Stand-alone Whisper Lake romance, complete with HEA--and plenty of heat, humor, and heart along the way!
Jessa Meyers never let herself think about forever before her heart transplant. When you don't think you'll have a future, it's too painful to plan for one. But now that the stunning, blue-eyed beauty isn't "the sick girl" anymore, she's determined to dream big and make those dreams come true.
Only one problem: every time she tries to dream up her "forever," all she can seem to think about is Ethan Steele.
Ethan Steele knows that loving Jessa is a probably a losing proposition. She's made it clear again and again over the years that she doesn't want his attention.
Only one problem: that's not what her eyes say each and every time they meet his.
The sexy, brooding U.S. Marshall knows that a plan is the clearest path to success, and he has one: convince her to be his fake girlfriend for the summer.
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
Highly entertaining, emotional, sweetly sexy and engaging romantic journey filled with laughter, hope, loyalty and love. Could not get enough of this visit back to Whisper Lake....
Jessa Meyers is a sweet, quite, 20 something and a survivor that never let herself think about the future, until now. Ethan Steele is a sexy, charming and brooding U.S. Marshall that has had his eyes on Jessa for years and finally has a plan to win her over to his way of thinking.... Loved every twist and turn in this loving adventure.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Whisper of Surrender is the second book in Melanie Shawn's Whisper Lake series and it is another great addition to their strong stable of books.
Jess Myers is now in her late twenties, but in all honesty she was never sure if she would see them. Having heart issues all her life, she finally has a new lease on life after undergoing a heart transplant a few years earlier. She's now focused on living her life instead of just existing in it. The one thing she has yet to find is true love, although she's always carried a torch for a guy she grew up with, Ethan Steele.
Ethan Steele is a US Marshall and he's not looking for romance in his life for several reasons, but the "Needlepoint Mafia", Whisper Lake's own matchmaking ladies have other ideas and they are working overtime to find him a significant other. When it gets to be too much, Ethan hatches a plan that will allow him to be around the person he really wants, Jess, even though he's convinced she wants nothing to do with him.
Can Ethan convince Jess to be his fake girlfriend for the summer? Or will that backfire on both of them and their real feelings will be revealed?
I enjoyed this trip back to Whisper Lake very much. It was easy to tell why Ethan and Jess were fighting against their feelings and attraction, but it also made me root for them more. This was extremely entertaining and it's a perfect pool or beach read. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone with no issues. I'd highly recommend it!
Jessa and Ethan are no strangers to heartache but prove that love can overcome and heal a wounded heart.
Whisper of Surrender is the second book of the Whisper Lake series. It held the same charm and interesting characters as with the first book which made the book hard to set down after I started reading it.
Jessa and Ethan are no strangers to heartache. Jessa has had to put her life in hold while waiting for a new heart. Now that she has one she's taking no prisoners and living life to the fullest. Despite this challenge, she's always maintain a sunny disposition. I loved her outlook on life. The only part of her life that needs a little more is her love life. Perhaps she held back on love because she's been waiting for Ethan.
As a mother, I found Ethan's start in life difficult to understand. His father was a true hero who showered him with love and support. Ethan learned so much from in his early years it's no wonder that he became a hero himself in the dailey with work and also what he's shown towards Jessa.
Their relationship started it as temporary but as a reader you could feel that there was definitely something more between them. Both were trying to avoid hurting the other but found it only hurt themselves. As a women who also loves Dirty Dancing the ending of this book couldn't have been any sweeter! There were definitely a few happy tears by the end of the book.
An entertaining, delightfully sexy, sweet, and sensuous story that captivated my heart and mind. The story is filled with all the warm and fuzzy, tender and gentle, loving feels and deep, deep emotions, the kind that makes you smile, gives you the good vibes, makes you want to hug your loved ones and be thankful for all your blessings. Just what I needed right now, a perfect escapism that makes you believe in the goodness in people, that love still wins, and that there are happily-ever-afters in this world. Jessa Meyers is a heart transplant recipient, living the life she never thought she would have as a kid with a serious heart disease. Jessa is a smart, funny, and kind-hearted person, she is a true survivor, with strength and determination to make the most of her life, the second chance she was given. Ethan Steele has loved Jessa from the afar for a long time, and now is the time to finally make the move, to convince her that there could be a future for them together if she was just willing to open up her heart to him and the possibilities in front of them. I loved how Ethan started his campaign to win Jessa over by teasing her with the images of him running, all sweaty, sexy, muscle, and hotness in abundance. I loved his patience, his tenderness, him taking care of her, looking after her, always being there for her. I loved how he could turn all that gentle loving into an alpha man in charge in a blink of an eye. I loved how close Jessa was with her best friend. I loved her relationship with her parents, and how the small town grapevine didn't scare her too much. I loved her stubbornness, her willingness to take a chance, and knowing what she wanted from her future. I loved that she was willing and able to forgive, to see the error of her assumptions, and to be able to move on and embrace the life at full speed. With the funny references to the eighties pop culture, the always entertaining small town living, the tragedies both Ethan and Jessa have faced during their young lives, and how those hardships shaped them to be the people they are today, and the journey they have to travel to find their happiness, the peace of heart and mind, it altogether makes a heartfelt, intense, poignant story that brought up all the feels, from tears to laughing out loud. A deliciously dreamy story from the first kiss to the HEA that kept my mind captivated and won my heart over again and again. Just a perfectly done and well-written romance story ~ Five Spoons!
Jess was born with a heart defect. As a child, she spent large amounts of time in hospitals. When she was 9, she overheard her parents discussion. Jess wasn’t expected to live much longer. Jess went to the town pier, toting her oxygen tank, to take it all in. She started crying, not for herself, but for the pain the loss would be to her parents. When a stranger (tourist) boy a few years old came on the dock and saw her tears, he tried to comfort Jess, even though he, too, was heartbroken over the death of his father. The two talked for a few minutes, when Jess suddenly grabbed the 12 year old and gave him a kiss. Jess didn’t want to die without sharing a first kiss with a boy. A few weeks later, Jess and her family went to California for a new treatment which bought Jess enough time to eventually get a heart transplant. She was gone for almost a year.
Ethan was Whisper Lake’s sheriff. For years, he had been protective of Jess from afar. Jess loathed Ethan because her first day in high school, Ethan had found her passed out in the hallway (she was attempting to do school without her oxygen) and had told the school nurse. Jess just wanted to fit in with the rest of the kids, and nursed her grudge against Ethan for over a decade!
What neither one knew, and Jess wouldn’t admit to herself, was that they were pining for each other. Ethan was being set up by the local “matchmakers” and wanted a “get out of jail free” card. To help matter along, Ethan’s grandmother was pushing for grandkids. Ethan approached Jess to be his pretend girlfriend for a month to get everyone off his back. He told Jess, he wanted her, because she wouldn’t get attached. Jess agreed, because, hey Ethan was HOT!!! But Ethan had an ulterior motive, and Jess had a subconscious one.
Love strikes again in Whisper Lake. I admired Jess’s brave and sarcastic persona. I admired all that Ethan had been through as a child, yet was able to get his life together with the help of a loving grandma and help. It is a sweet read!
WOW!! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Jess and Ethan in Whisper of Surrender by the amazing Melanie Shawn, the second book in their Whisper Lake Romance series. Jess is grateful for her new lease on life after her heart transplant and now that she can plan for her future she is ready to find Mr. Right. U.S. Marshall Ethan has loved Jess since he first laid eyes on her back in their school days but Jess has made it clear that she doesn’t want his attention. Despite that Ethan is determined to change her mind and convinces her to be his fake girlfriend for the summer. Since Ethan has been invading her thoughts and dreams Jess agrees. As she spends time with Ethan Jess realizes that he’s more than she thought and her feelings toward him start changing.
These two were amazing. Jess was impressive with hers determination to prove her love to Ethan and not allow him to push her away. It was no surprise that Jess and Ethan’s feelings for one another reversed, especially after Ethan lost his partner. There were so many scenes that made me smile or laugh but Jess describing Ethan’s face as being RGF, resting grumpy face, made me laugh so hard. I loved the easter eggs honoring other authors as well as references to the television show Friends, and the movie Dirty Dancing.
Through their amazing and vivid writing Melanie Shawn did an outstanding job tackling this emotional story and I struggled to put the book down. I enjoyed the approach the authors took showing how Jess and Ethan were perfect for each other. Again the Knitting Mafia tried their best to find a match for Ethan but he thought he out smarted them. I loved the support given to Jess by her friends, family and Ethan’s grandmother to convince Ethan to live life to the fullest. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next story in the Whisper Lake series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Jess, a woman in her late twenties, who has been sick most of her life due to a heart complication is trying to live her life as fully as she can now that she has the second chance at life due to a heart transplant. She has always secretly carried a torch for Ethan Steele though.
Ethan Steele, a US Marshall who has been on the sidelines of Jess's life for longer than she realizes is tired of waiting for her to wake up and see that he is there waiting for her.
The Needlepoint Mafia has Ethan in their sights alongside his grandmother who wishes to see him settled. So he proposes a fake relationship to Jess as a way to avoid the matchmakers as well as get closer to Jess like he has been wanting for longer than anyone realized. Will his fake relationship turn into the real one that he wants?
Whisper of Surrender was the perfect book for me to read to laugh and to get my head out of the rather heavy themed book I had just finished. It was light hearted, funny and made me smile as both characters had their own epiphanies and growth. There were moments where you laugh out loud and there were moments when you wanted to smack both of the characters in the back of the head.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Whisper Lake is where you are going to want to spend your summer!
Jessa Meyers never let herself think about forever before her heart transplant. When you don’t think you’ll have a future, it’s too painful to plan for one. But now that the stunning, blue-eyed beauty isn't “the sick girl” anymore, she’s determined to dream big and make those dreams come true.
Ethan Steele knows that loving Jessa is a probably a losing proposition. She’s made it clear again and again over the years that she doesn’t want his attention. The sexy, brooding U.S. Marshall knows that a plan is the clearest path to success, and he has one: convince her to be his fake girlfriend for the summer.
This is a wonderful summer by the pool, on vacation, beach read. You will be swept up in the lives of these two wonderful characters and you will find yourself immersed in their lives and invested in their happily ever after. This book has the right combination of heart, laughter, love, friendship and just enough of the sexy times to keep things spicy. You Willapa not be sorry you picked this book. It can be read as a standalone but you really should read the first book (Whisper of Love) in the series because Whisper Lake is a magical place that you won’t be able to get enough of.
I always know that I am in for a treat when I pick up a book by these authors. This one did not disappoint . We go back to Whisper Lake , and this time the story belongs to Jess Meyers and Ethan Steele. Jess spent most of her life very ill and in hospitals, until a couple of years ago when she got a heart transplant. She is determined to live life to it’s fullest. Ethan is a US Marshal who has been attracted to Jess for years and she has always had a secret “thing” for him. When Ethan suggests a fake relationship to “supposedly “ keep the Needlepoint Mafia from finding him potential girlfriends the fine line between make believe and what was real gets blurred. It’s an engaging plot that at times is heartbreaking but also heartwarming and touching. Paraphrasing the authors, it’s a reminder that we need to show the people we love, that we love them and do it daily. IT’s a story about hope and love. Another winner from these talented authors. I voluntarily read this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Jessa Myers has been sick most of her life with a heart condition. Everyone has always fussed over her and she has been the sick girl. She finally was given a heart and is now healthy as she can be. She has always had a crush on Ethan Steele who is a policeman. She won’t have anything to do with him because she feels like he thinks of her as the sick girl. She has no idea that he has had a crush on her or for how long. Ethan finds a way to get her to “pretend” to be his girlfriend so she will hopefully fall in love with him.
This book is so good and pulled at my emotions numerous times. I can’t even imagine what Jess went through during her childhood with always being sick. She is so strong and has always worried about her parents and not herself. Ethan is such a caring and handsome man. He has the attributes of someone you would want to love you. Jess and Ethan’s journey to find love was beautiful. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Whisper of Surrender is a great addition to Melanie Shawn's Whisper Lake series. Jess has been sick her entire life and after her heart transplant she wants to live life to the fullest and find her forever man. However, the only person she can see in that role is Ethan Steele.
Ethan Steele has been in love with Jess for years and has been biding his time and waiting for the right moment to confess his love. Ethan comes up with the perfect plan to stop the "Needlepoint Mafia" from setting him up on dates and to get Jess to interact with him. A fake relationship.....
I immediately fell in love with Jess and Ethan. I loved the history they shared and watching their "fake" relationship bloom into something real, that neither one of them could ignore. Whisper of Surrender had me laughing and crying. I totally enjoyed their story and can't wait to read what Melanie Shawn comes up with next.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
I am a long time fan of this author and I have read many of her books and series. This book was in my opinion the best one she has ever written. It is one that took me several days to read because I loved the story so much that sometimes I stopped just to savor the wonderfulness of this romance.
Ethan and Jess met when they were 9 years old on a very bad day in both their lives. Jess thought she was dieing and Ethan had just moved to town after his adopted dad was killed. They ended up kissing and life went on for both of them. They ended up in school together where Ethan found Jess collapsed and she believes he told the school nurse and since then she has held a grudge against Ethan.
Meanwhile Ethan has the hots for jess. She is two years past a surgery that saved her life and now he is ready to go after her. And I am not telling you how but he definitely sells it to Jess and she is ready to buy his literal song and dance. This book was wonderful it will make you laugh, cry and is extremely romantic.
Jess and Ethans story had me gripped, from the very first page. It's a true, soul deep love, that you feel in every single inch of your body. The type that makes you want to wake up ever morning, just so you can see the love of your life's face. The type that makes you want to be a better person. The type that that makes you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that's you will do ANYTHING for that person. Jess didn't want to admit, that she loves Ethan. But once she admitted that to herself, nothing was going to stop her from making him hers. Ethan has loved Jess for as long as he can remember, but fear and protecting her, may just make him lose her for good. I love their story, I couldn't put it down.
This is the second book in the Whisper Lake series. I loved this book. Ethan has been in love with Jessa for a long time. He comes up with this plan. He wants to stop Needle Point Mafia from trying to set him up on dates with woman so he enlists the help of Jessa. He wants her to be is fake girlfriend but there is a fine line between what is real and what is not. I loved them as a couple and this book made me laugh and smile. I could not put it down. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this town. Another great book by these two authors. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! Whisper of Surrender is a tale of heartbreak, unrequited love & passion! From the very beginning, the reader & their emotions are drawn into Jess’s fight to survive & to have a “normal” life. Jess has had a crush on Ethan forever but coats it in ice & sarcasm to try to keep her feelings hidden. The problem is, she does such a good job of hiding her feelings that she doesn’t recognize Ethan’s. Ethan has had strong feelings for Jess forever but has just been biding his time & upsetting her. This story leads the reader on a journey of push/pull incidents in this unique courtship. Just when you think everything will work out for them, there’s an problem. Will they survive this or will it tear them apart?
What a great book! It's a sexy, touching, funny & emotional story. Jess & Ethan have known one another a long time, & have loved the other just about as long. Jess is stubborn & feisty. Goes out of her way to avoid Ethan. Ethan's not sure how to approach her. He comes up with a plan. Hopefully his in. Ask her to be his fake girlfriend for the summer, & get himself off of the matchmaking mafia's list. The emotions, the humor & their chemistry pulled me in, & kept me hooked. Can't wait for Brynn's story. A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
Jessa and Ethan seem to be the only ones who don’t see how much they love and care for one another. When they start with a fake relationship to keep the match making at bay it seems to be the perfect solution. No one will get hurt or attached. Well things start to change. Just when it seems things are going well life gets in the way. Ethan and Jessa both have heavy back stories but it makes them who they are and why they are perfect for one another. I love the not so newlywed game. Can’t wait for Brynn’s turn.
Ethan has been in love with Jess for most of his adult life, but he didn’t then know she reciprocated his feelings and so comes up with a plan. He has to convince her to be his pretend girlfriend for the summer and during that time show her that they are meant to be together. Will his plan work ? This is a great addition to the series. It has laughter, hope, love, friendship and steamy romance. Another awesome read by the authors that I would happily recommend. I have voluntarily read this book and the opinions expressed are solely my own.
Ethan and Jessa have know each other all their lives. Ethan has been in love with Jessa for years. Jessa has been Lin love with Ethan for years but unwilling to admit it.
When Ethan asks Jessa to ‘pretend’ to be his girlfriend the fire is ignited.
The story was easy to read and sucks you in from the first word. Ethan and Jessa are easy to love and even easy to love together.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is book 2 of the Whisper Lake series.
A really enjoyable read and I would highly recommend.
I received an ARC of Whisper of Surrender and this is my voluntary honest review.
Whisper of Surrender is book 2 in the Whisper Lake series and what a great story it is. We get the story of Jess and Ethan. Both have gone through so much in their lives. Both have had feelings towards each other but never acting on them. This book will suck you in and will not let go. The author has a way of writing that makes you feel as if you are in the story and i absolutely love that. You get emotionally invested in the characters and story. Definitely a 5 star rating. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
She's been sick all her life and now she has a new heart and a new lease on life. He has loved her most of his life, but can't seem to break through her guard. And then he comes up with a plan......will she pretend to be his girlfriend? And the fake-dating is on. Will it turn real? Read and see. Lots of humor, some hot sex, some angst, and lots of romance. Highly recommend.
Jessa and Ethan were great main characters and their story is compelling. Jess is learning to live after a heart transplant, and Ethan is finally ready to go after her. These two were perfect for each other and it was enjoyable reading their story. Just try not to be as disturbed as I was by seeing chutzpah spelled 'hutzpa.' I've noticed the Whisper Lake books have some serious proofreading issues. But the story is fab, and Melanie Shawn's other books are pretty solid in terms of the editing.
Pretend until it's real? Actually, pretend it's real and then part? Well, shoot with those two comments confuse you...wait until you meet the couple who are really confused....or is not confused... Well shoot! This book holds your interest, you feel for both and understand and hope they both get on with it....life, that is!
You can’t go wrong with a Melanie Shawn book and this one won’t disappoint.. it’s book two but can be read as a stand alone. Ethan and Jess prove you can fall in love at 9 and 12.. they shared their first kiss when they were young and have been in love ever since. Can they over come themselves to have their H.E.A.?????
Another superb book from Melanie Shawn! Couldn't put it down, but didn't want it to end! Ethan was tired of waiting for Jess to stop hating him, or so he thought, and knew the "dons" were after him. Convincing Jess of his plan was surprisingly easy. Jess had it rough, but plowed through like the trooper she is. A new heart - and a new chance at finding love. All the secondary characters were awesome too! The last scene - stop my heart sweet!
I feel like I say this every single time I read a new book by Melanie Shawn, but Whisper of Surrender is my new favorite! Gosh I fell so hard for Ethan!!! He was the perfect alpha man who wasn’t too overbearing. And Jess! Oh my gosh I want her as a bestie. She’s hysterical, strong, sassy, feisty and fierce! I absolutely adored her! Their chemistry was insanely hot and their story was so great. Watching them both get their happily ever after was a joy to read! Definitely recommend!
This book has just become my favorite Melanie Shawn read!!! It’s a bit deeper than any of their other books, and will tug at your heartstrings as Jess and Ethan pave the path to their HEA. I loved Jess. She’s strong, independent, and feisty as all get out. Ethan is sexy with a side of broody added to it. The two of them heat up the pages of this newest read, and will have you wanting more from these fantastic authors!!! This is definitely a must read!!!
I love this town and this series and this couple!! I especially love the Matchmaking Mafiosas group!! I was looking forward to Jessa Myers and Ethan Steele trying to fool the matchmaking ladies but in the end ended up with their HEA!! With both having heart wrenching pasts...can these two take a chance on love??? Don't hesitate to grab this book or this series!! You will not be disappointed!!
Another great visit to Whisper Lake this time up was Jess proprietor of the Mane Event and Ethan US Marshal and Sheriff Department. A sweet, sexy and emotional journey that spanned through their adult lives with some secrets and hints from the past. Loved the ending so much. Another great job Melanie and Shawna.