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Jane Air - Around Midnight, Book 1
Sometimes love happens, no matter how hard we try to avoid it....
World-famous movie star David Jacobs is tired.
The fans.
The interviews.
The fame...
Just tired.
He's finished his ten year contract as a galaxy-saving, spandex-wearing superhero and needs to get out of Hollywood.
Clear his head.
Fresh air.
A new phase.
So he moves.
To the small town of Midnight, Maine.
No one can believe their eyes.
His agent thinks he's nuts.
His fans think he's crazy.
And Professor Jane Air, local resident and professional book-nerd, thinks he's overrated. She moved to Midnight to live a quiet life- teaching, writing, reading...
Some big shot Hollywood hero is going to ruin all of that.
But he is gorgeous. And smart. And charming. And very, very sexy.
And when he catches her skinny-dipping on his property? Well, maybe he's not that overrated...
They have nothing in common, but David and Jane have more to teach each other than either one of them realizes.
***This is a sweet and sexy small town romance, full of wacky characters, wild friends, and wit. Contents include: a Happily Ever After, hot sex, random literary references, and lots of seafood.***
World-famous movie star David Jacobs is tired.
The fans.
The interviews.
The fame...
Just tired.
He's finished his ten year contract as a galaxy-saving, spandex-wearing superhero and needs to get out of Hollywood.
Clear his head.
Fresh air.
A new phase.
So he moves.
To the small town of Midnight, Maine.
No one can believe their eyes.
His agent thinks he's nuts.
His fans think he's crazy.
And Professor Jane Air, local resident and professional book-nerd, thinks he's overrated. She moved to Midnight to live a quiet life- teaching, writing, reading...
Some big shot Hollywood hero is going to ruin all of that.
But he is gorgeous. And smart. And charming. And very, very sexy.
And when he catches her skinny-dipping on his property? Well, maybe he's not that overrated...
They have nothing in common, but David and Jane have more to teach each other than either one of them realizes.
***This is a sweet and sexy small town romance, full of wacky characters, wild friends, and wit. Contents include: a Happily Ever After, hot sex, random literary references, and lots of seafood.***
- GenresRomance
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2020
23 people want to read
About the author
Anna Wellschlager
3 books3 followersI am a friendly nerd who loves romance, comedy, great dialogue, and supportive friendships.
My goal with my writing is simple: I want readers to enjoy my work, to love spending time in Midnight, Maine.
I hope my books bring happiness, hopefulness, and humor into your life, just like they do into mine :)
Thank you so much for reading! And please write reviews and spread the word!
Kind regards,
Anna
My goal with my writing is simple: I want readers to enjoy my work, to love spending time in Midnight, Maine.
I hope my books bring happiness, hopefulness, and humor into your life, just like they do into mine :)
Thank you so much for reading! And please write reviews and spread the word!
Kind regards,
Anna
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 19, 2020
What a cute story! I love small town romances.
“Nerdy” Professor Jane thinks she is not worthy of the attention she is getting from the Hollywood star David. She only thinks this because her mom had told her over and over they had to work harder for things because of “women like us”. She didn’t feel she was worthy of having someone love her. She’s afraid to take risks because she will always be in this small town and David is only there for the Summer.
David is not your typical Hollywood star. He’s feeling like he needs to rethink his choices and wants to take a break from the Hollywood scene. He feels like a brand new man after meeting the Professor. Of course, he manages to say the wrong thing a few times, not meaning it how it sounds, but it pushes her away and he goes to LA so they can clear their heads and think about what they want.
Good thing the Professor has some good friends who see what she’s doing and help David prove what he wants. The only character I didn’t like was Angelo (David’s agent) He is rude and has no empathy whatsoever.
I can’t wait for the next book to come out in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.
“Nerdy” Professor Jane thinks she is not worthy of the attention she is getting from the Hollywood star David. She only thinks this because her mom had told her over and over they had to work harder for things because of “women like us”. She didn’t feel she was worthy of having someone love her. She’s afraid to take risks because she will always be in this small town and David is only there for the Summer.
David is not your typical Hollywood star. He’s feeling like he needs to rethink his choices and wants to take a break from the Hollywood scene. He feels like a brand new man after meeting the Professor. Of course, he manages to say the wrong thing a few times, not meaning it how it sounds, but it pushes her away and he goes to LA so they can clear their heads and think about what they want.
Good thing the Professor has some good friends who see what she’s doing and help David prove what he wants. The only character I didn’t like was Angelo (David’s agent) He is rude and has no empathy whatsoever.
I can’t wait for the next book to come out in the series!
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.
September 14, 2020
I'm not entirely sure why, but I had a tough time getting into Anna Wellschlager's "Jane Air." I think the main problem was that I didn't really connect with title character Jane, who seemed to have very little personality outside of her love of books and academia. With the exception of a skinny dipping misadventure early in the book that resulted in her meet-cute with male lead David, Jane didn't really take an interest in anything besides weekly dinners with her friends. The reasons for Jane's single-minded focus on academics became somewhat easier to understand later in the book as her "childhood anxiety" issues came to the forefront, but even so, I found her to be rather boring and one-dimensional. While I didn't dislike her, I didn't particularly like her, either, and that made it somewhat difficult for me to root for her.
My other issue was that I really didn't like the way Jane's friends were constantly pushing her at David. On their (unofficial) first date, her friend Dory helped him get her drunk and then let him walk her home alone. Just because David was famous didn't mean that they knew him, or that he was trustworthy! He could have done any number of terrible things to Jane while her defenses were down. (Nothing happened, fortunately, but that's beside the point.) Later, when David crashed their weekly dinner party in an effort to pressure Jane into going out with him a second time, it seemed like her friends took his side against her. It was like none of them believed that Jane was an adult and capable of making decisions for herself, so they worked together to maneuver her into doing whatever they thought was best.
There were some aspects of the story I did enjoy, such as David's efforts to take his career in a new direction and the grand gesture he made towards Jane at the end (which was much more "Beauty and the Beast" than "Jane Eyre" IMO, but I'm willing to let that slide). Unfortunately, they weren't quite enough to overcome my general lack of interest in Jane herself.
Overall, I think the problems were with me more than the book. The writing was generally good, and a couple of Jane's friends made for quirky, mildly amusing secondary characters. I can't say I'm interested enough in any of them to continue with the series, however.
*Review copy provided by the author via Hidden Gems Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
My other issue was that I really didn't like the way Jane's friends were constantly pushing her at David. On their (unofficial) first date, her friend Dory helped him get her drunk and then let him walk her home alone. Just because David was famous didn't mean that they knew him, or that he was trustworthy! He could have done any number of terrible things to Jane while her defenses were down. (Nothing happened, fortunately, but that's beside the point.) Later, when David crashed their weekly dinner party in an effort to pressure Jane into going out with him a second time, it seemed like her friends took his side against her. It was like none of them believed that Jane was an adult and capable of making decisions for herself, so they worked together to maneuver her into doing whatever they thought was best.
There were some aspects of the story I did enjoy, such as David's efforts to take his career in a new direction and the grand gesture he made towards Jane at the end (which was much more "Beauty and the Beast" than "Jane Eyre" IMO, but I'm willing to let that slide). Unfortunately, they weren't quite enough to overcome my general lack of interest in Jane herself.
Overall, I think the problems were with me more than the book. The writing was generally good, and a couple of Jane's friends made for quirky, mildly amusing secondary characters. I can't say I'm interested enough in any of them to continue with the series, however.
*Review copy provided by the author via Hidden Gems Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 1, 2020
**My thanks to the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This appears to be the debut novel for this author and it really does not fail to deliver.
In some ways it would appear that the author must have studied literature at some point with the way that she has her characters interpreting classic novels , which also has us learning something, but the writing is really good and has a depth of emotion with the characters so that you cannot help but get taken away with the story and connect to the characters.
Jane Air is a professor at college in a sleepy little place called Midnight in Texas. She has a brilliant girl friend base that support each other and get together weekly. When the inhabitants find out that a famous actor has moved to their town, Jane immediately feels like she would have no chance with the man.
David Jacobs wants to get away from the rat race for a while after a long contract has finally come to an end. It is on his property at a hidden wooded pool that he first meets Jane and he is fascinated with her and finds a way to see her again. He hires her to help him understand the female characters in the classic books.
There is good chemistry between the pair and mainly the issue is with Jane as she struggles with self esteem issues from the past as David certainly does all the chasing, even opening up for Jane quirky friends.
I certainly look forward to book two in order what happens with Jane's friend Penelope and David friend and manager Angelo.
This appears to be the debut novel for this author and it really does not fail to deliver.
In some ways it would appear that the author must have studied literature at some point with the way that she has her characters interpreting classic novels , which also has us learning something, but the writing is really good and has a depth of emotion with the characters so that you cannot help but get taken away with the story and connect to the characters.
Jane Air is a professor at college in a sleepy little place called Midnight in Texas. She has a brilliant girl friend base that support each other and get together weekly. When the inhabitants find out that a famous actor has moved to their town, Jane immediately feels like she would have no chance with the man.
David Jacobs wants to get away from the rat race for a while after a long contract has finally come to an end. It is on his property at a hidden wooded pool that he first meets Jane and he is fascinated with her and finds a way to see her again. He hires her to help him understand the female characters in the classic books.
There is good chemistry between the pair and mainly the issue is with Jane as she struggles with self esteem issues from the past as David certainly does all the chasing, even opening up for Jane quirky friends.
I certainly look forward to book two in order what happens with Jane's friend Penelope and David friend and manager Angelo.
August 12, 2020
4 Stars.
This was a cute and emotional story. I finished it in the wee hours of this morning when I couldn't randomly sleep and it soothed me back to bed.
The book loses half a star because it did not have an epilogue. One might argue one isn't needed per say as the next story is for Angelo and Penelope, which picks up right at the end of this one, but I felt if we got a snippet, perhaps 5 years down the line on Jane+David's story, it would have been a more satisfying ending for this story and this couple.
The other half of a star is lost in the fact that the greatest "issue" they had was a communication issue and that is a pet peeve for me and because this was a largely stereotypical book when it came to Jane. She was the nerdy professor with image issues ingrained from childhood, the 'women like us' quote throughout the book fucking irritated me each time I'd see/read it. David was the "flawless" movie star whose only issue was getting away from the limelight. He did not have any real emotional growth for me by the end of the book and that just didn't sit well with me.
All in all, one of my top memorable books of 2020 that I'd definitely recommend. However, I'm not so sure whether I'd continue with the subsequent books in the series.
This was a cute and emotional story. I finished it in the wee hours of this morning when I couldn't randomly sleep and it soothed me back to bed.
Sometimes it’s preservation.
Sometimes we are silent because if we say anything, even one more little thing, we will burst apart, split in half like a too-full water balloon and everything we are trying to hide will spill out and away and we will be left a small, torn piece of plastic.
The book loses half a star because it did not have an epilogue. One might argue one isn't needed per say as the next story is for Angelo and Penelope, which picks up right at the end of this one, but I felt if we got a snippet, perhaps 5 years down the line on Jane+David's story, it would have been a more satisfying ending for this story and this couple.
The other half of a star is lost in the fact that the greatest "issue" they had was a communication issue and that is a pet peeve for me and because this was a largely stereotypical book when it came to Jane. She was the nerdy professor with image issues ingrained from childhood, the 'women like us' quote throughout the book fucking irritated me each time I'd see/read it. David was the "flawless" movie star whose only issue was getting away from the limelight. He did not have any real emotional growth for me by the end of the book and that just didn't sit well with me.
All in all, one of my top memorable books of 2020 that I'd definitely recommend. However, I'm not so sure whether I'd continue with the subsequent books in the series.
July 24, 2020
I cannot believe this is the first time I've read something by Anna Wellschlager. After reading this I'm surprised and saddened that Anna and I aren't BFF's in real life. This story just, sigh, is so amazingly perfect. I read A LOT. It's only the end of July and I've already read over 156 books this year. There have been some good, some bad, some meh, but this one - this one hit all the right buttons for me. I normally stay away from celebrity/average citizen tropes but this is making me reconsider that decision. In addition to a story that gives ALL the emotions, the development of the side characters had me feeling like I was part of that group, hanging out with my friends. That usually only happens for me when I read non-romance books. The dialogue flowed beautifully and conversations and thoughts from the characters gave just the right amount of each emotion, even the schmexy one. The characters acted and reacted to events and each other that is so authentic I did NOT want to stop reading and I hated knowing I was getting to towards the end. There is nothing I would change about this book. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. Anna just earned a hardcore fan!
My 5 star rating means I absolutely loved it (even if it isn't my fave - but it might be tied with my fave).
I received a free copy of this book and am giving my review voluntarily.
My 5 star rating means I absolutely loved it (even if it isn't my fave - but it might be tied with my fave).
I received a free copy of this book and am giving my review voluntarily.
September 1, 2020
I received Jane Air from Hidden Gems and am super happy that I did!
It’s a lovely start of a series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the other books.
Jane is a college prof living in a small Maine town not far from where she grew up. She’s got a posse of quirky gal pals who are mainstays in the town ...and they all see what Jane just can’t. That she’s a beauty inside and out, held back only by her own hang ups brought on by her mother.
The book starts with the whole town abuzz that David Jacobs, the actor who’s made a mint off a 10 year contract to star in a series of movies. He’s had it with Hollywood and wants to find a place to settle and start living his best, and real life.
David and Jane’s first meeting is serendipity ... she’s skinny dipping in his lake and the surprise of that has them both intrigued and sputtering. ... and then David hires Jane to help him understand literature, which is her forte.
Jane Air is a terrific book about being true to oneself, but challenging misconceptions that have been long established. I personally loved Jane and David ...and found his love of her to be sigh worthy, leading up to the most amazing ending.
As I mentioned at the start, I received an ARC from Hidden Gems. This is my honest review ... as is my last statement. I’m going to start to follow the author on all channels and can’t wait for book #2 in this series.
It’s a lovely start of a series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the other books.
Jane is a college prof living in a small Maine town not far from where she grew up. She’s got a posse of quirky gal pals who are mainstays in the town ...and they all see what Jane just can’t. That she’s a beauty inside and out, held back only by her own hang ups brought on by her mother.
The book starts with the whole town abuzz that David Jacobs, the actor who’s made a mint off a 10 year contract to star in a series of movies. He’s had it with Hollywood and wants to find a place to settle and start living his best, and real life.
David and Jane’s first meeting is serendipity ... she’s skinny dipping in his lake and the surprise of that has them both intrigued and sputtering. ... and then David hires Jane to help him understand literature, which is her forte.
Jane Air is a terrific book about being true to oneself, but challenging misconceptions that have been long established. I personally loved Jane and David ...and found his love of her to be sigh worthy, leading up to the most amazing ending.
As I mentioned at the start, I received an ARC from Hidden Gems. This is my honest review ... as is my last statement. I’m going to start to follow the author on all channels and can’t wait for book #2 in this series.
June 21, 2020
Sweet and fun love story in a sweet little town.
It's a bit ironic because I was bitching about authors who make small town American sound so romantic and everybody makes a great living waitressing in towns with population 8000.
Midnight, Maine is a university town so yes you can totally imagine people actually having jobs here. The women are mature and interesting.
Anyway both main characters are really nice and likeable and the side characters are unique and interesting in their own rights.
I finished this and immediately looked for sequel -and had to pre-order it.
I would normally rate this 4-star but this is a first book and I look forward to reading the 2nd novel in the series and I really would like this new author to succeed so there you go. Oh and it was free on Kindle Unlimited. Nice random find.
It's a bit ironic because I was bitching about authors who make small town American sound so romantic and everybody makes a great living waitressing in towns with population 8000.
Midnight, Maine is a university town so yes you can totally imagine people actually having jobs here. The women are mature and interesting.
Anyway both main characters are really nice and likeable and the side characters are unique and interesting in their own rights.
I finished this and immediately looked for sequel -and had to pre-order it.
I would normally rate this 4-star but this is a first book and I look forward to reading the 2nd novel in the series and I really would like this new author to succeed so there you go. Oh and it was free on Kindle Unlimited. Nice random find.
July 25, 2020
This was a great small town romance. David is a sweet, likeable guy, much better than most movie star love interests, and Jane is smart and a well-developed character. The group of friends are hilarious, and I can see the series being set up for each woman having her own plot, and I’m excited to read more.
There were a couple of lines I really liked:
“Books on shelves. Books on the floor. Books on the one chair I have, in theory, for someone to sit on. Really, it’s just a chair-shaped shelf for more books.”
“It takes me a minute to understand the context of her question, so deep am I in my filthy library thoughts.“
I feel seen... 😂
Overall, great read for a light summer romance.
FYI:
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy
There were a couple of lines I really liked:
“Books on shelves. Books on the floor. Books on the one chair I have, in theory, for someone to sit on. Really, it’s just a chair-shaped shelf for more books.”
“It takes me a minute to understand the context of her question, so deep am I in my filthy library thoughts.“
I feel seen... 😂
Overall, great read for a light summer romance.
FYI:
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy
July 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Had a great cast of characters that I'm looking forward to following in future books. I think fans of Lucy Score, Clarie Kingsley, or Abby Brooks will enjoy this author.
What I liked: Great characters, h and H had good chemistry, secondary characters are set up well to continue into a series. Good writing with a well-paced story and a sweet and sexy romance. Also, book seems to be well-edited, didn't come across any terrible typos or other issues that can be annoying and common with new authors.
What I didn't like: honestly don't have anything bad to say here, its a great story and I look forward to the next one in the series!
**I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
What I liked: Great characters, h and H had good chemistry, secondary characters are set up well to continue into a series. Good writing with a well-paced story and a sweet and sexy romance. Also, book seems to be well-edited, didn't come across any terrible typos or other issues that can be annoying and common with new authors.
What I didn't like: honestly don't have anything bad to say here, its a great story and I look forward to the next one in the series!
**I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
July 29, 2020
This book made my month. I spent so much of my time reading it, running into my husband’s office and reading parts to him because of how much Jane thinks exactly the way I do. That sex is difficult, well orgasming is, because of how self conscious it can make a curvy girl to be naked with someone. And I love the quote about beauty and the beast, “Trust me, that movie scene? Big burly dude gives fantasy library to shy, nerdy girl? F*cking ruined a generation of women.” This book is all kinds of swoon worthy, there is no stupid, “I can’t do this!” moment, those are the bane of my existence! And the MCs actually communicate!!!! That’s my favorite! *sigh* Such a great book! 💜
July 29, 2020
4.5 stars.
This is a new author for me and in my opinion this is a good start to a series. The characters are interesting, funny and lovely. The story is written well, flows nicely and held my interest. I am 100% in agreement with regards to Beauty and the Beast (I was nodding my head emphatically at this point) and I loved the literature discussions. I can not wait to read book two, in fact I cannot wait to read all the books about this wonderful group of friends. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
This is a new author for me and in my opinion this is a good start to a series. The characters are interesting, funny and lovely. The story is written well, flows nicely and held my interest. I am 100% in agreement with regards to Beauty and the Beast (I was nodding my head emphatically at this point) and I loved the literature discussions. I can not wait to read book two, in fact I cannot wait to read all the books about this wonderful group of friends. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
February 21, 2021
Talk about romantic gestures
I love it when you read a book and you lose track of time. The story just flowed that I didn't realize how long I had been reading.
The only part that was overwhelming was when we are introduced to all the girls at once. Too much info in too short a time. But the book was very romantic. He's had it all or at least he thinks he has. She's been raised to question her looks and worth. Will they learn to love and be loved?
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
I love it when you read a book and you lose track of time. The story just flowed that I didn't realize how long I had been reading.
The only part that was overwhelming was when we are introduced to all the girls at once. Too much info in too short a time. But the book was very romantic. He's had it all or at least he thinks he has. She's been raised to question her looks and worth. Will they learn to love and be loved?
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
July 28, 2020
Jane Air is about Jane, a professor, and lover of books, who falls in love with David Jacobs, a popular actor. This book was so cute. I love almost everything about this book. It may be my favorite romance of the year.
The honest from her friends about herself esteem was terrific. The only thing that I didn't love was the way she describes Jessica in the beginning. I am ready for the next book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
The honest from her friends about herself esteem was terrific. The only thing that I didn't love was the way she describes Jessica in the beginning. I am ready for the next book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2020
First book I have read by this author and I thought it was great! Small town romance between the famous movie star and the local professor. David was looking for life out of the fast lane. When he meets Jane, the insecure professor, what happens between them is a sweet romance. I enjoyed them together and when you add in Jane’s friends with plenty of great conversations and friendly advice, you have a story I enjoyed from page one to the end!
August 2, 2020
A modern retelling of a classic with a Hollywood hottie tired of the glam life and a shy literature professor with some self-esteem issues.
Set in a small town with an array of friends and sort of the setting for future stories and not so much about David and Jane.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Arcs.
Set in a small town with an array of friends and sort of the setting for future stories and not so much about David and Jane.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Arcs.
July 28, 2020
Jane Air is a small town romance between a small town professor and a big time Hollywood actor. Jane didn't have a lot of confidence in her looks and David is tired of Hollywood. I love all of the characters especially David who is very down to earth.
July 10, 2023
This was cute
what made it 5 star was the friendships, love seeing close girlfriends help each other out!
what made it 5 star was the friendships, love seeing close girlfriends help each other out!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews