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LWW World
Jouw onweerstaanbare charmes
Presley Cabot lijkt in bijna niets meer op de mollige, verlegen studente die destijds als een blok viel voor de knappe, sportieve Nolan Banks, maar na een nacht met hem samen op vernederende wijze werd gedumpt. Nu is ze een van de schatrijke mede-eigenaren van een succesvol bedrijf en heeft ze haar verleden achter zich gelaten. Maar als Nolan weer opduikt en haar niet eens herkent, ziet ze haar kans om alsnog wraak te nemen. Het plan is simpel: breng hem het hoofd op hol en dump hem daarna keihard.
Nolan Banks is er klaar mee om aan de verwachtingen van zijn familie te voldoen. Hij zegt zijn baan in Wall Street op om in het stadje waar hij heeft gestudeerd een brouwerij te beginnen. Wat hij niet had verwacht, is dat hij daar het doelwit zou worden van de niet mis te verstane avances van een sexy zakenvrouw. Hij wordt tot over zijn oren verliefd op haar, tot de waarheid over hun gedeelde verleden hun prille relatie op losse schroeven zet. Maar Nolan is niet van plan om de liefde van zijn leven zomaar te laten ontsnappen.
Nolan Banks is er klaar mee om aan de verwachtingen van zijn familie te voldoen. Hij zegt zijn baan in Wall Street op om in het stadje waar hij heeft gestudeerd een brouwerij te beginnen. Wat hij niet had verwacht, is dat hij daar het doelwit zou worden van de niet mis te verstane avances van een sexy zakenvrouw. Hij wordt tot over zijn oren verliefd op haar, tot de waarheid over hun gedeelde verleden hun prille relatie op losse schroeven zet. Maar Nolan is niet van plan om de liefde van zijn leven zomaar te laten ontsnappen.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2018
374 people are currently reading
1547 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Probst
123 books10.3k followersJennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.
She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.
She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
September 11, 2018
I’m starting this with a content warning for the book, mostly because I’m bothered that almost no one else seems to mention something that I found really problematic and potentially triggering for people. It is a major plot spoiler, so click at your own risk.
Once upon a time, Presley Cabot was the overweight girl who gave her virginity to the charming athlete Nolan Banks, only to be crushed when he never again acknowledged that it happened. But that’s not who Presley is anymore. Now she’s a brilliant owner of a massive company and the kind of woman that men want. And when Nolan shows back up in their college town to open a bar, Presley is ready to use that newfound power against him, especially when he once again, doesn’t even bother to remember who she is. Nolan wants to woo Presley. But Presley is determined to use his emotions against him and break his heart, just like he did to her all those years ago.
My biggest fear going into this book was that Presley was going to lie to Nolan about who she was, which is a thing I really despise. Good news, that didn’t happen. Bad news, what Presley actually did, I ended up hating even more. She played a lot of games with Nolan and by the end, I was having a hard time understanding why he even still wanted her.
The Good
Here’s the thing about Jennifer Probst. She is a very excellent writer. So even while I despised what was going on, the book was written well enough that I was willing to commit to the end and see if something happened that changed my mind.
I also was a Nolan fan. He was a little cocky and everything happened a little too easily for him, but he was more than just a charming and sexy hero. He didn’t just think Presley was hot because she’d lost a ton of weight and wore nice clothes. He also thought she was brilliant and wasn’t intimidated by her being a fierce and successful business woman. There’s a couple situations where he proved himself to be a really stand up kind of guy and by the end, I felt like he deserved someone better than Presley.
The Bad
There was a lot of bad. Specifically the revenge plot. Because Nolan didn’t acknowledge Presley after they had sex in college and then doesn’t remember her now that it’s been years and she looks totally different and doesn’t fully introduce herself, she decides the best course of action is… revenge. By playing hard to get and letting Nolan woo her and then breaking his heart when he eventually falls in love with her. It just all felt utterly ridiculous. Especially coming from a grown woman who’s the billionaire owner of her own multimedia company. Doesn’t she have better things to do? Apparently not, because her friends (who I also didn’t care for at all) didn’t just encourage this, they helped facilitate it happening.
But more than anything, I hated how much of a hypocrite Presley was throughout all of her and Nolan’s interactions. There’s one point in the book where Presley and Nolan are out on a date and he asks about how she started her company. She accuses him of googling her and then says “How about laying our cards on the table, Nolan?… [I bet you] armed yourself with a bunch of information in order to play me the right way. If you did, you’ll realize one big thing. I can take anything but a liar.” Wait, what? She’s the one refusing to tell him about their shared history that he doesn’t seem to remember and actively lying to him to get him to fall in love with her just so she can hurt him later. For no other reason than to feel some sense of satisfaction about something that hurt her years ago. But she can’t take a liar.
The Ugly
One of the most cringeworthy things about this book was how much underlying fat shaming there was. Presley was overweight in college so obviously no one could ever want her. But now that she’s lost a ton of weight she feels worthy of male attention. There’s a line about how her personal trainer makes her throw up for fun and later a scene where, after wallowing by eating bad for you treats, her punishment is to work out so hard that she feels like she’s dying. There’s just such an underlying theme that Presley wasn’t anybody worth knowing until she got thinner and worked out to the point where it’s unhealthy and I just had a hard time not being disgusted by that.
But the very worst part for me was that Probst used a rape as a plot device, and definitely not in a healthy “working through it/learning to trust again” sort of way.
Once upon a time, Presley Cabot was the overweight girl who gave her virginity to the charming athlete Nolan Banks, only to be crushed when he never again acknowledged that it happened. But that’s not who Presley is anymore. Now she’s a brilliant owner of a massive company and the kind of woman that men want. And when Nolan shows back up in their college town to open a bar, Presley is ready to use that newfound power against him, especially when he once again, doesn’t even bother to remember who she is. Nolan wants to woo Presley. But Presley is determined to use his emotions against him and break his heart, just like he did to her all those years ago.
My biggest fear going into this book was that Presley was going to lie to Nolan about who she was, which is a thing I really despise. Good news, that didn’t happen. Bad news, what Presley actually did, I ended up hating even more. She played a lot of games with Nolan and by the end, I was having a hard time understanding why he even still wanted her.
The Good
Here’s the thing about Jennifer Probst. She is a very excellent writer. So even while I despised what was going on, the book was written well enough that I was willing to commit to the end and see if something happened that changed my mind.
I also was a Nolan fan. He was a little cocky and everything happened a little too easily for him, but he was more than just a charming and sexy hero. He didn’t just think Presley was hot because she’d lost a ton of weight and wore nice clothes. He also thought she was brilliant and wasn’t intimidated by her being a fierce and successful business woman. There’s a couple situations where he proved himself to be a really stand up kind of guy and by the end, I felt like he deserved someone better than Presley.
The Bad
There was a lot of bad. Specifically the revenge plot. Because Nolan didn’t acknowledge Presley after they had sex in college and then doesn’t remember her now that it’s been years and she looks totally different and doesn’t fully introduce herself, she decides the best course of action is… revenge. By playing hard to get and letting Nolan woo her and then breaking his heart when he eventually falls in love with her. It just all felt utterly ridiculous. Especially coming from a grown woman who’s the billionaire owner of her own multimedia company. Doesn’t she have better things to do? Apparently not, because her friends (who I also didn’t care for at all) didn’t just encourage this, they helped facilitate it happening.
But more than anything, I hated how much of a hypocrite Presley was throughout all of her and Nolan’s interactions. There’s one point in the book where Presley and Nolan are out on a date and he asks about how she started her company. She accuses him of googling her and then says “How about laying our cards on the table, Nolan?… [I bet you] armed yourself with a bunch of information in order to play me the right way. If you did, you’ll realize one big thing. I can take anything but a liar.” Wait, what? She’s the one refusing to tell him about their shared history that he doesn’t seem to remember and actively lying to him to get him to fall in love with her just so she can hurt him later. For no other reason than to feel some sense of satisfaction about something that hurt her years ago. But she can’t take a liar.
The Ugly
One of the most cringeworthy things about this book was how much underlying fat shaming there was. Presley was overweight in college so obviously no one could ever want her. But now that she’s lost a ton of weight she feels worthy of male attention. There’s a line about how her personal trainer makes her throw up for fun and later a scene where, after wallowing by eating bad for you treats, her punishment is to work out so hard that she feels like she’s dying. There’s just such an underlying theme that Presley wasn’t anybody worth knowing until she got thinner and worked out to the point where it’s unhealthy and I just had a hard time not being disgusted by that.
But the very worst part for me was that Probst used a rape as a plot device, and definitely not in a healthy “working through it/learning to trust again” sort of way.
August 17, 2018
4 It’s Always Been You Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Presley Cabot lives in the small college town of Port Hudson about an hour from NYC. She’s a savvy, confident, glamorous woman that runs a billion dollar company called LWW Enterprises. She’d recently turned thirty and felt she was the best version of herself she could be. She’d shed her college pounds, and was healthy, sexy, and smart. The total package, and one of the most successful CEO’s in America. The world was at her feet, and now she got to choose her destiny.
Life is great, and then a not so pleasant blast from the past shows up in town. Presley hasn’t seen Nolan Banks in almost a decade. They went to college together, and he was the beautiful golden boy track star she couldn’t help obsessing over. She’d crushed on him since she was nineteen, but was no longer that shy, awkward, overweight, lovesick college girl. She’d never forgotten how he’d hurt, humiliated, and destroyed her. He’d made her feel like a joke, and she’d felt betrayed and stupid.
Nolan Banks just arrived back in his old college town and bought an old dive bar he plans to renovate. He’s following his dreams. He ditched his financial career on Wall Street to open a brewery called The Bank. He realized his heart never left Port Hudson. It was the only place he truly felt like himself. While getting the place ready to open he meets a stunning woman who is drop dead gorgeous. She an absolute goddess, and he wants her. She’s the first woman in a long time to intrigue him and make him feel something on a deeper level. He hasn’t been able to quit thinking about her since they met.
Seeing Nolan again brought back all Presley’s memories of their night together, and the cruel way she was treated. Then she realizes he doesn’t even remember her, and she’s furious. She decides she can’t let him get away with his behavior all those years ago. She plots a revenge scheme to break him. Have him chase her, then seduce him and make him fall for her. Make him think she’s his perfect woman, and then dump him. She needs to act like he means nothing, and leave him wanting more. Then once she gets her redemption she can finally have some closure. The plan is all set. She just can’t let herself fall under his spell again. The problem with her game is when he touches her he sets her body on fire. He’s delicious, and their connection & chemistry is intense. While she’s determined to follow through with revenge, Nolan plans to shatter all her walls and get a second chance.
-The moment she’d laid eyes on Nolan Banks in her freshman year, she’d gotten all the feels. From the shaky knees to the squeeze of her heart, she’d been entranced, sensing deep inside her very soul he was meant for her.
-Something about her slammed through him like a recognition and poignant memory, driving him to reach out and touch her.
-He’d never been so intrigued by a woman.
-He sensed there was something more to her that had elicited this strong pull of familiarity or maybe even fate. When he gazed into those blue-gray eyes, something shifted inside of him, like he’d found his missing piece.
-I feel like I’ve been making my way toward you my whole life.
-It feels right.
I really enjoyed this sexy romcom! It has a similar vibe to the movie How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days. It’s fun and flirty, but also about something real. I loved how as their past and present collide their bond grows stronger as they figure out they are meant to be.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2m91h9G
(ARC provided by author)
Presley Cabot lives in the small college town of Port Hudson about an hour from NYC. She’s a savvy, confident, glamorous woman that runs a billion dollar company called LWW Enterprises. She’d recently turned thirty and felt she was the best version of herself she could be. She’d shed her college pounds, and was healthy, sexy, and smart. The total package, and one of the most successful CEO’s in America. The world was at her feet, and now she got to choose her destiny.
Life is great, and then a not so pleasant blast from the past shows up in town. Presley hasn’t seen Nolan Banks in almost a decade. They went to college together, and he was the beautiful golden boy track star she couldn’t help obsessing over. She’d crushed on him since she was nineteen, but was no longer that shy, awkward, overweight, lovesick college girl. She’d never forgotten how he’d hurt, humiliated, and destroyed her. He’d made her feel like a joke, and she’d felt betrayed and stupid.
Nolan Banks just arrived back in his old college town and bought an old dive bar he plans to renovate. He’s following his dreams. He ditched his financial career on Wall Street to open a brewery called The Bank. He realized his heart never left Port Hudson. It was the only place he truly felt like himself. While getting the place ready to open he meets a stunning woman who is drop dead gorgeous. She an absolute goddess, and he wants her. She’s the first woman in a long time to intrigue him and make him feel something on a deeper level. He hasn’t been able to quit thinking about her since they met.
Seeing Nolan again brought back all Presley’s memories of their night together, and the cruel way she was treated. Then she realizes he doesn’t even remember her, and she’s furious. She decides she can’t let him get away with his behavior all those years ago. She plots a revenge scheme to break him. Have him chase her, then seduce him and make him fall for her. Make him think she’s his perfect woman, and then dump him. She needs to act like he means nothing, and leave him wanting more. Then once she gets her redemption she can finally have some closure. The plan is all set. She just can’t let herself fall under his spell again. The problem with her game is when he touches her he sets her body on fire. He’s delicious, and their connection & chemistry is intense. While she’s determined to follow through with revenge, Nolan plans to shatter all her walls and get a second chance.
-The moment she’d laid eyes on Nolan Banks in her freshman year, she’d gotten all the feels. From the shaky knees to the squeeze of her heart, she’d been entranced, sensing deep inside her very soul he was meant for her.
-Something about her slammed through him like a recognition and poignant memory, driving him to reach out and touch her.
-He’d never been so intrigued by a woman.
-He sensed there was something more to her that had elicited this strong pull of familiarity or maybe even fate. When he gazed into those blue-gray eyes, something shifted inside of him, like he’d found his missing piece.
-I feel like I’ve been making my way toward you my whole life.
-It feels right.
I really enjoyed this sexy romcom! It has a similar vibe to the movie How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days. It’s fun and flirty, but also about something real. I loved how as their past and present collide their bond grows stronger as they figure out they are meant to be.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2m91h9G
August 19, 2018
If you guys know me at all, it's pretty much a given that I'm going to enjoy anything Jennifer Probst writes. Her books never fail to bring a corny smile to my face, so I never had a doubt that I would enjoy "The Charm of You". So for this, the review of my twelfth JP read, I've decided to change it up a bit and try a different format.
Here are some of my thoughts, in bullet form for easy reading, no less:
I read this book in under 24 hours, which doesn't happen very often for me. In fact, when I finished, I was a little bit sad - I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters, I wanted more!
I enjoyed both MCs equally and immensely. They seemed like down to earth, genuinely nice people.
In addition to the characters' individual personalities, I also loved their connection and the sexual tension between them, as well as their dialogue and banter.
The plot - wow! I can't give anything away here, but some of the things that happened between Presley and Nolan in college really struck home for me. It was rather uncomfortable at times, but I appreciated the accuracy of JP's writing - it made me feel like I was traveling back in time.
I liked Presley's friends - JP always writes great female friendships! - but I didn't get a clear picture of their individual personalities or how exactly they fit into the business.
Along with the point above, I had some other questions about the business. For example, how did Presley become a billionaire? Are her business partners billionaires, too? I'm not saying it's impossible, but it seemed a bit extreme with only being 10 years out of college. I wanted more detail.
And a more random thought for y'all: where did all of Presley's extra skin go with her 100 lb weight loss? Maybe she's one of the lucky ones who didn't have any? I wanted more details on this, too.
I would have liked to see more of Nolan's brother and possibly his sister/parents. Dare I hope that JP has something planned for future books?
Overall, another win in my streak of rewarding Jennifer Probst's titles - this one is definitely Roxy recommended!
Many thanks to the author and Inkslinger PR for the complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Here are some of my thoughts, in bullet form for easy reading, no less:
I read this book in under 24 hours, which doesn't happen very often for me. In fact, when I finished, I was a little bit sad - I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters, I wanted more!
I enjoyed both MCs equally and immensely. They seemed like down to earth, genuinely nice people.
In addition to the characters' individual personalities, I also loved their connection and the sexual tension between them, as well as their dialogue and banter.
The plot - wow! I can't give anything away here, but some of the things that happened between Presley and Nolan in college really struck home for me. It was rather uncomfortable at times, but I appreciated the accuracy of JP's writing - it made me feel like I was traveling back in time.
I liked Presley's friends - JP always writes great female friendships! - but I didn't get a clear picture of their individual personalities or how exactly they fit into the business.
Along with the point above, I had some other questions about the business. For example, how did Presley become a billionaire? Are her business partners billionaires, too? I'm not saying it's impossible, but it seemed a bit extreme with only being 10 years out of college. I wanted more detail.
And a more random thought for y'all: where did all of Presley's extra skin go with her 100 lb weight loss? Maybe she's one of the lucky ones who didn't have any? I wanted more details on this, too.
I would have liked to see more of Nolan's brother and possibly his sister/parents. Dare I hope that JP has something planned for future books?
Overall, another win in my streak of rewarding Jennifer Probst's titles - this one is definitely Roxy recommended!
Many thanks to the author and Inkslinger PR for the complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 11, 2018
Very cute. Very sweet. I liked this one.
February 5, 2020
The Charm of You was a stand-alone by Jennifer Probst. It was my first book by the author; however, it was not my first experience with the characters, Nolan and Presley.
