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Midlife Do Over
A Step by Step Guide on How to Derail your Career in Fine Dining at the Age of 40:
Hit an egotistical, megalomanic celebrity Chef over the head with a leg of lamb.
That’s it. The End.
It certainly ended my career in Chicago and landed me back in my small town to lick my wounds.
And right back into the arms of my high school sweetheart, so conveniently living right next door.
Hit an egotistical, megalomanic celebrity Chef over the head with a leg of lamb.
That’s it. The End.
It certainly ended my career in Chicago and landed me back in my small town to lick my wounds.
And right back into the arms of my high school sweetheart, so conveniently living right next door.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2021
About the author
Piper Sullivan
221 books535 followersPiper Sullivan is an old school romantic who enjoys reading romantic stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
She spends her time day-dreaming of dashing heroes and the feisty women they love.
She spends her time day-dreaming of dashing heroes and the feisty women they love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 3, 2022
This is a great start to a new series where Pippa and Ryan are in love as high school sweethearts that are almost ready to start their adults lives. One night Ryan tells Pippa he’s leaving town to pursue his music career with his brothers in Nashville. Pippa is heartbroken for years and never trust another man since but moves on as best as she can. Pippa runs fancy upscale restaurants in Chicago until one night a temperamental chef grabs Pippa and hurts her and she use a leg of lamb to smack him across the face…which is well deserved. Pippa returns to her small hometown after 20 years spending time with her best friend and her girls, finds a job running a new restaurant, buys a house and enjoys being back home. That is until Ryan jumps her fence looking gorgeous as ever with that smile on his face like 20 years and heartache is not between them. They both find themselves together over and over even with all their unresolved baggage and Pippa is shocked to find out Ryan is the owner of the restaurant she’s running. Ryan has never stopped loving Pippa and he’s unable to show her his true feelings he has and unable to explain what happened all those years ago keeping Pippa’s walls firmly in place. When life throws her a beautiful surprise her life gets turned into a crazy situation until all is known to Ryan and he gets his live together to move forward. I would love to see what happens next in their lives… I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 2, 2022
To Pippa Carson, Ryan Gregory was everything. She was his biggest fan and supporter as he and his brothers pursued a music career. But after promising her a future together, he left her behind to go after that dream. Twenty years later, when her career nose dives in Chicago, she returns home to Tennessee to start over. Luckily a new restaurant is opening and her skill set is perfect for it. Unfortunately, the owner turns out to be the same guy who left her heartbroken on a sidewalk all those years ago.
Pippa Carson was the one that got away. Correction: the one he walked away from. He’s regretted it deeply, written songs about her and the love they had. When he discovers that the front house manager for his restaurant is none other than Pippa, he hopes to rekindle what was the love of his life. What he discovers is that when he left her, he not only broke her heart, but her trust in men. He’s going to have a Herculean task getting her to give him another chance.
Pippa Carson was the one that got away. Correction: the one he walked away from. He’s regretted it deeply, written songs about her and the love they had. When he discovers that the front house manager for his restaurant is none other than Pippa, he hopes to rekindle what was the love of his life. What he discovers is that when he left her, he not only broke her heart, but her trust in men. He’s going to have a Herculean task getting her to give him another chance.
January 27, 2022
In Chicago, Pippa was the front of house manager for Graze Restaurant for the past 3 years. But the last 12 months have been a nightmare because of the irascible, temperamental and egotistical behavior of the chef. In the end, after an argument, she was fired after hitting the chef with a lamb's leg.
With the support of her childhood friend, Pippa decides to return to her hometown, Carson Creek.
She gets a job interview at a new restaurant in town that opens in a few days, and everything seems to be going well.
However, a few hours before the great night, Pippa discovers that the owner of the restaurant was her ex-boyfriend. In fact, her first great love, who had left years ago to pursue his dream of being famous with his rock band.
Ryan managed to achieve fame as a songwriter with the band of his other two brothers, Derek and Roman - Gregory Brothers.
The restaurant is named after the band's biggest hit, Dark Horse.
Knowing that Pippa was back and that he could make it up to her was Ryan's greatest wish. But even if Pippa and Ryan were close neighbors, she wouldn't make it easy for him; not after he'd made her suffer so much.
The ups and downs in the couple's reconciliation sometimes become even childish - due to her stubbornness, and his lack of maturity, which disappears for several days when he has an outbreak.
The couple has chemistry, but tires the reader with their fickle behavior.
