in common with Leah. A past that had determined his future in more ways than one. A man that was determined to make a difference. Adam had a heart of gold, a heart he also had in common with Leah. Adam was a man that was easy to fall in love with.
“I was just trying to figure out if I should take you back to your house, like a gentleman, or to mine, like a criminal.”
Jeannine Colette delivers the slow burn to rival all slow burns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat for an age. Jeannine Colette decimated my heart with one of the most emotional scenes I have ever had the pleasure of reading. A scene that I read so many times as I took in its raw, unadulterated, emotion, passion and honesty. A scene that seriously broke me and yet uplifted me on the flip side. But this book was far from just about the tears.
“I hadn’t just lost my first love that day. I’d also lost my last.”
Jeannine Colette delivered on point dialogue and Leah’s quirkiness to Adam’s inherent professionalism delivered some fantastic scenes that will have you grinning from ear to ear. As these two meander through the path of reconnection your heart will beat faster and the swoon worthy moments will have you grinning from ear to ear. This book ticked all my boxes. Seriously fantastic and this will be a book that I re-read time and time again and will definitely be on my favourites list at the end of the year. Once again Jeannine Colette delivered, I have never had a “bad” book from her and I wish that this author would get the notoriety that she deserves. If you haven’t read this author before, this is a great place to start. Fall in love with her words like I did.
www.theromancecover.com
June 19, 2017
Wrecked... I felt this way when I read this story. In the BEST possible way. I was lucky enough to receive a first draft copy of Wrecked. I'm writing this review, not because she asked me to, but because *I* wanted to. I can't wait until it comes out on 6/21/17 and I get to get my grabby little hands on it and read it again, in all of it's polished glory!
You're going to fall in love with Leah... she's one of those characters that you can't help but root for. Sassy, fun... misunderstood. And her Matthew McConaughey obsession, *giggle* it is the best! And as for Adam... humina, humina, humina. Sorry, I was residing on Planet Smut for a moment. Speaking of sexy-times... uh, wow! Ms. Colette has got it going on! I'm throwing out a 'grab a cold glass of water before reading' rating! *fans self* Wrecked is a book that gets it right. It isn't always about the anti-hero... sometimes it is really about being the real life heroes. Real life problems and situations and what we do to get through each day. *Squee*
I enjoyed Wrecked so much... the well-developed characters and organic storyline. I truly love that the characters interconnect with her other books. It fleshes them out so much for me, and even though I haven't read Reckless Abandon, (at the time I read this book), I hear the characters make an appearance there. Thank you, Ms. Colette, for your immense talent and for giving me an early advanced copy to read. I do appreciate it.
4.5 "Life is a series of commas, not periods" Stars, that I will slant up to 5 on the goodreads star scale.
You're going to fall in love with Leah... she's one of those characters that you can't help but root for. Sassy, fun... misunderstood. And her Matthew McConaughey obsession, *giggle* it is the best! And as for Adam... humina, humina, humina. Sorry, I was residing on Planet Smut for a moment. Speaking of sexy-times... uh, wow! Ms. Colette has got it going on! I'm throwing out a 'grab a cold glass of water before reading' rating! *fans self* Wrecked is a book that gets it right. It isn't always about the anti-hero... sometimes it is really about being the real life heroes. Real life problems and situations and what we do to get through each day. *Squee*
I enjoyed Wrecked so much... the well-developed characters and organic storyline. I truly love that the characters interconnect with her other books. It fleshes them out so much for me, and even though I haven't read Reckless Abandon, (at the time I read this book), I hear the characters make an appearance there. Thank you, Ms. Colette, for your immense talent and for giving me an early advanced copy to read. I do appreciate it.
4.5 "Life is a series of commas, not periods" Stars, that I will slant up to 5 on the goodreads star scale.
June 21, 2017
ARC PROVIDED IN EXHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
August 9, 2017
Jeannine, you rock girl! I just love your writing style and was not disappointed with this book in the least!
I actually did not realize until the end how this tied in with the Abandon Series, and then everything started clicking in my brain.
This is Leah's story (Emma's sister). I seriously loved the character development in this book, and especially LOVE Leah's Dad.....such a sweetie and his little metaphors were point on!
Leah is known as the bartender in a little town who is probably going no where.....but, she's out to prove everyone wrong. After losing her high school boyfriend, Brad, to drugs, she moves on and concentrates only on making her dreams come true. And then there's Adam. Adam was Brad's best friend. But in the time Leah was dating Brad, she and Adam became very close......maybe too close....hmmmm, I don't know.
After Brad's death, Adam pushed Leah away and became that broody, glaring, jerk face anytime he was in her presence. They went from friends to enemies in the blink of an eye. Now that they are older, they still are not too fond of each other....or are they? They basically tolerate each other in the small town where they live, but things are about to get interesting!
I loved the storyline, loved their hate/love relationship, all the memories from their past and even the memories between Leah and Brad. Oh and a huge shout-out to Grandma....love her too!
Jeannine rarely disappoints me and I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. My question though, who is it about? And also, if you need me to review an ARC, I would be honored to do so! LOL!!
Keep on writing and rocking girl!
P.S. Would Grey Ditto be a dedication to our dear friend Grey here on Goodreads?? I was just wondering.......
I actually did not realize until the end how this tied in with the Abandon Series, and then everything started clicking in my brain.
This is Leah's story (Emma's sister). I seriously loved the character development in this book, and especially LOVE Leah's Dad.....such a sweetie and his little metaphors were point on!
Leah is known as the bartender in a little town who is probably going no where.....but, she's out to prove everyone wrong. After losing her high school boyfriend, Brad, to drugs, she moves on and concentrates only on making her dreams come true. And then there's Adam. Adam was Brad's best friend. But in the time Leah was dating Brad, she and Adam became very close......maybe too close....hmmmm, I don't know.
After Brad's death, Adam pushed Leah away and became that broody, glaring, jerk face anytime he was in her presence. They went from friends to enemies in the blink of an eye. Now that they are older, they still are not too fond of each other....or are they? They basically tolerate each other in the small town where they live, but things are about to get interesting!
I loved the storyline, loved their hate/love relationship, all the memories from their past and even the memories between Leah and Brad. Oh and a huge shout-out to Grandma....love her too!
Jeannine rarely disappoints me and I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. My question though, who is it about? And also, if you need me to review an ARC, I would be honored to do so! LOL!!
Keep on writing and rocking girl!
P.S. Would Grey Ditto be a dedication to our dear friend Grey here on Goodreads?? I was just wondering.......
June 25, 2017
2.5 Stars!
Leah annoyed me. She seemed very immature and I never warmed up to her. Ugh! I struggled to finish this one because I was bored. I also didn't feel the love between them.
Leah annoyed me. She seemed very immature and I never warmed up to her. Ugh! I struggled to finish this one because I was bored. I also didn't feel the love between them.
June 21, 2017
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Leah wants to prove she's more than the girl who didn't go on to college and stayed in her hometown forever, she wants to go from bartender to bar owner. McConaughey's is her dream, but when a poor decision threatens her dream and her reputation, she bargains with all she has. Adam, the cop that ruins everyone's fun, allows her to work community service building homes alongside him. 100 hours should've been easy, but Leah isn't prepared for the memories and feelings that come back to life after being pushed away years prior. The fun bartender and the strict cop are mixing their lives together, it's a cocktail you'd never want to order, but it just might bring out the best in both of them.
"Like two ends of a magnet, our souls are being drawn toward one another. I am the negative, and he is the positive."
I won't deny it, I picked up Wrecked up for the cover and the blurb that I thought gave away a lot of information. I still think it does (and that it's a little long), but it doesn't give away it all. The blurb doesn't tell you that Jeannine Colette's writing in Wrecked is incredible, that you'll both laugh and try to hold onto some tears, that the plot has so much more to it than first meets the eye. Wrecked reads like a rom-com with a bit more of a punch to it. Main characters Adam and Leah are in a fight against their emotions and their past, one that holds so much more weight to it as the story unfolds. Told in first-person from Leah's POV, readers follow a story that is so relatable; the characters question their self worth, learn how to heal from tragedy, and accept love into their hearts.
"Funny thing about trying to distance yourself from someone when you're in a tight space is, the further you move away from each other, the closer you become."
I tend to read similar story lines over and over, I have a thing for bad boys and good girls, Wrecked definitely doesn't follow the cliche. There's no alpha, jerk male and Leah is not a meek heroine. There's so much more to both Adam and Leah, their love story is one that grows while they each overcome and grow as well. Wrecked has the perfect character development, each situation moving the story forward and making the characters a bit more complex. Driven mostly by dialogue, Leah and Adam revisit their past, right their wrongs, and fix a broken-connection that should never have been severed in the first place. I laughed often, fell in love with tough-but-sweet Adam, and cheered for Leah as she overcame her insecurities.
"If he's being wrecked by me, then I've been shattered, damaged, destroyed by him."
Wrecked is my first book from Jeannine Colette, thanks to Lauren Runow's suggestion, and it definitely won't be my last. It's a feel good story, but written in such a way that you won't want to put it down. Readers will find themselves invested in Leah's story, feeling all the same emotions as she faces life head on with a few Matthew McConaughey quotes to cheer her on.
Leah wants to prove she's more than the girl who didn't go on to college and stayed in her hometown forever, she wants to go from bartender to bar owner. McConaughey's is her dream, but when a poor decision threatens her dream and her reputation, she bargains with all she has. Adam, the cop that ruins everyone's fun, allows her to work community service building homes alongside him. 100 hours should've been easy, but Leah isn't prepared for the memories and feelings that come back to life after being pushed away years prior. The fun bartender and the strict cop are mixing their lives together, it's a cocktail you'd never want to order, but it just might bring out the best in both of them.
"Like two ends of a magnet, our souls are being drawn toward one another. I am the negative, and he is the positive."
I won't deny it, I picked up Wrecked up for the cover and the blurb that I thought gave away a lot of information. I still think it does (and that it's a little long), but it doesn't give away it all. The blurb doesn't tell you that Jeannine Colette's writing in Wrecked is incredible, that you'll both laugh and try to hold onto some tears, that the plot has so much more to it than first meets the eye. Wrecked reads like a rom-com with a bit more of a punch to it. Main characters Adam and Leah are in a fight against their emotions and their past, one that holds so much more weight to it as the story unfolds. Told in first-person from Leah's POV, readers follow a story that is so relatable; the characters question their self worth, learn how to heal from tragedy, and accept love into their hearts.
"Funny thing about trying to distance yourself from someone when you're in a tight space is, the further you move away from each other, the closer you become."
I tend to read similar story lines over and over, I have a thing for bad boys and good girls, Wrecked definitely doesn't follow the cliche. There's no alpha, jerk male and Leah is not a meek heroine. There's so much more to both Adam and Leah, their love story is one that grows while they each overcome and grow as well. Wrecked has the perfect character development, each situation moving the story forward and making the characters a bit more complex. Driven mostly by dialogue, Leah and Adam revisit their past, right their wrongs, and fix a broken-connection that should never have been severed in the first place. I laughed often, fell in love with tough-but-sweet Adam, and cheered for Leah as she overcame her insecurities.
"If he's being wrecked by me, then I've been shattered, damaged, destroyed by him."
Wrecked is my first book from Jeannine Colette, thanks to Lauren Runow's suggestion, and it definitely won't be my last. It's a feel good story, but written in such a way that you won't want to put it down. Readers will find themselves invested in Leah's story, feeling all the same emotions as she faces life head on with a few Matthew McConaughey quotes to cheer her on.
June 23, 2017
'I was so lost in the boy he once was when in front of me is a spectacular man who is so angry at the world for all the right reasons.'
Jeannine Colette is an author we've wanted to experiences for some time now, her book synopsis' continually call to us, and in Wrecked, a small town, enemies to lovers romance telling a story of loss, love and second chances, we finally got our wish and dove straight in once it hit our Kindles.
Wrecked is set in the small town of Cedar Ridge in present time with intermittent flashbacks to events seven years previous which changed the lives, and friendship of Adam Reingold and Leah Paige. Just what caused the deep rift, loathing, and antagonistic behaviour between the pair is slowly and beautifully brought to light as the story progresses.
'If he's been wrecked by me, then I've been shattered, damaged, destroyed by him.'
In this hate/love story, the author ensured we read her story with a desperate need to uncover the tragedy and eventuating fallout that transpired between 25 year old bad arse, sexy, local Police Officer, Adam Reingold, and his then 17 year old best friend, Bar Manager, Leah Paige, now 23. What caused their feelings to change, why did they ignore one another for seven years, and more importantly, can their friendship ever be repaired?
Adam and Leah were wonderful characters. Leah with her self-assuredness and carefree, fun loving attitude, her drive, penchant for bargain fashion, her loathing of Police Officer Reingold, and her out and out love for the man of her dreams, Matthew "all right, all right, all right", McConaughey, was a breath of fresh air. Whilst the grouchy, troubled, pragmatic Adam may have been the seriousness to Leah's flippant, we loved him for his kind heart and his dedication upholding the law and protecting his town, especially the young and vulnerable. Adam and Leah really were opposites…but you know what they say about opposites, right?
"You have no idea what it is taking me not to touch you right now."
"Why aren't you?"
"Because you haven't let me."
Through a series of events, Adam and Leah are brought together, and as a result, are forced to slowly and painfully confront their pasts and their feelings for each other, reliving the moment that saw them drift apart.
"Adam." His name comes out as a whisper my words catch in my throat. "I don't want to hate each other anymore."
"Then let's not."
We adored the quirkiness of some of the characters, especially Leah's sweet family. From her Mum and Dad (Bob and Pam), to her sister Emma and her brother Luke, this family entertained us no end. And let's not forget Leah's flirty and very modern Grandmother and her lustful attraction to Adam. This lady had us in fits. Especially her advice to her Grand-daughter about the very sexy Adam……. "Chain him to the bed, Leah. Cuff him, and don't let him out of your sight for the next fifty years." Yep, she was one feisty, giggle inducing lady!
If you enjoy an enemies to lovers romance that deals with guilt, secrets and longing from the past, then Wrecked is for you. A story with drama and emotion sprinkled with sweet, tender and funny moments. Whilst we didn't experience the emotional punch we would have loved, Wrecked was a fabulous introduction to Jeannine Colette's work and you can bet it's left us wanting to experience more from this author.
WRECKED is now available to purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
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June 21, 2019TWO YEAR BOOKAVERSARY GIVEAWAY!!!
GO TO https://www.instagram.com/p/By-aHbAgTdA/ to enter to win a Signed Paperback!
READ NOW ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
Take one sexy bartender. Add a badass cop. A splash of sweet, that's me. One sour, that's him... and serve over ice.
That’s how you’ll get to my current situation.
You know the girl - the one who commands the scene, bottle of liquor in hand, pouring liquid fire into the willing throats of patrons as they let loose at the local bar?
That's me. Leah Marie Paige.
I may be known as the town party girl, but in reality I'm this close to my dream of opening my own bar - McConaugheys. Yes, it will be named after the acclaimed actor. What can I say? I’m a sucker for that sexy Texan.
Everything was going as planned until the night I had a few drinks and accepted a ride home from a friend. A misunderstanding leads to an arrest, and now I'm at the mercy of the one man I can’t stand, and trust me, the feeling is definitely mutual.
Adam Reingold is six-feet-tall and built like a stallion -- the man is the epitome of male. He also happens to be the town narc and hates my guts. There’s a story to our past and it's not a pretty one.
So, now, here I am, chained to him for the summer like a hardened criminal, doing whatever he tells me to do. Problem is, I can’t help but look at him when he’s not watching and wonder what our future could be like if things were different.
There are so many reasons why he’s all wrong for me. Even more reasons why I need to stay away from him.
It’s a cocktail of trouble. Best served shaken, not stirred.
READ NOW ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
Add to your GOODREADS TBR
GO TO https://www.instagram.com/p/By-aHbAgTdA/ to enter to win a Signed Paperback!
READ NOW ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
Take one sexy bartender. Add a badass cop. A splash of sweet, that's me. One sour, that's him... and serve over ice.
That’s how you’ll get to my current situation.
You know the girl - the one who commands the scene, bottle of liquor in hand, pouring liquid fire into the willing throats of patrons as they let loose at the local bar?
That's me. Leah Marie Paige.
I may be known as the town party girl, but in reality I'm this close to my dream of opening my own bar - McConaugheys. Yes, it will be named after the acclaimed actor. What can I say? I’m a sucker for that sexy Texan.
Everything was going as planned until the night I had a few drinks and accepted a ride home from a friend. A misunderstanding leads to an arrest, and now I'm at the mercy of the one man I can’t stand, and trust me, the feeling is definitely mutual.
Adam Reingold is six-feet-tall and built like a stallion -- the man is the epitome of male. He also happens to be the town narc and hates my guts. There’s a story to our past and it's not a pretty one.
So, now, here I am, chained to him for the summer like a hardened criminal, doing whatever he tells me to do. Problem is, I can’t help but look at him when he’s not watching and wonder what our future could be like if things were different.
There are so many reasons why he’s all wrong for me. Even more reasons why I need to stay away from him.
It’s a cocktail of trouble. Best served shaken, not stirred.
READ NOW ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
Add to your GOODREADS TBR
March 5, 2018
Yup, loved it just as much the second time!
Whenever I'm an a rut or feeling like I'm losing my reading mojo, Jeannine Colette seems to be that one author that can pull me out of my funk. Her books always flow nicely and I read with a smile on my face the entire time.
Wrecked was no different. I loved Leah's sassiness and Adam's demeanor. They've both been through a tragedy and even though it threatened to ruin them, their spirits were too strong to go dormant.
All the matthew mcconaughey references cracked me up and brought out Leah's craziness even more. Her family added a great side story, adding even more smilies and laughter to the book. I wish my Grandma was like hers!
This book has it all, laughter, angst, sadness, smiles, love and oh yeah, an amazing cameo from Trevin and Lily. <3
I Highly recommend!!
Whenever I'm an a rut or feeling like I'm losing my reading mojo, Jeannine Colette seems to be that one author that can pull me out of my funk. Her books always flow nicely and I read with a smile on my face the entire time.
Wrecked was no different. I loved Leah's sassiness and Adam's demeanor. They've both been through a tragedy and even though it threatened to ruin them, their spirits were too strong to go dormant.
All the matthew mcconaughey references cracked me up and brought out Leah's craziness even more. Her family added a great side story, adding even more smilies and laughter to the book. I wish my Grandma was like hers!
This book has it all, laughter, angst, sadness, smiles, love and oh yeah, an amazing cameo from Trevin and Lily. <3
I Highly recommend!!
February 27, 2018
Loved it! Loved Leah ❤️ what a great surprise this was and that's why I love KU! Trying out new authors I would never have read. Glad I took a chance on this one 😁
June 20, 2017
3.5 Stars
This was my first book by Jeannine Colette and I really enjoyed it! Nothing too over the top here, just a sweet and sexy small-town romance featuring one hot cop and a feisty heroine.
Leah is determined to own the bar where she works and I loved that aspect of the book. The author also seems to have a wicked sense of humor which shows in the funny banter and the hilarious Matthew McConaughey references. Leah lost her first love to an overdose, and he also happened to be Adam's best friend - Adam, the rigid, by-the-book policeman who seems determined to punish Leah for her past mistakes.
Adam is charitable and gorgeous and kind and protective. He has made it his mission in life to rid the town of narcotics. When Leah is sentenced to community service under Adam's supervision, the sparks begin to fly.
Even though the setting is in the Midwest, this story has almost a sassy, Southern feel to it, reminiscent of Abbi Glines and Harper Sloan's early books. I love a blue-collar hero and Luke fits the bill perfectly!
Adam was cold and harsh and downright mean for much of the story, until Leah begins to break through to him. The chemistry between these two was HOT HOT HOT! I applaud Ms. Colette for her strong and sassy heroine and absolutely loved Leah. She wasn't just a party girl and earns the respect of everyone around her. 'Wrecked' is a funny, sexy, small-town romance that is a great way to spend a few hours.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
This was my first book by Jeannine Colette and I really enjoyed it! Nothing too over the top here, just a sweet and sexy small-town romance featuring one hot cop and a feisty heroine.
Leah is determined to own the bar where she works and I loved that aspect of the book. The author also seems to have a wicked sense of humor which shows in the funny banter and the hilarious Matthew McConaughey references. Leah lost her first love to an overdose, and he also happened to be Adam's best friend - Adam, the rigid, by-the-book policeman who seems determined to punish Leah for her past mistakes.
Adam is charitable and gorgeous and kind and protective. He has made it his mission in life to rid the town of narcotics. When Leah is sentenced to community service under Adam's supervision, the sparks begin to fly.
Even though the setting is in the Midwest, this story has almost a sassy, Southern feel to it, reminiscent of Abbi Glines and Harper Sloan's early books. I love a blue-collar hero and Luke fits the bill perfectly!
Adam was cold and harsh and downright mean for much of the story, until Leah begins to break through to him. The chemistry between these two was HOT HOT HOT! I applaud Ms. Colette for her strong and sassy heroine and absolutely loved Leah. She wasn't just a party girl and earns the respect of everyone around her. 'Wrecked' is a funny, sexy, small-town romance that is a great way to spend a few hours.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
June 24, 2017
'I was so lost in the boy he once was when in front of me is a spectacular man who is so angry at the world for all the right reasons.'
Jeannine Colette is an author we've wanted to experiences for some time now, her book synopsis' continually call to us, and in Wrecked, a small town, enemies to lovers romance telling a story of loss, love and second chances, we finally got our wish and dove straight in once it hit our Kindles.
Wrecked is set in the small town of Cedar Ridge in present time with intermittent flashbacks to events seven years previous which changed the lives, and friendship of Adam Reingold and Leah Paige. Just what caused the deep rift, loathing, and antagonistic behaviour between the pair is slowly and beautifully brought to light as the story progresses.
'If he's been wrecked by me, then I've been shattered, damaged, destroyed by him.'
In this hate/love story, the author ensured we read her story with a desperate need to uncover the tragedy and eventuating fallout that transpired between 25 year old bad arse, sexy, local Police Officer, Adam Reingold, and his then 17 year old best friend, Bar Manager, Leah Paige, now 23. What caused their feelings to change, why did they ignore one another for seven years, and more importantly, can their friendship ever be repaired?
Through a series of events, Adam and Leah are brought together, and as a result, are forced to slowly and painfully confront their pasts and their feelings for each other, reliving the moment that saw them drift apart.
"Adam." His name comes out as a whisper my words catch in my throat. "I don't want to hate each other anymore."
"Then let's not."
We adored the quirkiness of some of the characters, especially Leah's sweet family. From her Mum and Dad (Bob and Pam), to her sister Emma and her brother Luke, this family entertained us no end. And let's not forget Leah's flirty and very modern Grandmother and her lustful attraction to Adam. This lady had us in fits. Especially her advice to her Grand-daughter about the very sexy Adam……. "Chain him to the bed, Leah. Cuff him, and don't let him out of your sight for the next fifty years." Yep, she was one feisty, giggle inducing lady!
If you enjoy an enemies to lovers romance that deals with guilt, secrets and longing from the past, then Wrecked is for you. A story with drama and emotion sprinkled with sweet, tender and funny moments. Whilst we didn't experience the emotional punch we would have loved, Wrecked was a fabulous introduction to Jeannine Colette's work and you can bet it's left us wanting to experience more from this author. Click here for full review
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June 23, 2017
This is easily one of my faves of 2017. More of a review to come...
June 4, 2017
If there's one thing that Jeannine can do is make me fall in love with a contemporary romance that makes me need more. This is not my first book by this author, and I can safely say with each book she releases she grips me in her roller coaster, pulling me along with her words until I'm left reeling with emotion.
Once again Jeannine weaves a tale of two people who are relatable, and that's what I love about her books. You can put yourself in the characters shoes and journey along with them in the pain, love, agony, elation, and loss. And even though there are sensitive topics covered, I feel that the way the author covered them were beautifully tragic, yet emotionally healing.
I can't give this beautiful story enough stars! I can't wait for what Jeannine has in store for us next!!
Once again Jeannine weaves a tale of two people who are relatable, and that's what I love about her books. You can put yourself in the characters shoes and journey along with them in the pain, love, agony, elation, and loss. And even though there are sensitive topics covered, I feel that the way the author covered them were beautifully tragic, yet emotionally healing.
I can't give this beautiful story enough stars! I can't wait for what Jeannine has in store for us next!!
June 22, 2017
4.5 stars!
Wrecked was my first book by this author. I loved everything about it. The blurb...bartender and cop? Ummm YES PLEASE?! The cover? Absolutely stunning. The story? Well, I have 4.5 stars so she sure did something right!
I loved Leah and Adam. The connection they had and the tragedy that tore them apart had such an emotional punch. Reading about how much Leah loved Matthew McConaughey was very entertaining. Because, HELLO IT'S MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY!!
Adam stole the show for me. He is perfect! Well, except for that one time....you'll know once you read it. But he was lashing out and was a teenager, so I forgave him. His actions as an adult made me fall for him.
This book touched on some very sensitive topics. Drug addiction, death, and friends and family dealing with the aftermath of an addict. And this touches very close to home for me. If you would search my hometown you would see articles and TV shows about the drug epidemic that's happening right now. There are woman who went missing and some have been found dead and it's all connected to the drug issue. I was impressed with how well she incorporated these issues into her story.
I'm very impressed with this author and I'm looking forward to reading more from her!
Wrecked was my first book by this author. I loved everything about it. The blurb...bartender and cop? Ummm YES PLEASE?! The cover? Absolutely stunning. The story? Well, I have 4.5 stars so she sure did something right!
I loved Leah and Adam. The connection they had and the tragedy that tore them apart had such an emotional punch. Reading about how much Leah loved Matthew McConaughey was very entertaining. Because, HELLO IT'S MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY!!
Adam stole the show for me. He is perfect! Well, except for that one time....you'll know once you read it. But he was lashing out and was a teenager, so I forgave him. His actions as an adult made me fall for him.
This book touched on some very sensitive topics. Drug addiction, death, and friends and family dealing with the aftermath of an addict. And this touches very close to home for me. If you would search my hometown you would see articles and TV shows about the drug epidemic that's happening right now. There are woman who went missing and some have been found dead and it's all connected to the drug issue. I was impressed with how well she incorporated these issues into her story.
I'm very impressed with this author and I'm looking forward to reading more from her!
June 21, 2017
3.5 “all right, all right, all right” stars!
Leah Paige's dream is finally in her sights. She has everything under control as she gets ready to take over the bar she has been working at since she was eighteen. With the help of her wonderful family, she has saved enough money to buy the bar from the current owner and make it her own. People don't take her seriously in her small town though, and she sets out to prove she is so much more than the bartender who didn't go to college. Everything is falling into place until her life is wrecked in a blink of an eye.
Adam Reingold is the town's narcotics agent who has been cracking down on drugs ever since his best friend overdosed. He and Leah aren't on the friendliest of terms and things only get worse when Leah finds herself in a predicament that can ruin everything she has worked so hard for. Adam seems to have a way out of her dilemma and, though it’s not something she is looking forward to, she is willing to accept her punishment in order to keep her dream alive.
This book is about forgiveness, healing, and finding peace while moving on. It has some light-hearted scenes as well as some heart wrenching moments as the characters navigate their unsettled relationship while spending more time together.
I loved how Leah went after her dreams. She is determined to change the opinions people have about her. She comes across as a wild, party girl, but she is smart, sweet, and hardworking. I loved her vision and thought her obsession with Matthew McConaughey was hilarious. Her confidence was refreshing and I loved that she was who she was and didn't try to be anyone different. I do think at times some of her actions were a little forced and when she denied her feelings, she still made herself noticeable and showed off her best attributes, coming across as a bit contradictory. However, despite those small annoyances, she was still a unique heroine and I did like her a lot.
Adam was hot and cold and it took me a while to get a grasp on his character since the story is written in Leah's POV. I like how we get glimpses of him through flashbacks showing us how he has changed and giving us a clearer understanding as to why he is the way he is. My heart hurt for the pain he felt losing his best friend and his determination to make a difference in his town and fight the drug epidemic was encouraging. He was a great guy and I could see how he felt even if Leah couldn’t. I loved that he protected her no matter how much hurt and anger they felt towards each other. He was sweet and totally swoony at times, and he easily won me over.
You know there is history between Adam and Leah but you don't get the whole story right away. I liked the way it unfolded showing us the connection they had and the chemistry between them. It's a slow burn romance and the sexual tension is palpable whenever they are around each other. You know that it's just building until it can't be contained anymore.
Adam and Leah have a lot to work through though and over time they heal and forgive, allowing them to truly love each other. Overall, Wrecked is an enjoyable story and I look forward to reading more from Jeannine Colette.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Leah Paige's dream is finally in her sights. She has everything under control as she gets ready to take over the bar she has been working at since she was eighteen. With the help of her wonderful family, she has saved enough money to buy the bar from the current owner and make it her own. People don't take her seriously in her small town though, and she sets out to prove she is so much more than the bartender who didn't go to college. Everything is falling into place until her life is wrecked in a blink of an eye.
Adam Reingold is the town's narcotics agent who has been cracking down on drugs ever since his best friend overdosed. He and Leah aren't on the friendliest of terms and things only get worse when Leah finds herself in a predicament that can ruin everything she has worked so hard for. Adam seems to have a way out of her dilemma and, though it’s not something she is looking forward to, she is willing to accept her punishment in order to keep her dream alive.
This book is about forgiveness, healing, and finding peace while moving on. It has some light-hearted scenes as well as some heart wrenching moments as the characters navigate their unsettled relationship while spending more time together.
I loved how Leah went after her dreams. She is determined to change the opinions people have about her. She comes across as a wild, party girl, but she is smart, sweet, and hardworking. I loved her vision and thought her obsession with Matthew McConaughey was hilarious. Her confidence was refreshing and I loved that she was who she was and didn't try to be anyone different. I do think at times some of her actions were a little forced and when she denied her feelings, she still made herself noticeable and showed off her best attributes, coming across as a bit contradictory. However, despite those small annoyances, she was still a unique heroine and I did like her a lot.
Adam was hot and cold and it took me a while to get a grasp on his character since the story is written in Leah's POV. I like how we get glimpses of him through flashbacks showing us how he has changed and giving us a clearer understanding as to why he is the way he is. My heart hurt for the pain he felt losing his best friend and his determination to make a difference in his town and fight the drug epidemic was encouraging. He was a great guy and I could see how he felt even if Leah couldn’t. I loved that he protected her no matter how much hurt and anger they felt towards each other. He was sweet and totally swoony at times, and he easily won me over.
You’re all I’ve ever wanted. You wrecked me a long time ago, and I will never be repaired. Hell, I don’t even want to be repaired.
You know there is history between Adam and Leah but you don't get the whole story right away. I liked the way it unfolded showing us the connection they had and the chemistry between them. It's a slow burn romance and the sexual tension is palpable whenever they are around each other. You know that it's just building until it can't be contained anymore.
Adam and Leah have a lot to work through though and over time they heal and forgive, allowing them to truly love each other. Overall, Wrecked is an enjoyable story and I look forward to reading more from Jeannine Colette.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
June 21, 2017
I have been Wrecked, I have fell in love with this book!! Adam & Leah's story is a heartbreakingly beautiful read. Jeannine Colette is a new to me author and this book right here is one of the reasons I love to read and blog. I started this book today and could not put it down.
For the heart finds comfort in the moments cherished with the touch of hand."Wrecked was a fantastic read, well written and i was pulled into the story from the beginning. We get glimpses into thier past which really add depth and meaning to this read. Adam and Leah were best of friends, with their friendship taking a surprising turn that neither one expected. Sadly one afternoon their lives and friendship changed forever. When tragedy strikes leaving these two with a lot of guilt and hate.
Eight years on and Leah is a pub bartender and soon to be owner of the Bucking Bronco (aka McConaughy’s). She's the life and sole of a party and pretty much is everyone’s best friend. She loves her job, family, and best friends. Adam is the town's local brooding Police Officer he keeps himself to himself. And while they still live in the same town they are barely tolerable of each other. But all is not as it seems with their feelings.
And all it takes is one drunken night with Leah's "friend" crashing her car and leaving Leah to face the music. Leah is left no choice and agrees to make a deal with Adam no charge for 100 hours of community. She just didn't realise the deal would be her working with Adam building homes for the community. In turn making them realise the friendship they had lost and the feeling that are still very much their for them both.
The chemistry between Adam and Leah is undeniable and their sexual tension is off the charts. There is so much more that they are hiding between them and while they both know it, they both fight hard to deny it, thus giving us a sweet slow burn. I felt every bit of their, drama, hate, love, fear and terror. I was invested in these two characters right from the beginning. And was left gripping my kindle fighting with my emotions wanting these two, to get their HEA!!
Along with their love story there was some very touching moments with Leah's family and funny ones too. This story really had it all for me and will stay with me forever.
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June 15, 2017
4.5 stars. Leah Paige has all of her dreams wrapped up in the bar McConaughey's that she's about to take over and own. She's never worked harder for something in her life and she's not going to let anything get in her way. Even if she's arrested and has to deal with Adam Reingold, a straight-laced and by-the-book police officer and former best friend, but now a huge thorn in her side, bordering on sworn enemy. From that moment, my interest was peaked, there's obviously some history there that I couldn't wait to get to the bottom of.
Leah was first introduced in Reckless Abandon as Emma's sister, but this book is a complete standalone from it and actually takes place before Reckless Abandon. I have to admit, I wasn't particularly excited to read about Leah, but like a lot of people around her, I completely underestimated her and shouldn't have. Leah may be more than obsessed and infatuated with Matthew McConaughey (I don't know that I could come up with one good quote that he's ever said in a movie), but she is fun loving, fearless and confident. Leah can also put on a good show because she's in the business of entertaining and providing excellent customer service, so it's not a leap to assume certain things about her, but Leah guards her heart carefully and only gives everything of herself to the people she loves unconditionally. Yet she's got a well of compassion that runs pretty deep, too.
Adam sees all the amazing things about Leah even if he'd rather turn a blind eye because it puts him in a difficult position and requires re-visiting the hurts of the past. He was a great combination of protective, stoic, chivalrous and conflicted. He is definitely the true good guy who lives by example and no one is harder on him than himself. The dynamic and buildup between Leah and Adam was fantastic, there was this underlying tension that was a mix of longing, begrudging and respect. While these two may have circled around each other for years, I loved that neither of them went out and did really stupid and immature things in the meantime that specifically hurt the other person out of spite. Instead, they maintained a healthy distance and ignored the white elephant in the room. Speaking of white elephants, there's several flashbacks that showcase the younger Leah and Adam and it only made me more anxious for them to overcome their obstacles so they could finally be together because it was obvious they were going to be combustible, but also sweet and supportive. Definitely a romance novel that hits all the appropriate check marked boxes if you are looking for something to read with lovable, strong and well-balanced characters.
Leah was first introduced in Reckless Abandon as Emma's sister, but this book is a complete standalone from it and actually takes place before Reckless Abandon. I have to admit, I wasn't particularly excited to read about Leah, but like a lot of people around her, I completely underestimated her and shouldn't have. Leah may be more than obsessed and infatuated with Matthew McConaughey (I don't know that I could come up with one good quote that he's ever said in a movie), but she is fun loving, fearless and confident. Leah can also put on a good show because she's in the business of entertaining and providing excellent customer service, so it's not a leap to assume certain things about her, but Leah guards her heart carefully and only gives everything of herself to the people she loves unconditionally. Yet she's got a well of compassion that runs pretty deep, too.
Adam sees all the amazing things about Leah even if he'd rather turn a blind eye because it puts him in a difficult position and requires re-visiting the hurts of the past. He was a great combination of protective, stoic, chivalrous and conflicted. He is definitely the true good guy who lives by example and no one is harder on him than himself. The dynamic and buildup between Leah and Adam was fantastic, there was this underlying tension that was a mix of longing, begrudging and respect. While these two may have circled around each other for years, I loved that neither of them went out and did really stupid and immature things in the meantime that specifically hurt the other person out of spite. Instead, they maintained a healthy distance and ignored the white elephant in the room. Speaking of white elephants, there's several flashbacks that showcase the younger Leah and Adam and it only made me more anxious for them to overcome their obstacles so they could finally be together because it was obvious they were going to be combustible, but also sweet and supportive. Definitely a romance novel that hits all the appropriate check marked boxes if you are looking for something to read with lovable, strong and well-balanced characters.
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