Presley was one of the founders of LWW, Ladies Who Write, just as the author is a member/co-founder of LWW in real life. The authors are Jennifer Probst, Melissa Foster, Sawyer Bennett and Emma Chase. LWW has been weaved throughout the author books, but most recently I read Foster’s Making You Mine, which introduced Nolan and Presley along with Aubrey Stewart’s story, who is prominent in The Charm of You as Presley’s long time friend and co-founder of LWW. So full circle. If you followed my thoughts, great, if not, no problem, The Charm of You was truly a stand-alone.
Nolan Banks and Presley Cabot had history, even if Nolan had no clue. It was a cute and sexy second chance theme. I’m a sucker for second chances - maybe because I need so many in real life, who knows, but I love them. Presley was gorgeous, confident, strong, successful, respected and every other good quality known to man - or woman. But she wasn’t always, at least not at the first glance. Nolan had always been gorgeous, confident, flirty, smart and didn’t have to work much to get what he wanted in life. It always worked out in the end.
Presley recognized Nolan immediately from college. Nolan did not. Probst took us through their push and pull, introducing both past and present. It was a quick and fun read. It was well written and developed and I loved both characters. I would be remiss in mentioning there were some reviews about a trigger and rated it low as a result. My thought was that both characters were victims (but not in the way you would think) and neither character was at fault. The hero made it as right as it could have been. I can’t explain further without spoilers but felt it was worth mentioning. To me, it was a worthy read.
Although this was my first from Probst, I intend to explore more. Additionally, Foster and Bennett are two of my favorite authors so it’s time to explore Chase as well to round out the LWW.
Presley was one of the founders of LWW, Ladies Who Write, just as the author is a member/co-founder of LWW in real life. The authors are Jennifer Probst, Melissa Foster, Sawyer Bennett and Emma Chase. LWW has been weaved throughout the author books, but most recently I read Foster’s Making You Mine, which introduced Nolan and Presley along with Aubrey Stewart’s story, who is prominent in The Charm of You as Presley’s long time friend and co-founder of LWW. So full circle. If you followed my thoughts, great, if not, no problem, The Charm of You was truly a stand-alone.
Nolan Banks and Presley Cabot had history, even if Nolan had no clue. It was a cute and sexy second chance theme. I’m a sucker for second chances - maybe because I need so many in real life, who knows, but I love them. Presley was gorgeous, confident, strong, successful, respected and every other good quality known to man - or woman. But she wasn’t always, at least not at the first glance. Nolan had always been gorgeous, confident, flirty, smart and didn’t have to work much to get what he wanted in life. It always worked out in the end.
Presley recognized Nolan immediately from college. Nolan did not. Probst took us through their push and pull, introducing both past and present. It was a quick and fun read. It was well written and developed and I loved both characters. I would be remiss in mentioning there were some reviews about a trigger and rated it low as a result. My thought was that both characters were victims (but not in the way you would think) and neither character was at fault. The hero made it as right as it could have been. I can’t explain further without spoilers but felt it was worth mentioning. To me, it was a worthy read.
Although this was my first from Probst, I intend to explore more. Additionally, Foster and Bennett are two of my favorite authors so it’s time to explore Chase as well to round out the LWW.
August 13, 2018
“It’s about satisfying you so completely, in all ways. Because you deserve it all. And I won’t stop until you do beg-loudly and often-so lets get started, shall we?”
The Charm of You by Jennifer Probst was such a cute, charming, and sexy romance! It was a quick read, for sure, but it packed one hell of a romantic punch! This standalone contemporary romance was all about female empowerment, friendship, and being true to yourself. I loved the dynamic that Presley had with her friends. Trinity was hysterical. Aubrey and Libby was always there for her, talking her through her good and bad days. It made me proud because I have friends like that and it just helped me relate to the story more.
Let’s talk about Presley and Nolan…YUMMY! The tension there…just wow! HOT! Even though Presley had other motives in running into Nolan again, it didn’t negate the fact that she still felt something deep for him. Nolan was instantly smitten with the lovely Presley, not knowing that he was the evil villain from their past. When the truth comes out, is Presley strong enough to love this deeply again? The trust was broken a long time ago, but when certain elements come to light, will this obstacle be to hard to surpass? This is one happily ever after you won’t want to miss! I can always count on Ms. Probst to give me a romance that just makes me feel good all over!
The Charm of You by Jennifer Probst was such a cute, charming, and sexy romance! It was a quick read, for sure, but it packed one hell of a romantic punch! This standalone contemporary romance was all about female empowerment, friendship, and being true to yourself. I loved the dynamic that Presley had with her friends. Trinity was hysterical. Aubrey and Libby was always there for her, talking her through her good and bad days. It made me proud because I have friends like that and it just helped me relate to the story more.
Let’s talk about Presley and Nolan…YUMMY! The tension there…just wow! HOT! Even though Presley had other motives in running into Nolan again, it didn’t negate the fact that she still felt something deep for him. Nolan was instantly smitten with the lovely Presley, not knowing that he was the evil villain from their past. When the truth comes out, is Presley strong enough to love this deeply again? The trust was broken a long time ago, but when certain elements come to light, will this obstacle be to hard to surpass? This is one happily ever after you won’t want to miss! I can always count on Ms. Probst to give me a romance that just makes me feel good all over!
August 18, 2018
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a story by Jennifer Probst, so when I read the blurb for The Charm of You, a romantic comedy with heart, I knew I needed to read it, and even though it was a bit too predictable, I enjoyed Presley and Nolan’s story and could picture it being told on the big screen.
Through Jennifer Probst's characterization of Presley, we receive a clear perception of the awkward college student Presley was and the heartbreak she endured when one of the most important nights of her life turns into a humiliating experience; we see the confident CEO, sharp-minded woman Presley becomes when she follows her dreams, embraces her passion for the written word and surrounds herself with a small group of like-minded and dynamic woman who share Presley’s vision of success, but the version of Presley who I enjoyed the most, even though she wasn’t supposed to show this side of herself in front of Nolan, was the one who let down her walls and was not the seductress planning revenge, but she was the honest and open girl whose wit and snark as well as her easy going personality made Nolan want her even more.
The image of Nolan that readers receive outside of the college flashbacks is nothing like the man that Presley remembers, which is why I’m glad Probst allowed us inside Nolan’s head; it adds a layer to the story line and makes readers feel like there’s more to their past than either of them know, so when Presley and Nolan cross paths almost 10 years later, it’s understandable that Presley needs closure when it comes to what went down between them in order to prove to herself that she’s over Nolan and how he made her feel, but her plan for revenge and how she wants to play this game with Nolan seems to fade away when Presley interacts with him, which will make readers question their past and what it means for their future.
As Probst takes readers back to the college versions of Presley Cabot and Nolan Banks and lays out the night that not only changed everything between them but also served as a lesson to Presley and fueled her desire to be in total control of her own success and self-perception, it’s made beyond clear just how much that night broke her, but, in my opinion, what it also does is allow readers to understand the underlying circumstances of that event and how there’s another side to that night and Presley and Nolan’s story that will alter EVERYTHING between the older versions of them both.
After I finished reading Jennifer Probst’s newest release, The Charm of You, I reveled in the female empowerment that drove Presley and her friends to reach the level of success they did as well as the close bond these women formed when they decided to believe in one another and become everything they wanted to be and then some. What’s also made clear is how some people struggle with how they perceive themselves and allow others to tear them down, resulting in an unfulfilled life and requiring a complete change of perception in order to be in the present instead of dwelling on the past.
There’s several powerful messages in Presley and Nolan’s story, and the way Probst laid out the storyline, offering a continuum of flashbacks amidst the characters’ present interactions allows readers to completely understand the reasons behind Presley’s actions and her need to put Nolan in his place once and for all.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Through Jennifer Probst's characterization of Presley, we receive a clear perception of the awkward college student Presley was and the heartbreak she endured when one of the most important nights of her life turns into a humiliating experience; we see the confident CEO, sharp-minded woman Presley becomes when she follows her dreams, embraces her passion for the written word and surrounds herself with a small group of like-minded and dynamic woman who share Presley’s vision of success, but the version of Presley who I enjoyed the most, even though she wasn’t supposed to show this side of herself in front of Nolan, was the one who let down her walls and was not the seductress planning revenge, but she was the honest and open girl whose wit and snark as well as her easy going personality made Nolan want her even more.
The image of Nolan that readers receive outside of the college flashbacks is nothing like the man that Presley remembers, which is why I’m glad Probst allowed us inside Nolan’s head; it adds a layer to the story line and makes readers feel like there’s more to their past than either of them know, so when Presley and Nolan cross paths almost 10 years later, it’s understandable that Presley needs closure when it comes to what went down between them in order to prove to herself that she’s over Nolan and how he made her feel, but her plan for revenge and how she wants to play this game with Nolan seems to fade away when Presley interacts with him, which will make readers question their past and what it means for their future.
As Probst takes readers back to the college versions of Presley Cabot and Nolan Banks and lays out the night that not only changed everything between them but also served as a lesson to Presley and fueled her desire to be in total control of her own success and self-perception, it’s made beyond clear just how much that night broke her, but, in my opinion, what it also does is allow readers to understand the underlying circumstances of that event and how there’s another side to that night and Presley and Nolan’s story that will alter EVERYTHING between the older versions of them both.
After I finished reading Jennifer Probst’s newest release, The Charm of You, I reveled in the female empowerment that drove Presley and her friends to reach the level of success they did as well as the close bond these women formed when they decided to believe in one another and become everything they wanted to be and then some. What’s also made clear is how some people struggle with how they perceive themselves and allow others to tear them down, resulting in an unfulfilled life and requiring a complete change of perception in order to be in the present instead of dwelling on the past.
There’s several powerful messages in Presley and Nolan’s story, and the way Probst laid out the storyline, offering a continuum of flashbacks amidst the characters’ present interactions allows readers to completely understand the reasons behind Presley’s actions and her need to put Nolan in his place once and for all.
4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
May 6, 2019
3.5 stars
The Charm of You was a fun read of would be retribution, revenge and the use of women power to bring a man who hurt you to his knees. It’s always entertaining when you want to do something, but your heart fights you equally hard to do the complete opposite.
Nolan was Presley’s walking dream, he was the unattainable, but that changed one night, a night that forever changed her. Now she is a power house, and the tables have turned making her the walking wet dream of Nolan’s. Only the past hurt is hard to get past and the only way to move on is do him as he did her…. Payback is a b***ch.
Presley is so relatable, smart and sexy, sweet and sassy, insecure and powerful she truly is a treasured powerhouse, and to see Nolan try and win his way back into her good graces was a sight to behold. Had fun reading this one for sure.
”I’m brave enough for the both of us. This time, I’m not letting you go."
The Charm of You was a fun read of would be retribution, revenge and the use of women power to bring a man who hurt you to his knees. It’s always entertaining when you want to do something, but your heart fights you equally hard to do the complete opposite.
Nolan was Presley’s walking dream, he was the unattainable, but that changed one night, a night that forever changed her. Now she is a power house, and the tables have turned making her the walking wet dream of Nolan’s. Only the past hurt is hard to get past and the only way to move on is do him as he did her…. Payback is a b***ch.
Presley is so relatable, smart and sexy, sweet and sassy, insecure and powerful she truly is a treasured powerhouse, and to see Nolan try and win his way back into her good graces was a sight to behold. Had fun reading this one for sure.
August 16, 2018
Sat and devoured this book in two sittings...best way to spend a lazy Saturday morning!
ARC provided by the author
Ten years of regret, yearning, wishing for what might have been?
Presley Cabot’s life has changed since she left college, apart from still reeling over the hurt she felt from Nolan Banks. She had crushed on him big time and eventually had her heart stamped on after a badly judged one night stand.
Nolan Banks gives up his family job to follow his heart. Heads back to his college town and meets local business woman Presley Cabot. He is immediately smitten with her looks, her sass and her mind. Pity he hasn’t a clue who Presley is and what she and her friends have in store for him.
Jennifer has a way of writing that lures you in from the start. She makes you interested in her main characters but it the second tier characters that Jennifer excels in – albeit the best friend from college or the wonderful clothing designer.
Hopefully this is the start of a new series from Jennifer and the Ladies Who Write. I would love to read more about the other players in the book.
ARC provided by the author
Ten years of regret, yearning, wishing for what might have been?
Presley Cabot’s life has changed since she left college, apart from still reeling over the hurt she felt from Nolan Banks. She had crushed on him big time and eventually had her heart stamped on after a badly judged one night stand.
Nolan Banks gives up his family job to follow his heart. Heads back to his college town and meets local business woman Presley Cabot. He is immediately smitten with her looks, her sass and her mind. Pity he hasn’t a clue who Presley is and what she and her friends have in store for him.
Jennifer has a way of writing that lures you in from the start. She makes you interested in her main characters but it the second tier characters that Jennifer excels in – albeit the best friend from college or the wonderful clothing designer.
Hopefully this is the start of a new series from Jennifer and the Ladies Who Write. I would love to read more about the other players in the book.
August 19, 2018
This book moved way too fast to me, and the entire story was based off of an unrealistic misunderstanding.
August 18, 2018
1 #Nolan+Presley star
I really wanted to like this. After all it's by Jennifer Probst so u cant go wrong, right? Yeah u can. The h was awful and so were her friends.
Presley is stalker crazy. I cringed more than once when she and Nolan first got together. She was beyond awkward and as she aged that didn't change.
No amount of the sexy Nolan could fix the damage Presley created.
I really wanted to like this. After all it's by Jennifer Probst so u cant go wrong, right? Yeah u can. The h was awful and so were her friends.
Presley is stalker crazy. I cringed more than once when she and Nolan first got together. She was beyond awkward and as she aged that didn't change.
No amount of the sexy Nolan could fix the damage Presley created.
August 14, 2018
ARC REVIEW
The Charm of You is a new book from Jennifer Probst it's her first book in the LWW. In the book Presley Cabot is one of the owners and founders of LWW, Ladies Who Write, well in real life the LWW is a group of seven authors who got together "to bring sexy love stories and emotional romance to our readers' lives. What's better than a fun, sensual ride to a happily ever after?" Sounds awesome right? Well this is just the beginning and lets hope we get many more books.
In college Presley Cabot was the overweight girl who had a crush on the track star Nolan Banks, but one night changed all that it changed her. It was one of the driving forces that lead to her losing 100lbs. But, Presley never really let go of the hurt so when she finds out he's moved back into town she plans a revenge scheme. When he doesn't even recognize her Presley's ego takes another blow but as her friends point out it's even better now she can seduce him reveal who she is and then dump him.
Nolan Banks has had a pretty easy life everything has always come so easily to him but when he changed careers from Wall Street to microbrewery/pub owner he discovered what it was like to work hard for something he loves and then comes Presley Cabot. Deep down inside he knew she was someone he needed in his life, but she's was holding back and then she revealed who she was and what happened that night all those years ago. Despite it all Nolan knows that what's between Presley and him is so much more than anything he's ever felt before and now he has to convince her the past wasn't what it seemed and to give them a chance.
At first I wasn't thrilled about the guy falling in love with the girl after she lost a whole bunch of weight but through the flashbacks Presley kept having we learn he liked her even back then when she was overweight. Through the flashbacks you really see how naive she was because to me it was obvious what was going on with Nolan even if it was from her POV. In keeping with Jennifer Probst fantastic writing style this book full of humor, heartfelt emotions, and characters that become more real than fiction.
The Charm of You is a new book from Jennifer Probst it's her first book in the LWW. In the book Presley Cabot is one of the owners and founders of LWW, Ladies Who Write, well in real life the LWW is a group of seven authors who got together "to bring sexy love stories and emotional romance to our readers' lives. What's better than a fun, sensual ride to a happily ever after?" Sounds awesome right? Well this is just the beginning and lets hope we get many more books.
In college Presley Cabot was the overweight girl who had a crush on the track star Nolan Banks, but one night changed all that it changed her. It was one of the driving forces that lead to her losing 100lbs. But, Presley never really let go of the hurt so when she finds out he's moved back into town she plans a revenge scheme. When he doesn't even recognize her Presley's ego takes another blow but as her friends point out it's even better now she can seduce him reveal who she is and then dump him.
Nolan Banks has had a pretty easy life everything has always come so easily to him but when he changed careers from Wall Street to microbrewery/pub owner he discovered what it was like to work hard for something he loves and then comes Presley Cabot. Deep down inside he knew she was someone he needed in his life, but she's was holding back and then she revealed who she was and what happened that night all those years ago. Despite it all Nolan knows that what's between Presley and him is so much more than anything he's ever felt before and now he has to convince her the past wasn't what it seemed and to give them a chance.
At first I wasn't thrilled about the guy falling in love with the girl after she lost a whole bunch of weight but through the flashbacks Presley kept having we learn he liked her even back then when she was overweight. Through the flashbacks you really see how naive she was because to me it was obvious what was going on with Nolan even if it was from her POV. In keeping with Jennifer Probst fantastic writing style this book full of humor, heartfelt emotions, and characters that become more real than fiction.
August 11, 2018
Regret with a side of revenge. Probst brings sexy back with a hint of sentimental in a charming tale of heartache, humor and second chances. Presley Cabot is living the dream until the pain of her past comes back to haunt her. Once the girl nobody noticed, she's become the woman everyone respects. When Nolan Banks returns, the confident woman she's become revisits the heartbreak she wants to forget. Nolan is the guy that stole her heart, then threw it away. Can the woman she's become forgive the man that he's trying to be?
August 7, 2018
A second chance romance and a romcom mixed together can only mean one thing lots of laughs. I love how these characters interact with one another. Their banter alone is very entertaining. I could listen to them go back and fourth all day. There is a bit of a twist that makes this second chance a first chance at love. Love can truly change a person. It can make them hard and closed off or wear their heart on their sleeve. You really can’t tell where all of this will go until you finish the story. An act of revenge could be the end to true love or prove that love was there all along. I love Jennifer’s writing and how her books give you all the feels. It really adds to a book when you can feel the emotion right along with the characters. I look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.
August 20, 2018
Review originally posted at A Lovely Book Affair.
*Received an advanced copy from the author/InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review.
“When bad things happen, there’s only one way to win. Go right through them to the other side, no matter how painful the journey was.”
Presley was something. Girl needs a therapist real bad. The fact that she was still so hung up on what happened that night in college made me want to shake her. Yes, it was terrible what happened. Yes, she had every right to be upset. But to let it control her life like that ten years later to the point where she wanted to get revenge on him? That is not healthy at all.
Nolan was a stand up guy. My favourite thing about him (without spoiling anythng) was the measures he took after he found out about that night with Presley. The way he handled the actions that occured that night made me appreciate him very much. Not going to lie, the fact that he was opening a craft beer place solidified him as a great dude in my books. Imagine all those delicious beers and food pairings.
I liked the other characters, but I felt so bad for them. They’ve been putting up with Presley obessing over a dude for ten years that she slept with/got hurt by once. God bless their hearts. I wish we had gotten to know a little bit more about them instead of only having them make an appearance when Presley was in crisis.
“It’s about satisfying you so completely, in all ways. Because you deserve it all. And I won’t stop until you do beg – loudly and often – so lets get started, shall we?”
Jennifer Probst is a great writer. She has such a beautiful writing style and I really enjoyed it. She has a talent of capturing the romance and writing some great sexual tension. The only time I was kind of like “ok we get it” was her use of the phrase “game over.” I feel like the characters said it so many times that nearing the end I was thinking that’s enough now.
My one issue was the plot. There were a lot of details that seemed far-fetched to me. I’m not going to list them all, but my main issue was the whole billionaire aspect to it. I know many books have those aspects with character’s jobs where you know it’s unrealistic, but it’s never mentioned besides in the beginning of the book, so it’s a detail you let slide. In this case, it was mentioned so much.
The pacing was good. Considering they had known each other ten years earlier, and clearly had an emotional connection, it wasn’t that far fetched how quickly they fell for each other. They were pretty similar and fit together so great. The pacing felt natural and there was never a point that I was questioning it. The one thing I wished there was more of was the ending. I waned to find out about opening night at The Bank.
Overall, The Charm of You was a good book. There was a steamy romance with some great sexual tension. However, for me, there were a lot of details in the plot that I thought were too unrealistic and brought up too many times that it distracted from the story a little bit. On the other hand, this book was filled with female empowerment and I adored that. Good for women who only focus on wanting to build each other up instead of tearing each other down.
*Received an advanced copy from the author/InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review.
“When bad things happen, there’s only one way to win. Go right through them to the other side, no matter how painful the journey was.”
Presley was something. Girl needs a therapist real bad. The fact that she was still so hung up on what happened that night in college made me want to shake her. Yes, it was terrible what happened. Yes, she had every right to be upset. But to let it control her life like that ten years later to the point where she wanted to get revenge on him? That is not healthy at all.
Nolan was a stand up guy. My favourite thing about him (without spoiling anythng) was the measures he took after he found out about that night with Presley. The way he handled the actions that occured that night made me appreciate him very much. Not going to lie, the fact that he was opening a craft beer place solidified him as a great dude in my books. Imagine all those delicious beers and food pairings.
I liked the other characters, but I felt so bad for them. They’ve been putting up with Presley obessing over a dude for ten years that she slept with/got hurt by once. God bless their hearts. I wish we had gotten to know a little bit more about them instead of only having them make an appearance when Presley was in crisis.
“It’s about satisfying you so completely, in all ways. Because you deserve it all. And I won’t stop until you do beg – loudly and often – so lets get started, shall we?”
Jennifer Probst is a great writer. She has such a beautiful writing style and I really enjoyed it. She has a talent of capturing the romance and writing some great sexual tension. The only time I was kind of like “ok we get it” was her use of the phrase “game over.” I feel like the characters said it so many times that nearing the end I was thinking that’s enough now.
My one issue was the plot. There were a lot of details that seemed far-fetched to me. I’m not going to list them all, but my main issue was the whole billionaire aspect to it. I know many books have those aspects with character’s jobs where you know it’s unrealistic, but it’s never mentioned besides in the beginning of the book, so it’s a detail you let slide. In this case, it was mentioned so much.
The pacing was good. Considering they had known each other ten years earlier, and clearly had an emotional connection, it wasn’t that far fetched how quickly they fell for each other. They were pretty similar and fit together so great. The pacing felt natural and there was never a point that I was questioning it. The one thing I wished there was more of was the ending. I waned to find out about opening night at The Bank.
Overall, The Charm of You was a good book. There was a steamy romance with some great sexual tension. However, for me, there were a lot of details in the plot that I thought were too unrealistic and brought up too many times that it distracted from the story a little bit. On the other hand, this book was filled with female empowerment and I adored that. Good for women who only focus on wanting to build each other up instead of tearing each other down.
August 14, 2018
I've loved Jennifer's writing since I read "The Marriage Bargain" back in 2013. It was one of the first books I read after 50 Shades got me back into reading romance books. I've devoured everything she has released since. Even though my romance reading preferences have changed some over the years, I still come back to her books every time she releases something. The Married to A Billionaire series is still my favorite though. It made me fall in love with that storyline premise and is still the gold standard for those kinds of books. I re-read them every year and fall in love all over again.
Why am I saying all of this now? Well, this newest book is going to be one of my favorites from her. It's charming, humorous, and full of swoon. There is a bit of a rom com feel to it with a full on 2nd chance storyline that had me reading this in one sitting.
Presley was amazing. She was a self-made woman, she overcame everything that could have held her back, and is an amazing friend. Nolan was more than I expected. He went against was his parents wanted and followed his heart, I loved his character. Presley's friends were fun and if there will be more from this "world", I'd love to see more of them or Nolan's brother.
Looking for a great afternoon read? Love Jennifer's books? Then this is going to be a good pick for you. So fun and an instant classic.
ARC in exchange for honest review
"Not every man is great in bed. Most women like the emotional bond of sex even better than the actual orgasm, you know. Remember, it's all mental."
Why am I saying all of this now? Well, this newest book is going to be one of my favorites from her. It's charming, humorous, and full of swoon. There is a bit of a rom com feel to it with a full on 2nd chance storyline that had me reading this in one sitting.
"I'm kind of stubborn when I want something. I've always loved a good challenge, and you, book goddess, are the ultimate challenge."
Presley was amazing. She was a self-made woman, she overcame everything that could have held her back, and is an amazing friend. Nolan was more than I expected. He went against was his parents wanted and followed his heart, I loved his character. Presley's friends were fun and if there will be more from this "world", I'd love to see more of them or Nolan's brother.
Looking for a great afternoon read? Love Jennifer's books? Then this is going to be a good pick for you. So fun and an instant classic.
ARC in exchange for honest review
August 23, 2018
Fantástica leitura de Verão.
Já sentia imensas saudades de ler um livro da autora Jennifer Prosbt.
Adorei os livros que a editora portuguesa traduziu, mas desta vez decidi aventurar-me numa leitura a inglês. Ao início estava a ser difícil para mim adaptar-me à leitura na terceira pessoa, mas com o passar das páginas e dos capítulos tudo se tornou mais fácil. Diga-mos que a autora fez maravilhas com este casal.
A narrativa estava espectacular. Gostei bastante da história que escreveu entre o passado e o presente de Presley e do Nolan.
Presley para mim foi uma das personagens mais bonitas que li neste ano. A sua personalidade lutadora e objectiva foi o que mais me cativou. A ligação que existe entre as suas amigas e sócias é incrível.
(Jennifer Prosbt adorei a profissão que escolheste para esta personagem).
Nolan mostrou-se um homem cheio de objectivos um deles foi abrir o seu próprio negócio e o outro lutar pela tentadora Presley.
Será que vai conseguir conquistar o coração magoado de Presley?
Uma leitura perfeita para este verão.
Já sentia imensas saudades de ler um livro da autora Jennifer Prosbt.
Adorei os livros que a editora portuguesa traduziu, mas desta vez decidi aventurar-me numa leitura a inglês. Ao início estava a ser difícil para mim adaptar-me à leitura na terceira pessoa, mas com o passar das páginas e dos capítulos tudo se tornou mais fácil. Diga-mos que a autora fez maravilhas com este casal.
A narrativa estava espectacular. Gostei bastante da história que escreveu entre o passado e o presente de Presley e do Nolan.
