Aspen Parker's life can be summed up in one word. Unexpected. For instance, she never expected to become a mother at twenty. Her divorce at twenty-one really threw her off. She certainly didn't see losing her promotion at the bank to that weasel Stephen. And she most definitely didn't see Miles Wickham, better known as Taron Taylor--international bestselling author, the man whose words have captivated her--offering her a job to be his nephew's nanny.
But there's a caveat to accepting the position; she must sign a contract agreeing to no romantic entanglements between her and the debonair Brit. Aspen doesn't expect this to be an issue seeing as she's not particularly fond of men. Once again, though, life is not turning out how she expected.
While Aspen and Miles traverse single parenthood together, there's no denying the chemistry between them. She can't figure out how her charming boss knows how to pierce the protective layers of her heart, and it's driving her mad. Mad with desire that is. Miles, too, is finding it hard to resist the reserved beauty who brilliantly takes care of his nephew and him. But with both their tentative hearts on the line, can they risk taking a chance on each other? Which will win? Love or the contract?
Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
Ooh la. Ooh la la. I am in love with Aspen and Miles. L.O.V.E. Here's why:
Attraction? ✅ Sexy Brittish author with a swoony accent? ✅ Sweet three year old who will steal your heart? ✅ Tension so thick you can't even cut it with a knife? ✅✅
While it isn't insta-love for these two, it IS insta-attraction. Aspen nearly faints away when she realizes that Miles is her fangirl crush of an author. Yeah, I can totally relate to Aspen. There is zing and a tangible growing tension throughout that I absolutely crave. But, it was more than just that. It was real characters with real struggles and flaws, trying to figure life out. I connected to Aspen on a deeper emotional level and that's the true test, right? When your emotions become involved in lots of different ways? I think so.
Aspen is kind, caring and smart. Her sensitive mothering nature comes naturally to her. She is patient with not only Henry and Chloe but with Miles as well. Aspen is guarded though. She keeps things close to avoid being hurt. But she is tough when she needs to be. She stands up when the need arises and doesn't take crap. I really loved her.
Two of my favorite bits? The "research" (😍) and of course the phrase "strictly business".
"Wow, did he follow directions well. The butterflies in my stomach gave him an A+"
You know what I really want? This book in audible with dual male/female voices and of course, the male needs to have an authentic British accent. Yup, that's my fantasy, I mean dream. My dream. My really good dream. And then me and my book friends can have a listening party. At a beach setting. Drinking yummy, fruity drinks and eating chocolate. Oops, getting carried away. 😳
I love this book and I love this series. I love that the characters from previous books are still part of each book and I don't have to miss them. This book was everything I've come to expect and love from Jennifer Peel. I don't know how she does it but I hope she never stops. My heart finds it's happiest place in her books.
The audio of this one is purely delightful! The narration really brought the story to life and I could picture it as a movie. I loved every single minute once again.
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(2019)The biggest reason why I like to read is to escape and wowza! this story was a delicious escape from my insanely stressful week. Aspen's life hasn't gone according to her plans and that right there caught me. My life hasn't been a walk in the park lately and I get so uptight about it, but watching how Aspen handled life gave me hope. Okay, so she's not real, but Jennifer Peel sure knows how to write realistic characters and I felt like I was learning a few lessons from a good friend through the course of her story.
Part of Aspen's problem stems from the lack of trust towards the male species. Enter Miles--the gorgeous, talented, famous Brit, who is also a man of many powerful words. In other words, her favorite author.
In an epic battle of wit, chemistry, and swoon, Miles and Aspen navigate uncharted territory, with an odious contract hanging over their heads, and I happily immersed myself in their story for a time. Their relationship is like chocolate and peanut butter--smooth, rich, creamy, and totally meant to be together. Kudos to Ms. Peel for writing yet another fabulous swoony romance that resonated in my heart long after the last page was devoured.
Content: mild language; mild+ swoony romance (kissing, some innuendo)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Aspen Parker has sworn off the opposite sex for good.
Miles Wickham has never had to think of anyone but himself until he becomes sole guardian to his nephew, Henry.
So what happens when these two meet for the first time?
Sparks! Lots and lots of sizzling sparks! These two better strap in and hold on tight because they are in for the ride of their lives!
*dreamy sigh*
You guys! Can I just tell you how much I loved My Not So Wicked Boss?! It was everything I wanted it to be and more! Once I started this book, I could not put it down. I stayed up way too late reading and woke up extra early just so I could finish it. It was THAT good!
There's nothing more beautiful than reading a book about two people who are broken in one way or another and watching them grow, watching them realize their past does not define them, watching them discover that they deserve to be loved. Miles and Aspen's story is definitely one of those. I loved how careful Miles was with Aspen. He knew just how to handle her and her insecurities. These two were perfect for each other. Not only did they balance each other out, but they made each other better. I had a feeling their story would be my favorite, and it was.
And let's not forget about the other relationships in this book. I absolutely adored watching the relationships, not only between Aspen and Henry but also between Miles and Chloe, grow. I can't really describe it. It all just happened naturally. There was nothing forced about it. They fit together perfectly, almost like they were always meant to be a family. It was beautiful to watch.
I'm sad that it has come to an end, but have to say that this is the perfect ending to an amazing series! I've loved every minute I've spent in Carrington Cove. This is definitely a series I will be reading over and over again.
Ms. Peel never ceases to amaze me. I can always count on her to whisk me away into a world that gives me a much needed break from reality. Once I start her books, I have a hard time putting them down. I'm excited to see where she takes us next!
As for my casting.... *dreamy sigh*.... I absolutely adore these two! I think they're the perfect Aspen and Miles! What do you think?
Plenty of emotion, angst, humor, and chemistry in this third book of a series I have thoroughly enjoyed! They don't have to be read in order but I recommend you read them all so you might as well ;) Aspen's life doesn't follow the more traditional paths of her friends, but as much as she regrets her choices, she never regrets her daughter. She loves and sacrifices for her, and I liked the relationship the author showed between the two. The teenager and the toddler play a vital role in the story and in the transformation Miles goes through as he learns new parenting and relationship skills with the support of Aspen. Aspen's friends Emma, Shelby, and Jenna from the previous books make more than cameos and I love how naturally they fit into this story. It's a bumpy road to the happy ending, but I grew to love the characters and the way they bring out the best in each other.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I was really looking forward to this one, this has been a fun series to get into. It was fun seeing Aspen and Miles fall in love and overcome their fears. I love the small town setting, reuniting with past characters and falling in love with new ones.
There were so many things about this book that I did love....but the innuendo thrown in throughout pushes the cleanliness for me which for me ruins it. I don't remember Peels books having that. I love her characters from this series and how them and their little town seem to come to life...but little things like Jenna's breast leaking because she got excited when Aspen was telling her about her new boss....and the friends giving her tissues...several times....grief lol. I'm a nursing mom but honestly...lol. Not a fan of comments like that. I love Aspen and Miles and their adorable kids though....and the contract at the end was super cute.
Love this series! One of my favorite series by this author (and I love a lot of her series/books)!
I was having a hard time picking between the first two books which were my favorite. Then I read this one...hands down my favorite of the three. Absolutely adored it! I dropped everything (ok, not everything, but all other books that I had planned and scheduled to read) and snagged a copy and read it! Definitely worth it in my book! (Ha, I'm being punny today)
I've never regretted picking up a book by Jennifer Peel. I love how she writes the emotions of characters. So real and raw and full of, well, emotion. You get the full gambit of emotions in her stories and I felt that in this series with these characters and especially with Aspen. I love her character. She is hysterical. In the second book she cracked me up with the cockroaches. And then to read more in detail about her in this book, I just grew to love her character even more.
I think that this might be my favorite in the series as well because, after reading the other two books and coming to know all the characters and seeing them start on their happily ever afters, we get to keep seeing and reading about them in this book. I love when I connect with characters and I still get to see them after their book has ended.
The chemistry is sizzling in this book (all of them really). But Aspen and Miles are tied because of a contract. And Miles, oh my! All of their scenes were so fun to read. The research scene, the soccer scene (whew), the plate breaking scene. Yep, I loved this book! This is a series I will be coming back to read again and again!
Content: Clean. There are innuendos throughout the book but they are mild. I wouldn't recommend this series for YA but for adults. There are no sex scenes in the book, just some kissing (for research) and characters who have chemistry brewing between them.
I have adored this series and the characters in Carrington Cove so I was thrilled to read this final book! It definitely did not disappoint. Not only did we get to read a swoony yet clean romance where Aspen finally gets her chance (with such a hunky Brit, too!), but we get to revisit favorite characters from the other two books as well.
I have to say that I loved the dynamics of Aspen and Miles’ relationship, and I especially loved Chloe and Henry. I couldn’t just read the book as I normally do, I very clearly imagined an attractive British man’s accent each time Miles spoke, or the cutest British accent when Henry talked. It was pure heaven!
I did something I’ve never done with a Jennifer Peel book- I paced myself and read it slowly, just a chapter or two a night, and it was like savoring every bite of a decadent dessert! There was and is still a huge part of me that NEEDS to finish the book and can’t keep putting it down, but due to some specific circumstances I had to pace myself and I certainly enjoyed and focused on each and every toe-curling moment!
This book gripped me in its clutches from the first chapter! Aspen finds herself working in a job where she is abused and under appreciated, when Miles Wickham walks through the door with his adorable nephew I tow. Not only is he gorgeous, but he is also her favorite author and her secret fantasy crush. Well, maybe not so secret since all her girlfriends know she’s got the hots for her new boss who hires her to be both his personal assistant and a nanny to his orphaned nephew.
This book is a slow burn full of chemistry as these characters work through past hurts, insecurities and fears about opening up their hearts to love once again.
If you enjoy a clean read with lots of depth (and a sexy British male lead) then you’re going to love this one! Just make sure you carve out a good amount of time to read it. You’re not going to want to put this one down!
Aspen is barely making ends meet for her and her 12-year-old daughter, Chloe. When her promotion goes to a jerky, undeserving co-worker, an even better opportunity walks through her door.
Miles needs a personal assistant and a nanny for his 3-year-old nephew, Henry. When he meets Aspen for the first time, he thinks he's found the perfect person to fill both positions.
There is instant attraction between them, but they both have commitment issues so it seems like a "no romantic entanglements" clause in their contract will solve all of their problems. Ha! Throw in a deadbeat ex-husband and a hopeful (and catty) ex-girlfriend, and all our favorite characters from the previous Carrington Cove books, and this book is a fun ride!
Talk about a dream come true. I mean, if I had a favorite author who I had a crush on—for the record I don't; all are either dead, old or married—walk into my life, I'd be over the rainbow about it.
Sigh. Alas I do not and it does not do to dwell on dreams, as a wise old man said once.
Another awesome read by Jennifer Peel. This Not So Wicked series has been a blast to read. This one features Aspen, who has been a man-hating side character in other books. She meets best-selling author Miles Wickham, who goes by a pen name, and he asks her to quit her bank job and work for him as his nanny for the little boy he has “inherited” and as his personal assistant. Though the chemistry between them is sizzling, he makes his attorney write up a contract to keep things strictly business between them, on grounds of terminating employment if a romantic entanglement happens. Ah, what Aspen wants (him) and is finally read to give (her heart) is forbidden. Seems about right for her life. Squeal! I loved this book. The characters were perfectly done and had hidden depths that come to light slowly. I adored them. The plot was a fun one, yet with depth to the romance (so incredibly awesome). It’s a fast read, but not a light, fluffy one that doesn’t make you grow. There is enough depth to make it a fulfilling read that is worth reading again. Yea! I would recommend this to anyone who loves contemporary romances.
My Not-So Wicked Boss is another swoony romance by Jennifer Peel that had my toes curling and my heart cheering for Aspen to get her own happy ever after.
I really enjoyed the more mature themes and adult problems Aspen and Miles were facing. Aspen’s story and character arc were vulnerable and real. While she started out guarded and a little bit of a man hater from her past experiences, I enjoyed watching her heart soften, her self-esteem and confidence grow, and her finally get a man she deserved.
Read this for: *Work place romance *British hero *Author with a pen name *Henry and Chloe *Major chemistry between the main characters *Aspen’s character growth *”Research” kiss *The contracts *Single POV
The audiobook was fabulous. Stephanie Rose is an incredible narrator and her performance with this story was ten stars. I loved how she portrayed Aspen as well as how she did the different accents, the British and Southern drawls. I felt like the vibes were on point and I will listen to this again. I highly recommend the audiobook version.
Content: closed door romance, parental abandonment, death of a loved one (prior to story), and some innuendo.
This one has got to be one of my favorite books this author has written. I am always immediately drawn to her characters. Aspen story has complexity that is relatable and seems so real. She isn’t just a character she’s a person seen easily in everyday life. I love how none of the story seems forced or unrealistic. It the attention to detail that makes it real. The real problems of single parenthood and trauma from the past. What I love about this author is that I am always filled with hope at the end. Even if her books didn’t have the happy ending I know I’d be comfortable with what happens to the characters. Aspens story is my favorite so far.
Every time I read a book by Jennifer I know it can’t be as good as the last one. And every time I’m wrong. You’d think I’d learn. I love Her Not So Wicked Boss. Miles had some changing to do. He was so open to working on changing for the better it was amazing. Aspen’s feelings were exactly as I would expect. It was great seeing how they figured it out. The best quote is when Aspen said, “I think I would like to privately celebrate for a little bit longer.” Perfect!
This B book was swoon worthy! I only wish I could hear his lovely accent and miss the cheeks of his nephew. The author did a tremendous job making the characters come to life.
I was so excited to be back in Carrington Cove and Edenvale and get reacquainted with characters that I've fallen in love with. In this one, we watch how Aspen finds her true love. Aspen has a secret crush on a British author. When, in some cosmic fate meeting, she meets him at her work, she is left speechless. But her "great" fate doesn't stop there. He needed a nanny to his nephew and a personal assistant and Aspen needed to quit her job. They end up working together but before they can shake their hands on it, her boss draws up a contract that clearly states that they can't have any romantic entanglements. At first Aspen was happy for this clause. She felt like her heart will be protected because she didn't want to lose her job. But as time goes one, she starts to fall for her hunky British boss. What I liked about this book: I was already invested with the characters here so I really enjoyed reuniting with them and seeing how they progressed in life. My favorite scenes were when the big group were together, especially with all the couples present. That was super fun. I also really liked the scene at the end where the women were all together with little ones in tow. Such a cute scene too. I also liked the behind the scenes look at an author's life. Miles, the British hunk, is the author and we see him go through the phase of creating a story. We see him do research and even a white board where his story is organized. If I were a writer, I would probably do the same in order for me to keep the story flow right. I thought that Aspen's fears and vulnerabilities are very relatable and understandable. She's been wronged by her first love, which also happened to be her ex husband and father of her daughter. I thought it was kind of a cosmic fate as well that Miles' book main character is very similar to Aspen. I also enjoyed Miles' relationship with his nephew and Aspen's daughter. One of his biggest hung up is that he's afraid that he won't be good as a father and husband but he's interaction with the young ones was very endearing.
What I didn't quite like: The ending between the big reveal of emotions and the epiloque seemed kind of rushed. One minute they are finally being true to themselves and each other and then another minute they are engaged and then married. I wished there were more in between that. But maybe that is just me wishing for a longer time with these characters. I also thought that the conflicts between Aspen and Miles weren't that too heavy of a drama. I don't like such heavy drama but enough that you can really tell that there's a conflict and it's not just petty stuff.
Over all I thought the book was pretty good and a good ending for this series.
My Not So Wicked Boss by Jennifer Peel is the third book in her ‘My Not So Wicked Series’. Aspen Parker has a track record for dating losers, so she has sworn off from men. After assisting her favorite author, Miles Wickham, in setting up a checking account, she finds he is in greater need of a nanny for his nephew. Aspen would love the opportunity to work for him and get out from under her obnoxious boss and make enough for the needs of her daughter. The attraction to Miles is troubling, especially since his primary character’s personality and flaws are like Aspen. It is as if he can see into her soul. Working for him could be her undoing if it wasn’t for the unusual clause in their contract.
Jennifer Peel is an award-winning author that keeps her fans begging for more. My Not So Wicked Boss has all the elements of an enticing romance novel; characters that sizzle, conflicting personalities, and past romances that have come back to haunt them. The author takes you quickly from one dramatic event to another as the tension builds between Aspen and Miles. The characters reveal their flaws, but you love them all the more. Aspen’s attitude towards men keeps her true to herself and her focus on her daughter. I love the fact that Aspen is cautious about the men she allows influencing her vulnerable daughter. You will enjoy seeing characters from the previous ‘My Not So Wicked Series’ and how their lives have developed. Overall, I found this novel enchanting and mesmerizing with a fascinating plot and well-developed characters. If you enjoy a romance that relies on quality instead of cheap thrills, this is the novel for you.
This story between Miles and Aspen was interesting in the progression seemed to be take steps forward and pause then another step closer and pause with Aspen being ready and Miles being confused as to why Aspen would pull back due his seeming to pull back when moments became too much for him. Which creates the question what in his past has create this beyond family situation and what Penelope's visit reveal that's been hinted at. Loved seeing where other characters are at with hints of it at Soccer games and get gatherings.
Love this quote from Miles - "And just remember, dear Chloe, history turns on little hinges. Sometimes we make decisions that in the moment may seem insignificant, but when we look back, we see how monumental they were. As we study this ugly bit of British history, let us keep that in mind.” in Chapter 26 Aspen describes the pauses that make her cautious best in Chapter 28 - "She can’t be with someone who is hesitant with her. It will only make her doubt herself more. She’s not asking for perfection; she only wants someone who will make her a priority and keep trying.” - Amen Aspen
I had a hard time putting this book down. I loved it from beginning til the end….I know I say this to a lot of books but it's true. The storyline is sweet, Swoony, heart melting, heartwarming, makes you giddy all throughout the book.
Miles and Aspens first meeting in the beginning of the story already sparked my interest. There were already fireworks. But of course to make it more interesting both will deny and they both agreed on just staying professional by signing a contract. Because of this agreement tons of Swoony fun awkward moments were created. As you read on it gets more and more exciting and intriguing.
Aspens and Miles journey will leave you with so many mixed emotions. You will feel happiness, sadness, excitement and confusion as you read this fantastic book. The dreamy, swoony sweet joyous ending will leave you all weak, your heart all melted and warm..and you'll be grinning like crazy. This book is a definite must read!