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When Petals Fall
What would you do if you were trapped between two men, one who wanted to send you bouquets of flowers and another who wanted to sprinkle the petals from those flowers over your grave?
Lizzie Thomason came home to start a business and tie up a few loose ends from her past--one of them being Jake Kramer. Tall, lean, and incredibly sexy, the smooth-talking rancher is the man she'd given her heart to many years ago, the man who'd ultimately broken it. Now he's back in her life, wanting a second chance, and heaven help her, she's considering giving it to him. But between trust and resolution lies a threat to their future and the only clue to its identity lies in a trail of pink petals.
Jake has waited seven years for a second chance with Lizzie, the five-foot bundle of sass and spirit who holds the key to his heart, and he has every intention of keeping her this time around. When deadly events start occurring around Lizzie, Jake finds himself not only having to take on Lizzie's mistrust, but also to abolish the danger lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. Neither is a battle he intends to lose.
Lizzie Thomason came home to start a business and tie up a few loose ends from her past--one of them being Jake Kramer. Tall, lean, and incredibly sexy, the smooth-talking rancher is the man she'd given her heart to many years ago, the man who'd ultimately broken it. Now he's back in her life, wanting a second chance, and heaven help her, she's considering giving it to him. But between trust and resolution lies a threat to their future and the only clue to its identity lies in a trail of pink petals.
Jake has waited seven years for a second chance with Lizzie, the five-foot bundle of sass and spirit who holds the key to his heart, and he has every intention of keeping her this time around. When deadly events start occurring around Lizzie, Jake finds himself not only having to take on Lizzie's mistrust, but also to abolish the danger lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. Neither is a battle he intends to lose.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2020
13 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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April 3, 2020
I don't know why this author (ANNE MERCIER) published this book under a different name but you see, there's no point in changing your name when you continue to write another completely predictable story. We can see that when on the first page we have the following context:
"Lizzie froze. Only one man in her life had called her Darlin'. She'd known when she returned to Chance Creek, she’d see him again, but this wasn’t exactly what she had imagined. She turned and there he was—all tall, dark, and yummy. She waited for the pain of the past to return, it didn't. Maybe time did indeed have a way of healing wounds—her broken heart included."
"Jake!"
"Giving in to impulse, she ran to him and jumped up, wrapped her legs around his waist, hooking her sandaled feet at the small of his back. She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a loud smacking kiss. She turned her nose into his neck and breathed in his scent. Heavenly. He still smelled like pine, man, and the fresh outdoors. Jake."
"Well, fuck me."
"Lizzie smirked at Jake's exasperated tone. Is that an invitation?"
He glanced over at her and raised a brow. "Do you want it to be?"
"The mere thought of getting that close to her again had him hard and aching and, with the way things had ended seven years ago, more than likely dreaming. She'd been friendly when she'd greeted him, but he was likely reading too much into it."
"This isn't a good idea, Darlin' Jumping back in with both feet after ending on not-so-good terms seven years ago was not a smart way to go about things."
She nodded. "Probably not."
One beat, two, and then they were in each other’s arms. Tongues dueling, hearts pounding, he pulled her to the edge of the seat and ground himself against her."
...........................
You see, the h left the city after catch H with his best friend half naked and talking about how he should tell everyone she was having his son. So, as you can see, she left the city because she thought he was CHEATING ON HER. Can you note here some seriously lack of self-respect to give him such reception? 🤢🤦♀️
As you could see, if you are expecting any kind of grovel here, you'll be disappointed (once again) because IN THE SAME TIME THAT SHE MEETS HIM (on the first page and in the first chapter!) AFTER 7 FKING YEARS THINKING HE HAS CHEATED ON HER, SHE SIMPLY OPENS HER LEGS (AND HER OTHER "GIRL PARTS') t0 him! And the icing on the cake: WITHOUT EVEN QUESTIONING THE USE OF A CONDOM. NOP, NOT AT ALL (and that happens SEVERAL times before they could clarifying what happened in the past. Because as has become obvious, they were too busy sharing all kinds of venereal diseases to waste time on a decent conversation).🤦♀️🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
And when they actually talk after several weeks of having sex like rabbits we have the following precious gem:
"I want to know why when I came in that day, Cami was in a robe and you were half-naked. It looked like you both had just gotten out of the shower. Together."
"You should have waited to find out the truth, he bit out.
"I was afraid! ... "I was so young, Jake, so insecure and unsure of myself. And then things started to change. Though you and Cami had always been friends, you'd started spending a lot more time together, getting closer. You were so at ease with one another. Then I overheard you talking. I couldn't believe it at first, what I was hearing. Cami was saying you needed to tell everyone it was your baby she was having, and, my God, Jake, it was just way more than I could take!"
"What would you have done if you had caught me half-dressed with a half-naked hunk standing next to me? Would you have waited around to find out if I had been sleeping with a so-called close friend?"
"There is no 'so-called' anything. She is a close friend, and that's all she's ever been. It was way past time they got this cleared up once and for all, so it was time for the whole truth. But I probably wouldn't have, no."
"This whole thing could have been avoided if you had just told me the truth from the very beginning instead of keeping me in the dark."
"I'm sorry, Lizzie. But I was the only one Cami had to confide in, and when she asked me not to tell anyone that she and Adam were seeing each other, she was so desperate that I agreed."
"You should have told me the whole truth from the very beginning. That's what people in relationships do. They trust one another with everything." Her eyes were ablaze with conviction.
"Some things can't be shared. No matter what kind of relationship you're in", he countered.
"That's not true. It shouldn't be like that." Her anger was showing.
"I was all that Cami had. I couldn't break her trust." His voice even in tone now, his belief in what he had done still as strong today as it had been back then.
"She stared at him in disbelief, then flatly stated, "Not even with me."
He sighed. "No. Not even with you."
.........................
BANG BANG BANG BANG!! ANNNNNND WE HAVE HERE ANOTHER COMPETITOR FOR THE "SECOND BEST" DOORMAT OF THE YEAR AWARD!🎺🎺🎺🎺🤦♀️🤦♀️
And of course, after all this the author couldn't help but add yet another damn double sexist patterns:
"She was so impossibly tight. It had been seven years, surely, she'd had other lovers in that time. He didn't think about it the two days they spent in bed, and he didn't want to think about it now either. It made him wild with jealousy and possessiveness, the thought of some other man touching Lizzie like this, and though he had no right to ask, he needed to know.!
"Have you…" He cleared his throat. He really didn't want to know but he needed to. "Have you been with anyone else?"
(...)
"Okay. No."
He spread his fingers inside her, and she moaned. "What? No?" She blew out a breath and closed her eyes. "No, there hasn't been anyone else"
The air stuck in his chest and, when her eyes opened to meet his, he couldn't breathe. He saw the truth in her there. No one else. No one but him. No one else had ever gotten inside his Lizzie.
He stilled his fingers inside of her. "Not that I'm complaining, but why, baby? You're so sexy."
She shrugged. "There's never been anyone that I've wanted like that. First, because I didn't have time, and then when I went out with a couple guys, they just didn't do it for me, you know, pleasure-wise out of bed, so none of them ever made it in my bed." She sighed as she raised herself up on her elbows and he slowly withdrew his fingers from her body. "Since the moment is lost and my mind is on this topic, have you ever been with Amber?"
He chuckled. Somehow, he'd known she was going to ask that. "No, I've never been with Amber. She wanted to but I've never been interested, and believe me, she tried many times to convince me that I was."
"Good."
"And if I had been with her?"
"She just shrugged. "You definitely would have slipped three… or a thousand, notches in my opinion."
...........................
After that I mentally begged her not to be an author with ridiculous sexist patterns anymore but then we have this:
"How many women have there been, Jake?"
He sighed. "There've been a few."
"A few, huh?" More like a few dozen. The man dripped testosterone.
"Yeah. The thing is, it was scratching an itch and nothing more." She knew how that felt. Well, not the sleeping with someone part, because she hadn't had sex with anyone else, but she had done things with other men, including orgasm, but not one time did it leave her feeling fulfilled.
"And what about you?"
"Alright. I dated a few guys over the years, but they didn't… let's say, inspire me to want to have actual sex with them. It just never felt right."
"Let's see. One was selfish. An attitude like that doesn't motivate a woman to want to jump in the sack. The second one was completely the opposite. All hands and just forced the issue rather than let it happen naturally. Then there was one who was really nice. I enjoyed spending time with him, but he just wasn't someone who I could think of sexually. More of a friend."
"And he was okay with the whole 'friend' thing?"
"Yes, very accepting of that actually. Turns out he was hanging out with me to help hide the fact that he was gay."
.............................
BUT WAIT! WE HAVE MORE BULLSHIT AHEAD:
"I know I was wrong back then, keeping things from you, as I am now, for making the same mistake. You're wrong too, Lizzie. You need to trust me. I would never intentionally hurt you, then or now."
"And can you promise to always tell me everything?"
"That's not a reasonable request. There may be times when I won't be able to tell you everything. How about I promise to tell you as much about everything as I can from here on out?"
"That, Cowboy, is a deal."
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! IS THIS A TRUSTED PACT ?????🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
.................................
AND HERE I WAS THINKING THAT THIS COULDN'T GET WORSE BUT ...
She sniffled then met his gaze, tears shining in her eyes. "The day I overheard you talking to Cami was the day I found out I was pregnant with our baby."
He'd known, but the shock at finally hearing the words pass her lips was not lost on him. "Our baby," he whispered.
"I was coming to tell you I was pregnant, but then I heard what turned out to be only part of your conversation. I felt so betrayed and so lost, Jake. After I overheard you and Cami, I went home, packed and left for school that same day."
"I was driving home from my second appointment with the obstetrician when a truck ran a red light."
"Mama was there when I woke up. Apparently, I had been in and out for four days, but I don't remember any of that."
"I lost the baby in the accident."
"They had to do what they called a D & C to remove any remaining tissue, and they weren't sure just how badly I was damaged inside. They said I'd probably never be able to have children."
"Lizzie"
"Hmm?"
"I was there."
"You were where?"
"At the hospital. With you."
She pulled back, an expression of shock on her face. "What?"
"Your mom called me and told me about the accident. You kept calling out for me every time you woke up. Every time you realized I wasn't there, you slipped away again. I got there as quickly as I could and just as I walked in your hospital room, you called out my name and reached for me as if you knew I was there. I stayed for two days, until you stabilized. You woke up, well, half woke up, saw me sitting in the chair beside your bed and ordered me to get out." He shuddered, the memory hurt him deep. "I did the only thing I could to help you then. I left. I went home and buried myself in my work at the ranch. I called your mom every chance I got to see how you were. I wanted to be there for you, baby, but my being there only made things harder for you and you had enough to deal with."
"I wasn't there for you then, but I'm here for you now. I know I can't control what that sick bastard is going to do next, but I'll die trying. I can't help but wonder if I had told you about Cami from the start, if I'd have been there for you, you'd never had been in that accident." 🤢🤮🤦♀️
........................
And despite all the crap I had read so far, it was at that moment that this "author" was lost to me. He knew that "the great love of his life", that he always said he "loved" was 18 and had LOSTTHEIR BABY and yet he preferred to come home because she "had a lot to deal with"??ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?? What pathetic excuse for a coward is this ??? And while she was celibate, mourning the LOSS OF THEIR SON, he never sought her out again and continued his life until "scratching an itch" with other women??? And after that all she went through still coming home after 7 years and on the first day falling into bed with him ???🤬🤬 NOP, SORRY, BUT SOMEONE THINKS THAT THIS IS SOMETHING BEYOND A GARBAGE PILE THEN THIS WORLD IS LOST TO ME! 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
👏 SOMEONE 👏 PLEEEEEEEEASE 👏 TELL👏 THIS 👏 "AUTHOR" 👏 THAT 👏 DOUBLE 👏 SEXIST 👏 PATTERNS👏 ARE 👏 RIDICULOUS! 👏 AND 👏 NO 👏 ONE 👏WANTS 👏 TO 👏 READ 👏 THIS 👏 SHIT 👏ANYMORE!!!!!!!!👏🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
"Lizzie froze. Only one man in her life had called her Darlin'. She'd known when she returned to Chance Creek, she’d see him again, but this wasn’t exactly what she had imagined. She turned and there he was—all tall, dark, and yummy. She waited for the pain of the past to return, it didn't. Maybe time did indeed have a way of healing wounds—her broken heart included."
"Jake!"
"Giving in to impulse, she ran to him and jumped up, wrapped her legs around his waist, hooking her sandaled feet at the small of his back. She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a loud smacking kiss. She turned her nose into his neck and breathed in his scent. Heavenly. He still smelled like pine, man, and the fresh outdoors. Jake."
"Well, fuck me."
"Lizzie smirked at Jake's exasperated tone. Is that an invitation?"
He glanced over at her and raised a brow. "Do you want it to be?"
"The mere thought of getting that close to her again had him hard and aching and, with the way things had ended seven years ago, more than likely dreaming. She'd been friendly when she'd greeted him, but he was likely reading too much into it."
"This isn't a good idea, Darlin' Jumping back in with both feet after ending on not-so-good terms seven years ago was not a smart way to go about things."
She nodded. "Probably not."
One beat, two, and then they were in each other’s arms. Tongues dueling, hearts pounding, he pulled her to the edge of the seat and ground himself against her."
...........................
You see, the h left the city after catch H with his best friend half naked and talking about how he should tell everyone she was having his son. So, as you can see, she left the city because she thought he was CHEATING ON HER. Can you note here some seriously lack of self-respect to give him such reception? 🤢🤦♀️
As you could see, if you are expecting any kind of grovel here, you'll be disappointed (once again) because IN THE SAME TIME THAT SHE MEETS HIM (on the first page and in the first chapter!) AFTER 7 FKING YEARS THINKING HE HAS CHEATED ON HER, SHE SIMPLY OPENS HER LEGS (AND HER OTHER "GIRL PARTS') t0 him! And the icing on the cake: WITHOUT EVEN QUESTIONING THE USE OF A CONDOM. NOP, NOT AT ALL (and that happens SEVERAL times before they could clarifying what happened in the past. Because as has become obvious, they were too busy sharing all kinds of venereal diseases to waste time on a decent conversation).🤦♀️🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
And when they actually talk after several weeks of having sex like rabbits we have the following precious gem:
"I want to know why when I came in that day, Cami was in a robe and you were half-naked. It looked like you both had just gotten out of the shower. Together."
"You should have waited to find out the truth, he bit out.
"I was afraid! ... "I was so young, Jake, so insecure and unsure of myself. And then things started to change. Though you and Cami had always been friends, you'd started spending a lot more time together, getting closer. You were so at ease with one another. Then I overheard you talking. I couldn't believe it at first, what I was hearing. Cami was saying you needed to tell everyone it was your baby she was having, and, my God, Jake, it was just way more than I could take!"
"What would you have done if you had caught me half-dressed with a half-naked hunk standing next to me? Would you have waited around to find out if I had been sleeping with a so-called close friend?"
"There is no 'so-called' anything. She is a close friend, and that's all she's ever been. It was way past time they got this cleared up once and for all, so it was time for the whole truth. But I probably wouldn't have, no."
"This whole thing could have been avoided if you had just told me the truth from the very beginning instead of keeping me in the dark."
"I'm sorry, Lizzie. But I was the only one Cami had to confide in, and when she asked me not to tell anyone that she and Adam were seeing each other, she was so desperate that I agreed."
"You should have told me the whole truth from the very beginning. That's what people in relationships do. They trust one another with everything." Her eyes were ablaze with conviction.
"Some things can't be shared. No matter what kind of relationship you're in", he countered.
"That's not true. It shouldn't be like that." Her anger was showing.
"I was all that Cami had. I couldn't break her trust." His voice even in tone now, his belief in what he had done still as strong today as it had been back then.
"She stared at him in disbelief, then flatly stated, "Not even with me."
He sighed. "No. Not even with you."
.........................
BANG BANG BANG BANG!! ANNNNNND WE HAVE HERE ANOTHER COMPETITOR FOR THE "SECOND BEST" DOORMAT OF THE YEAR AWARD!🎺🎺🎺🎺🤦♀️🤦♀️
And of course, after all this the author couldn't help but add yet another damn double sexist patterns:
"She was so impossibly tight. It had been seven years, surely, she'd had other lovers in that time. He didn't think about it the two days they spent in bed, and he didn't want to think about it now either. It made him wild with jealousy and possessiveness, the thought of some other man touching Lizzie like this, and though he had no right to ask, he needed to know.!
"Have you…" He cleared his throat. He really didn't want to know but he needed to. "Have you been with anyone else?"
(...)
"Okay. No."
He spread his fingers inside her, and she moaned. "What? No?" She blew out a breath and closed her eyes. "No, there hasn't been anyone else"
The air stuck in his chest and, when her eyes opened to meet his, he couldn't breathe. He saw the truth in her there. No one else. No one but him. No one else had ever gotten inside his Lizzie.
He stilled his fingers inside of her. "Not that I'm complaining, but why, baby? You're so sexy."
She shrugged. "There's never been anyone that I've wanted like that. First, because I didn't have time, and then when I went out with a couple guys, they just didn't do it for me, you know, pleasure-wise out of bed, so none of them ever made it in my bed." She sighed as she raised herself up on her elbows and he slowly withdrew his fingers from her body. "Since the moment is lost and my mind is on this topic, have you ever been with Amber?"
He chuckled. Somehow, he'd known she was going to ask that. "No, I've never been with Amber. She wanted to but I've never been interested, and believe me, she tried many times to convince me that I was."
"Good."
"And if I had been with her?"
"She just shrugged. "You definitely would have slipped three… or a thousand, notches in my opinion."
...........................
After that I mentally begged her not to be an author with ridiculous sexist patterns anymore but then we have this:
"How many women have there been, Jake?"
He sighed. "There've been a few."
"A few, huh?" More like a few dozen. The man dripped testosterone.
"Yeah. The thing is, it was scratching an itch and nothing more." She knew how that felt. Well, not the sleeping with someone part, because she hadn't had sex with anyone else, but she had done things with other men, including orgasm, but not one time did it leave her feeling fulfilled.
"And what about you?"
"Alright. I dated a few guys over the years, but they didn't… let's say, inspire me to want to have actual sex with them. It just never felt right."
"Let's see. One was selfish. An attitude like that doesn't motivate a woman to want to jump in the sack. The second one was completely the opposite. All hands and just forced the issue rather than let it happen naturally. Then there was one who was really nice. I enjoyed spending time with him, but he just wasn't someone who I could think of sexually. More of a friend."
"And he was okay with the whole 'friend' thing?"
"Yes, very accepting of that actually. Turns out he was hanging out with me to help hide the fact that he was gay."
.............................
BUT WAIT! WE HAVE MORE BULLSHIT AHEAD:
"I know I was wrong back then, keeping things from you, as I am now, for making the same mistake. You're wrong too, Lizzie. You need to trust me. I would never intentionally hurt you, then or now."
"And can you promise to always tell me everything?"
"That's not a reasonable request. There may be times when I won't be able to tell you everything. How about I promise to tell you as much about everything as I can from here on out?"
"That, Cowboy, is a deal."
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! IS THIS A TRUSTED PACT ?????🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
.................................
AND HERE I WAS THINKING THAT THIS COULDN'T GET WORSE BUT ...
She sniffled then met his gaze, tears shining in her eyes. "The day I overheard you talking to Cami was the day I found out I was pregnant with our baby."
He'd known, but the shock at finally hearing the words pass her lips was not lost on him. "Our baby," he whispered.
"I was coming to tell you I was pregnant, but then I heard what turned out to be only part of your conversation. I felt so betrayed and so lost, Jake. After I overheard you and Cami, I went home, packed and left for school that same day."
"I was driving home from my second appointment with the obstetrician when a truck ran a red light."
"Mama was there when I woke up. Apparently, I had been in and out for four days, but I don't remember any of that."
"I lost the baby in the accident."
"They had to do what they called a D & C to remove any remaining tissue, and they weren't sure just how badly I was damaged inside. They said I'd probably never be able to have children."
"Lizzie"
"Hmm?"
"I was there."
"You were where?"
"At the hospital. With you."
She pulled back, an expression of shock on her face. "What?"
"Your mom called me and told me about the accident. You kept calling out for me every time you woke up. Every time you realized I wasn't there, you slipped away again. I got there as quickly as I could and just as I walked in your hospital room, you called out my name and reached for me as if you knew I was there. I stayed for two days, until you stabilized. You woke up, well, half woke up, saw me sitting in the chair beside your bed and ordered me to get out." He shuddered, the memory hurt him deep. "I did the only thing I could to help you then. I left. I went home and buried myself in my work at the ranch. I called your mom every chance I got to see how you were. I wanted to be there for you, baby, but my being there only made things harder for you and you had enough to deal with."
"I wasn't there for you then, but I'm here for you now. I know I can't control what that sick bastard is going to do next, but I'll die trying. I can't help but wonder if I had told you about Cami from the start, if I'd have been there for you, you'd never had been in that accident." 🤢🤮🤦♀️
........................
And despite all the crap I had read so far, it was at that moment that this "author" was lost to me. He knew that "the great love of his life", that he always said he "loved" was 18 and had LOSTTHEIR BABY and yet he preferred to come home because she "had a lot to deal with"??ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?? What pathetic excuse for a coward is this ??? And while she was celibate, mourning the LOSS OF THEIR SON, he never sought her out again and continued his life until "scratching an itch" with other women??? And after that all she went through still coming home after 7 years and on the first day falling into bed with him ???🤬🤬 NOP, SORRY, BUT SOMEONE THINKS THAT THIS IS SOMETHING BEYOND A GARBAGE PILE THEN THIS WORLD IS LOST TO ME! 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
👏 SOMEONE 👏 PLEEEEEEEEASE 👏 TELL👏 THIS 👏 "AUTHOR" 👏 THAT 👏 DOUBLE 👏 SEXIST 👏 PATTERNS👏 ARE 👏 RIDICULOUS! 👏 AND 👏 NO 👏 ONE 👏WANTS 👏 TO 👏 READ 👏 THIS 👏 SHIT 👏ANYMORE!!!!!!!!👏🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2020
Lizzie and Jakes second chance story was a good one filled with steamy moments but even more suspenseful ones. Lizzie is back home for the moment and her ex plans to use the opportunity to get her back but neither is ready for the danger that seems to be lurking around Lizzie
April 6, 2020
Second Chance Romance, Suspense, Misunderstandings & Lots of Steam!!😍🌸 A 3.5/4 Star Read 🌟
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
When Petals Fall (A Chance Creek Novel)
Lizzie is moving back home after 7 years in the City. Her & her BFF, Katie, are going to be opening a business in about 6 months but until then she's moving back to her family Ranch. She'll pull the ranches books into the 2020's while she's there & her and Katie are going to locate more stock for their shop!!👍 Her biggest concern is seeing Jake again, he demolished her heart when she 18 and she ran away!!💔 She's not sure what she'll feel seeing him again!😲
Jake lost the love of his life, Lizzie, over a secret he was keeping for a friend & a HUGE misunderstanding!!😔 He's never gotten over her just running away without talking to him first but he does understand why!💔 There is a lot of hurt on both sides but she doesn't realise it. He's hoping to earn her back because she's the only woman he wants permanently. He still loves her but doesn't know how she feels!🙏
I was thoroughly aggravated by Lizzie's immediate capitulation to Jake.😡There was real hurt & trauma caused, which was brushed over & ignored for quite a while. I wish she'd have had more of a backbone & confronted him before jumping back into a semi relationship again!!🙈😕 There was an over abundance of Cowboy misogyny going on too, I rolled my eyes *hard* quite a lot. Lol I also thought, now don't faint, there was FAR too much s*x in this book!!🙈 I love my hot steamy reads, I love erotica too but I found this (except the scarf scene - I LOVED that one 🔥🔥🔥🔥) a bit too excessive!😔
Honestly, I thought I'd be giving this book 3 stars max but ..... Once the storyline of the suspense aspect of this book truly kicked in it took the book to another level entirely!💥 I loved it, it was truly creepy!🌸 Shivers up & down your spine creeptastic!!😱 I guessed who it was right at the start, regardless of all the red herrings, but it still didn't spoil that gawd awful, shivery reveal!!😲🌸
I'm really hoping that the Author will continue with this series now!🙏💕 I'd love to see what she could do after all her years of experience since writing this, her very first completed novel. Also I'm dying for Katie, Brand, Matt, Amy, Logan, Sierra & the sexy Sheriff's story's!!🙏🌟💥 PLEASE 🙏🙏
If you are looking for a steamy, suspenseful second chance cowboy romance, I'd definitely give this a try!! The baddy is awful but it makes for great reading!!🌟🌼🌸
Debbie, 1970, UK
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
When Petals Fall (A Chance Creek Novel)
Lizzie is moving back home after 7 years in the City. Her & her BFF, Katie, are going to be opening a business in about 6 months but until then she's moving back to her family Ranch. She'll pull the ranches books into the 2020's while she's there & her and Katie are going to locate more stock for their shop!!👍 Her biggest concern is seeing Jake again, he demolished her heart when she 18 and she ran away!!💔 She's not sure what she'll feel seeing him again!😲
Jake lost the love of his life, Lizzie, over a secret he was keeping for a friend & a HUGE misunderstanding!!😔 He's never gotten over her just running away without talking to him first but he does understand why!💔 There is a lot of hurt on both sides but she doesn't realise it. He's hoping to earn her back because she's the only woman he wants permanently. He still loves her but doesn't know how she feels!🙏
I was thoroughly aggravated by Lizzie's immediate capitulation to Jake.😡There was real hurt & trauma caused, which was brushed over & ignored for quite a while. I wish she'd have had more of a backbone & confronted him before jumping back into a semi relationship again!!🙈😕 There was an over abundance of Cowboy misogyny going on too, I rolled my eyes *hard* quite a lot. Lol I also thought, now don't faint, there was FAR too much s*x in this book!!🙈 I love my hot steamy reads, I love erotica too but I found this (except the scarf scene - I LOVED that one 🔥🔥🔥🔥) a bit too excessive!😔
Honestly, I thought I'd be giving this book 3 stars max but ..... Once the storyline of the suspense aspect of this book truly kicked in it took the book to another level entirely!💥 I loved it, it was truly creepy!🌸 Shivers up & down your spine creeptastic!!😱 I guessed who it was right at the start, regardless of all the red herrings, but it still didn't spoil that gawd awful, shivery reveal!!😲🌸
I'm really hoping that the Author will continue with this series now!🙏💕 I'd love to see what she could do after all her years of experience since writing this, her very first completed novel. Also I'm dying for Katie, Brand, Matt, Amy, Logan, Sierra & the sexy Sheriff's story's!!🙏🌟💥 PLEASE 🙏🙏
If you are looking for a steamy, suspenseful second chance cowboy romance, I'd definitely give this a try!! The baddy is awful but it makes for great reading!!🌟🌼🌸
Debbie, 1970, UK
March 27, 2024
So this one took me a little longer than normal to finish. Partly because things are crazy right now and I have been battling a migraine or two. But also because there are a few spots where things lag. Don't get me wrong when things get steamy man are the steamy!! And good! Lol
When things get suspenseful, I was flipping pages like no body's business! But there were time where I couldn't connect with Lizzie and I think a lot of it has to do with her hot as cold routine. one minute she was all over him then nope she couldn't afford to get close to him. It was too much at times. I mean I get it, she thought he betrayed her but even after they cleared the air and she still pulled the pushing away to protect herself, it was a little annoying. Also the fact that her and Jake immediately jumped right in. There was no build up for me and that's one of the parts that are my fave.
Aside from all of that it was a good story. Like I said the suspense was page-turner worthy not to mention the secondary characters were well enough rounded that I would love to see more books containing them. Def worth a read of you are on the fence and trust me getting to the end is worth it! 😊❤
April 14, 2020
One of the best books that I have read in a long time! I couldn't put it down! This book reminded me about what drew me to A. L. Mercier's books....she knows exactly how to draw her readers in and keep them interested until she has finished telling the story. "When Petals Fall" is the story of Jake and Lizzie. They had dated before and got reacquainted after having not seen each other in seven years. Their love builds through every high and low that could possibly be thrown at a couple, and then some. Their love builds from the very begin when Jake stops to help Lizzie on the side of the road, and it takes you through the trials and tribulations of jealous friends and stalkers that try to get in their way. Jake and Lizzie's story is a happy ever after that they both deserved. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages to see what happens next! If I could give it more stars, I would for sure! Grab yourself a copy and see for yourself.....you won't be disappointed!
April 2, 2020
A whole new book by A. Mercier, and it’s a Cowboy Suspense romance.
Lizzie Thompson is a down to earth, sassy as all can be young woman... who’s come home for a few months before her next adventure takes her somewhere else. She’s home and needs to figure out how to handle her ex. Jake Kramer, a hot, sexy cowboy who loves Lizzie since forever. Has to figure out how to win Lizzie back... Passion soars between them, the truth comes out for both of them, BUT! There is a danger lurking about. A trail of pink flower petals is the only clue to the person who wants Lizzie gone, but Jake is going to fight any way he can to protect his love.
Have to read this book, in order to find out what happens.
Lizzie Thompson is a down to earth, sassy as all can be young woman... who’s come home for a few months before her next adventure takes her somewhere else. She’s home and needs to figure out how to handle her ex. Jake Kramer, a hot, sexy cowboy who loves Lizzie since forever. Has to figure out how to win Lizzie back... Passion soars between them, the truth comes out for both of them, BUT! There is a danger lurking about. A trail of pink flower petals is the only clue to the person who wants Lizzie gone, but Jake is going to fight any way he can to protect his love.
Have to read this book, in order to find out what happens.
April 4, 2020
Romantic Suspense is hard to pull off to where the story isn’t predictable at every turn. When Petals Fall is an amazing second chance romantic suspense that will have you falling in love with Jake and Lizzie, while holding your breath for what will be around the next corner. There were so many different ways this story could have gone and I was shocked on how every thing turned out. A. L. Mercier shows a-whole-nother side to her writing with this one. It is so dynamic. The build up within the characters’ relationship and the plot line is done with perfect pacing. The build up of the suspense is enough to drive you crazy with the little bread crumbs dropped throughout the story to throw you off and make you second guess everything you ever knew. Will you still be sane, When the Petals Fall?
April 11, 2020
Sweet and suspenseful. I think those two words best describe these characters and their journey. This is your standard second chance romance on the surface with pieces and events that can seem predictable to some but the suspense factor gives it some added depth and left me as a reader really thinking and guessing as the story went on trying to figure out the who, how and why to the suspicious events surrounding Lizzie. With it being written in third person I was a tad concerned about how much I would be able to get into this book. However, I found it much easier than expected because I felt the dialogue between characters out weighed the narration. There is great world building here among the supporting characters without taking too much away from the leads. I found myself becoming just as invested in their stories as much as Lizzie and Jake. So much so that I hope there are plans to expand on some of them in their own books. Overall I really enjoyed When Petals Fall and I look forward to any future spin offs.
April 2, 2020
I loved the suspense in this book. As Jake and Lizzy reunite after 7 years, Jake isnt the only one viying for her attention. This suspenseful book has you trying to figure out who and why. Jake and Lizzy jump right in but with hesitation on Lizzys side. Lots of Secrets come out and the truth to her leaving all those years ago. Lots of steamy pages to keep you warm and swoony men to melt your heart.
April 5, 2020
Wow! Look out world we have the next voice in Romantic Suspense debuting. I thought I loved the rockstar books, but this was something special. I enjoyed the plot twists, the yummy scenes and the second chance romance aspect. I hope we get to see more of the brothers stories. I definitely want to see what happens with Katie/Brand, Sierra/Marine.
April 3, 2020
This book was amazing from beginning to end I can’t wait for more you rocked it anne.
April 9, 2020
I thought this was a great second chance story. I enjoyed as their feelings for each other grew and how they both figured out how to be together again. Told from both point of views, it made all the drama that happened feel as if I was there. I hope there will be more stories to come out of this small town filled with a lot of great people.
April 7, 2020
This is the 1st in a new series and what a wonderful story this is. This is Jake and Lizzie’s story and having a 2nd chance at love. This is a well written story which is filled with danger, suspense, secrets, which all lead to a thrilling and steamy read. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner and I highly recommend this talented authors work for all readers.
April 7, 2020
I couldn't put this book down. I loved it if i could have I'd have given it more than five stars. I would definitely recommend this book it was brilliant.
April 24, 2020
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night With Books Blog
When Petals Fall is the Chance Creek Novel by A. L. Mercier and what a story it is. Second chances, misunderstanding, forgiveness, and mystery.
Just this alone from the synapses gives goosebumps:
What would you do if you were trapped between two men, one who wanted to send you bouquets of flowers and another who wanted to sprinkle the petals from those flowers over your grave?
What I love about Mercier books is the flow, you just zip right through because I needing to know what is next. Escpaily with this one with the "who is after me" situation is just addicting. I am terrible at who done it. So the little things happening and growing to the end and what an ending that is is just fantastic.
My only downfall/ yet not a downfall is in the beginning is the jumping in bed right away, I was stunned by this but as the chapters when one and the chemistry between the characters are building I got it.
Lizzie is back to her hometown for a short 6 month period. She and her bestie are opening a store together and then she moves on. But when the love of her young life saves the day, Jake, things get a little heated. Add in the strange things/petals that keep appearing Lizzie make this time in Chance Creek a little more interesting.
The connection between the secondary characters is just as strong as the main and I cannot wait to see who gets a book next.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
Review by Lisa
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night With Books Blog
When Petals Fall is the Chance Creek Novel by A. L. Mercier and what a story it is. Second chances, misunderstanding, forgiveness, and mystery.
Just this alone from the synapses gives goosebumps:
What would you do if you were trapped between two men, one who wanted to send you bouquets of flowers and another who wanted to sprinkle the petals from those flowers over your grave?
What I love about Mercier books is the flow, you just zip right through because I needing to know what is next. Escpaily with this one with the "who is after me" situation is just addicting. I am terrible at who done it. So the little things happening and growing to the end and what an ending that is is just fantastic.
My only downfall/ yet not a downfall is in the beginning is the jumping in bed right away, I was stunned by this but as the chapters when one and the chemistry between the characters are building I got it.
Lizzie is back to her hometown for a short 6 month period. She and her bestie are opening a store together and then she moves on. But when the love of her young life saves the day, Jake, things get a little heated. Add in the strange things/petals that keep appearing Lizzie make this time in Chance Creek a little more interesting.
The connection between the secondary characters is just as strong as the main and I cannot wait to see who gets a book next.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
May 22, 2020
If you are looking for an easy read romantic suspense, then grab this and enjoy.
This was A.L. Mercier's first foray into writing and she's decided to share it with the world. For a first book, it's really good. There are some parts that could be considered cliche, but honestly, when you have read as many books as I have, it's hard to be surprised.
Lizze is trapped between two men. One that she never stopped loving and one whose "love" for her is stalker-level. I thought I had this one figured out and then I wasn't sure. I bounced back and forth and wasn't really sure until close to the end. And even then, I wasn't expecting everything that happened.
I do hope she decides to continue this series with the characters you have met while reading this. Several of them deserve their own story.
This was A.L. Mercier's first foray into writing and she's decided to share it with the world. For a first book, it's really good. There are some parts that could be considered cliche, but honestly, when you have read as many books as I have, it's hard to be surprised.
Lizze is trapped between two men. One that she never stopped loving and one whose "love" for her is stalker-level. I thought I had this one figured out and then I wasn't sure. I bounced back and forth and wasn't really sure until close to the end. And even then, I wasn't expecting everything that happened.
I do hope she decides to continue this series with the characters you have met while reading this. Several of them deserve their own story.
August 5, 2020
This was a great book really sweet and funny. I loved every minute of it. Once you start reading you won't want to put the book down.
Lizzie was home for about six months to get her business up and running with her best friend but once she was done she was heading back out of town. The only problem was seeing Jake again.
When Jake found out that Lizzie the love of his life was back in town he was going to do anything he could to keep her here. There were obstacles that they both needed to overcome and realize that they both still loved each other.
Lizzie was home for about six months to get her business up and running with her best friend but once she was done she was heading back out of town. The only problem was seeing Jake again.
When Jake found out that Lizzie the love of his life was back in town he was going to do anything he could to keep her here. There were obstacles that they both needed to overcome and realize that they both still loved each other.
June 4, 2020
Another great read!!!!
Another amazing read by Anne. Loved every page...wish there was more...so many questions and I want to know more about the other characters. But absolutely love Jake and Lizzie
Another amazing read by Anne. Loved every page...wish there was more...so many questions and I want to know more about the other characters. But absolutely love Jake and Lizzie
January 17, 2021
Three stars
This is not the book I expected it to be. Although enjoyable I just found there to be too much description at times and some things could have used less words. This is just my opinion though.
This is not the book I expected it to be. Although enjoyable I just found there to be too much description at times and some things could have used less words. This is just my opinion though.
April 16, 2020
Love this second chance romance along with the suspense. You find yourself trying to work out who the bad guy is suspecting everyone.
Loved the story, hope there is more from Chance Creek.
Loved the story, hope there is more from Chance Creek.
August 9, 2020
I really liked this book it was a great read! I love finding new books by authors that I already love reading.
October 25, 2021
Another great story by Anne
This had so much suspended and love in it, you are such a great writer I love all. Your books
This had so much suspended and love in it, you are such a great writer I love all. Your books
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