3,5 stars
With the support of her childhood friend, Pippa decides to return to her hometown, Carson Creek.
She gets a job interview at a new restaurant in town that opens in a few days, and everything seems to be going well.
However, a few hours before the great night, Pippa discovers that the owner of the restaurant was her ex-boyfriend. In fact, her first great love, who had left years ago to pursue his dream of being famous with his rock band.
Ryan managed to achieve fame as a songwriter with the band of his other two brothers, Derek and Roman - Gregory Brothers.
The restaurant is named after the band's biggest hit, Dark Horse.
Knowing that Pippa was back and that he could make it up to her was Ryan's greatest wish. But even if Pippa and Ryan were close neighbors, she wouldn't make it easy for him; not after he'd made her suffer so much.
The ups and downs in the couple's reconciliation sometimes become even childish - due to her stubbornness, and his lack of maturity, which disappears for several days when he has an outbreak.
The couple has chemistry, but tires the reader with their fickle behavior.
3,5 stars
January 1, 2022
Good second chance, romantic and healing for the characters
I really liked the characters who from their first experience together as young adults could never really forget the other or the pain of their separation. Ryan and Pippa find themselves 20 years later at a turning point in their life, with their attraction and Pippa's strong grudge.
Their story is both simple and complex, and I got the impression that each discussion between them was between two people with walls so high, that neither was able to listen to the other.
It's a good romance, sweet, sometimes hot, which brings the experience of the life of the 2 characters with their acquired maturity, all back in their childwood small town, with its welcome, without other pressure than them themselves.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I really liked the characters who from their first experience together as young adults could never really forget the other or the pain of their separation. Ryan and Pippa find themselves 20 years later at a turning point in their life, with their attraction and Pippa's strong grudge.
Their story is both simple and complex, and I got the impression that each discussion between them was between two people with walls so high, that neither was able to listen to the other.
It's a good romance, sweet, sometimes hot, which brings the experience of the life of the 2 characters with their acquired maturity, all back in their childwood small town, with its welcome, without other pressure than them themselves.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
January 15, 2022
Pippa can't believe she has to start all over again (when she is now midlife), due to her previous employer deciding to blacklist her in the town she was working in. So she starts again in her home town, then she sees Ryan, the man who broke her heart years ago. Will she want to pack up again? Ryan is a rockstar and he has been very successful, but can he get the one who got away? I loved this rockstar romance, I loved Pippa, she was determine to do her best, but had been disappointed with how some things turned out in her life. I loved Ryan, who has lots of passion, but sometimes doesn't communicate properly to others. They both could be a bit frustrating, at times, but I couldn't help, being drawn into their tale and been touched by it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
April 6, 2022
Ryan and Pippa were high school sweethearts, but when he decided to follow his dream of making it big with his band and left her behind, it hurt her deeply.
Twenty years later, both are back in Carson Creek, Pippa after a disastrous event at the restaurant where she worked in Chicago, and Ryan to rest between his band's tours.
When they are reunited, sparks fly, but Pippa is still too hurt to give him a chance. However, the attraction speaks louder and they end up giving in to temptation.
What they didn't know is that these moments would change their lives forever.
I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
Twenty years later, both are back in Carson Creek, Pippa after a disastrous event at the restaurant where she worked in Chicago, and Ryan to rest between his band's tours.
When they are reunited, sparks fly, but Pippa is still too hurt to give him a chance. However, the attraction speaks louder and they end up giving in to temptation.
What they didn't know is that these moments would change their lives forever.
I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
January 3, 2022
This is such a heartwarming second chance read. After 20 years apart they are given a second chance. Will Pippa ever forgive Ryan? Pippa and Ryan were high school sweethearts, but Ryan leaves her to go and pursue his dreams. Now 20 years later they are both back in their hometown and the attraction between them is still as strong as it was. Pippa is still so hurt. Even though that connection is still there will they be able to move past it and rebuild their relationship again or will they both not learn from past mistakes. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
Starting life after 40
Pippa annoyed me. I understood the conflict between her and Ryan. I understood each of their opinions. Dragging out the bitterness was over the top in my opinion. I REALLY appreciated a story for the over 40's!! Overall it was a good story about two getting a second chance to get it right this time. The best way to get anything right is to listen and keep the communication open. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and you get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
Pippa annoyed me. I understood the conflict between her and Ryan. I understood each of their opinions. Dragging out the bitterness was over the top in my opinion. I REALLY appreciated a story for the over 40's!! Overall it was a good story about two getting a second chance to get it right this time. The best way to get anything right is to listen and keep the communication open. There's no cheating or cliffhanger and you get the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
September 26, 2024
Cheesy Ending
Mild Spoiler/but read this if you don’t want to be annoyed as all get out after you invest your time in reading this book.
Cute book all the way through to the very last pages. But with as much effort as Pippa fought Ryan’s attention and mistrusted him through 99% of this book, the way she suddenly changed her tune in (I kid you not) two pages before “The End”, was as if the author just couldn’t figure out how to end the book. It suddenly turned from sassy, fun banter to cheesy in the beat of a heart.
Bottom line - The author phoned in the ending. Lame.
Mild Spoiler/but read this if you don’t want to be annoyed as all get out after you invest your time in reading this book.
Cute book all the way through to the very last pages. But with as much effort as Pippa fought Ryan’s attention and mistrusted him through 99% of this book, the way she suddenly changed her tune in (I kid you not) two pages before “The End”, was as if the author just couldn’t figure out how to end the book. It suddenly turned from sassy, fun banter to cheesy in the beat of a heart.
Bottom line - The author phoned in the ending. Lame.
January 1, 2022
A smartly written story that features a mature couple. Pippa has lived away from her hometown for twenty years. Losing her job is forcing her to head back home. Ryan is a part of a trio of hometown boys who have made it good on the music scene. This is a story of second chances. It has fantastic characters and shows wonderful potential for the series going forward. Pippa and Ryan have to resolve the issues of the past as well as the surprises of the present before they can secure their future.
January 2, 2022
A second chance with the only person you have ever truely loved is exactly what Pippa and Ryan get. These two characters are so relatable, you can feel their pain from their shared past, the heartbreak and regrets they both endured, and their love and chemistry that still endures. They have a long way to go before they are healed but they belong together and this is a chance they need to embrace. Carson Creek is full of great characters and I hope to read more of their stories.
January 4, 2022
This is a well written second chance romance between Ryan and Pippa. Once high school sweethearts they now have a chance to patch up what was broken in their past. Emotions run high as he tries to win her back. Sparks fly as feelings come out. I loved the banter and watching them come together. Great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 10, 2022
Nice to read a more mature couples story. Ryan left Carson Creek to pursue a music career 20 years earlier leaving his childhood sweetheart Pippa behind although she does move away to manage restaurants. Ryan returns and opens a restaurant and Pippa returns to work there. Then the fireworks start as there is still strong chemistry between them. Ryan has trouble convincing Pippa to give him another chance though. Read an ARC for an honest review.
April 5, 2022
I feel like it’s not fair to tear this book to shreds in a review. I think the author was going for something light and short and sweet in this story, but it was just rough.
I just felt like Pippa hated Ryan for 95% of the story and then he sings her a lame song and she automatically forgives 20 years of pent up hatred? Also can we talk about the fact that she didn’t get over this issue for 20 years? Seems to be red flags on both ends…
I just felt like Pippa hated Ryan for 95% of the story and then he sings her a lame song and she automatically forgives 20 years of pent up hatred? Also can we talk about the fact that she didn’t get over this issue for 20 years? Seems to be red flags on both ends…
January 2, 2022
Life After 40
What a great second chance romance! Pippa and Ryan both have strong emotions buried deep inside them. Sparks and clothes fly as they come barreling out. I received an advanced copy, but loved it so much I also purchased it. This is my honest and voluntary review.
What a great second chance romance! Pippa and Ryan both have strong emotions buried deep inside them. Sparks and clothes fly as they come barreling out. I received an advanced copy, but loved it so much I also purchased it. This is my honest and voluntary review.
January 2, 2022
So much to like.
I can truly appreciate a forty and over book.
This one combines a bunch of tropes. Rocker, second chance, and a baby. Yep. Go big. Ryan is the low key Gregory brother, who just bought a restaurant (with no clue how to run one). He’s a good fool for Pippa, who is feisty and spicy. She makes Ryan work for (a little bit). She should have made him work harder.
Recommend.
I can truly appreciate a forty and over book.
This one combines a bunch of tropes. Rocker, second chance, and a baby. Yep. Go big. Ryan is the low key Gregory brother, who just bought a restaurant (with no clue how to run one). He’s a good fool for Pippa, who is feisty and spicy. She makes Ryan work for (a little bit). She should have made him work harder.
Recommend.
January 19, 2022
oh my heart.
This book was great. I loved Pippa’s sharp tongue and quick come backs for Ryan. I didn’t think he was ever gonna get that HE SCREWED UP. When he finally started to get it another blow sent him running and he screwed up AGAIN. I did love how he finally got it together to showed Pippa how much he loves her. Great book.
This book was great. I loved Pippa’s sharp tongue and quick come backs for Ryan. I didn’t think he was ever gonna get that HE SCREWED UP. When he finally started to get it another blow sent him running and he screwed up AGAIN. I did love how he finally got it together to showed Pippa how much he loves her. Great book.
February 4, 2022
3.5 stars. This was a cute and occasionally funny story. The couple was likable, but honestly, Ryan lacked introspection. Even the end kind of made me wonder if he actually GOT IT, or if Pippa's opinion and voice would matter. Overall, a decent start to a series and I look forward to reading the next book. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 18, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book and I really enjoyed it.
Pippa was annoying for majority of the book however I can understand her wanting to protect herself from more hurt from Ryan especially when he up and left her before, I know they were younger but what's to stop that from happening again. Sweet story. Well-written storyline. Interesting characters.
Pippa was annoying for majority of the book however I can understand her wanting to protect herself from more hurt from Ryan especially when he up and left her before, I know they were younger but what's to stop that from happening again. Sweet story. Well-written storyline. Interesting characters.
March 5, 2022
A midlife Do over
This was a good story about high school romance that was not allowed to grow. Ryan and his brothers were performers and worked bars and different venues trying to be successful. He didn’t ask his sweetheart to travel with him resulting in her being very hurt. Years later they meet agin. The magic is still there.
This was a good story about high school romance that was not allowed to grow. Ryan and his brothers were performers and worked bars and different venues trying to be successful. He didn’t ask his sweetheart to travel with him resulting in her being very hurt. Years later they meet agin. The magic is still there.
April 1, 2022
I'm enjoying these stories about middle age women
This author writes a good story about middle life women and men falling in love. You can feel the agony and joy in falling in love after 40 by the way the author writes her story. The characters are well rounded and easy to relate to. Their issues are easily understood but the midlife members of society.
This author writes a good story about middle life women and men falling in love. You can feel the agony and joy in falling in love after 40 by the way the author writes her story. The characters are well rounded and easy to relate to. Their issues are easily understood but the midlife members of society.
February 22, 2022
Loved it
I really enjoyed this book. It hit close to home for me. Being Middle aged and pregnant. I loved them back and forth between them Cannot wait to get the story on the other characters.❤️❤️❤️
I really enjoyed this book. It hit close to home for me. Being Middle aged and pregnant. I loved them back and forth between them Cannot wait to get the story on the other characters.❤️❤️❤️
March 17, 2022
What just happened?
The book was pretty good till the ending. Seemed to just skip 5 chapters so we could get to the HEA. One song and year's of disappointment are forgiven? Just unrealist and really ruined the book imo
The book was pretty good till the ending. Seemed to just skip 5 chapters so we could get to the HEA. One song and year's of disappointment are forgiven? Just unrealist and really ruined the book imo
January 4, 2022
High school sweethearts separated by their careers find themselves reunited in their hometown. After years of being apart they find the chemistry is still strong!
January 15, 2022
Great Read
Midlife Do Over was a very intense read. It checked off all the boxes for a great story. Must read
Midlife Do Over was a very intense read. It checked off all the boxes for a great story. Must read
January 17, 2022
Great Must Read Book
This was an Great ,Must Read Book. Can't wait for the next book to come out. This book will make you laugh. It was Great.
This was an Great ,Must Read Book. Can't wait for the next book to come out. This book will make you laugh. It was Great.
February 9, 2022
WOW!! So Good!!
Well written story and well developed characters! I was engrossed right from the first sentence to the last word! Can't wait for the next one!
Well written story and well developed characters! I was engrossed right from the first sentence to the last word! Can't wait for the next one!
February 27, 2022
Always time for love
No matter the ages sometimes love just needs a little nudge. Dreams can change but the heart wants what the heart wants
No matter the ages sometimes love just needs a little nudge. Dreams can change but the heart wants what the heart wants
March 1, 2022
A wonderful start to a new series by this author. A great second chance romance that will have you smiling from the beginning.
May 7, 2022
Great book an story. Love Pippa and Ryan. Fabulous read with fun outcome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews