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Missed Opportunities Romance #1
Falling for the Carpenter
Winning a contest on a famous talk show? Oh, yes!
A dream design job in the South of France? Ooh-la-la.
Falling for my charming next door neighbor? Oh no!
They say opportunity doesn’t knock twice.
Winning a trip to France to live out my dream interior design career wasn’t a line item in my day timer.
Neither was dragging my son halfway across the planet in search of a second chance.
Falling hard for the carpenter next door definitely wasn’t part of the plan.
He’s helpful, charming, kind, capable, and oh so French!
And, something else I can’t put my finger on.
I wish I could undo our rocky start when I accidentally attacked him.
I can tell I’m not the only one with some dark history…he’s carrying some baggage and has damage of his own to repair.
Now that I’m this famous contest winner and have cameras following me 24/7, all eyes are on us.
The viewers think we would make the perfect couple – I’m not so sure yet.
But in a life full of missed opportunities, maybe love deserves another chance…
A dream design job in the South of France? Ooh-la-la.
Falling for my charming next door neighbor? Oh no!
They say opportunity doesn’t knock twice.
Winning a trip to France to live out my dream interior design career wasn’t a line item in my day timer.
Neither was dragging my son halfway across the planet in search of a second chance.
Falling hard for the carpenter next door definitely wasn’t part of the plan.
He’s helpful, charming, kind, capable, and oh so French!
And, something else I can’t put my finger on.
I wish I could undo our rocky start when I accidentally attacked him.
I can tell I’m not the only one with some dark history…he’s carrying some baggage and has damage of his own to repair.
Now that I’m this famous contest winner and have cameras following me 24/7, all eyes are on us.
The viewers think we would make the perfect couple – I’m not so sure yet.
But in a life full of missed opportunities, maybe love deserves another chance…
- GenresContemporary
216 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2022
18 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Jenkins
13 books20 followersHi there!
So, a little about me....
Well, if you didn't know already, I'm a romance writer. I am not ashamed to admit that I am a total sucker for sweet, engaging romances with strong, diverse, beautiful women (even if they don't yet realize it themselves) and handsome, smart men to complement them.
What else? Why, a happy ending of course!
All of these key ingredients are reflected in my story-telling.
Another thing that features heavily in my books? My love of adventure! I love staying true to the cultures of my characters and exploring and learning.
Some of my favorite places I've been lucky enough to travel to? Well, the Caribbean -- if you've read any of my Sabina Island Romance series, you'll know that's an obvious choice!
With its diverse multiple cultures (that all seem to interact in perfect harmony), delicious food, captivating scenery and beautiful people, it doesn't get much better. There's a reason my fictional island of Sabina is set around the stunning islands!
Another favorite place? France. I know, I know - so cliché! But, come on! It's got to be one of the most romantic places in the world, right? Not to mention the croissants and the wine...all very helpful with the romance (especially in my case...), particularly with my newest series, Missed Opportunities Romance.
If you want to find out more about me and my work, check out my website at www.leighjenkinsauthor.com where you can get a FREE copy of the prequel to my Sabina Island Romance series "Off-Limits Innocence: A Sabina Island Romance" and join my mailing list!
Happy reading!
Leigh
So, a little about me....
Well, if you didn't know already, I'm a romance writer. I am not ashamed to admit that I am a total sucker for sweet, engaging romances with strong, diverse, beautiful women (even if they don't yet realize it themselves) and handsome, smart men to complement them.
What else? Why, a happy ending of course!
All of these key ingredients are reflected in my story-telling.
Another thing that features heavily in my books? My love of adventure! I love staying true to the cultures of my characters and exploring and learning.
Some of my favorite places I've been lucky enough to travel to? Well, the Caribbean -- if you've read any of my Sabina Island Romance series, you'll know that's an obvious choice!
With its diverse multiple cultures (that all seem to interact in perfect harmony), delicious food, captivating scenery and beautiful people, it doesn't get much better. There's a reason my fictional island of Sabina is set around the stunning islands!
Another favorite place? France. I know, I know - so cliché! But, come on! It's got to be one of the most romantic places in the world, right? Not to mention the croissants and the wine...all very helpful with the romance (especially in my case...), particularly with my newest series, Missed Opportunities Romance.
If you want to find out more about me and my work, check out my website at www.leighjenkinsauthor.com where you can get a FREE copy of the prequel to my Sabina Island Romance series "Off-Limits Innocence: A Sabina Island Romance" and join my mailing list!
Happy reading!
Leigh
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 3, 2023
a really fun read! great if you are looking for an easy book with a perfect “vacation” plot!
4/4 ⭐️
4/4 ⭐️
October 24, 2023
[I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review through Voracious Readers Only]
Aaagh this was such a cute read and escapist travel-romcom at its purest! The beginning was really engaging and I really felt for Melanie and her son Rhys right away after all they had suffered because of her ex-husband's emotional abuse. Melanie's hilariously awkward meeting/misunderstanding with Corbin definitely hooked me into the story and I was really curious about what all the hints about his backstory were going to lead to. The story was full of both humor and drama plus Melanie's and Corbin's chemistry felt believable and it was nice to see their characters develop well also. Jenkins has quite a knack for funny yet apt similes and descriptive writing as well. I really enjoyed this story and I think readers who like fun travel romances like Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance will too.
Aaagh this was such a cute read and escapist travel-romcom at its purest! The beginning was really engaging and I really felt for Melanie and her son Rhys right away after all they had suffered because of her ex-husband's emotional abuse. Melanie's hilariously awkward meeting/misunderstanding with Corbin definitely hooked me into the story and I was really curious about what all the hints about his backstory were going to lead to. The story was full of both humor and drama plus Melanie's and Corbin's chemistry felt believable and it was nice to see their characters develop well also. Jenkins has quite a knack for funny yet apt similes and descriptive writing as well. I really enjoyed this story and I think readers who like fun travel romances like Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance will too.
April 30, 2022
The Benefits Of Taking A Risk -
Melanie was a single mother looking for a chance to fulfil her dream of becoming a designer, when she accepted the opportunity to renovate a dilapidated cottage in the South of France. However, what she didn’t expect was a life changing journey, for herself and her son. Corbin was happy living a quiet life after the pain he suffered from his loss, but his life started to have meaning again, after Melanie and her son arrived.
Their chemistry was palpable, but they both had scars from the past that made them apprehensive on pursuing a permanent relationship. Unfortunately, just as something starts to bloom between them, the past rears its ugly head and nearly costs them their happily ever after. This story was a really fantastic read and had me so intrigued that I finished it in a few short hours. This book is a definite must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Melanie was a single mother looking for a chance to fulfil her dream of becoming a designer, when she accepted the opportunity to renovate a dilapidated cottage in the South of France. However, what she didn’t expect was a life changing journey, for herself and her son. Corbin was happy living a quiet life after the pain he suffered from his loss, but his life started to have meaning again, after Melanie and her son arrived.
Their chemistry was palpable, but they both had scars from the past that made them apprehensive on pursuing a permanent relationship. Unfortunately, just as something starts to bloom between them, the past rears its ugly head and nearly costs them their happily ever after. This story was a really fantastic read and had me so intrigued that I finished it in a few short hours. This book is a definite must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2022
Moving Ahead . . .
Melanie is now a divorced single mom whose son encouraged her to enter an interior design contest on a talk show. She ended up winning, which lines up perfectly with her desire to work her dream job as an interior designer.
Now Melanie and her son Rhys are heading for the south of France so that she can renovate a dilapidated cottage there. She meets Corbin, a carpenter who lives next door, and they are both attracted to each other, although they both have their own baggage to deal with. Will they take a chance on each other? Will they find a HEA? Or will the past catch up and try to tear them apart?
One of my favorite parts of the story was reading how Melanie finally put her condescending ex-husband Wilder in his place. I was cheering with every word she said to him. Bullies like that need to be taken down that way. It was exhilarating. Grab your copy and find out if Melanie and Corbin have a future together or if they will go their separate ways.
Melanie is now a divorced single mom whose son encouraged her to enter an interior design contest on a talk show. She ended up winning, which lines up perfectly with her desire to work her dream job as an interior designer.
Now Melanie and her son Rhys are heading for the south of France so that she can renovate a dilapidated cottage there. She meets Corbin, a carpenter who lives next door, and they are both attracted to each other, although they both have their own baggage to deal with. Will they take a chance on each other? Will they find a HEA? Or will the past catch up and try to tear them apart?
One of my favorite parts of the story was reading how Melanie finally put her condescending ex-husband Wilder in his place. I was cheering with every word she said to him. Bullies like that need to be taken down that way. It was exhilarating. Grab your copy and find out if Melanie and Corbin have a future together or if they will go their separate ways.
May 5, 2022
Leigh Jenkins has done it again! “Falling for the Carpenter” is a wonderful read. After reading Leigh Jenkins’ last series “A Sabina Island Romance,” I was so excited to read the first installment of her new series “Missed Opportunities Romance”. If you like stories where the main characters get a second chance of happiness in life, this book is for you!
“Falling for the Carpenter” follows Melanie, a single mother who wins a contest that takes her and her son to France. Here she works to make her dreams of being an interior designer come true. Along the way at she meets Corbin who is a carpenter and happens to live next door. Their first meeting is not one that makes their work relationship easy. Will they be able to work through the obstacles of their first meeting and underlying feelings towards one another?
“Falling for the Carpenter” follows Melanie, a single mother who wins a contest that takes her and her son to France. Here she works to make her dreams of being an interior designer come true. Along the way at she meets Corbin who is a carpenter and happens to live next door. Their first meeting is not one that makes their work relationship easy. Will they be able to work through the obstacles of their first meeting and underlying feelings towards one another?
April 23, 2022
Melanie is now divorced form her verbally abusive ex, she needed to get away before he did too much damage to their son, Rhys, trying to get him to do things he wasn't interested in and belittling him for the things he liked doing. They've had to move twice to keep their distance, but he still managed to get to school before her one day and take their son out.
She's now working in a diner, but is trained in interior design. One day they're watching television when a talk show host throws down a challenge, Rhys persuades her to take it up.
They end up in France, she meets the carpenter, Corbin, and sparks fly. An amusing, entertaining story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great start to a new series from Leigh.
She's now working in a diner, but is trained in interior design. One day they're watching television when a talk show host throws down a challenge, Rhys persuades her to take it up.
They end up in France, she meets the carpenter, Corbin, and sparks fly. An amusing, entertaining story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great start to a new series from Leigh.
May 15, 2022
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Corbin and Melanie and young Rhys. Melanie is a single mom who works very hard for the sake is her son Rhys, now that her ex is out of their lives. Rhys encourages Melanie to submit a video as to why she deserves a chance to start over with her dream, to Queenie's TV show. When selected Melanie and Rhys head to the south of France and a cottage that needs major TLC. Corbin has been hired by Queenie to help, but a misunderstanding starts he and Melanie on the wrong path. After seeking him out to apologize, the begin on a new path. The three of them grow in many ways in the time in France. Great HEA in the works.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2022
This story is so sweet, and I loved every minute of it. Melanie and her young son Rhys have been through some things but when their favorite talk show host runs an contest, they see it as an opportunity for a lifetime. Luckily, she's choosen and they set off to France and a new adventure. There they meet the handsome Corbin. The first encounter wasn't great but was truly hilarious to me. But I could completely understand Melanie's position as a single mom in a new country. From that moment one, things just get more interesting. The chemistry between Melanie and Corbin is great. The plot is written well with drama, fun, and romance. And the stuff with the statue??? HILARIOUS!! Such a good read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2022
Melanie and her son Rhys head to France after winning a contest, and it is her time to shine as an interior decorator. Corbin is a carpenter and lives near the cottage she is working on. It does not start well, but soon they are in sync. The locales are wonderful and the entertaining situations keep you glued to the pages. Loved the characters as they grow and release the bad stuff they have dealt with in the past, especially the ex. Rhys can sure push his moms buttons. When things get rough, you find out who really believes in you and your work. Well done.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2022
The imagery I found in this book is nothing short of wonderful! I was engrossed throughout the whole book! The vulnerability and lower self image of the main character through most of the book resonated with me. The characters were charming but more complex than I originally thought. Great read!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2022
It took me a few chapters to get into this book. I did like the story, but there were times it seemed a little to far out there, though maybe I’m just not up with the social media frenzies. It was a good book, just not a favorite.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2022
I absolutely adored reading this book! The storyline kept me on my toes with unexpected twists. I had never read one quite like this because of the way the heroine became the protagonist and how it affected her daily life. The characters were well developed and very real. If you like contemporary romance I highly recommend this one. I got a free copy from the author through voracious Readers.
April 19, 2022
I enjoyed the storyline it a great start to the series. The characters are engaging and entertaining throughout the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2022
This is book one in the Missed Opportunities Romance Series . This book is a great and a great start to the series. This book is a page turner with a happy ending .
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2022
This story was quite entertaining the whole way through! Good background info to help get to know Melanie and Corbin well. Loved the storyline and how things evolved. Great book! I received an advanced copy and chose to leave a review.
June 4, 2022
Truly enjoyed seeing how the main female character grew and found her way. As did her son and her male counterpart. This was a really feel good book down in a beautiful country. A lot of laugh out loud parts to. Look forward to next book in series.
April 30, 2022
A cute story. The two had to meet in France to find one another.
July 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It had both heartwarming and hilarious moments. The perfect sweet romance.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
July 30, 2022
This is a romance between a rather insecure curvy American woman and a successful French carpenter. Easy to read. Loved Mr. Happy! If you are looking for a quick fun romantic story this is it!
October 18, 2025
Characters were compelling. Verbal abuse and child loss are triggers. Story moved along well. Mr Happy was living his best life naturally. A good story and a nice HEA.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews