Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh

Love That Lasts #1

by J.B. Schroeder

Do you believe in the legend of True Springs?

How can a practical proposal, a fake wedding, and a looming expiration date possibly end with a happily ever after?

When Jake Walker returns home and, for his mom’s sake, cooks up a fake relationship with sexy waitress, Sadie Evans, he’s shocked to discover that he wants the friends-to-lovers thing to stay on the menu forever. Although Sadie can’t pass up this chance to be in close proximity with her one true love, she harbors no delusions. Jake’s not built for settling down or small-town life. She’s betting he’ll rip off his apron and chuck the wedding band long before she has to admit to ordering up a fresh start for herself—one that can’t possibly include him.

This is a novella about returning home after love and loss, taking chances and forging new beginnings, and, of course, grasping for a second chance with the one who got away!

Ticket to True Love is a steamy contemporary romance series about new beginnings, second chances, and finding true love in unexpected places. Fall in love all over the world with bestselling and award winning authors JB Schroeder, Savannah Kade, Moni Boyce, Shirley Hailstock, Holland Rae, Julie Strauss & Jennifer Wilck. Start your next romance with Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh now!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Novella, Small Town Romance

156 pages, ebook

First published October 8, 2019

About the author

JB lived for Sunday trips to the library growing up, and her favorite subjects were english and writing. She graduated Penn State with a degree in creative writing, then landed a job in publishing in New York City. Production led to design, which fed her creative soul and her bookshelves for a long time...

Now, JB writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance to make your heart race!

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Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Ticket to True Love Series with multiple authors. I freely admit I am a JB Schroeder fan and if she asked me to trust her and read the alphabet book I would. When she admitted to writing a contemporary I asked for an arc and she graciously provided. I love suspense, thrillers wrapped with romance so I had to take a step back before I started reading this. It grabbed from the beginning which is always awesome. Jake I can relate. Been on those so called Team Building. This is a true contemporary romance that does not push the erotic edge that is so prevalent these days. There is some steam, don't get me wrong. I appreciated not having to skim chapters because of nothing but detailed sex. This was a story I could read. I did feel for poor Jake. Sure Leopards don't change their spots, but people grow up. Sadie stepped outside her wants, because she viewed her life by what others accomplished. Jake, the proverbial male, battling feelings and putting a plan in motion. Sadie, the girl who grew up with him, always had a crush on him trying to figure out her future. This is a fun, enjoyable romance. It's like sitting down in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea, going ahhhh.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake left his suburb of Pittsburgh when he went to college and has travelled ever since. When he was younger, he felt the need to travel. Now he is working as a commodities broker in New York, but is not happy. Unfortunately his beloved father passes away so he decides to go back home and help his mother with their diner. Sadie is like a member of their family and has worked at the diner part time since high school. She had a crush on Jake when they were younger, and it looks like she hasn’t gotten over it!

I feel bad when a person has acted a certain way, but wants to change and no one believes he will. He talks to Sadie about doing something together to help his mother. Sadie loves his mother, but doesn’t believe Jake will stay in town. She has a secret herself that she hasn’t told Jake about. I enjoyed watching the two of them get to know each other again. This is a cute story that I encourage you to read. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I really enjoyed reading this story. Jake and Sadie were just too cute. They've known each other for years since she grew up working his his parents diner. So she would forever be a part of the family. She had the biggest crush on Jake for so long he felt something for her but figured she was too young at the time and was like forbidden anyways.But they both grew up he moved away after he finished college got a big time job in the city. Only came home for visits like holidays. Until something tragic happened that bought him back home and into her life. And they got to really see the grown-up version of each other. And how they actually had changed over the years for the better! Thanks for sharing I really enjoyed their story wish it was more.

[Roni Denholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author kept me rapidly reading with smooth writing, really likeable characters, and a touching romance. I'm going to order the next story about Jake'sbrother!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kicks off the Ticket to True Love series which will include multiple authors writing contemporary romance stories about fresh beginnings, second chances, and finding true love in unexpected places.

Jake Walker left his home and family for bigger and brighter things. Problem is now that he has those he isn't so happy. When his father suddenly dies he returns home and is surprised it feels like home, like the place he should really be. His Mom and Dad worked their adult lives running The Wanderlust restaurant. Now that his father has passed he wants his mom to get to do what her and his dad had always planned but never got to – travel the world. He knows she wont go unless she thinks he is there to stay and run the restaurant, settle down and get married. So he makes a proposition to his childhood friend Sadie Evans who is also a good friend of the family and works at the restaurant. He wants to get “married”.

Jake and Sadie shared a hot kiss years ago but Jake left shortly thereafter for years. They both are attracted to each other but Sadie doesn't trust that Jake will stay forever, plus she just made a 2 year commitment to go to South Korea to teach English. While during their pretend marriage they both realize they have always loved each other but is that enough.

It's been a while since I've read just straight up romance. One thing that is key is the love for the characters and Jake and his brothers Jeremy and Jonah (who will be getting their own stories) and their mom Rita are wonderful characters along with Sadie.

[Charlene_Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed Jake and Sadie

I thoroughly enjoyed Jake and Sadie. Jake needed a change from his life in New York and it can definitely be true that there's no place like home. Besides he was already thinking about Sadie. Its just sad that his dad Chuck passed before he returned home. Sadie was already like a daughter to Rita and Chuck, and her love for them was just as strong. Jake and Sadie's plan to give Rita the gift of traveling the world was special and the way they went about it was sweet. These two were meant to have a happy ending, and they have so much to share and look forward to ahead. Truly loved their story. Glade Jake had that assignment to True Springs. I hope his brother Jeremy is wrong about his experience in True Springs, and his special love story just hasn't happened yet. Truly a pleasant book. 👍👍

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/27/2019)! 🎁

[Savannah Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the multi-author series Ticket to True Love (full disclosure, I'm one of the authors) but I got on board in part because of just how much I love Shroeder's writing. Her stories are always well rounded, believable and definitely in the category of "drag you under" romance.
In Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh, Schroeder even manages a very convincing modern-day marriage of convenience. It's hard to pull off, but Jake and Sadie do it with style and angst.
If you like steamy contemporary romance, you should definitely grab this one!

[Jen_C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

This is my first book by this author and is was a good read. I enjoyed the stiryline. There was an actual story and great chemistry between Jake and Sadie.

[Ruby Scalera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh is the perfect little bite of small-town, second-chance romance and you'll want to finish it in a single sitting.

It follows Jake and Sadie, who used to be best friends and shared one disastrous kiss before Jake left to travel the world and start a career. Now that he's back in town, however, he can't seem to stay away from Sadie, and their interactions are laden with history, lust, and a whole lot more.

Sadie and Jake are delightful characters, as is Jake's mom, Rita, and the setting feels visceral and true. I love the location of the diner, and though Pittsburgh is a big cit, J.B. captures the essence of small community and the sense of belonging where you've come back. You'll absolutely enjoy this story.

* I received an ARC for my honest review*

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read anything in this genre of contemporary romance before and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh was a fast paced, easy, enjoyable read. I found myself caring about the characters and their story right from the beginning. This romance is more heavy on story (and back story) than on sex which was refreshing & honestly seems more like real life and less like fantasy. The author grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh so the setting really shines through and now I really want to go check out the strip! I I received this book as an ARC.

[Jean Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh is a different mode from JB Schroeder and I love it! At novella length with a lighter setting than her usual thriller it still delivers rich characters and exciting romance. The Pittsburgh references are authentic and bring the story to life for this native Pittsburgher. Looking forward to the rest of the Ticket to True Love Series!

I received this free ARC for my honest review.

[A.J. Scudiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really hard to pull of a fake engagement/marriage story in a contemporary romance. But Schroeder does it with deft skill! Jake and Sadie are infinitely loveable characters and their conflict is real (so is their passion.) I've loved Schroeder's romantic suspense series, but this foray into contemporary hits it out of the park. Highly recommended.

[Christi Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick book, but it was very sweet and fun. It's perfect when you want a book to simply give you a warm, happy feeling. And I loved the little twist at the end with the "ticket"...I was not expecting that. So sweet!

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story of a son trying to good for his mother. The characters are well-developed. Jake Walker and Sadie Evans have a chemistry that can't be denied. I loved the story.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Jake returns home to help out his Mom with the diner after his Dad passes away. What he doesn’t expect is romance. Received an ARC and reviewing because I love this story.

[Carolbbb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished PP in Pgh. Awesome, fabulous, outstanding ... loved the ending!

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love

True love is the point of this book, no matter what the cost of true love is not the color of their skin couldn't withstand what is in their hearts.

[Katrina Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I chose this rating because it was a giant whirlwind. It took you on an adventure. I loved the characters and what each one bought to the platw.

[J.B.]

I was so excited to write this book! Not only is it the first time I’ve written about my awesome hometown, it’s also the kickoff book to the multi-author series I created called Ticket to True Love. I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring together this fab group of well-loved contemporary romance authors to build on my seed of an idea: from a quaint little town called True Springs, comes some legendary water. All you have to do is drink it, and you’ll be on your way to finding your true love, no matter where it leads you—and that could be just about anywhere. Of course, there’s also the little matter of a ticket having something to do with it! It’s been incredibly fun to see how each author has handled these elements and added little tidbits to our town and its inhabitants. But it’s also been a blast to explore new places—one for each letter of the alphabet!

Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh is the perfect place for you to start the series, because it’s FREE at all the retailers!

To see all our authors’ books in this fun series, visit the Ticket to True Love page on my website: http://www.jbschroederauthor.com/ticket

And to really get to know our authors and the inside scoop, join our facebook readers group “Passport to Romance” here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ticke...

Happy Reading, and welcome to Ticket to True Love!

JB

[sjoyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faking It 'Til You Make It

This was a sweet and steamy interracial romance without a billionaire in sight. It was steamy without graphic, descriptive or vulgar sex, just true lovemaking.

Sadie and Jake were a perfect couple who were truly in love with each other but both were afraid to admit it. both of them thought they would be rejected. So, they entered a "fake marriage" without both knowing it was a "real marriage". After some deceit comes to light, there's forgiveness by both and the beginning of a true marriage.

More backstory on both main characters was needed. Still, the book was well written about a normal couple and their friends and family. There were no errors that I spotted, which are usually found in most interracial books that I've read.

I would have loved to read more about Sadie and Jake as they experience a real marriage, perhaps even giving Rita a grandbaby. Until then, I may read Jeremy's story.

[Alyssha Bunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it the water or true love?

5🌟🌟

A test of what is wanted and tragedy for Jake takes him back home to the girl who has become a good friend/ even family. But what happens when he ended the post? Or a crazy proposition...

Sadie is the family friend but when tragedy brings he long time crush home, she is all him with his crazy idea. But what happens when the heart starts becoming stronger than the brain.

"There'd been that one kiss-- that single but all-consuming kiss that has added with has foundation and turned him into some kind of leaning Tower of Pisa. Still standing, but never quite the same."

Sadie and Jake have so much back story and history, yet so many excuses. For as close as they are and his often they talk, they can't seem to communicate!!! Yet you stay completely home to their story and for for them the whole time.

[Luisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me gustó hasta ahí. Fue una historia simple y entretenida que disfruté mientras duró. Si bien el trope principal es fake-marriage y realmente se dió, no sentí que se desarrollara como debería... Se amaban desde el primer momento, solo que hubo problemas de comunicación que se interpusieron entre ellos. Así que no logré encariñarme con el libro o los personajes. Siento que las cosas se podían resolver con diálogo, pero los protagonistas se encerraban en sí mismos. Además, la forma en la que está escrito no me cerró mucho. Pero bueno, fue corto y entretenido, por lo que cumplió con lo que prometía. La verdad es que no esperaba mucho, así que no me puedo quejar.

[Kari Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

Was Sadie black? biracial? I kept trying to envision her but she wasn’t fully developed to me. Her “mixed chic” hair product was mentioned ( late ) in the end of the story, so yes? Maybe? I loved the story and really felt all the angst. Their love was powerful AND confusing and I wanted so badly to shake them and tell them to talk. Lol I only took off a star, because I’m still not sure what Sadie looks like. Not being able to picture her kept me from falling fully into the story. Being able to picture them in my minds eye is too big a deal not to mention.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Walker returns home for his fathers funeral and decides home and the family diner is where he belongs after all. Sadie Evans has been a part of the diner since HS.

Jake hatches a plan to send his mother traveling as his parents planned before his fathers untimely death, and Sadie agrees to the ‘fake, but real marriage’.

I loved this story of two characters who’ve basically always had feelings for each other, but never trusted that the other could feel the same way. Eventually Jake and Sadie figure it out and admit their real marriage is really based on love.

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while exercising at the gym and the time never went by so fast before. I got into the story and totally forgot that I was sweating my A.. off. Great character development, great plot, smooth writing style, and clean editing, not to mention the romantic suspense. Will definitely look for more work by Schroeder and her team.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 24%, because I was dreading each paragraph. With a vicious edit, this could be a good novella, but it is a tedious novel. The heroine is okay, as far as I got in the story, but isn't given much. The hero is contradictory. I'd assume a NYC trader to be decisive, but he's inept, and there are emotional reasons, but when it gets tiresome, the author didn't do their job. So yeah, no.

[Denise Wehrle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Pittsburgh! When I bought this book, I didn't realize it was about Pittsburgh, so it was fun to read about all the local places. The love story was basically good, but I didn't like that the heroine did not tell the hero she was leaving town in the beginning of their relationship. Not very fair.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh" was a delightful novel. The chemistry between the two main characters, Jake and Sadie, seemed believable. The plot was plausible and interesting. I liked it! Yowza!