Presley para mim foi uma das personagens mais bonitas que li neste ano. A sua personalidade lutadora e objectiva foi o que mais me cativou. A ligação que existe entre as suas amigas e sócias é incrível.
(Jennifer Prosbt adorei a profissão que escolheste para esta personagem).
Nolan mostrou-se um homem cheio de objectivos um deles foi abrir o seu próprio negócio e o outro lutar pela tentadora Presley.
Será que vai conseguir conquistar o coração magoado de Presley?
Uma leitura perfeita para este verão.
August 22, 2018
The Charm of You is a quick, sweet and sexy romance with a wonderful message of female empowerment. Presley is a confident, extremely successful woman with a strong network of supportive friends, but she was not always so self-possessed. She was bullied in her youth and struggled to feel like she fit in. Nolan cruelly broke her heart in college after a one-night stand, and she’s set on revenge when he moves back to town, especially when he does not recognize or remember her. As she charms him, she also finds herself unwillingly charmed. Her carefully crafted plans begin to backfire and force her to confront a painful past, and you’ll root for this endearing couple every step of the way. With its relatable characters, flirty banter, palpable chemistry and swoon-worthy romance, The Charm of You is thoroughly entertaining and emotionally satisfying.
Recommendation appeared on USA Today’s Happy Ever After on August 21, 2018.
Recommendation appeared on USA Today’s Happy Ever After on August 21, 2018.
October 21, 2020
I liked Pres and Nolan’s story. They had a great chemistry and the banter between two of them was funny. Toward the end, I felt like they were skipping steps in their relationship development and it was a bit disheartening.
Also, I was not a fan of that incident—to me, it felt redundant and way too over-the-top for this particular book. Plus, the story just brought it up and put to never-mention-again box right after that. Sigh, I hate when authors do that, just for introducing a shocking element to their stories.
Also, I was not a fan of that incident—to me, it felt redundant and way too over-the-top for this particular book. Plus, the story just brought it up and put to never-mention-again box right after that. Sigh, I hate when authors do that, just for introducing a shocking element to their stories.
April 28, 2019
Major Plot Spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.
As soon as I read the synopsis I was immediately intrigued. It sounded like that it would have lots of good angst and friction between Nolan and Presley especially with the complicated backstory that would cause tension in their current romance. I always love when there’s a backstory in a romance, and with this story it was no exception especially this back story because it pushed the story forward and was kind of the reason the romance happened in the present in the first place with Presley wanting to get revenge on Nolan for what he did in the past.
Nolan and Presley went to the same college. He was older and track star and very popular with the ladies while Presley was shy and insecure especially about the fact that she was overweight and was deeply in love with Nolan at the time. Problem was she never even talked him and only admired from afar, but one night during a frat party Nolan and Presley came together and immediate connection formed between them, thrilling Presley and thought this was her chance. The separate a little bit, but his friends come to get her saying that Nolan wanted her. Long story short, she lost her virginity to him and overheard that his friends made a bet to get her in bed crushing her heart and her spirit in the process.
Coming back to the present, when she heard he came back to town to open a bar, she vowed revenge on him for the humiliation that he dealt to her during that night. Her plan was to seduce him into falling in love with her then she would reject him just like he rejected and hurt in college. With the help of her friends, they “sex” up and she set out to seduce him and carry out her plan by approaching him first.
As soon as they met though, sparks flew. He was immensely attracted to her and was practically drooling over her when she came into his bar, but there was also something more there as well. A connection that needed to fostered and nurtured because they had something between them. What was great about the first meeting, as well as anytime they were together, was the sexy banter and teasing back and forth. It was very flirty and Nolan made his interesting known from the beginning while Presley was trying to work him into the frenzy, which very fun and entertaining to see. The problem was that it was backfiring on her because her feelings for him began to arise again, and she felt that pull towards him when she really didn’t want to. She wanted him, but she vowed to stick to the plan and stay aloof.
But to compound the whole situation, and what made Presley want to press forward with this plan was the fact that Nolan didn’t remember her, or the fact that slept together, which made her even more upset and feel even more humiliated. It made her try to keep the wall even further around herself and keep to her anger that he didn’t remember her. Granted she lost a bunch of weight and it was ten years later, but he thought he would realize who she was and that she rejected him.
However not everything was what it seemed of what happened in the past, but what I did like seeing the little snippets of the past and what happened that night she lost her virginity to him. It was only her perspective, and I saw Nolan and Presley immediate connection that night. He liked her, and that was very genuine and he never saw her weight, but saw her as a person. I could tell that what I thought was the story really wasn’t the story, and I knew that misunderstandings had to had because I didn’t see him that cruel of taking her virginity as part of a bet. I just didn’t see that. I really appreciated the fact that those scenes were in the story and gave me a clearer picture of why she was hurt and why she really thought what she did about Nolan. I understood where she was coming from.
In the present, they had some wicked attraction going on, which was really fun to see play out. There was lots of flirty banter and teasing and just overall good showing of the type of chemistry off that they had. And it was fun to see that push and pull as Presley enacted this revenge plot, which after awhile she wasn’t really into because she kept wavering because she was beginning to like him and want him close to her while trying to keep her head and remember what he supposedly did to her. It was a really fun cat and mouse game, and I loved how they played with each other. They had a real nice spark and a very nice connection that was more than just the physical, which he pointed out multiple times.
I really loved Nolan. I thought he was adorable and very sexy. His sexy banter put a smile on my face as well as made me amazed as how blatant he was about his intentions with Presley. He was very upfront with what he wanted and the fact that he wanted to be with her. He made me laugh at times. He made me smile. He was very caring soul, and he was immediately drawn in by Presley, which was very cute to see. I loved how he did everything to get her to open up to him while he opened up to her to show that she could trust him. There was not a cruel bone in his body. He was the opposite and very caring especially when it came to her. It was nice to see.
I loved all the angst and tension in the story as they played this game of attraction while Presley was enacting her revenge scheme. Because didn’t know full picture of what was going on, he wanted to get closer to her but knew she kept at distance because of something in the past and wasn’t sure what, which that nice and back forth between them. While with Presley had all these feelings simmering beneath the surface over what she believed did, as well as full vulnerable with him like she did in the past and not wanting to feel that again while battling hurt feelings and moments of attraction between them. I could feel her battling with herself and how every time she would allow him to get close then she would back up and take a step back.
Until all the cards were finally put on the table and everything was revealed that was when Nolan asked her to give him a true shot by taking things slow as they dated and got to know each other and just be in the present instead of the past. She was hesitant, but agreed and the two began dating. My biggest thing was I wish that there more dates and getting to know you moments in the story because I felt like it was very rushed and there were hardly any date moments. I would have seen more of them and more spaced as they got to know each other over time before they finally slept together again because I felt that happened a little too fast as well. Yes, this had been building over the course of the book as she enacted the revenge plot, but I still felt like it could have been drawn out a little more, which would have upped the anticipation more been them. It just felt too quick from them deciding to date to sleeping together.
I also felt that that ending was a little rushed as well. After they slept together, and he told her that he loved her then before long it was the ending. It was just a little abrupt for my liking and then it was over. I think maybe if the dating was prolonged a little more then the slept together after a little more time together then I would have felt like the ending was as abrupt as it was, but I think it was just too quick from them dating to sleeping together to the end. I needed it a little more drawn out for my liking, or just having them getting to know each more than they actual did. I mean they did get to know other during the revenge plot, but I wanted a little more. After the reveal, it just went way too quick.
Overall, I really enjoyed the romance between Nolan and Presley. It was fun and flirty and very sexy with some good old fashion angst and misunderstandings thrown into the mix for good measure. They really sparked off really nicely with one another both in the present and the past. There was always something between them. It was a connection that wasn’t just physical. They had this pull towards each other from the moment that they met. I loved seeing the backstory between them that lead to where they were in the present and setup why Presley believed she had to enact this revenge plot against Nolan. It made understand where she was mentally, and I understood why she thought what she did about Nolan, even through he totally didn’t deserve. It needed to be shown so the situation could be understood what was going on in her head. It was complicated by the past, but the attraction never lessened between the two of them and the connection just grew. I loved seeing them together because it was really a fun cat and mouse game with all that sexy flirting and banter back and forth. It was so entertaining to read, and I enjoyed every time they were together because it was so good. I loved Nolan and what a great guy he truly was and very understanding especially when he learned the whole revenge plot. He was a really great hero and totally swoon worthy. Their love scene was really good too, though happened a lot sooner than I would have liked as did the ending feel kind of abrupt to me, which was really a shame because the pacing of the story was really good up until that point. I just wanted it a little bit longer, but regardless it was still good and I really liked it.
As soon as I read the synopsis I was immediately intrigued. It sounded like that it would have lots of good angst and friction between Nolan and Presley especially with the complicated backstory that would cause tension in their current romance. I always love when there’s a backstory in a romance, and with this story it was no exception especially this back story because it pushed the story forward and was kind of the reason the romance happened in the present in the first place with Presley wanting to get revenge on Nolan for what he did in the past.
Nolan and Presley went to the same college. He was older and track star and very popular with the ladies while Presley was shy and insecure especially about the fact that she was overweight and was deeply in love with Nolan at the time. Problem was she never even talked him and only admired from afar, but one night during a frat party Nolan and Presley came together and immediate connection formed between them, thrilling Presley and thought this was her chance. The separate a little bit, but his friends come to get her saying that Nolan wanted her. Long story short, she lost her virginity to him and overheard that his friends made a bet to get her in bed crushing her heart and her spirit in the process.
Coming back to the present, when she heard he came back to town to open a bar, she vowed revenge on him for the humiliation that he dealt to her during that night. Her plan was to seduce him into falling in love with her then she would reject him just like he rejected and hurt in college. With the help of her friends, they “sex” up and she set out to seduce him and carry out her plan by approaching him first.
As soon as they met though, sparks flew. He was immensely attracted to her and was practically drooling over her when she came into his bar, but there was also something more there as well. A connection that needed to fostered and nurtured because they had something between them. What was great about the first meeting, as well as anytime they were together, was the sexy banter and teasing back and forth. It was very flirty and Nolan made his interesting known from the beginning while Presley was trying to work him into the frenzy, which very fun and entertaining to see. The problem was that it was backfiring on her because her feelings for him began to arise again, and she felt that pull towards him when she really didn’t want to. She wanted him, but she vowed to stick to the plan and stay aloof.
But to compound the whole situation, and what made Presley want to press forward with this plan was the fact that Nolan didn’t remember her, or the fact that slept together, which made her even more upset and feel even more humiliated. It made her try to keep the wall even further around herself and keep to her anger that he didn’t remember her. Granted she lost a bunch of weight and it was ten years later, but he thought he would realize who she was and that she rejected him.
However not everything was what it seemed of what happened in the past, but what I did like seeing the little snippets of the past and what happened that night she lost her virginity to him. It was only her perspective, and I saw Nolan and Presley immediate connection that night. He liked her, and that was very genuine and he never saw her weight, but saw her as a person. I could tell that what I thought was the story really wasn’t the story, and I knew that misunderstandings had to had because I didn’t see him that cruel of taking her virginity as part of a bet. I just didn’t see that. I really appreciated the fact that those scenes were in the story and gave me a clearer picture of why she was hurt and why she really thought what she did about Nolan. I understood where she was coming from.
In the present, they had some wicked attraction going on, which was really fun to see play out. There was lots of flirty banter and teasing and just overall good showing of the type of chemistry off that they had. And it was fun to see that push and pull as Presley enacted this revenge plot, which after awhile she wasn’t really into because she kept wavering because she was beginning to like him and want him close to her while trying to keep her head and remember what he supposedly did to her. It was a really fun cat and mouse game, and I loved how they played with each other. They had a real nice spark and a very nice connection that was more than just the physical, which he pointed out multiple times.
I really loved Nolan. I thought he was adorable and very sexy. His sexy banter put a smile on my face as well as made me amazed as how blatant he was about his intentions with Presley. He was very upfront with what he wanted and the fact that he wanted to be with her. He made me laugh at times. He made me smile. He was very caring soul, and he was immediately drawn in by Presley, which was very cute to see. I loved how he did everything to get her to open up to him while he opened up to her to show that she could trust him. There was not a cruel bone in his body. He was the opposite and very caring especially when it came to her. It was nice to see.
I loved all the angst and tension in the story as they played this game of attraction while Presley was enacting her revenge scheme. Because didn’t know full picture of what was going on, he wanted to get closer to her but knew she kept at distance because of something in the past and wasn’t sure what, which that nice and back forth between them. While with Presley had all these feelings simmering beneath the surface over what she believed did, as well as full vulnerable with him like she did in the past and not wanting to feel that again while battling hurt feelings and moments of attraction between them. I could feel her battling with herself and how every time she would allow him to get close then she would back up and take a step back.
Until all the cards were finally put on the table and everything was revealed that was when Nolan asked her to give him a true shot by taking things slow as they dated and got to know each other and just be in the present instead of the past. She was hesitant, but agreed and the two began dating. My biggest thing was I wish that there more dates and getting to know you moments in the story because I felt like it was very rushed and there were hardly any date moments. I would have seen more of them and more spaced as they got to know each other over time before they finally slept together again because I felt that happened a little too fast as well. Yes, this had been building over the course of the book as she enacted the revenge plot, but I still felt like it could have been drawn out a little more, which would have upped the anticipation more been them. It just felt too quick from them deciding to date to sleeping together.
I also felt that that ending was a little rushed as well. After they slept together, and he told her that he loved her then before long it was the ending. It was just a little abrupt for my liking and then it was over. I think maybe if the dating was prolonged a little more then the slept together after a little more time together then I would have felt like the ending was as abrupt as it was, but I think it was just too quick from them dating to sleeping together to the end. I needed it a little more drawn out for my liking, or just having them getting to know each more than they actual did. I mean they did get to know other during the revenge plot, but I wanted a little more. After the reveal, it just went way too quick.
Overall, I really enjoyed the romance between Nolan and Presley. It was fun and flirty and very sexy with some good old fashion angst and misunderstandings thrown into the mix for good measure. They really sparked off really nicely with one another both in the present and the past. There was always something between them. It was a connection that wasn’t just physical. They had this pull towards each other from the moment that they met. I loved seeing the backstory between them that lead to where they were in the present and setup why Presley believed she had to enact this revenge plot against Nolan. It made understand where she was mentally, and I understood why she thought what she did about Nolan, even through he totally didn’t deserve. It needed to be shown so the situation could be understood what was going on in her head. It was complicated by the past, but the attraction never lessened between the two of them and the connection just grew. I loved seeing them together because it was really a fun cat and mouse game with all that sexy flirting and banter back and forth. It was so entertaining to read, and I enjoyed every time they were together because it was so good. I loved Nolan and what a great guy he truly was and very understanding especially when he learned the whole revenge plot. He was a really great hero and totally swoon worthy. Their love scene was really good too, though happened a lot sooner than I would have liked as did the ending feel kind of abrupt to me, which was really a shame because the pacing of the story was really good up until that point. I just wanted it a little bit longer, but regardless it was still good and I really liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 13, 2018
August 23, 2018
"Nolan Banks is back in town."
With those words, Presley's world was turned upside down and she was remembering the past where she was an overweight college student and lost her virginity to him, before he broke her heart.
"Books make it easy to feel and be vulnerable. That's probably why I love reading so much."
Presley became one of the richest CEO's in America, a billionaire in the publishing industry. But she never forgot about Nolan's betrayal and despite being a very successful woman, she's still stuck in the past, whether she realize it or not. When she learn he's back in Port Hudson, she see an opportunity to get her revenge from him. She elaborate the plan with her friends : making him fall in love with her and then dump him. But her scheme already began to misfire from the start when he doesn't even recognize her. Playing hard to get might appear like no big deal at the beginning, but Nolan is much too honest and too charming for her to be able to resist his big heart.
I'm not a fan of revenge trope. I always worry one of the character will go too far or too set on his/her plan to be able to make me believe in the love story. So why did I picked this book ? Because it's Jennifer Probst. She have a way to write emotions and in this story, some things took me by surprise (in a good way). At first, I wasn't sure I would like the story. It felt like I was supposed to believe this woman became confident while it was obvious she stagnated in certain sphere of her life because of this one moment. Sometimes I wasn't sure if it was her heart who was hurt of her ego talking. Flashbacks from her college years made us find out what happened and understand that Nolan was not the bad guy in the story. I felt bad for him because he was so kind and sincere while she was playing games. But with all the revelations and how Presley couldn't stop falling for him again, and the hero's authenticity, I found myself seeing the Charm of this book.
Some sentences were just so beautiful. Like this one :
"It feels like our story has always been there, just waiting to be opened to the right chapter to finish it."
I'm curious to learn more about the hero's brother. His relationship with Nolan, a mix of brotherly love and fierce competition was very interesting.
With those words, Presley's world was turned upside down and she was remembering the past where she was an overweight college student and lost her virginity to him, before he broke her heart.
"Books make it easy to feel and be vulnerable. That's probably why I love reading so much."
Presley became one of the richest CEO's in America, a billionaire in the publishing industry. But she never forgot about Nolan's betrayal and despite being a very successful woman, she's still stuck in the past, whether she realize it or not. When she learn he's back in Port Hudson, she see an opportunity to get her revenge from him. She elaborate the plan with her friends : making him fall in love with her and then dump him. But her scheme already began to misfire from the start when he doesn't even recognize her. Playing hard to get might appear like no big deal at the beginning, but Nolan is much too honest and too charming for her to be able to resist his big heart.
I'm not a fan of revenge trope. I always worry one of the character will go too far or too set on his/her plan to be able to make me believe in the love story. So why did I picked this book ? Because it's Jennifer Probst. She have a way to write emotions and in this story, some things took me by surprise (in a good way). At first, I wasn't sure I would like the story. It felt like I was supposed to believe this woman became confident while it was obvious she stagnated in certain sphere of her life because of this one moment. Sometimes I wasn't sure if it was her heart who was hurt of her ego talking. Flashbacks from her college years made us find out what happened and understand that Nolan was not the bad guy in the story. I felt bad for him because he was so kind and sincere while she was playing games. But with all the revelations and how Presley couldn't stop falling for him again, and the hero's authenticity, I found myself seeing the Charm of this book.
Some sentences were just so beautiful. Like this one :
"It feels like our story has always been there, just waiting to be opened to the right chapter to finish it."
I'm curious to learn more about the hero's brother. His relationship with Nolan, a mix of brotherly love and fierce competition was very interesting.
August 17, 2018
Characters - 3.5/5
I have a problem with the h though
Plot - 3/5
Writing - 4/5
Pace - 4/5
Ending - 4/5
Angst - 2/5
Romance - 4/5
I have a problem with the h though
Plot - 3/5
Writing - 4/5
Pace - 4/5
Ending - 4/5
Angst - 2/5
Romance - 4/5
August 23, 2018
Such a shallow and stupid story. Even the cover seems wrong and can't be more misleading.
Can't believe it was written by Jennifer Probst.
Can't believe it was written by Jennifer Probst.
August 14, 2018
The Charm of You is Jennifer Probst's newest fun, sexy, second chance romance. Jennifer is one of my go-to-authors and I love her writing more and more with each book. She's also a funny, great person in real life! This second chance story has all my favorite things. Fantastic writing, fun, likable characters, sexiness, amazing movie references, fabulous clothes and beer. Presley and Nolan have a history. One she hasn't been able to forget and it's the reason for her insecurities. She thought it was all behind her until Nolan comes back to town. When all of her memories come back and begin to crush her, she and her friends develop a plan. Make him fall for her then dump him! Her friends are hilarious and fiercely loyal. They help get her dolled up and she dazzles Nolan to the point where all he thinks about is the sexy Presley. He doesn't recognize her and that just fuels her fire. But the more time they spend together, the more Presley falls for him again? Can Presley let the past got and trust a future with Nolan? What happens when Nolan finds out about their shared past? I loved this story! It's funny, sexy and sweet. They had a connection all those years ago, and the chemistry is still there. Nolan does fall hard and fast for her, but it didn't seem unrealistic to me. He recognizes something about her and she just calls to him. I loved their flirty banter and it was fantastic when Presley let her guard down. She thinks she was being a sex pot and pretending, but Nolan always saw the real Presley. Overall, I laughed out loud, cheered, got hot and bothered and read it in one day! I'm hoping we see more from these women! I loved the girl power!
"You're new."
"You're hot."
"I know."
"You're the type of woman I want to linger with. Sink into. Dig deep. One I definitely would not want to let got, especially from my bed.
"Presley, I'm very good at sex. Trust me when I say I know how to satisfy a woman."
"I believe you."
"No, you don’t. I'll have to prove it to you."
"What about your sister?"
"Hell no, she gets allergic the moment she's around a pot or pan."
"I'd like to meet her. She sounds like my kind of person."
"The two of you could rule the world. I'll keep you apart, thank you very much."
"You're new."
"You're hot."
"I know."
"You're the type of woman I want to linger with. Sink into. Dig deep. One I definitely would not want to let got, especially from my bed.
"Presley, I'm very good at sex. Trust me when I say I know how to satisfy a woman."
"I believe you."
"No, you don’t. I'll have to prove it to you."
"What about your sister?"
"Hell no, she gets allergic the moment she's around a pot or pan."
"I'd like to meet her. She sounds like my kind of person."
"The two of you could rule the world. I'll keep you apart, thank you very much."
August 13, 2018
I enjoyed this fun, sexy second chance romance. Presley is stunned to learn that Nolan, her college crush, is moving back to town and opening a business. She was humiliated by Nolan in college and now is a successful business woman yet seeing Nolan brings back all those bad memories. Her friends coach her on a revenge plot to get Nolan to fall in love with her then break his heart. Nolan is blown away by this amazing woman that walks into his bar. There is something about her that draws him in and he knows that he needs this woman in his life. The road to revenge is never easy but it was so much fun to experience. As Presley struts her stuff, we get flashbacks to their time together in college and learn that they did connect but hearts were shattered. Is there any way Presley can forgive Nolan? Will they find that spark again and a chance at happiness? I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
August 20, 2018
4.5 Hearts
Jennifer Probst is the queen of the slow burn! This is a second chance romance that began with misunderstanding but ends with a bang! Shy quiet girl nerd loves the golden boy athlete from afar. Heart gets broken. Jump ahead 10 years and all bets are off.
Really enjoyed Presley and her posse of good friends. She has come into her own as time has passed but still guards her heart because of the cracks caused by the one who got away. I liked her personality throughout. The seductress, the book nerd, the best friend the cut throat businesswoman and the vulnerable soft heart beneath is all.
Overall a sweet romantic read. Nolan quickly figures out he needs to travel at Presley's speed and it makes for wonderful moments between these two. Loved their lunch date at the book store! I could get on board with that for sure. Swoon!
Loved this one!
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Jennifer Probst is the queen of the slow burn! This is a second chance romance that began with misunderstanding but ends with a bang! Shy quiet girl nerd loves the golden boy athlete from afar. Heart gets broken. Jump ahead 10 years and all bets are off.
Really enjoyed Presley and her posse of good friends. She has come into her own as time has passed but still guards her heart because of the cracks caused by the one who got away. I liked her personality throughout. The seductress, the book nerd, the best friend the cut throat businesswoman and the vulnerable soft heart beneath is all.
Overall a sweet romantic read. Nolan quickly figures out he needs to travel at Presley's speed and it makes for wonderful moments between these two. Loved their lunch date at the book store! I could get on board with that for sure. Swoon!
Loved this one!
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
August 19, 2018
"I think this is my first book by Jennifer, and I really did enjoy it. What I thought was a second chance at love book, I ended up by being totally off base with that!! Presley just happened to be infatuated with Nolan when they were in college together. They had one night, and throughout the story you get flashbacks as to what happened back then. There was a small part of me that just couldn't sympathise with Presley as that backstory evolved. But at the end of it, I could understand why she felt the way she did and why she acted towards Nolan all those years later.
This is a well written book, and I would dearly love to read stories for Presley's friends also.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
This is a well written book, and I would dearly love to read stories for Presley's friends also.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
September 10, 2018
3.5 rounded up because I love Probst.
This was a cute read, complete with a revenge story. It was fast, and I felt I needed more - definitely wanted more.
I related to Presley, and felt like I really understood who she was. A lot of the feelings and thoughts that she had were similar to some that I've felt before. I cried in the right parts, and laughed during the best.
Nolan was someone that I wasn't sure of, and maybe still am not. His whole story, the reasons for his actions, it wasn't laid out in detail as much as Presley's. Well, to be fair, I just didn't relate to it as much as I did with her.
I did enjoy the story overall, and if there's more in this world, I would be eager for them.
This was a cute read, complete with a revenge story. It was fast, and I felt I needed more - definitely wanted more.
I related to Presley, and felt like I really understood who she was. A lot of the feelings and thoughts that she had were similar to some that I've felt before. I cried in the right parts, and laughed during the best.
Nolan was someone that I wasn't sure of, and maybe still am not. His whole story, the reasons for his actions, it wasn't laid out in detail as much as Presley's. Well, to be fair, I just didn't relate to it as much as I did with her.
I did enjoy the story overall, and if there's more in this world, I would be eager for them.
August 19, 2018
The Charm of You by Jennifer Probst brings the past into the present as two characters try to navigate a future.
Presley and Nolan have a history. Nolan humiliated Presley in the past, and now he’s back, but Presley isn’t the same and he doesn’t recognize her. For Presley, it’s time for a little payback, but what happens when her heart gets involved? Will Presley let go of the past in order to have a future with Nolan? Or is revenge the only thing on the menu?
The Charm of You is an easy read that entertains you from the very beginning. A second chance romance with charming characters and comedic moments, makes The Charm of You a recommended read.
Presley and Nolan have a history. Nolan humiliated Presley in the past, and now he’s back, but Presley isn’t the same and he doesn’t recognize her. For Presley, it’s time for a little payback, but what happens when her heart gets involved? Will Presley let go of the past in order to have a future with Nolan? Or is revenge the only thing on the menu?
The Charm of You is an easy read that entertains you from the very beginning. A second chance romance with charming characters and comedic moments, makes The Charm of You a recommended read.
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