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Pine Falls #3
Silent Partner
He thinks his silence will protect her. She needs to hear what’s in his heart.
When it comes to love and life, Kinsley Kramer knows one thing—she’s always second best. Tired of feeling like she’s never enough, she decides to give up on men and adopt a cat. What Kinsley doesn’t know is that Brant Holland wants nothing more than to tell the world how much he loves her, but he has kept his distance to protect Kinsley from the secrets he keeps and from his ex-fiancée’s family.
But when Kinsley is about to lose her restaurant, Brant can’t help but act. He steps in and becomes her silent partner. Unable to deny the passion that sizzles between them, they must open painful doors to the past, and the secrets Brant has been keeping must be unleashed. Secrets that threaten to destroy everything and everyone he holds dear. Kinsley must now decide if she can bear the pain of Brant’s past choices and an uncertain future as everything in the Hollands’ world hangs in the balance.
See how it all unfolds in this heart-tugging final chapter of the Pine Falls series.
When it comes to love and life, Kinsley Kramer knows one thing—she’s always second best. Tired of feeling like she’s never enough, she decides to give up on men and adopt a cat. What Kinsley doesn’t know is that Brant Holland wants nothing more than to tell the world how much he loves her, but he has kept his distance to protect Kinsley from the secrets he keeps and from his ex-fiancée’s family.
But when Kinsley is about to lose her restaurant, Brant can’t help but act. He steps in and becomes her silent partner. Unable to deny the passion that sizzles between them, they must open painful doors to the past, and the secrets Brant has been keeping must be unleashed. Secrets that threaten to destroy everything and everyone he holds dear. Kinsley must now decide if she can bear the pain of Brant’s past choices and an uncertain future as everything in the Hollands’ world hangs in the balance.
See how it all unfolds in this heart-tugging final chapter of the Pine Falls series.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2021
232 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
67 books1,446 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 21, 2023
5+ Stars!
Holy Hannah! Y'all! Brace yourselves! And while you're bracing, clear your schedules of any and all the thangs. Once you start this book, you will NOT want to put it down! Y'all are in for one heck of a ride!
From the moment I started this book, I was transported to Two Girls and a Guy in Carrington Cove, where I sat in a booth, eating yummy food and listening to Kinsley and Brant tell me a story. A story of heartache, of pain, of trials, of hope, of forgiveness, of family, but most of all of unconditional love. They told me their story. And oh what a heartachingly beautiful story it was! The feels are alive and well in this book... and I mean ALL the feels!
Kinsley has become one of my all time favorite heroines... HANDS DOWN! Wow! She went through A LOT but she remained super sweet and down to earth the entire time. Out of all three Kramer girls, she is definitely the strongest and most resilient. People seem to underestimate her and count her out. I loved watching her prove them all wrong.
And can I just tell you how freaking amazing Brant is?! Y'all. I have all the heart eyes in the world for this man! I absolutely adored him! He's not afraid to go out and get what he wants and refuses to take no for an answer. I loved how much he loved Kinsley and I loved how he fought for her. If ever there was a couple who deserved a HEA, it's these two. 🥰
Now, it would be remiss of me if I didn't mention all the swooniness that was going on in this book. Y'all. That first kiss? And that second kiss? And all the kisses after that? Explosive! The chemistry between these two was hot, hot, HOT! 😍
I loved seeing all our friends in Pine Falls and catching up with all the happenings of their lives. But I do have to say that I may or may not have been livid with a few of them for the way they treated Kinsley. I also may or may not have yelled at them to back off and leave her the heck alone. Y'all. If I could've, I would've jumped through my kindle and Gibbs slapped the lot of them with a cast iron skillet! I'm sure you'll feel the same way when you read this book. 😉 Haha.
I'm not going to lie. I did not want this book to end. And not just because I loved every single minute I spent in this book. It's also because I'm not ready to say goodbye to all my friends in Pine Falls. This series has quickly become one of my favorites and it's always a little bittersweet to see it come to an end. But I will say, if it does have to end, this was the perfect ending to a phenomenal series!
It's no secret that Ms. Peel is one of my all time favorite authors. I am in awe of the worlds she creates and the journeys she takes us on. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! Knowing her it's going to be fantastic!
And of course no review of mine would be complete without my casting. I am seriously in love with these two! What do you think?
Holy Hannah! Y'all! Brace yourselves! And while you're bracing, clear your schedules of any and all the thangs. Once you start this book, you will NOT want to put it down! Y'all are in for one heck of a ride!
From the moment I started this book, I was transported to Two Girls and a Guy in Carrington Cove, where I sat in a booth, eating yummy food and listening to Kinsley and Brant tell me a story. A story of heartache, of pain, of trials, of hope, of forgiveness, of family, but most of all of unconditional love. They told me their story. And oh what a heartachingly beautiful story it was! The feels are alive and well in this book... and I mean ALL the feels!
Kinsley has become one of my all time favorite heroines... HANDS DOWN! Wow! She went through A LOT but she remained super sweet and down to earth the entire time. Out of all three Kramer girls, she is definitely the strongest and most resilient. People seem to underestimate her and count her out. I loved watching her prove them all wrong.
