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Forever Home Romances #1
The Love Notes
A high school reunion.
A stack of anonymous love notes from a decade ago.
A chance at love.
Software designer and Tansy Taylor has spent the last decade proving she’s not the robotics nerd she used to be in high school. A successful business, a pile of confidence, and a whole new look—she’s shattered any expectations her classmates once held. Why is she so nervous to attend the reunion she’s been organizing?
Oh, yeah. Bridger Carrigan will be there.
And he’s single.
And she’s been carrying both a torch and the secret notes he wrote her ever since high school—notes he didn’t know at the time he was exchanging with the class geek with braces, frizzy hair, and a perpetual chocolate milk mustache.
Seeing him again could go well, considering. Or it could be round two of her crash and burn crush on the star-athlete with the secret wound her encouraging notes were meant to salve. Especially since his ex-girlfriend is newly single and anxious to get her claws back into him.
A novel told through letters from the past and a sweetly growing reunion romance in the present day, The Love Notes is Book 1 in the Forever Home Romances by award-winning clean romance author Jennifer Griffith. All books in this series have a sweet "reunion" theme, sweet and satisfying kisses, and a guaranteed HEA.
Books in the Forever Home Romance Series:
The Love Notes
Search Angel
Breach of Promise
A stack of anonymous love notes from a decade ago.
A chance at love.
Software designer and Tansy Taylor has spent the last decade proving she’s not the robotics nerd she used to be in high school. A successful business, a pile of confidence, and a whole new look—she’s shattered any expectations her classmates once held. Why is she so nervous to attend the reunion she’s been organizing?
Oh, yeah. Bridger Carrigan will be there.
And he’s single.
And she’s been carrying both a torch and the secret notes he wrote her ever since high school—notes he didn’t know at the time he was exchanging with the class geek with braces, frizzy hair, and a perpetual chocolate milk mustache.
Seeing him again could go well, considering. Or it could be round two of her crash and burn crush on the star-athlete with the secret wound her encouraging notes were meant to salve. Especially since his ex-girlfriend is newly single and anxious to get her claws back into him.
A novel told through letters from the past and a sweetly growing reunion romance in the present day, The Love Notes is Book 1 in the Forever Home Romances by award-winning clean romance author Jennifer Griffith. All books in this series have a sweet "reunion" theme, sweet and satisfying kisses, and a guaranteed HEA.
Books in the Forever Home Romance Series:
The Love Notes
Search Angel
Breach of Promise
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2020
179 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Griffith
90 books351 followersDo you love free e-books? Check out my website to see how to get a free book. http://authorjennifergriffith.com
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 16, 2020
So Cute!
Aw, this story is so sweet, so cute. I loved the notes from high school and how they gave me insight into Tansy and Bridger. They are good humans- the kind you want to be friends with. This is a quick story but a good one.
Aw, this story is so sweet, so cute. I loved the notes from high school and how they gave me insight into Tansy and Bridger. They are good humans- the kind you want to be friends with. This is a quick story but a good one.
July 12, 2020
Perfect summer read
What if your ten year high school reunion gave you a second shot at your teenage crush? I loved the aspect of reuniting at a reunion and this story was highly entertaining. With humor, creeps, malfunctioning chili pepper dresses, jealousy, games, and attraction galore, this book was a very welcome and entertaining diversion and I loved it.
Years ago, I read a book called Daddy Long Legs, where the whole story was written in letters. I loved the notes from the past that showed up here and there in this book and allowed Bridger and Tansy to really see who each other was on the inside. And that old adage "Appearances can be deceiving" rings especially true in this book.
I was charmed from start to finish and loved everything about this story. Jennifer Griffith has a talent of delivering a satisfying romance, interspersed with comedy, and although this one is short and sweet, it was perfection.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
What if your ten year high school reunion gave you a second shot at your teenage crush? I loved the aspect of reuniting at a reunion and this story was highly entertaining. With humor, creeps, malfunctioning chili pepper dresses, jealousy, games, and attraction galore, this book was a very welcome and entertaining diversion and I loved it.
Years ago, I read a book called Daddy Long Legs, where the whole story was written in letters. I loved the notes from the past that showed up here and there in this book and allowed Bridger and Tansy to really see who each other was on the inside. And that old adage "Appearances can be deceiving" rings especially true in this book.
I was charmed from start to finish and loved everything about this story. Jennifer Griffith has a talent of delivering a satisfying romance, interspersed with comedy, and although this one is short and sweet, it was perfection.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
December 14, 2020
This was a really cute novella. I am always on the look-out for a cute high school reunion trope, not sure why, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. Tansy and Bridger ran in different crowds in high school, but that didn't stop Tansy from leaving secret notes for Bridger in his locker. Fast forward ten years, and Tansy is helping throw together their ten-year reunion and needs to decide if she will come clean about the notes. The characters and story kept me turning the pages to see how it would all unfold. I thought it was a nice touch to have the high school notes included into the story, a fun way to do a "flashback"... overall, an entertaining read.
Content: Clean, kissing. No language or violence.
Content: Clean, kissing. No language or violence.
July 14, 2020
This is my favorite kind of book! There’s romance and it’s funny. This one is not your typical romantic comedy. I really loved the way the author did it.
The main character of this one is Tansy. She’s helping with her high school reunion, even though she’d rather not even go. It doesn’t help that her cousin, Pete, is also supposed to go and is pushing her into more than she wants, literally. The dress he blackmailed her into wearing is terrible. I had to laugh at her situation in that dress so many times.
I loved the way each chapter has at least one of the notes that Tansy wrote in high school. She wrote them to her crush, Bridger, and she really doesn’t want to see him again. Especially not wearing her crazy dress.
There were too many things about this book that made me laugh out loud. It really is the best stress relief for me to read books like this! I loved each and every crazy situation that Tansy got herself into.
And Bridger was a good guy. I couldn’t quite tell at first if he would be. But as the story went along, I really liked him.
If you’re in the mood for a funny romance, grab this one! I hope you laugh as much as I did.
I was sent an e-copy of The Love Notes as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
The main character of this one is Tansy. She’s helping with her high school reunion, even though she’d rather not even go. It doesn’t help that her cousin, Pete, is also supposed to go and is pushing her into more than she wants, literally. The dress he blackmailed her into wearing is terrible. I had to laugh at her situation in that dress so many times.
I loved the way each chapter has at least one of the notes that Tansy wrote in high school. She wrote them to her crush, Bridger, and she really doesn’t want to see him again. Especially not wearing her crazy dress.
There were too many things about this book that made me laugh out loud. It really is the best stress relief for me to read books like this! I loved each and every crazy situation that Tansy got herself into.
And Bridger was a good guy. I couldn’t quite tell at first if he would be. But as the story went along, I really liked him.
If you’re in the mood for a funny romance, grab this one! I hope you laugh as much as I did.
I was sent an e-copy of The Love Notes as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2021
DNF after the first chapter
I was a bit uncomfortable at some of the references to the inappropriate clothes her cousin was trying to pick out for her, but when it got to the dress she apparently ends up wearing, the innuendo jumped way over the line for me. Too bad--I was interested to see where the rest of the story was going. :S
I was a bit uncomfortable at some of the references to the inappropriate clothes her cousin was trying to pick out for her, but when it got to the dress she apparently ends up wearing, the innuendo jumped way over the line for me. Too bad--I was interested to see where the rest of the story was going. :S
July 17, 2020
Romance, clean, contemporary;
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader. Tansy and Bridger's past comes together at their high school reunion. Some flashbacks help tell the story of their high school years and the kindness that Tansy showed Bridger as he faced some issues at home. The High School reunion with all the characters including some machinations by a woman in Tansy and Bridger's past, was a cute setting for this second chance for Tansy and Bridger to happen. Cute romance, two honest hearts with hurts and worries, and a definite attraction to someone who is kind and good.
Perfect quick escape read novella.
I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader. Tansy and Bridger's past comes together at their high school reunion. Some flashbacks help tell the story of their high school years and the kindness that Tansy showed Bridger as he faced some issues at home. The High School reunion with all the characters including some machinations by a woman in Tansy and Bridger's past, was a cute setting for this second chance for Tansy and Bridger to happen. Cute romance, two honest hearts with hurts and worries, and a definite attraction to someone who is kind and good.
Perfect quick escape read novella.
I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.
July 25, 2020
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Griffith's books! Well, I guess it isn't to those who have read my reviews for her books. Lol! Or, I guess it's no secret to all y'all reading this review now. I love the sweet romance and the laugh out loud (and sometimes gut laughs) humor that I can't get enough of in her books! This book...oh, this book! It honestly had me giggling so hard throughout. I think a lot of it is so funny to me because I can relate to the comments made by the main characters. Seriously brings back so many childhood memories. All of you who lived through the 80s and 90s will hopefully catch the humor and enjoy it too.
Plus, the chemistry. Oh my! Sparks are flying y'all. I can always count on Jennifer to write two characters who catch my attention and who I can easily connect with.
I've always loved stories that have letters or love notes in them. I have a lot of great memories associated with them so that's an easy pull in and connection for me in stories. And let me tell you, the way this story was written and the love notes was awesome! It made me think about all the notes I passed along to friends in junior high and high school. Ok, I didn't really pass love notes but still, it brought back memories. The folded triangle football note. Ha!
Tansy was such a fun character. She had a little bit of a struggle when she was in school and there are some emotions that could have hindered her. But she didn't let them. She moved on and continued to improve her life and had no regrets. She was a great character who was a good inspiration for those around her as well as me as a reader.
The high school reunion was pretty funny to read about. I haven't attended mine because I live too far away. But maybe this next one coming up in a year (oh heavens how have I gotten that old?)???
If you want some great chemistry, sweet romance, hysterical humor, beyond awkward moments, great friends, unexpected moments, funny games, awesome cousin, and sparks, I highly recommend reading this first book in Jennifer Griffith's newest series! I can't wait to read the rest of them!
Content: Clean. Swoony kisses! Reunion games and people!
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Plus, the chemistry. Oh my! Sparks are flying y'all. I can always count on Jennifer to write two characters who catch my attention and who I can easily connect with.
I've always loved stories that have letters or love notes in them. I have a lot of great memories associated with them so that's an easy pull in and connection for me in stories. And let me tell you, the way this story was written and the love notes was awesome! It made me think about all the notes I passed along to friends in junior high and high school. Ok, I didn't really pass love notes but still, it brought back memories. The folded triangle football note. Ha!
Tansy was such a fun character. She had a little bit of a struggle when she was in school and there are some emotions that could have hindered her. But she didn't let them. She moved on and continued to improve her life and had no regrets. She was a great character who was a good inspiration for those around her as well as me as a reader.
The high school reunion was pretty funny to read about. I haven't attended mine because I live too far away. But maybe this next one coming up in a year (oh heavens how have I gotten that old?)???
If you want some great chemistry, sweet romance, hysterical humor, beyond awkward moments, great friends, unexpected moments, funny games, awesome cousin, and sparks, I highly recommend reading this first book in Jennifer Griffith's newest series! I can't wait to read the rest of them!
Content: Clean. Swoony kisses! Reunion games and people!
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
August 16, 2020
Super cute!
July 14, 2020
A Perfect Balance of Humor and Depth
Tansy was a geek in high school, she returns to her ten year reunion as a knockout, but she’s not interested in everyone else’s validation. Tansy wants to see Bridger Carrington, and even though she won’t admit it out loud, she wants a chance with him.
This story sparked with Jennifer Griffith’s usual wit, humor, and penchant for embarrassing her poor heroines. It also had impressive depth. I loved the notes Tansy and Bridger passed back and forth in high school. Tansy saw a need and stepped in (anonymously) to reassure and support Bridger. I wished I had someone support me in the same way when my parents got divorced during my teen years.
I loved the chemistry between Tansy and Bridger and the ultimate wish fulfillment of proving oneself successful and getting the guy you always wanted.
Content: clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)
Tansy was a geek in high school, she returns to her ten year reunion as a knockout, but she’s not interested in everyone else’s validation. Tansy wants to see Bridger Carrington, and even though she won’t admit it out loud, she wants a chance with him.
This story sparked with Jennifer Griffith’s usual wit, humor, and penchant for embarrassing her poor heroines. It also had impressive depth. I loved the notes Tansy and Bridger passed back and forth in high school. Tansy saw a need and stepped in (anonymously) to reassure and support Bridger. I wished I had someone support me in the same way when my parents got divorced during my teen years.
I loved the chemistry between Tansy and Bridger and the ultimate wish fulfillment of proving oneself successful and getting the guy you always wanted.
Content: clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)
November 19, 2021
The characters in this one were so childish and immature I couldn’t enjoy it. Had this been a YA I might have enjoyed it more but I just hated seeing “supposed” adults act like stupid teens. The interactions were less rom/com and more a cringe fest.
Every single time Tansy decides to talk to Bridger someone is interrupting. Ughh!! It just made the entire story drag and become unnecessarily angsty.
I couldn’t take anyone seriously. Tandy was disappointing because she can’t even stand up for herself, she just allows literally everyone to walk all over her. Most of all I hated that she was so insecure and needed validation from shallow ex-classmates she didn’t even like. However, in reality she would have been the most confident woman in the room.
Even the mean girl was being unrealistically petty and mean spirited.
Content: Clean, Kissing
Every single time Tansy decides to talk to Bridger someone is interrupting. Ughh!! It just made the entire story drag and become unnecessarily angsty.
I couldn’t take anyone seriously. Tandy was disappointing because she can’t even stand up for herself, she just allows literally everyone to walk all over her. Most of all I hated that she was so insecure and needed validation from shallow ex-classmates she didn’t even like. However, in reality she would have been the most confident woman in the room.
Even the mean girl was being unrealistically petty and mean spirited.
Content: Clean, Kissing
March 20, 2021
Tansy (h) was the geek in high school. Bridger (H) was the popular jock. They connected through notes in his locker, ones Tansy left as encouragement when his family was falling apart. Their communication grew into something deeper, but she never got to tell him who she was. Now, as she gets roped into planning the school's 10-year reunion, will she get a chance to come clean to Bridger, and maybe do something about the torch she still carries?
I've mentioned it before, but I love anonymous romances. This one started as an anonymous friendship (which, really, kinda bordered on a bit weird for a 17-year-old - don't know how I'd've reacted to anonymous yet nosily personal notes appearing in my locker). Still, though, it started as it did and grew naturally, until meddled with by Bridger's ex. So, this one started well, at least.
Present-day Tansy was a spineless wimp, though. For someone who's created a successful company in a very male-dominated field, she had absolutely no backbone. She has to be more confident and put-together than what she was at the reunion. Basically, she was willingly regressing to being her shy and awkward 17-year-old self, because 'that's what they'd expect of her.' Isn't it more the thing that we try to make ourselves seem better at these reunions, especially if we were awkward in school? More successful, more put-together, more attractive, more brilliant offspring, more glamorous life, etc? So why is she doing the opposite?? Especially when she's telling herself at the reunion that "we’re adults now. Adults should be allowed to sort themselves into social groups as they wished"! I just never understood a lot of her present-day self. I get that we all regress a little when we see friends or acquaintances from high school or childhood. But she hadn't seen any of these people in 10 years, and probably wouldn't see them again for another 5 or 10 - until the next reunion, in fact. In short, these people do not matter to her. So why on earth did it matter so much what these people thought of her? Why should she change who she was now to accommodate them? And it's not like she peaked in high school and was trying to relive glory days. I just really never got why she was acting how she was.
And of course, her spinelessness left things open for Mean Girl Willow to roll right through and continue with antics from high school. It did get a bit old how many times Bridger and Tansy almost connected, and then Willow or Queenie or the reunion (but especially Willow) would interrupt. It was pushing my patience a touch, to be honest. Also...
Another note on Tansy and her oddities... it's 2/3 of the way through the book, and someone points out the bullying in high school, and Tansy actually puts it together. "Yeah, that’s what it had been. Wow. Hearing it put that way, it made a lot of sense." Seriously?? She's a genius, but thinks it's normal that people get derogatory nicknames and have pranks left in their locker? I know we never want to admit to ourselves that we were a victim of something, but how on earth had she described all that to herself??
It's a very romance-novel-esque collection of names. Tansy, Bridger, Queenie, Willow, Shyla... I think Pete and Ryan were about the only "normal" names in the bunch. Tansy - being named after a plant - kept making me think of the tea.
Clean writing, no distracting errors, though there were some repetitive moments (she was looked over "stem to stern" on back to back pages, for example).
Alternating 3rd person POV. Mild OM drama and serious OW drama, but not really love triangle mess. No cheating. Clean - no sex or swearing ("good honk"??). Just kissing, though some innuendos. Mild palate-cleansing novella that I'd've enjoyed more if Tansy had a bit more backbone. She seriously had more confidence at 17 than as a successful 27-year-old business owner. Still, light and fluffy escapism ending in an HEA with an epilogue and no cliffhanger.
Would I read more from this author? Maybe, if it's a promising set-up and another free/cheap Kindle find. This wasn't a favorite, but it wasn't a bad afternoon read either.
I've mentioned it before, but I love anonymous romances. This one started as an anonymous friendship (which, really, kinda bordered on a bit weird for a 17-year-old - don't know how I'd've reacted to anonymous yet nosily personal notes appearing in my locker). Still, though, it started as it did and grew naturally, until meddled with by Bridger's ex. So, this one started well, at least.
Present-day Tansy was a spineless wimp, though. For someone who's created a successful company in a very male-dominated field, she had absolutely no backbone. She has to be more confident and put-together than what she was at the reunion. Basically, she was willingly regressing to being her shy and awkward 17-year-old self, because 'that's what they'd expect of her.' Isn't it more the thing that we try to make ourselves seem better at these reunions, especially if we were awkward in school? More successful, more put-together, more attractive, more brilliant offspring, more glamorous life, etc? So why is she doing the opposite?? Especially when she's telling herself at the reunion that "we’re adults now. Adults should be allowed to sort themselves into social groups as they wished"! I just never understood a lot of her present-day self. I get that we all regress a little when we see friends or acquaintances from high school or childhood. But she hadn't seen any of these people in 10 years, and probably wouldn't see them again for another 5 or 10 - until the next reunion, in fact. In short, these people do not matter to her. So why on earth did it matter so much what these people thought of her? Why should she change who she was now to accommodate them? And it's not like she peaked in high school and was trying to relive glory days. I just really never got why she was acting how she was.
And of course, her spinelessness left things open for Mean Girl Willow to roll right through and continue with antics from high school. It did get a bit old how many times Bridger and Tansy almost connected, and then Willow or Queenie or the reunion (but especially Willow) would interrupt. It was pushing my patience a touch, to be honest. Also...
Another note on Tansy and her oddities... it's 2/3 of the way through the book, and someone points out the bullying in high school, and Tansy actually puts it together. "Yeah, that’s what it had been. Wow. Hearing it put that way, it made a lot of sense." Seriously?? She's a genius, but thinks it's normal that people get derogatory nicknames and have pranks left in their locker? I know we never want to admit to ourselves that we were a victim of something, but how on earth had she described all that to herself??
It's a very romance-novel-esque collection of names. Tansy, Bridger, Queenie, Willow, Shyla... I think Pete and Ryan were about the only "normal" names in the bunch. Tansy - being named after a plant - kept making me think of the tea.
Clean writing, no distracting errors, though there were some repetitive moments (she was looked over "stem to stern" on back to back pages, for example).
Alternating 3rd person POV. Mild OM drama and serious OW drama, but not really love triangle mess. No cheating. Clean - no sex or swearing ("good honk"??). Just kissing, though some innuendos. Mild palate-cleansing novella that I'd've enjoyed more if Tansy had a bit more backbone. She seriously had more confidence at 17 than as a successful 27-year-old business owner. Still, light and fluffy escapism ending in an HEA with an epilogue and no cliffhanger.
Would I read more from this author? Maybe, if it's a promising set-up and another free/cheap Kindle find. This wasn't a favorite, but it wasn't a bad afternoon read either.
July 22, 2020
Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes in romance. I was really glad to see these two get their second chance as their first chance was never really a chance at all. Bridger didn't even know who he had fallen in love with since it was all in secret notes. Had he not truly treasured those notes they never would have lasted until their class reunion. It showed that he did have real feelings for the woman he didn't know. And the fact that he actually admired her on some level in high school shows there was attraction there and not just in the notes of friendship. It worked on both levels.
One of the most interesting elements of this story is perception. Tansy viewed herself as the high school nerd that no one liked and everyone bullied though she didn't think of it as bullying at the time. To learn what people really thought of her was eye opening. She continued to see herself as the "loser" at her reunion even though she is a successful business woman. People there still abused her as we still had the "mean girl" characters that hadn't outgrown their high school immaturity and some of the slimy guys were horrible in their treating her like a piece of meat to be chomped on to satisfy their hunger. I thought it was interesting that it wasn't until she stood up for herself instead of letting them treat her as a second class citizen that Queenie suddenly became her advocate and helper instead of bossing her around. Interesting dynamics going on.
Sex: some innuendo
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
One of the most interesting elements of this story is perception. Tansy viewed herself as the high school nerd that no one liked and everyone bullied though she didn't think of it as bullying at the time. To learn what people really thought of her was eye opening. She continued to see herself as the "loser" at her reunion even though she is a successful business woman. People there still abused her as we still had the "mean girl" characters that hadn't outgrown their high school immaturity and some of the slimy guys were horrible in their treating her like a piece of meat to be chomped on to satisfy their hunger. I thought it was interesting that it wasn't until she stood up for herself instead of letting them treat her as a second class citizen that Queenie suddenly became her advocate and helper instead of bossing her around. Interesting dynamics going on.
Sex: some innuendo
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
A protagonist in developmental homeostasis
Loved the premise but didn't care much for how it was fleshed out. Some of the notes & humor were weak or awkward - the stereotypes were way overplayed to the point of caricatures & there was cringe - I seriously dislike humor with cringe.
Someone like Tansy would have matured in confidence from the earlier mess that she was (really? a milk mustache on a high school student? that her peers all made fun of to her face, yet she simultaneously complains that no one told her?) to all she had accomplished since high school, but no, this Tansy has barely matured at all.
I kept waiting for the author to at least give her the delayed development she needed now, but all she got was a lil pep talk at the end from Queenie about finding out why Bridger wanted to talk to her. It's really difficult to like a poor-little-me doormat that never grows a spine.
The drama is forced. Tansy would also have enough intelligence to recognize that she knew the details of the notes better than anyone, so how would Tansy have acquired that knowledge if Willow's story was true, + Bridger explicitly said that he came looking for the note writer - that's not a guy who was laughing over them with his mean-girl girlfriend.
Therefore, Tansy's frequently expressed concern about Bridger coupled with her reluctance to speak up for the truth, if not on her own behalf, makes zero sense. Especially for the allegedly smartest gal in the room.
The ending is sweet but does little to redeem our victim, I mean, heroine. Queenie has more character development.
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
Loved the premise but didn't care much for how it was fleshed out. Some of the notes & humor were weak or awkward - the stereotypes were way overplayed to the point of caricatures & there was cringe - I seriously dislike humor with cringe.
Someone like Tansy would have matured in confidence from the earlier mess that she was (really? a milk mustache on a high school student? that her peers all made fun of to her face, yet she simultaneously complains that no one told her?) to all she had accomplished since high school, but no, this Tansy has barely matured at all.
I kept waiting for the author to at least give her the delayed development she needed now, but all she got was a lil pep talk at the end from Queenie about finding out why Bridger wanted to talk to her. It's really difficult to like a poor-little-me doormat that never grows a spine.
The drama is forced. Tansy would also have enough intelligence to recognize that she knew the details of the notes better than anyone, so how would Tansy have acquired that knowledge if Willow's story was true, + Bridger explicitly said that he came looking for the note writer - that's not a guy who was laughing over them with his mean-girl girlfriend.
Therefore, Tansy's frequently expressed concern about Bridger coupled with her reluctance to speak up for the truth, if not on her own behalf, makes zero sense. Especially for the allegedly smartest gal in the room.
The ending is sweet but does little to redeem our victim, I mean, heroine. Queenie has more character development.
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
July 13, 2020
The Love Notes (Forever Home Romance Book 1) by Jennifer Griffith is a cute cotton candy good for the soul novella. Taking place almost completely in one evening with notes from the past at the beginning of each chapter. It is a story that reminds us good guys do win, mean girls do lose.
Tenth year school reunion brings revelations, fraud exposed and the truth that some people improve with age and some just get older. I can only say that Tansy Taylor is way more braver than me. I was amazed not by her or her cousin, Pete but by Bridger Carrigan, how did he stay so humble and unaware of the swooning going on all around. Then of course, Queenie came through too, not sure about her politician husband.
Clean romance with sweet characters who finally find their HEA. Maybe not finally because just maybe they needed to grow up to reach this stage of readiness ten years later. Earlier may have been a heartache in the end.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tenth year school reunion brings revelations, fraud exposed and the truth that some people improve with age and some just get older. I can only say that Tansy Taylor is way more braver than me. I was amazed not by her or her cousin, Pete but by Bridger Carrigan, how did he stay so humble and unaware of the swooning going on all around. Then of course, Queenie came through too, not sure about her politician husband.
Clean romance with sweet characters who finally find their HEA. Maybe not finally because just maybe they needed to grow up to reach this stage of readiness ten years later. Earlier may have been a heartache in the end.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 15, 2020
High school was awful for Tansy Taylor. She was bullied because her high grades made others not get as good grades. (The school graded on a definite curve set from the top grade.) But there was one boy, who she friended through anonymous notes, that 10 years later she still thought about. So when roped into working on the 10 year reunion, she does so, and begrudgingly comes dressed looking like one of Charlie's Angels. But every time she thinks she has a chance with her "friend" someone interferes before she can confess she wrote those notes.
This is a wonderful book for anyone who outgrew their high school geek! It's great for anyone that remembers high school with less than fond memories. Or maybe just someone who enjoys a sweet romance, humor, and poking a little fun at high school reunions! It went by way too fast, but it was terrific! If you have missed a class reunion (or maybe all of them) read this and consider yourself ahead of the curve...unless you wrote anonymous notes back then!
This is a wonderful book for anyone who outgrew their high school geek! It's great for anyone that remembers high school with less than fond memories. Or maybe just someone who enjoys a sweet romance, humor, and poking a little fun at high school reunions! It went by way too fast, but it was terrific! If you have missed a class reunion (or maybe all of them) read this and consider yourself ahead of the curve...unless you wrote anonymous notes back then!
August 13, 2020
The Love Notes by Jennifer Griffith (5 stars)
A delightful story where most of the action takes place at a High School reunion and centers on the secret notes written by the two main characters during their Senior Year.
There are lots of great quotes included in these notes, which are basically written by the girl to encourage the boy during a difficult time that he’s going through. (The author, in a moment of self-deprecating humor, includes a quote by herself! “A perfectly clean house is a sign of a wasted life.” –Jennifer Griffith”)
As per usual, Ms. Griffith wrote believable, funny dialogue. There’s a quirkiness and humor to her writing that always shines through. This book is no different and, while it is a touch more serious than some of her books, it has hilarious situations mixed in with real emotions.
I always look forward to Ms. Griffith’s books!
*poor, **ok, ***good, **** very good, *****something special
A delightful story where most of the action takes place at a High School reunion and centers on the secret notes written by the two main characters during their Senior Year.
There are lots of great quotes included in these notes, which are basically written by the girl to encourage the boy during a difficult time that he’s going through. (The author, in a moment of self-deprecating humor, includes a quote by herself! “A perfectly clean house is a sign of a wasted life.” –Jennifer Griffith”)
As per usual, Ms. Griffith wrote believable, funny dialogue. There’s a quirkiness and humor to her writing that always shines through. This book is no different and, while it is a touch more serious than some of her books, it has hilarious situations mixed in with real emotions.
I always look forward to Ms. Griffith’s books!
*poor, **ok, ***good, **** very good, *****something special
April 14, 2021
Ten Year Class Reunion
The class President Queenie has gotten Tansy Taylor the Grade Digger to organize
their 10 year High School reunion.
She doesn't want to go but she is needed to run it. Tansy has had a crush on Bridger Carrigan and is the "Friend" who left wonderful notes in his locker. Bridger has come to finally discover who left him those notes and helped him though his worst time in his left. Tansy's cousin Pete Taylor is trying to reconnect with Hollianne Ives. Willow McDevitt wants Bridger back for herself. Who's reunion will change their lives? A well written
story with strong and believable characters. Jennifer has written a
emotional time in a teenager's life
with all the ups and downs.
The class President Queenie has gotten Tansy Taylor the Grade Digger to organize
their 10 year High School reunion.
She doesn't want to go but she is needed to run it. Tansy has had a crush on Bridger Carrigan and is the "Friend" who left wonderful notes in his locker. Bridger has come to finally discover who left him those notes and helped him though his worst time in his left. Tansy's cousin Pete Taylor is trying to reconnect with Hollianne Ives. Willow McDevitt wants Bridger back for herself. Who's reunion will change their lives? A well written
story with strong and believable characters. Jennifer has written a
emotional time in a teenager's life
with all the ups and downs.
July 16, 2020
Tansy and Bridger were opposites in high school but their unsigned notes to each other brought out their connection. Due to circumstances beyond their control they lose touch until their 10 year high school reunion. Angst back then and angst again. The author did a great job of switching from then to present day - notes chapters. Things have changed but have they really? Loved how Bridger keep seeking out Tansy at the reunion and thought he knew who wrote the notes but wanted to make sure. This book brought out so many feelings but left me with a smile. The ending was one of the best I have read in a long time. Would love to see Pete get his own book.
July 17, 2020
I love this heartwarming story! Many thoughts swirled through my head as I read this. I would love to have had an anonymous love note giver/receiver during my high school days. It would have given me a lot more confidence than I had during that time. How many people loved their high school reunions? I for one was not really impressed. Once I graduated, I never wanted to look back. But I did have a person I wrote letters to which helped. I appreciated that Bridger was able to see through insincerity and hold out for the genuine character that Tansy proved to be. I think anybody reading this book would thoroughly enjoy it as I have.
July 21, 2020
Cute
Overall, the story was cute.
However, I'm guessing in an attempt to keep it clean, it was juvenile. Some of the dialogue and inner monologue was cheesey and... well, juvenile. There's nothing inherently wrong with it, but it is not my taste. Same goes for the over the top descriptors. On every page. Multiple times. (And yet, we still don't get descriptions of the characters. Just the sound of doors shutting like prisons. )
I also cannot stand one person POV. That's my personal preference. I feel like I'm missing half the story. But, if this isn't a hang up, you'll enjoy it.
Overall, the story was cute.
However, I'm guessing in an attempt to keep it clean, it was juvenile. Some of the dialogue and inner monologue was cheesey and... well, juvenile. There's nothing inherently wrong with it, but it is not my taste. Same goes for the over the top descriptors. On every page. Multiple times. (And yet, we still don't get descriptions of the characters. Just the sound of doors shutting like prisons. )
I also cannot stand one person POV. That's my personal preference. I feel like I'm missing half the story. But, if this isn't a hang up, you'll enjoy it.
July 25, 2020
A clean ugly duckling to swan romance, even though in the end it wouldn't have made a difference. Tansy was a nerdy looking straight A student, and Bridger was a star athlete. She had on crush on him but knew their kind didn't mix so she became his anonymous friend and left him encouraging notes in his locker about his games or about his family life. The friendship evolved to where they started to exchange notes then they stopped, and he still didn't know who his friend was. Ten years later Tansy is going to tell him, but complications arise. What will happen?
I really enjoyed this book with it well-developed characters and would highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book with it well-developed characters and would highly recommend it.
August 5, 2020
A sweet, fun book to read.
Being young, I think that one day Jennifer's writing will evolve and have a lot more substance to it. She seems to be very well read herself, with all the quotes from famous authors, I really did appreciate that. It was refreshing to be reading a romance novel and not have to stop reading it because it had explicit sex, which is something I won't read. Actually Historical Romances are my favorite because of, what can I say , the history that goes along with the romance. Keep up the good work Jennifer.😊
Being young, I think that one day Jennifer's writing will evolve and have a lot more substance to it. She seems to be very well read herself, with all the quotes from famous authors, I really did appreciate that. It was refreshing to be reading a romance novel and not have to stop reading it because it had explicit sex, which is something I won't read. Actually Historical Romances are my favorite because of, what can I say , the history that goes along with the romance. Keep up the good work Jennifer.😊
August 20, 2020
This is a clean and easy book to read. One reviewer said it was too unbelievable. But in my world it was so believable. If you've been to your 10-year reunion, you'll know that not much has changed. The people are still the same as they were in high school only they now want to out do the other. The story tells of a lady that was bullied in high school and tricked into helping with their first reunion. If you've lived this long, it will bring back memories whether good or bad. The story was easy to follow and easy to engage in. This is a good, quick read for a relaxing afternoon.
September 4, 2020
So sweet
Tansy and Bridger, two opposites at school but soulmates as adults. She was the nerd and he was the school jock, she got bullied and he didn’t feel it was his place to speak up. She could see he needed some encouragement and she was extremely kind hearted so she began leaving encouraging notes in his locker. For an entire year they exchanged notes and grew close. At their 10 year class reunion he set out to find the girl who left him notes and set out to see the only friend who stole her heart.
Tansy and Bridger, two opposites at school but soulmates as adults. She was the nerd and he was the school jock, she got bullied and he didn’t feel it was his place to speak up. She could see he needed some encouragement and she was extremely kind hearted so she began leaving encouraging notes in his locker. For an entire year they exchanged notes and grew close. At their 10 year class reunion he set out to find the girl who left him notes and set out to see the only friend who stole her heart.
March 11, 2021
Thank you Ms. Griffith
Loved this book, very fast read! Very real to me, and I actually had tears.
I graduated high school a long time ago, but, the author writes so well you can remember it like yesterday. I am sure you will recall the awkward moments of teenage life, the cheerleaders, jocks, the smart kids, the bullies. They are all here 10 years later and fearing the 1st reunion.
Totally a G rated love story, all complete without extra endings or other stories to read! Thank you.
Loved this book, very fast read! Very real to me, and I actually had tears.
I graduated high school a long time ago, but, the author writes so well you can remember it like yesterday. I am sure you will recall the awkward moments of teenage life, the cheerleaders, jocks, the smart kids, the bullies. They are all here 10 years later and fearing the 1st reunion.
Totally a G rated love story, all complete without extra endings or other stories to read! Thank you.
May 13, 2022
To go back to high school or not? A 10 yr reunion might be worse
Cute, quick read with some innuendo/crude humor. Some of the phrases at the beginning were outdated which made the characters seem too old for only a 10 year reunion. But the storyline was fun and Tansy's inner monologues were really humorous. Even Queenie redeemed herself in the end. I could see myself pulling this one out again if I wanted to relive the good old days. I'm going to give the next book in the series a try
Cute, quick read with some innuendo/crude humor. Some of the phrases at the beginning were outdated which made the characters seem too old for only a 10 year reunion. But the storyline was fun and Tansy's inner monologues were really humorous. Even Queenie redeemed herself in the end. I could see myself pulling this one out again if I wanted to relive the good old days. I'm going to give the next book in the series a try
July 15, 2020
The Love Notes takes place at Tansy and Bridger's ten year high school reunion. This story is a delightful read. Each chapter begins with notes written ten years ago. This book has the usual high school reunion discomforts, games, reminiscing and treacherous friends. The characters are well developed and the tone of the book is light. fun, clean, sweet and wonderful. This is one reunion you will not be uncomfortable attending!
August 22, 2020
Sweet sweet second chances
Told alternating between the day and night of a high school reunion, and letters written ten years before, is the story of Tansey and Bridger, finding one another again, and filing in all the missing holes that kept them apart for so long.
Most of the book takes place during a single evening, but the letters fill in the months and months of friendship and relationship developed before.
It was nostalgic in a lot of ways. And I enjoyed it.
Told alternating between the day and night of a high school reunion, and letters written ten years before, is the story of Tansey and Bridger, finding one another again, and filing in all the missing holes that kept them apart for so long.
Most of the book takes place during a single evening, but the letters fill in the months and months of friendship and relationship developed before.
It was nostalgic in a lot of ways. And I enjoyed it.
August 27, 2020
Sweet and cute!
Loved this book. Well-written, with romance oozing out every direction. Typical school jock with atypical background falls for nerdy girl because of her caring, sweet nature in high school and finds her through a bunch of notes written and placed in his locker...just can't beat that for romance. Ms Griffith certainly nailed this one! Thanks for a really goodread!
Loved this book. Well-written, with romance oozing out every direction. Typical school jock with atypical background falls for nerdy girl because of her caring, sweet nature in high school and finds her through a bunch of notes written and placed in his locker...just can't beat that for romance. Ms Griffith certainly nailed this one! Thanks for a really goodread!
October 4, 2024
Quick, Satisfying Romance
I love Tansy, cousin Pete, and Bridger, and eventually Queenie. I loved the whole anonymous notes in high school, as well as school geek turned into beautiful, successful business woman. It's a good thing this was a shorter than normal book because I just read it cover to cover in one sitting because I had to know how it ended. The ending was just as good as the rest of the story!
I love Tansy, cousin Pete, and Bridger, and eventually Queenie. I loved the whole anonymous notes in high school, as well as school geek turned into beautiful, successful business woman. It's a good thing this was a shorter than normal book because I just read it cover to cover in one sitting because I had to know how it ended. The ending was just as good as the rest of the story!
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