Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Three years ago, Alex Fisher lost her husband and since then, she hasn’t been able to find her stride. She’s out of a job, out of time, and running on fumes. When she receives a personal invitation to visit the picturesque town of Granite Harbor, Maine, she jumps at the chance to start fresh.

For game warden Eli Young, life is simpler when he’s exploring the back roads of Maine. In the north woods, he doesn’t have to deal with town politics or his soon-to-be ex-wife. But a chance meeting with a brokenhearted newcomer leaves him tangled. He should walk away—except, now that he’s met her, he can’t turn back.
When a young woman goes missing in town, tensions rise, and everyone becomes a suspect. Eli doesn’t think things can get any more complicated…until a picture of Alex is discovered at a gruesome crime scene.

In a town where trust is hard to come by and ghosts from the past haunt its citizens in the broad light of day, the question isn’t whether Eli and Alex can save what’s left of their hearts…but whether they’ll live to see tomorrow.

266 pages, ebook

First published August 14, 2018

319 people are currently reading
620 people want to read

About the author

J. Lynn Bailey

12 books369 followers
J. Lynn is a bestselling author, mother, and wife. When she isn't running between soccer practices, working on another school fundraiser, or chasing a new puppy, you can probably find her holed up in her writing room feverishly working on her next novel.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
229 (51%)
4 stars
131 (29%)
3 stars
65 (14%)
2 stars
15 (3%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Dri ✰.
693 reviews240 followers
August 25, 2018
★ 1 STAR ★

“You have to meet your fear at the doorway and knock it on its face. You can’t get anywhere in life if fear stands a chance.”


▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬

Eu tinha esperanças de que este livro me tiraria da bad que venho sentindo após minhas últimas leituras. Mas infelizmente isso não aconteceu...

A princípio eu estava curtindo a história, pude ter uma visão de como a vida da Alex estava estagnada após ter perdido seu marido há 3 anos. No entanto, esse sentimento começou a mudar a partir do momento que ela e Eli se encontraram pela primeira vez.

Devido as circunstâncias em que ambos se encontravam em suas vidas, achei que o relacionamento progrediu de forma rápida e sem muito desenvolvimento. Notando o tempo que a história seguiu, tudo aconteceu em questão de dias, portanto, na minha opinião foi praticamente um insta-love.

Mas, pra ser honesta, o ponto que citei acima não foi o grande problema que encontrei nessa leitura. O que mais me incomodou nesse livro foi a escrita/narrativa.

Veja bem, não tenho nada contra histórias narradas com pov duplo. Eu adoro e acho muito interessante saber o que o personagem está passando ou sentindo no decorrer da trama. Entretanto o que me irrita extremamente é quando o autor não sabe desenvolver esses povs de uma forma que não deixe a leitura cansativa e repetitiva. E foi exatamente o que aconteceu aqui.

A minha leitura não seguiu um ritmo fluido porque toda vez que um novo capítulo iniciava, os acontecimentos do anterior eram narrados novamente só que na perspectiva do outro personagem. E somente no final era acrescentado o ponto seguinte da trama. O quão chato é isso, de ler várias páginas e ter a sensação de que a história pareceu não sair do lugar?

A narrativa persistiu dessa maneira até em torno de 60-70%. Após essa marca foi que a trama aparentou seguir seu caminho, só que aí tudo foi desenrolado de maneira rápida. Alguns dos fatos que se revelaram foram previsíveis, principalmente um conflito em especial, que francamente eu achei completamente desnecessário.

Enfim, este enredo tinha potencial de se tornar uma bonita história de segunda chance e redescoberta do amor. Porém, não foi elaborado, desenvolvido e trabalhado apropriadamente. O que é uma pena...
Profile Image for Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦.
293 reviews491 followers
August 14, 2018


The first book I ever read from J Lynn Bailey was Standing Sideways, and I loved it so much that I swore I would read anything this author produces from that moment on. Her writing is phenomenal and I urge everyone to check out her stories. I am a huge fan of suspenseful romances when done right, and Peony Red was absolutely done the way I like it. I was captivated and hooked from the Prologue and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Ever since Alex Fisher lost her husband three years ago nothing has been the same since. She is at a stand-still in her life and has no idea how to move forward. When she is not busy staring at an empty computer screen, because her career as a writer is going nowhere fast, she is helping her mother look after her father; her father who more and more frequently doesn’t even know who she is. Her one constant in her life, the one person she can always count on is her best friend Bryce.

Alex is heartbroken, so incredibly sad and is unsure how she is ever going to get past the internal pain and suffering she is drowning in. When Alex receives a personal invitation to visit the town of Granite Harbor, she knows it is probably the best thing for her. A fresh start, new town and new beginnings; a place where no one knows her and knows of her grief. She does however feel a large amount of trepidation about such a move and leaving behind her life as she knows it, even if it is for a short time. But when you’ve hit rock bottom the only way is up. She ultimately decides to take the plunge and start her new life in the hope of a new and reinvigorated lease on life.

Eli Young is a game warden. Prior to reading Peony Red I had no idea what a game warden was or what they do; I had never even heard of a game warden before, but I soon learnt they are involved in law enforcement to serve, protect and patrol woods and difficult terrain. I just fell in love almost instantly with Eli; he’s strong, protective, sweet and an all-round good guy. If you want to meet a hero that is sure to make you swoon beyond all belief then I urge you to meet Eli Young. He is sure to warm your heart.

Eli too has been through a rough time in the last three years, which includes separating from his soon-to-be ex-wife and loves nothing more than immersing himself in his job as a game warden to escape his troubles.

From the moment Eli meets Alex he feels this intense, undeniable attraction towards her and knows he should stay away, but the pull towards her is too strong that no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t walk away.

“Life doesn’t scare me.
Living without you does.”


One of the things I loved most about Peony Red is the prologue and the air of mystery it portrayed to open up this story. I was confused at first, but that was only because I had no idea how fundamentally important it would be and how it would impact the story. I just loved, loved, loved it.

I love nothing more than stories that are set in a small town, because when written well, the town plays such an important character and J. Lynn Bailey did a phenomenal job of setting the scene within Granite Harbor. If I closed my eyes I could really picture the town and the residents.

“There was no way I couldn’t have fallen in love with Eli. There wasn’t a way to escape the way this all has worked out. Avoid it. Because, as much as I tried to resist, fate always wins. Love always wins.”


I really adored Peony Red; J. Lynn Bailey intertwined just the right amount of suspense with a beautiful love story. This story is about the ultimate pain that comes with grief and heartache, it’s about finding yourself and finding that heart racing love a second time around. I could not recommend Peony Red enough and if you love your suspenseful love stories, then this one simply cannot be missed.



Follow us on facebook Follow us on instagram
Profile Image for Kate.
2,277 reviews356 followers
August 8, 2018
4.5 'Lettuce Eaters Forever' Stars.

Characters & Chemistry.

Alex Fisher is living a stagnant life after being a widow three years she knows that the path she is taking can’t continue. Her career as a writer is going down the drain as she is not writing anything productive.

She is scared to leave behind what she knows but she knows that she can’t stay. After receiving a postcard from Granite Harbor, Maine with a lot of pushing from her parents and her bestie Bryce she goes to see who this Eli could be.

The postcards aren’t the strangest thing though as it seems that the postcards have been written in her dead husband’s writing. But do you really go on a whim. I mean what about the serial killers out there? Apparently there aren’t any.

I really like Alex she dealt with her feelings in the best possible way. She is strong and you see the journey she takes to be as close to her former self that is possible. Towards the end though I feel as if there was too much radio silence on her part.

Eli Young is a Game Warden in Maine. His life has also been somewhat stagnant after marrying young he has split from his wife the past three years but to date neither of them have done anything. He slept with her three months before he met Alex and well that didn’t really bother me it was that he didn’t tell Alex. But Alex did snoop and found the ring so she could have asked.

I’m between adoring and loving Eli. He is one of the best Hero’s I have read in a long time. He is strong, resilient, patient and an all-around good guy. Who knew being honest and having integrity could be so hot. Lol

Writing, Plot & Pace.

Ms. Bailey is another new to me author in 2018 and I am surprised in how much I really love this book. Her writing sucked me in and left me wanting more. Her knack for storytelling is fresh, new and comes from the heart, her writing and portraying of emotions shows that she talking from experience.

This really touched me.

Taken aback by the Atlantic Ocean, its vastness, its powerful ebb and flow. The waves sit, waiting for their turn upon the coast. The sun casts its rays, shining through a small opening in the dark clouds that hover below, lightening up the dark water on a chosen spot.

I feel as if there are two plots to Peony Red. The first one is on dealing with loss and the grief that comes with it. The imperfections of life and how life has shaped us and at the end of the day if we give into our fears or will we stand strong and go after what we want.

This journey is a slow process for both the Hero/heroine but with the connection that these two have they realise that they have more in life and that it is okay to move on in life. Those that are gone shall not be forgotten. But these two have great character development. Another thing I haven’t experienced in a long time.

The second plot to this story was a dash suspense/murder mystery mixed in. I had no clue who it could have been. Although thinking of it now I kind of dropped the ball on that one. I think that it could have been fleshed out to add more suspense to the book. The author didn’t completely play on our senses and she could/should have done that.

This is a book about fate and that you are in life sometimes lucky to love twice. These kind of tropes aren’t for me. But this worked. An emotional read with a beautiful ending. I feel in love with these two MC and I fell in love with Granite Harbor as well as the secondary characters.

Verdict.

I really recommend this book as it is one of the few that has really made my heart beat faster the last couple of weeks with its emotions. I have already downloaded her other book Standing Sideways and if it is anything like Peony Red then I will feel so much. I laughed, I cried and I had a goofy smile on my face.

P.S. The ex-wife makes a bit of a stink not too much as it didn’t really bother me.




 photo New ARC_zpsdpyxs3wn.jpg
Profile Image for L.A..
Author 31 books2,765 followers
August 1, 2018
Peony Red by J. Lynn Bailey is a heartwarming second chance love story filled with suspense, steam and one of the most beautifully written male leads I’ve ever read. Warden Eli Young is sexy and sweet and totally swoon worthy. This is my first book by J. Lynn but it won’t be my last.
Profile Image for Ashley.
560 reviews253 followers
December 29, 2018
Reviewed on: Ashes Books & Bobs.

J. Lynn Bailey made me realize I need more Romantic Suspense in my life…or in my books, at least. I’d forgotten how much I love mixing two of my favorite genres into one. The pacing of this story was expertly done – every moment the story seemed to slow, there was another crumb of mystery added to the plot to keep me turning the pages as fast as possible. I didn’t really care about trying to figure “it” out as much as I simply enjoyed being along for the ride. Truly the best kind of book!

“If we allow our experiences to define us, then I believe we get stuck—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. But, if we begin to embrace who we are fully, not allowing any label to capture us, then we become whole. We can take our life experiences and help someone else find their own.”

My favorite thing about J. Lynn Bailey’s books is not the albeit, amazing, stories but instead I find myself completely immersed in her writing style. Each book has perfect nuggets of wisdom, life reminders, and moments that make me want to be a better person. I find myself wishing I was friends with J. Lynn in real-life – her writing has a positive energy I want to latch onto. Only someone with a heart of gold could write some of the things she easily crafts into every chapter.

This was a seemingly simple story, set in fictional Granite Harbor, Maine, a picturesque town I wish I could visit in person. I imagined quaint towns I have visited in Colorado, with lots of touristy shops and restaurants, only set near the brisk waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Ironically, Maine has been on my brain lately, thanks to a wonderful package I received from a Christmas gift exchange in one of my Facebook book groups. The box was filled with Maple syrup, hiking goodies, a magazine showcasing the state, and more! I so badly want to visit, I wish I could teleport there now! Thankfully, the unexpected surprise of mentally checking into Granite Harbor was just the vacation I needed.

My only complaint about this story was the repetitive events told from dual perspectives. I’m grateful this wasn’t something done in every other chapter, and only during key moments when the author hoped to show the thoughts and emotions of each character. These redundant scenes in books are something I usually skim, considering I just read the exact same scene minutes before. Luckily, this was not done very often and was easy to move past and get back into the story.

I absolutely loved the characters in Peony Red, and not only the main characters, but every single person in this book. I think authors oftentimes feel as if they need to make at least one character every reader loathes, but it wasn’t necessary for this story. There was still an antagonist that caused conflict, but they were not the main focus of the story or a fuel for hate. In fact, the reader may even feel empathetic towards them when all is said and done.

Nearly everything about this book was so endearing, I couldn’t wait a moment to start the next book in the series, Violet Ugly. I wanted to hop on here quickly to review Peony Red before the two stories jumbled in my mind, but now it’s back to reading!

Make sure to pick this one up and get started now if you, too, need a taste of Romantic Suspense! The third book in the Granite Harbor Series, Magnolia Road, will be releasing soon!
Profile Image for talon smith.
710 reviews127 followers
July 18, 2018
”Allow yourself the space and tears. Because, if we’re not done crying, we’re not done grieving.”

I just love stories like this. The small town feels, the vivid sceneries, and the little hometown feelings that you get from the personable characters within the book. Peony Red was an adorable, heartfelt, and mystery filled book that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could.

I liked the hints of mystery that J Lynn Bailey placed within the story. It wasn’t just about two people falling in love, which was incredible all in its own but the way she intertwined more to the story was done diligently and very well.

Another thing I really loved was the way the beginning of the story played into the book. When I read the first chapter I was like “how is this even going to fit in?” Well, it does. IT DOES. And I love when the prologue matches the story line the author is writing. LOVE IT.

My only peeve with a lot of books is probably really minor to others but to me it makes me skim. A lot. And that is when books are repetitive when there are dual POVs and the same scene is told through both POVs. It didn’t happen with every chapter, which I was thankful for but when it did happen I felt like it happened for no reason. Sometimes authors write this way so you can experience what the other main character is feeling at the same time, but I wasn’t desperate to know these things in this situation.

”We all have our own stories—perhaps some baggage that comes along with it, too—but the one thing we can all rely on will always be one another. I’ve learned that here, in Granite Harbor. I’ve also found that, if you take a chance and eat the lettuce, it will all be worth it.”

Not only was Peony Red romantic and about two characters finding themselves it was super informative. I enjoy Back Woods Law and thought that the author did a fantastic job at educating reader on the life of a game warden and even through in some educational tid-bits I had never known until now.

My curiosity is also piqued on the secondary characters, great job J Lynn Bailey! I cannot wait to see what comes next with all of these characters!

Peony Red is a great slow burn, romance book that will have just enough twists and turns included that you won’t get tired of.

”Grief can define us, if we allow it to. Don’t let it get in the way of what you can do, what you’re capable of.” I pause.”
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews131 followers
Want to read
September 5, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (9/5/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Three years ago, Alex Fisher lost her husband and since then, she hasn’t been able to find her stride. She’s out of a job, out of time, and running on fumes. When she receives a personal invitation to visit the picturesque town of Granite Harbor, Maine, she jumps at the chance to start fresh.

For game warden Eli Young, life is simpler when he’s exploring the back roads of Maine. In the north woods, he doesn’t have to deal with town politics or his soon-to-be ex-wife. But a chance meeting with a brokenhearted newcomer leaves him tangled. He should walk away—except, now that he’s met her, he can’t turn back.
When a young woman goes missing in town, tensions rise, and everyone becomes a suspect. Eli doesn’t think things can get any more complicated…until a picture of Alex is discovered at a gruesome crime scene.

In a town where trust is hard to come by and ghosts from the past haunt its citizens in the broad light of day, the question isn’t whether Eli and Alex can save what’s left of their hearts…but whether they’ll live to see tomorrow.
Profile Image for Sarah.
960 reviews21 followers
August 26, 2018
Oh this book! This book is one of those that you can't help but love, not only because of the characters, but the deeper message within their story. Do you believe in fate? I am a true believer in signs, fate, everything happens for a reason, and all of that. The story-telling of Alexandra (Alex) and Eli's relationship will have you questioning fate and true love.

One thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the setting in Maine, and the fact that Eli is a Game Warden. I actually looked at my husband and asked him, "what is a game warden?" Well, it ends up they are just a more rugged, outdoorsy version of the police who deal with the wildlife and animals and anyone messing with them. They carry guns, have jurisdiction, and basically are just hot as hell out there I realized. Eli is the epitome of the confident, rugged, compassionate, and gorgeous hunk of a man. Nothing scares this guy. He's lived in the small town of Granite Harbor, Maine, his entire life and he knows everyone and everything. Until Alex Fisher comes along.

Alex arrives in Granite Harbor with a tragic past, and secrets she's not willing to give up easily. She is guarded, yet hopeful. She wants change in her life, but is afraid to leave her past in the past. I love her devotion to her parents, and especially her relationship with her dad. It will make you realize how short life can be and to enjoy every minute of it with those you love. Alex has such a big heart and you just want her to let go and be happy.

I absolutely loved Eli & Alex when they were together. Eli is tender and gentle with Alex, although he is so tough and strong. Their need and desire for each other is apparent in the beginning and only grows to the point that you can't help but want everything for them.

This book will keep you guessing, the Prologue is a mystery and when the story all unfolds you will be taken on a ride. It is the perfect mix of romance and suspense. It will have you questioning fate and what really plays a part in who we meet in life and when - And it will make you believe in true love. Well done once again J. Lynn Bailey!!
10 reviews
July 24, 2018
Peony Red was a sweet well written love story with a suspenseful twist that I wasn’t expecting. I instantly fell in love with Alex and Eli, but it was the bits of mystery that had me turning the pages just as quickly as I could. Throughout most of the book I was a little confused how the Prologue fit with the story, nothing was adding up for me – but wait for it folks it will all make sense soon enough, and might even blow your mind a little!

Peony Red was the type of book I couldn’t read fast enough, but at the same time didn’t want it to end. Great work J. Lynn Bailey! Looking forward to hearing Ryan and Merit’s story in Violet Ugly!
Profile Image for Amanda.
156 reviews12 followers
August 24, 2018
I'm not a huge fan of suspense with a dash of romance, BUT I am a fan of romance with a dash of suspense. Does that make sense? I hope so because that is exactly what I got with Peony Red.

Throughout Alex and Eli's story you'll experience a little mystery, fate, and the hardships of starting over. All these emotions are set in a quaint small town, with supporting characters that feel like family, and a seriously swoon-worth game warden. Peony Red was my first from J Lynn Baily and certainly won't be my last.
Profile Image for Tera.
436 reviews14 followers
August 23, 2018
Where in the world did J. Lynn Bailey come from? I'm going to be completely honest here and tell you that her cover of Standing Sideways is what drew me in. Then I read Standing Sideways, and I knew I needed more. Then she revealed the cover of Peony Red... Ladies, just look at that cover. It's gorgeous! The sad part is, there are some AMAZING covers out there, but the story inside is just "meh." The good news is, this isn't one of those books... the inside of Peony Red is just a beautiful as its cover!

Peony Red is a story of loss, grief, fear and finding one's self. J. Lynn Bailey opens this book with a prologue that made me think there is no way the romance is going to take the front seat in this book, but the romance actually shares a front seat with such great mystery! Alex and Eli are brought together in a very unconventional way bringing even more suspense to the story. The romance that blooms between Alex and Eli is slow and methodical and really brought back good, old-fashioned values. Eli is a game warden (I had no clue what that was, but found it fascinating) who is a true gentleman with all the qualities you would want in a man. He is sweet. He is strong. He is protective. Alex is a very successful author who is still grieving her dead husband three years after her terrible loss. Her best friend and agent books her a place to get away and hopefully inspire her 3000 miles away in Granite Harbor, Maine.

"Grief can define us, if we allow it to. Don't let it get in the way of what you can do, what you're capable of."

I am excited that this is going to be a series of standalones because I loved Granite Harbor. The imagery is gorgeous. The small town feels are everywhere. The characters are lovable. And of course, everyone knows everyone else's business.

Peony Red has one of the best love stories woven together with the type of suspense that will get your heart beating just a little faster. It's a story of two people coming together after loss and loneliness finally finding a way to overcome grief and expectations enabling them to give love a second chance.

"Heartache is meant to be felt, not just talked about. Sadness is meant to be heard. Happiness is meant to be experienced. Forgiveness is meant to be given. And love is an instrumental part of all of these. It threads all these emotions together, making us whole."
Profile Image for Besties Books   & Sunshine.
57 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2018
J. Lynn Bailey I just want to say this was one great book. Your writing is just phenomenal. This was my first J. Lynn Bailey book and it sure won’t be my last. Peony Red takes place in Granite Harbor, Maine. Alex is an author who has been through a terrible tragedy and has shut the world off. Alex receives a postcard to visit Granite Harbor, Maine from an unknown man. Alex’s Mom tells her to go and visit and see what it’s all about that it may help her open up to the world again. While in Maine she is hoping to get inspired and start writing again. Alex meets a couple who runs a bakery in town and sure enough the mystery man Eli walks in and orders. Eli is a game warden for Granite Harbor and he’s investigating some gruesome crimes. Alex is intrigued and wants to shadow him along on his rides. I won’t go much more into detail because I don’t want to spoil this story. This book is about a second chance in romance and a little suspense which I loved. Granite Harbor was just written flawlessly and I would recommend this book.
We give Peony Red 5 Bestie Book Stars
Profile Image for Gladys Avilés.
357 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2018
Perfection!

“We all have our own stories—perhaps some baggage that comes along with it, too—but the one thing we can all rely on will always be one another. I’ve learned that here, in Granite Harbor.”
This book was perfection. All the feels, it has everything I want to find in a story!
It was amazing! And I can’t wait for book 2!
4 reviews
July 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It has a little of everything- love, suspense, sensuality, grief, and family. I have read all three of J. Lynn Bailey’s books and Peony Red is my favorite so far. I definitely recommend this book. It is a good read and will keep your interest.
Profile Image for Sandra.
4 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2018
Read this book in one day it was so good!!! Loved it like all the lettuce in the world!
Profile Image for Kacy.
112 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2018
Books like Peony Red make this homebody want to travel. I fell in love with Granite Harbor, Maine, the quaint little town this story takes place in. I can still picture it in my head. The colors of the forests, the main street, the pie shop, the soft snowflakes falling from the sky. J. Lynn Bailey did such a great job of giving the perfect amount of details to make me feel like I was actually there in the frigid weather of the North East. It’s almost like Granite Harbor was a side character in the book. Effecting the story line ever so slightly and jumping in with little reminders of its relevance. I loved this setting!

“I wonder if life puts us through trials to test our character, our integrity. I also wonder if fate plays an even bigger part. People are put in our path at certain times to teach us to be better people. Or to prove we were shitty people to begin with or maybe to redeem ourselves.”

Oh my gosh, the writing. These are the kinds of words I live for. J. Lynn Bailey’s heart shows through her writing and it is just so beautiful. These types of romances are pretty much always a win for me because I am able learn something from them. Whether it be something I can be better at in my own marriage/relationships or something I can let go of that’s been sitting on my heart. I did a lot of highlighting in this book and for good reason. The writing in this book is a win.

“In our moments of sadness, I see my everything with you. Because, when your heart breaks, mine does, too.”

There was one aspect to the book that I had a hard time with which led me to my 4 star rating. Within the first 50%, dual POVs are given for the exact same scenes. I didn’t feel like it was necessary. I was able to interpret the other character’s emotions/reactions from the singular POV, so I didn’t really need both. This wasn’t continued so much throughout the rest of the book, though, and I was easily able to stick with the story.

“If we allow our experiences to define us, then I believe we get stuck–emotionally, mentally, spiritually. But, if we begin to embrace who we are fully, not allowing any label to capture us, then we become whole.”

I really loved this book. The characters are real and relatable, the story is unique, the writing is captivating, and the setting took me out of the Texas heat and directly planted me in the winter of Maine. I will definitely be keeping up with this series and look forward to the next one which features secondary characters from this story. I can’t wait!
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,377 reviews67 followers
August 9, 2018
omg, what a ride ! I want to live in this book ! Peony Red by J. Lynn Bailey is a raw and gritty read, this book gutted me and I loved every word.

Alex Fisher is a 32 year old writer, widowed and can´t stop mourning. She´s stuck and can´t move on. When she gets an invitation to Granite Falls her life´s about to change, only she doesn´t knows it - yet. Alex is reluctant to go, but karma is screaming at her.
Eli Young is a game warden. He loves his simple and quiet life in Granite Harbor. He´s a good man and soon to be divorced. He´s a keeper, a knight in shining armor, too good to be true. And when he meets Alex is fate is sealed.
´til this point Peony Red is a beautiful lovestory. I was captivated from the beginning and greatly enjoyed reading Alex and Eli´s story. And then came the major twists and turns and I turned on the waterworks. And I loved the story even more. This story has all the feels, I swooned, I laughed, I cried, I was angry at some point and then I cried some more.
Peony Red is a heartwrenching story, beautifully thought out, beautifully told and extremely well written. I highly recommend the book and can´t wait to read more by this author.
2 reviews
August 9, 2018
No matter where you are in life, you will love the storyline of this well-rounded novel by J. Lynn Bailey. This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and although I LOVED her first two books, this one was by far my favorite. It had the perfect mix of romance, mystery, and a refreshing view of a second chance at love. The setting, characters and the captivating story line made it so I could not put Peony Red down. When I find a good book, I try to limit my daily reading time so I can savor it. I tried. I finished this book in one day. The author did a fabulous job of keeping me engaged in the story line and trying to look for the clues that would lead to the culprit. After the mystery was shockingly solved, I actually went back and re-read the book to look for the clues that I had (obviously) missed. Thank you, J. Lynn Bailey for yet another well-written novel! I am anxiously awaiting the next two books in the series!!!!!
Profile Image for Mandie Foxylutely.
948 reviews96 followers
August 17, 2018
This was an involving romance with a twist of suspense.

Alex and Eli were engaging characters that made you all the more eager to find out all about them and what the mystery was surrounding their developing relationship.

The prologue however did confuse me and I spent the first part of the book trying to piece together how this fit with the storyline. It did therefore detract from my full concentration on the story so I kept going back and re-reading parts. The characters as I say were engaging but the plotline a little confusing at first. It does all come to a realisation in the book but for me I'm not sure it actually needed the prologue.

Overall though, beside the prologue issue I had I did enjoy the read and would say this was a (rounded up) four star read for me.

ARC kindly provided by the author to Foxylutely

http://foxylutely.blogspot.co.uk
Profile Image for Hi'D's Book Hub Blogger.
281 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2018
Peony Red is a second chance romance set in Granite Harbor, Maine, and the first in the Granite Harbor series. I was seriously hooked within the first few pages and lucky enough to be part of the beta process. This story definitely has all the feels! LOVE, suspense, grief, romance and a twist you wont see coming! I can’t wait for you all to get your hot little hands on it and fall in love with Alex and Eli!
1 review
August 7, 2018
I’ve read 2 books by J Lynn Bailey. While I liked both, this one was my favorite so far. I am a sucker for a sensitive, protective man. Eli fits that bill for sure. I was surprised by the turn of events towards the end, and it kept me wanting to read more. In the beginning I got slightly confused as to who was talking because it’s written in 2 voices, but I got used to it. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Alana Pucci.
14 reviews
August 8, 2018
I really cannot express how much I loved this new book by J. Lynn Bailey! While it was truly chilling the overall message was inspirational and motivating. Alex found herself again. She took a chance that most of us only let flutter through our thoughts every now and then. I was captivated from the start and laughed and cried with these characters until the end. Now I can hardly wait for the next book in the series. I will not miss a single release by J. L. Bailey!!
Profile Image for Messy Bun Book Blog.
2,319 reviews
August 13, 2018
I loved this book! This is such an amazing story! I am not usually a fan of slow burn romances, but this one is amazing! Peony Red is so sweet with a twist I did't see coming, but loved! FIVE STARS!!
Profile Image for Lupita Martinez-Magdaleno.
23 reviews
September 10, 2018
Such a great read! I love Alex and Eli’s love story! This book had me grinning, laughing, crying, and steaming up. Eli is definitely my new book boyfriend.
990 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2021
Widowed three years and still grieving, Alex Fisher receives two identical postcards, one at her home, one at her parents’. Alex, Granite Harbor, Maine, welcomes YOU. Please come. Love, Eli, written in her dead husband’s hand…

At the urging of her best friend and her parents, Alex goes to Maine. She can’t write, she barely leaves the house, she needs a change. It’s only for a few weeks. Her girlfriend/agent Bryce makes all the arrangements, all Alex has to do is pack and go. Bryce even does most of her packing.

Granite Harbor changes Alex’s life. She is charmed by the people, the town, the East Coast scenery. She meets Eli and begins to fall in love. There are mysterious occurrences in Granite Harbor – animal mutilations, body parts are found, but it’s Eli’s secret that breaks her.

The relationship is suspenseful on both sides for very different reasons. There are threatening events in Granite Harbor. The suspense mounts until the very satisfying conclusion. Recommended for readers who enjoy developed, likeable characters, plenty of twists, turns, a surprising finish followed by a happy ending!

Readalikes:
Amanda Quick – Wicked Widow; Lisa Jewell – Then She Was Gone; Jayne Ann Krentz – Secret Sisters; Erica Spindler – The Look-alike; Margaret Mizushima – Killing Trail; Jenny Milchman – Cover of Snow; Tim Johnston – The Current; Karen Harper – Under the Alaskan Ice; Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch mysteries.

Pace: Fast-paced
Characters: Strong; likeable; good backstories; appealing secondary cast
Storyline: Intricately plotted for the genre
Writing style: Engaging; banter
Tone: Steamy; suspenseful
Frame: Brooklyn, California, Granite Falls ME; 1980, 1989, 2017
Theme: Second chance at love
Profile Image for Nicole.
865 reviews
April 14, 2019
Very Enjoyable

This was a really entertaining story. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Alex and Eli. They were a perfect blend of cute and sexy. Their story was full of humor and a bit of sadness. My one drawback in this story was the word "middle." If your going to brave enough to use the f-word during a passionate scene, then you can call private parts what they are...especially when writing in 1st person POV. Other than that, a totally enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Mel.
1,404 reviews43 followers
October 24, 2018
3.5 stars

I really did like this story. I liked the idea of fate and second chances and I enjoyed the world created here. The only thing that kept it from 4 stars were a few issues I had with the insta-love, and then the not talking/listening to explanations when necessary.

I will definitely continue and read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
615 reviews
September 13, 2018
2.5 Stars
Unfortunately, while there was nothing wrong with this book, it just wasn't the one for me. Peony Red did have a lot of different elements I usually like, but because I never connected with the characters I also never got emotionally invested in the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.