And can I just tell you how freaking amazing Brant is?! Y'all. I have all the heart eyes in the world for this man! I absolutely adored him! He's not afraid to go out and get what he wants and refuses to take no for an answer. I loved how much he loved Kinsley and I loved how he fought for her. If ever there was a couple who deserved a HEA, it's these two. 🥰
Now, it would be remiss of me if I didn't mention all the swooniness that was going on in this book. Y'all. That first kiss? And that second kiss? And all the kisses after that? Explosive! The chemistry between these two was hot, hot, HOT! 😍
I loved seeing all our friends in Pine Falls and catching up with all the happenings of their lives. But I do have to say that I may or may not have been livid with a few of them for the way they treated Kinsley. I also may or may not have yelled at them to back off and leave her the heck alone. Y'all. If I could've, I would've jumped through my kindle and Gibbs slapped the lot of them with a cast iron skillet! I'm sure you'll feel the same way when you read this book. 😉 Haha.
I'm not going to lie. I did not want this book to end. And not just because I loved every single minute I spent in this book. It's also because I'm not ready to say goodbye to all my friends in Pine Falls. This series has quickly become one of my favorites and it's always a little bittersweet to see it come to an end. But I will say, if it does have to end, this was the perfect ending to a phenomenal series!
It's no secret that Ms. Peel is one of my all time favorite authors. I am in awe of the worlds she creates and the journeys she takes us on. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! Knowing her it's going to be fantastic!
And of course no review of mine would be complete without my casting. I am seriously in love with these two! What do you think?
June 7, 2021
I have a confession. I am a book addict. I know this and I am at peace with it. It is books like this that have caused this condition. See how I blame my addiction on other people? haha
I read this book quite a bit ago. I probably read it way to fast because I was so very anxious about it all. It delivered that one, two (three) punch that author Jennifer Peel is famous for. You know the kind? Give you heart, rip the heart out of you and stomp on it (twice for good measure) and then put it together again. That kind. After a few weeks, I went back and read it again. Why? I thought that the second time around I could just savor it, enjoy it slowly, because I already knew exactly how it all played out. Are you laughing? You should be laughing. Because that was a lie I told myself. My stomach was a ball of nerves and butterflies the whole second time too. My heart went through the wringer AGAIN and at the end? I want to do it all again. See? Addiction.
Here's the catch with this book. You cannot read it until you have read the other two books in this series. You really, really cannot. This series is a bit (a lot) of DRAMA. It's like a soap opera and book three just explodes with secrets and the aftermath of some big decisions that characters make. It's fantastic. So, so good. But start at the beginning. You won't regret it.
If ever there were two people to love, it would be Brock and Kinsley. They are two of the best people ever. I adore them. Ugh, okay. I more than adore them. Kinsley is SO in the dark throughout the majority of this book. Almost everyone around Kinsley knows the secrets, I know the secrets and that's where the anxious knot of anticipation came in. I don't know how my whole body becomes invested in this story and these characters, but it does. My head, my heart, my gut- all working in sync with the ebbs and flows of this book. It's nuts. And I love it. Clearly.
Content: mild swearing, talk of intimate relations but nothing detailed in any way. Kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I read this book quite a bit ago. I probably read it way to fast because I was so very anxious about it all. It delivered that one, two (three) punch that author Jennifer Peel is famous for. You know the kind? Give you heart, rip the heart out of you and stomp on it (twice for good measure) and then put it together again. That kind. After a few weeks, I went back and read it again. Why? I thought that the second time around I could just savor it, enjoy it slowly, because I already knew exactly how it all played out. Are you laughing? You should be laughing. Because that was a lie I told myself. My stomach was a ball of nerves and butterflies the whole second time too. My heart went through the wringer AGAIN and at the end? I want to do it all again. See? Addiction.
Here's the catch with this book. You cannot read it until you have read the other two books in this series. You really, really cannot. This series is a bit (a lot) of DRAMA. It's like a soap opera and book three just explodes with secrets and the aftermath of some big decisions that characters make. It's fantastic. So, so good. But start at the beginning. You won't regret it.
If ever there were two people to love, it would be Brock and Kinsley. They are two of the best people ever. I adore them. Ugh, okay. I more than adore them. Kinsley is SO in the dark throughout the majority of this book. Almost everyone around Kinsley knows the secrets, I know the secrets and that's where the anxious knot of anticipation came in. I don't know how my whole body becomes invested in this story and these characters, but it does. My head, my heart, my gut- all working in sync with the ebbs and flows of this book. It's nuts. And I love it. Clearly.
Content: mild swearing, talk of intimate relations but nothing detailed in any way. Kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 8, 2021
Silent is golden!
I recently reread the first 2 books in this series (which you will definitely want to read before this one) & was agonizing over the wait for the conclusion, so you better believe my fingers were tripping all over themselves to get it when I saw that it was out early!
And oh was it worth it!
Kinsley has been in love with Brant forever, but Brant has a destiny that's already been laid out for him. Until he doesn't. Unfortunately, the way that comes about ends up complicating his life more rather than less, & he has to protect those he loves from himself - especially Kinsley.
My heart got a full work out as I watched their story unfold! I felt Kinsley's confusion, pain, love & then happiness along with her. This is Jennifer Peel at her best - her words grab you and refuse to let you go until the happily-ever-after - I loved every minute of it!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, talk about previous intimate relationships, a one night stand w/a subsequent pregnancy, but no graphic details
I recently reread the first 2 books in this series (which you will definitely want to read before this one) & was agonizing over the wait for the conclusion, so you better believe my fingers were tripping all over themselves to get it when I saw that it was out early!
And oh was it worth it!
Kinsley has been in love with Brant forever, but Brant has a destiny that's already been laid out for him. Until he doesn't. Unfortunately, the way that comes about ends up complicating his life more rather than less, & he has to protect those he loves from himself - especially Kinsley.
My heart got a full work out as I watched their story unfold! I felt Kinsley's confusion, pain, love & then happiness along with her. This is Jennifer Peel at her best - her words grab you and refuse to let you go until the happily-ever-after - I loved every minute of it!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, talk about previous intimate relationships, a one night stand w/a subsequent pregnancy, but no graphic details
June 14, 2021
Emotional wrap-up
The books in this series must be read in order, as the drama and intensity builds with each one and you'll definitely be lost without the backstory. That said, I've been waffling between eagerly anticipating this story and dreading it. Why the contradicting feelings? Because I've been dying to get Kinsley's story, yet this is the end of the series.
This story is full of drama--the kind that makes a reader question everything in life and spend lots of time assessing what they would do in this situation--yet I just couldn't get enough. Peel has a way of magically transporting a person right into her books.
Kinsley and Brant are multi-dimensional characters and I loved peeling their layers to discover what is underneath. They have heavy burdens, yet they are each full of grace. With stories full of love, loss, forgiveness, and tension, these characters grow and although their situations may differ from the reader's, they are built on relatable facets. My heart was tugged and stretched, but I wouldn't have it molded in any other way.
Content: PG-13 romance (kissing; talk of intimacy and some innuendo); mild+ language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
The books in this series must be read in order, as the drama and intensity builds with each one and you'll definitely be lost without the backstory. That said, I've been waffling between eagerly anticipating this story and dreading it. Why the contradicting feelings? Because I've been dying to get Kinsley's story, yet this is the end of the series.
This story is full of drama--the kind that makes a reader question everything in life and spend lots of time assessing what they would do in this situation--yet I just couldn't get enough. Peel has a way of magically transporting a person right into her books.
Kinsley and Brant are multi-dimensional characters and I loved peeling their layers to discover what is underneath. They have heavy burdens, yet they are each full of grace. With stories full of love, loss, forgiveness, and tension, these characters grow and although their situations may differ from the reader's, they are built on relatable facets. My heart was tugged and stretched, but I wouldn't have it molded in any other way.
Content: PG-13 romance (kissing; talk of intimacy and some innuendo); mild+ language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
June 9, 2021
I have loved this series so much! And I have been waiting for this third book ever since I finished reading the second book - and it does. not. disappoint!!! The wait was totally worth it! I love Brock and Kinsley and I loved being back with these two families!
I would recommend reading all three books in this series in order, but you definitely should read Book 2 before reading this book.
I would recommend reading all three books in this series in order, but you definitely should read Book 2 before reading this book.
July 12, 2022
My heart was all over the place with all of the feels and emotions while reading this book. I'm still thinking about it and love it so much! But you HAVE to read all of these books in order to understand everything that is happening in this book. All three of them will have your heart in their clutches. Just saying! But this book is the final one in the trilogy and to say that I have been waiting to enjoy Kinsley and Brant's story, is an understatement. I wanted to devour it right away but then I couldn't pick it up because I knew it would be over. Is anybody else like that? This book released a while ago and my life has been just beyond crazy busy that I waited to read this book when I knew I would have nothing else pulling on my time during a summer trip. I savored and devoured it at the same time. I loved every minute of it! I didn't want to set it down at all but I read every free minute that I could. When I finally finished reading the final page, my heart was whole and happy. It had been on a journey with all of the characters from Pine Falls and I loved how it ended.
There are ups and downs and twists and turns galore, but just go with them, the journey is worth it all. I cried. I laughed. I giggled. I snorted (yes I totally snorted a couple times)! I sighed. I just loved it all! If I sound like I'm gushing, it's because I am...I'm gushing big time!!!
Kinsley's pain had my own heart aching and wishing I could just give her a big ol' hug and tell her everything was going to be ok, that she is brave and strong and wonderful and to just keep going!
Brant had me wanting to just tell him to not stop trying to help her and to keep fighting for her. He had his own demons to fight and he was and as soon as he was able to, he was going to full disclose everything to Kinsley. His moments when he didn't care anymore and just wanted to be by Kinsley and let her know she is important and wonderful...swoon!
Just read it!
Content: I would say this book is a PG-13 rating. It is raw and deals with some hard topics in some parts. But I loved how sensitive the author was in writing about them with her characters. There is some swearing scattered throughout, some innuendos throughout, some talk about a one night stand (not giving info here as it deals with something in a previous book), forgiveness, healing, sorrow, and mistakes. There are the innuendos throughout the book but the author does not have any sex scenes in the book.
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
There are ups and downs and twists and turns galore, but just go with them, the journey is worth it all. I cried. I laughed. I giggled. I snorted (yes I totally snorted a couple times)! I sighed. I just loved it all! If I sound like I'm gushing, it's because I am...I'm gushing big time!!!
Kinsley's pain had my own heart aching and wishing I could just give her a big ol' hug and tell her everything was going to be ok, that she is brave and strong and wonderful and to just keep going!
Brant had me wanting to just tell him to not stop trying to help her and to keep fighting for her. He had his own demons to fight and he was and as soon as he was able to, he was going to full disclose everything to Kinsley. His moments when he didn't care anymore and just wanted to be by Kinsley and let her know she is important and wonderful...swoon!
Just read it!
Content: I would say this book is a PG-13 rating. It is raw and deals with some hard topics in some parts. But I loved how sensitive the author was in writing about them with her characters. There is some swearing scattered throughout, some innuendos throughout, some talk about a one night stand (not giving info here as it deals with something in a previous book), forgiveness, healing, sorrow, and mistakes. There are the innuendos throughout the book but the author does not have any sex scenes in the book.
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
July 11, 2022
Look I went into this one with the recommendation of an SOB H that treated the h wrong… for me I didn’t get that. Yes his past was decisions were questioning… BUT for me there was no major betrayal
In saying that it was enjoyable
In saying that it was enjoyable
July 25, 2024
Ugh. Each book of this series just went down hill. The main character, who was a business owner, chef, and college graduate, had the lowest self-esteem! And was she ever whiny! I should have stopped after the first of the series, that one was good.
June 13, 2021
Where do I even begin with this story?! I loved every single minute of this final book in the Pine Falls series. Reading these books in order is a MUST in order to truly love and enjoy this story.
Kinsley is such a lovable protagonist. She is talented and giving, and has a fun flirty side that comes out the more she is around Brant. If you’ve read the other two books in the series, then you know there are deep waters ahead for her and Brant. So many things left undone and unsaid from the last book are finally answered in this final book.
Brant will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions- aching for his pain and loss, angry at some of his choices, and toes curling at his sincerity in romancing the woman he loves. He is real- mistakes and all- and you can’t help but root for him. Definitely found a new book boyfriend!
You’ll be able to visit Pine Falls one last time and see the characters you know and love learn about hardship, forgiveness, love and hope. I simply love how Jennifer Peel can talk about difficult and hard stuff in her books, but make each story such a sweet and enjoyable journey along the way. Clear your schedule because you won’t want to miss this epic conclusion to a fantastic series!!!
Kinsley is such a lovable protagonist. She is talented and giving, and has a fun flirty side that comes out the more she is around Brant. If you’ve read the other two books in the series, then you know there are deep waters ahead for her and Brant. So many things left undone and unsaid from the last book are finally answered in this final book.
Brant will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions- aching for his pain and loss, angry at some of his choices, and toes curling at his sincerity in romancing the woman he loves. He is real- mistakes and all- and you can’t help but root for him. Definitely found a new book boyfriend!
You’ll be able to visit Pine Falls one last time and see the characters you know and love learn about hardship, forgiveness, love and hope. I simply love how Jennifer Peel can talk about difficult and hard stuff in her books, but make each story such a sweet and enjoyable journey along the way. Clear your schedule because you won’t want to miss this epic conclusion to a fantastic series!!!
September 19, 2021
Oh, this one made me SO cranky. The heroine was whiny and pitiful, and the hero obnoxious. There was absolutely zero reason for the hero to be all mysterious about what’s going on, and the author took the cliched, soap opera drama route to reveal the big secret that’s been churning since book two in this series.
At this point, Ms. Peel has been more on the miss side of the spectrum for me with her books. Her More Than A Wife series is amazing, and there have been a couple others that were really good, but this Pine Falls series did not work for me.
At this point, Ms. Peel has been more on the miss side of the spectrum for me with her books. Her More Than A Wife series is amazing, and there have been a couple others that were really good, but this Pine Falls series did not work for me.
June 16, 2021
It was a good story. Behind closed doors sex and some sexual references. I found it was too long though and became repetitive. Some steamy romantic scenes. Overall, a good read.
Want to Read
July 5, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
January 26, 2022
Prle
I would not recommend this book. The heroine was way to forgiving imo. It was just a boring book. I love Jennifer Peels books but this Pine series leaves a lot to be desired.
I would not recommend this book. The heroine was way to forgiving imo. It was just a boring book. I love Jennifer Peels books but this Pine series leaves a lot to be desired.
July 5, 2021
DNF @ 16%.
I can't. I. Just. Can't.
This book is painful. The heroine is excruciating. Self-absorbed, self-pitying, embarrassingly pathetic, immature and full of that low-key spite that all pass-agg types polish to perfection. Being a party to her thoughts caused me actual, physical pain.
Speaking of actual, physical pain perhaps someone should dish some out to the writer of this shower of shite for her h REFUSING to say or think the H's name and instead using fucking italics for the words he, his and him. And not just once or twice, but every. single. time. It nearly sent me over the edge. There's nothing more obnoxious than someone who fancies themselves as witty just straight up bludgeoning people to death with their 'humour.'
And oh, does Ms. Peel think she's funny.
How about no?
Her idea of humour is laced with vindictiveness and bitterness and given that each of her heroines are just the same odious character over and over, my theory is she uses herself as a template. She's pathologically incapable of writing a heroine who isn't a whingeing, passive-aggressive bag of wind. None of them feel any fulfillment on their own because they MUST have the perfect man, the 2.5 spawns and the white picket fence experience.
What fucking century are we in again?
God, I'd throat-punch someone like that if I had to spend more than 5 minutes in their presence.
I'd definitely feel like their hubs and kids deserve a sympathy card for having to deal with such a needy control freak and all those expectations.
The writer clearly thinks men are beneath contempt, because the H's blame is ALWAYS implied, even when he's done nothing wrong or circumstances that had nothing to do with the heroine in the first place don't suit her. And they don't suit her because it's not all about her and she can't abide that.
Yeah, fuck off with that shit.
The h just really made me sick. And just so it's clear, no self-respecting woman makes a scene in a place of business, wailing and sobbing because some bloke dumped her. Grown ass women do not 'wail.' That rubbish is for children.
And anyone who forgoes hygeine and goes out into public in food-stained clothing with the excuse that they'd been dumped should be ashamed. It's not endearing or even a little funny that all this writer's heroines stoop to these levels.
And for FUCKS sake STOP shilling other writers in your books and kissing their arses.
This time it was Colleen Hoover. Pretty sure CH doesn't read this drivel. Or maybe she does, more's the pity.
..
Once this writer actually pimped her own book out in another book! Aye, she does think she's all that, sure.
So yeah. This book is shite. I recommend not reading it.
I can't. I. Just. Can't.
This book is painful. The heroine is excruciating. Self-absorbed, self-pitying, embarrassingly pathetic, immature and full of that low-key spite that all pass-agg types polish to perfection. Being a party to her thoughts caused me actual, physical pain.
Speaking of actual, physical pain perhaps someone should dish some out to the writer of this shower of shite for her h REFUSING to say or think the H's name and instead using fucking italics for the words he, his and him. And not just once or twice, but every. single. time. It nearly sent me over the edge. There's nothing more obnoxious than someone who fancies themselves as witty just straight up bludgeoning people to death with their 'humour.'
And oh, does Ms. Peel think she's funny.
How about no?
Her idea of humour is laced with vindictiveness and bitterness and given that each of her heroines are just the same odious character over and over, my theory is she uses herself as a template. She's pathologically incapable of writing a heroine who isn't a whingeing, passive-aggressive bag of wind. None of them feel any fulfillment on their own because they MUST have the perfect man, the 2.5 spawns and the white picket fence experience.
What fucking century are we in again?
God, I'd throat-punch someone like that if I had to spend more than 5 minutes in their presence.
I'd definitely feel like their hubs and kids deserve a sympathy card for having to deal with such a needy control freak and all those expectations.
The writer clearly thinks men are beneath contempt, because the H's blame is ALWAYS implied, even when he's done nothing wrong or circumstances that had nothing to do with the heroine in the first place don't suit her. And they don't suit her because it's not all about her and she can't abide that.
Yeah, fuck off with that shit.
The h just really made me sick. And just so it's clear, no self-respecting woman makes a scene in a place of business, wailing and sobbing because some bloke dumped her. Grown ass women do not 'wail.' That rubbish is for children.
And anyone who forgoes hygeine and goes out into public in food-stained clothing with the excuse that they'd been dumped should be ashamed. It's not endearing or even a little funny that all this writer's heroines stoop to these levels.
And for FUCKS sake STOP shilling other writers in your books and kissing their arses.
This time it was Colleen Hoover. Pretty sure CH doesn't read this drivel. Or maybe she does, more's the pity.
..
Once this writer actually pimped her own book out in another book! Aye, she does think she's all that, sure.
So yeah. This book is shite. I recommend not reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2021
This is the concluding story to the Pine Falls series. It features Kinsley and Brant, and oh, what an emotional ride it is. There are highs and perilous lows, again and again as Kinsley learns to love herself and know that she is enough. The theme of forgiveness is explored, learning that sometimes you have to lose (pride, ambition, judgment) to actually win. I’ve been looking forward to this finale, and it was so fulfilling to wrap up this series of these three sisters—Ariana, Dani, and now Kinsley—learning that life together is the greatest miracle of all, no matter what they must give up to keep their love in tact. There is so much love in this book for the taking. I highly recommend this series!!
July 31, 2021
Great book!!!
I am never disappointed when reading a Jennifer Peel book, never! She writes such wonderful, fun and moving books. They are the kind you want to read slowly and savor. I did not want this one to end.
I am never disappointed when reading a Jennifer Peel book, never! She writes such wonderful, fun and moving books. They are the kind you want to read slowly and savor. I did not want this one to end.
Read
April 16, 2023So, the big secret is Dani cheated on her husband, Brock, and got pregnant by his brother Brant. They kept it a secret from Kinsley and forced her to listen to them to explain. She forgives them because she is a doormat.
The end.
The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2021
Starting to say “I have a cat” whenever you are in an awkward situation
Being that I have read the other books in this series I kind of felt like I was watching a train wreck in slow motion. You know the inevitable destruction and chaos that will ensue but you just can’t look away. Or in my case put down the book. What kept me going was that I knew there would be a happy ending. I just had to get thru the emotional part. And if you haven’t read the others in the series, let me tell you the twist is BIG!
The characters for the most part have been reacting to situations that have been thrown at them or that they stumble into. So I liked that by the end of the book they are learning to forge there own path and conscientiously choose the life they want.
One adorable thing about the book was whenever the h would get nervous or feel the attraction to the H, Brant, she would say out loud “I have a cat” to remind herself she’d given up on men and bought a cat. I would love that to be my go to statement for the week, but alas I have no cat.
Emotionally driven book, lots of drama and speculation.
Rating: PG-13, has some mild language, no on page sex but premarital sex is discussed lightly showing the negative consequences it can have. Some kissing. Not a squeaky clean story for those reasons.
Being that I have read the other books in this series I kind of felt like I was watching a train wreck in slow motion. You know the inevitable destruction and chaos that will ensue but you just can’t look away. Or in my case put down the book. What kept me going was that I knew there would be a happy ending. I just had to get thru the emotional part. And if you haven’t read the others in the series, let me tell you the twist is BIG!
The characters for the most part have been reacting to situations that have been thrown at them or that they stumble into. So I liked that by the end of the book they are learning to forge there own path and conscientiously choose the life they want.
One adorable thing about the book was whenever the h would get nervous or feel the attraction to the H, Brant, she would say out loud “I have a cat” to remind herself she’d given up on men and bought a cat. I would love that to be my go to statement for the week, but alas I have no cat.
Emotionally driven book, lots of drama and speculation.
Rating: PG-13, has some mild language, no on page sex but premarital sex is discussed lightly showing the negative consequences it can have. Some kissing. Not a squeaky clean story for those reasons.
August 29, 2021
I'm so torn on how to rate this series. Jennifer Peel is an amazing author and I love her writing style!.... but I feel like these books push the "clean romance" genre because of all the sexual innuendo throughout the storyline.... and the main theme of the book. There's also a little bit of language throughout. I really love the main characters and loved seeing them get their happily ever after... but I definitely wouldn't dare recommend the book as a " fun clean romance " (which is what I usually enjoy reading) because of the content and heavy theme. I feel like this series is much more "worldly" then her other books..... Having said all that I did love seeing all the characters come together and have their"finale" and again... happily ever after.
June 24, 2021
Made me feel all the emotions
This book made me dwell all the emotions, which I really enjoyed. I'd rate this PG-13 for kissing, mention of affairs, and blackmail.
This is one of Jennifer Peel's most quotable books, mostly thanks to the sage Sheridan Holland. Definitely going to be rereading this!
This book made me dwell all the emotions, which I really enjoyed. I'd rate this PG-13 for kissing, mention of affairs, and blackmail.
This is one of Jennifer Peel's most quotable books, mostly thanks to the sage Sheridan Holland. Definitely going to be rereading this!
June 24, 2021
A boring read
Never had I found a character in a book to be so weak and self absorbed- being in her head was painful all her uncertainty and doubt, paranoia and fear. It would’ve been ok had she been a teenager, but a grown woman running a restaurant……… it was a misplaced story line.
Never had I found a character in a book to be so weak and self absorbed- being in her head was painful all her uncertainty and doubt, paranoia and fear. It would’ve been ok had she been a teenager, but a grown woman running a restaurant……… it was a misplaced story line.
February 28, 2025
My favorite book out of the whole series. Kinsley is a good show that you don't have to be handed the best things in life to be happy or be held back from your dreams. Brant is the goods in a well developed male main character.
July 19, 2022
Had a real tough time with her. Too whiney and so is me. Okay, so that’s part of her character arc, but it took a Looong time to remedy it.
September 15, 2021
A Funny Meditation on Serious Topics
Jennifer Peel pulls off a nearly impossible feat: writing a thoughtful book that examines such issues as forgiveness, risk taking, and adultery in the context of unicorn birthday parties, "cookie baking" as a euphemism for having sex, and a lowball offer being destroyed by a high power attorney in even higher power stiletto heels. Plus, the heroine has a cat. And tells people she does whenever she doesn't know what to say. Oscar gets plenty of page time early on and then later in the story.
Silent Partner is Kinsley's book. The youngest of the three adopted daughters of Grandma Kay and Grandpa Sam Kramer, Kinsley has been in love with wealthy Brant Holland she met him at age sixteen. Dani, her older sister and heroine of In Name Only, brought the identical twins Brock and Brant Holland to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Brock hit it off with Dani, and Kinsley, mortified by falling for a guy who she thinks is also in love with the beautiful Dani, ran upstairs to hide. Running away becomes Kinsley's default mechanism for dealing (or not dealing) with unpleasant people or situations. It works so well, she finds herself dateless at her own 30th birthday party with her six-year-old niece, Gemma, and Gemma's huge stuffed unicorn, a gift from... Uncle Brant!
Kinsley, remembering a humiliating scene from two years earlier, swears off men and bows to becomes a cat lady. Oscar is her first purchase, and for the next few chapters any awkward pause in conversation with Brant is followed by Kinsley's brilliant bon mot, "I have a cat", with interior cringing.
Complicating matters, Kinsley's British ex-boyfriend shows up at an event her restaurant is catering and tries to charm his way back to her. It doesn't help that Brant is at the same event. Despite the humiliation of two years earlier, when she kissed him and he kissed her back and then didn't talk to her for a long time afterward, Kinsley still carries a torch for Brant and does *not* want him to see her being hit on by a Hugh Grant type.
Making matters worse, Kinsley's two business partners try to buy out her share of the restaurant for a ridiculously low price. Kinsley cries in her car and is discovered by Brant, who uses his finely honed lawyer skills to draft a much better option, volunteering to buy out her partners and finance the restaurant as her silent partner, with only their families knowing his identity. To everyone else, it's a sign of his love for her. To Kinsley, it's yet another opportunity to say " I have a cat " and run away. She is frustrated by what she sees as mixed signals and evidence that she's not worthy of a man's attention, much less affection.
Making matters even worse (for the last time, I promise), Brant's ex-fiancee confronts Kinsley with a shocking accusation about Brant. Clearly unhinged, she tells Kinsley that she has "people" who can prove the terrible things she's accusing Brant of doing. Brant admits the truth of her statements and claims he never wanted to hurt her. The other person accused in that rumor also admits to its truth and says "I never wanted to hurt you". Kinsley has had it with secrecy and demands explanations she knows will cause her pain, but it's Brant's twin, Brock, who gives Kinsley the key to forgiving his brother and her sister. Sheridan Holland, Brant and Brock's mother who separated from her intimidating husband in In Name Only, also tells to Kinsley to help her learn that she isn't made less by others' poor treatment of her.
Want to find out what happens to Kinsley, Brant, Brock, Arianna, Jonah, John and Sheridan Holland, and the evil Copeland family to such Brant's sadistic ex-fiancee belongs? Want to have a few laughs (and a cat!) along the way? Then pick up Silent Partner!
Jennifer Peel pulls off a nearly impossible feat: writing a thoughtful book that examines such issues as forgiveness, risk taking, and adultery in the context of unicorn birthday parties, "cookie baking" as a euphemism for having sex, and a lowball offer being destroyed by a high power attorney in even higher power stiletto heels. Plus, the heroine has a cat. And tells people she does whenever she doesn't know what to say. Oscar gets plenty of page time early on and then later in the story.
Silent Partner is Kinsley's book. The youngest of the three adopted daughters of Grandma Kay and Grandpa Sam Kramer, Kinsley has been in love with wealthy Brant Holland she met him at age sixteen. Dani, her older sister and heroine of In Name Only, brought the identical twins Brock and Brant Holland to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Brock hit it off with Dani, and Kinsley, mortified by falling for a guy who she thinks is also in love with the beautiful Dani, ran upstairs to hide. Running away becomes Kinsley's default mechanism for dealing (or not dealing) with unpleasant people or situations. It works so well, she finds herself dateless at her own 30th birthday party with her six-year-old niece, Gemma, and Gemma's huge stuffed unicorn, a gift from... Uncle Brant!
Kinsley, remembering a humiliating scene from two years earlier, swears off men and bows to becomes a cat lady. Oscar is her first purchase, and for the next few chapters any awkward pause in conversation with Brant is followed by Kinsley's brilliant bon mot, "I have a cat", with interior cringing.
Complicating matters, Kinsley's British ex-boyfriend shows up at an event her restaurant is catering and tries to charm his way back to her. It doesn't help that Brant is at the same event. Despite the humiliation of two years earlier, when she kissed him and he kissed her back and then didn't talk to her for a long time afterward, Kinsley still carries a torch for Brant and does *not* want him to see her being hit on by a Hugh Grant type.
Making matters worse, Kinsley's two business partners try to buy out her share of the restaurant for a ridiculously low price. Kinsley cries in her car and is discovered by Brant, who uses his finely honed lawyer skills to draft a much better option, volunteering to buy out her partners and finance the restaurant as her silent partner, with only their families knowing his identity. To everyone else, it's a sign of his love for her. To Kinsley, it's yet another opportunity to say " I have a cat " and run away. She is frustrated by what she sees as mixed signals and evidence that she's not worthy of a man's attention, much less affection.
Making matters even worse (for the last time, I promise), Brant's ex-fiancee confronts Kinsley with a shocking accusation about Brant. Clearly unhinged, she tells Kinsley that she has "people" who can prove the terrible things she's accusing Brant of doing. Brant admits the truth of her statements and claims he never wanted to hurt her. The other person accused in that rumor also admits to its truth and says "I never wanted to hurt you". Kinsley has had it with secrecy and demands explanations she knows will cause her pain, but it's Brant's twin, Brock, who gives Kinsley the key to forgiving his brother and her sister. Sheridan Holland, Brant and Brock's mother who separated from her intimidating husband in In Name Only, also tells to Kinsley to help her learn that she isn't made less by others' poor treatment of her.
Want to find out what happens to Kinsley, Brant, Brock, Arianna, Jonah, John and Sheridan Holland, and the evil Copeland family to such Brant's sadistic ex-fiancee belongs? Want to have a few laughs (and a cat!) along the way? Then pick up Silent Partner!
August 23, 2021
Great emotive story
Originality: 5
Pace: 5
Character development: 5
Side character development/engaging: yes
HFN or HEA? Yes
Cliffhanger: no
Steam level: 2 (some passionate kissing + yearning)
Cussing: No
Min. age recommended: 16
1. Are the character's developed in a way that makes me care about them? Yes.
2. Did the dialogue flow or was it choppy/unnatural? - Rating: 5
3. Was the writing level for this genre above average, average, awkward/stilted, or amateur?
- above average
4. Were the events and actions of the characters believable? Were you able to suspend disbelief?
- For the most part. The only thing that bothered me was the length of time that the characters loved each other but didn’t do anything about it or follow through. Although it wasn’t as bad as the 2nd book in the series because the explanation given was more plausible to me than the one in the 2nd book.
5. Did any of the characters do anything that made you cringe in a “real people are not this dumb” way? No.
6. Is there anything you wish would have been different (without spoiling the story)? No.
7. Final thoughts? I love that this book tackled a characters who had trauma of losing both parents as a child and the impact that has on a person and their relationships. I think she did a great job showing the developing and growth and healing that can happen from childhood and adult relationship trust issues.
Originality: 5
Pace: 5
Character development: 5
Side character development/engaging: yes
HFN or HEA? Yes
Cliffhanger: no
Steam level: 2 (some passionate kissing + yearning)
Cussing: No
Min. age recommended: 16
1. Are the character's developed in a way that makes me care about them? Yes.
2. Did the dialogue flow or was it choppy/unnatural? - Rating: 5
3. Was the writing level for this genre above average, average, awkward/stilted, or amateur?
- above average
4. Were the events and actions of the characters believable? Were you able to suspend disbelief?
- For the most part. The only thing that bothered me was the length of time that the characters loved each other but didn’t do anything about it or follow through. Although it wasn’t as bad as the 2nd book in the series because the explanation given was more plausible to me than the one in the 2nd book.
5. Did any of the characters do anything that made you cringe in a “real people are not this dumb” way? No.
6. Is there anything you wish would have been different (without spoiling the story)? No.
7. Final thoughts? I love that this book tackled a characters who had trauma of losing both parents as a child and the impact that has on a person and their relationships. I think she did a great job showing the developing and growth and healing that can happen from childhood and adult relationship trust issues.
June 10, 2021
You definitely can't read this without reading In Name Only. It also helps to read Return to Sender but not as necessary.
This book was heartbreaking at the same time as fulfilling and satisfying. Wrongs are eventually made right. Beautiful moments of forgiveness and love. A lot of things come together that really should.
I love when something resonates just right and while I will never be in the situations in this book as written, I will or have experienced enough similar ones or have been hurt through no fault of my own. Forgiveness isn't for the one being forgiven. It frees your soul. So many good thoughts on this from the book and I will probably reread the whole series soon, but I've found myself thinking of this book often since reading it and I read so many books that's saying something.
Clean romance though references to things that have happened are included. Also references to miscarriage.
Beautiful story. Humor, cute family interaction, and some awesome karma also included. (With some tiny scary moments too)
Highly recommend.
This book was heartbreaking at the same time as fulfilling and satisfying. Wrongs are eventually made right. Beautiful moments of forgiveness and love. A lot of things come together that really should.
I love when something resonates just right and while I will never be in the situations in this book as written, I will or have experienced enough similar ones or have been hurt through no fault of my own. Forgiveness isn't for the one being forgiven. It frees your soul. So many good thoughts on this from the book and I will probably reread the whole series soon, but I've found myself thinking of this book often since reading it and I read so many books that's saying something.
Clean romance though references to things that have happened are included. Also references to miscarriage.
Beautiful story. Humor, cute family interaction, and some awesome karma also included. (With some tiny scary moments too)
Highly recommend.
June 27, 2021
Wow! 👏
This series and this author's writing is very engrossing. A few times the h thinks to herself something along the lines of it feels like my life is a bit of a soap opera. "Like I said, this was surreal. We had moved from The West Wing to The Days of Our Lives." Ha! I felt her on that but this was not at all a soap opera feel book. More like a good t.v. family drama series with a great conclusion. I think I rode a rollar coaster of feelings in a good way. I sometimes felt frustration, emphatized and rooted for characters. I think Kinsley was written very well. Lots of times I was right along with her in saying yep to how she was dealing with her situation. Her thought process had a realistic feel. I think all the characters had depth and a real connection with each other. Very good chemistry with Kinsley and Brant. I saw a review that said "gripping and beautiful" that about sums it up. You just have to read it to understand. However, the series should be read in order.
This series and this author's writing is very engrossing. A few times the h thinks to herself something along the lines of it feels like my life is a bit of a soap opera. "Like I said, this was surreal. We had moved from The West Wing to The Days of Our Lives." Ha! I felt her on that but this was not at all a soap opera feel book. More like a good t.v. family drama series with a great conclusion. I think I rode a rollar coaster of feelings in a good way. I sometimes felt frustration, emphatized and rooted for characters. I think Kinsley was written very well. Lots of times I was right along with her in saying yep to how she was dealing with her situation. Her thought process had a realistic feel. I think all the characters had depth and a real connection with each other. Very good chemistry with Kinsley and Brant. I saw a review that said "gripping and beautiful" that about sums it up. You just have to read it to understand. However, the series should be read in order.
June 25, 2021
Almost Sweet Romance
Kinsley has been in love with Brant for forever and finally decides to kiss him, for him to break her heart (which seems to be the real theme). So many terrible things happen, for real, think soap opera. There’s a lot of swearing (h and d words, lots!). There’s also a lot of talk about sex in general, and steamy kisses that I skipped a lot of. If you’ve been reading the series it ties it up very nicely. I’m sad that I had to skim it, because of all of the swearing and the talk of “baking cookies.” I feel like that could have all been taken out and this book would have read a lot better. There was just too much going on. So many times she felt betrayed. So many big things, so much drama.
Kinsley has been in love with Brant for forever and finally decides to kiss him, for him to break her heart (which seems to be the real theme). So many terrible things happen, for real, think soap opera. There’s a lot of swearing (h and d words, lots!). There’s also a lot of talk about sex in general, and steamy kisses that I skipped a lot of. If you’ve been reading the series it ties it up very nicely. I’m sad that I had to skim it, because of all of the swearing and the talk of “baking cookies.” I feel like that could have all been taken out and this book would have read a lot better. There was just too much going on. So many times she felt betrayed. So many big things, so much drama.
June 9, 2021
My heart!!! The final book in the series, and it was well worth the wait. I couldn't put it down..so I didn't. I read it in one evening!!
It's finally Kinsley's time to shine and what a ride it'd been for her. She proved to be just as strong and unbreakable as her sisters. And Brant..he has his flaws but his charm and sweetness makes him such a lovable character. How could you not root for him?This story continues to show us determination, strength, love, loss, growth, and some scandal in a family that you can't not be invested in. The perfect conclusion to tie up one of the best series. @jpeel_author
It's finally Kinsley's time to shine and what a ride it'd been for her. She proved to be just as strong and unbreakable as her sisters. And Brant..he has his flaws but his charm and sweetness makes him such a lovable character. How could you not root for him?This story continues to show us determination, strength, love, loss, growth, and some scandal in a family that you can't not be invested in. The perfect conclusion to tie up one of the best series. @jpeel_author
January 28, 2026
It had a difficult topic to address of how and if you forgive when a loved one betrays you. It felt heavier than the other two in the series in some ways. But I loved the competition to be the best aunt and the blurted, “i have a cat” at the most random times. I loved seeing the families from previous books grow. This author does a great job of allowing the difficult things to gnaw on the main characters and not resolve this too quickly or sugar coat how hard life can be.
Still closed door, but felt more sensual than the previous books. I felt like there also might have been a few more curse words in this one.
It seemed to allude to other series this author may have done… which was fun.
Still closed door, but felt more sensual than the previous books. I felt like there also might have been a few more curse words in this one.
It seemed to allude to other series this author may have done… which was fun.
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