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Chikalu Falls #3.5
Choosing You
I’m the new girl in town. The oldest daughter of an affluent banker. Old money.
He’s a lost soul from the wrong side of the tracks—and he has a reputation. Everyone knows to stay away from sinfully gorgeous mechanic Matthew Bailey.
When our paths cross and he offers me a smirk and a ride on his motorcycle, I try to refuse, but he’s too tempting to resist. Sneaking off with the town bad boy will help me break free of my family’s stifling expectations.
But being with Matthew puts everything at stake—my reputation, my family, my heart.
Every look, every touch, is electric. Our sizzling summer romance is flirting dangerously toward a deeper connection—one that will upturn both our lives.
Matthew is used to being alone. Abandoned. Now it’s up to me to show him what it means to be the one worth choosing.
He’s a lost soul from the wrong side of the tracks—and he has a reputation. Everyone knows to stay away from sinfully gorgeous mechanic Matthew Bailey.
When our paths cross and he offers me a smirk and a ride on his motorcycle, I try to refuse, but he’s too tempting to resist. Sneaking off with the town bad boy will help me break free of my family’s stifling expectations.
But being with Matthew puts everything at stake—my reputation, my family, my heart.
Every look, every touch, is electric. Our sizzling summer romance is flirting dangerously toward a deeper connection—one that will upturn both our lives.
Matthew is used to being alone. Abandoned. Now it’s up to me to show him what it means to be the one worth choosing.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
132 people are currently reading
1556 people want to read
About the author
Lena Hendrix
35 books3,484 followersLena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 5, 2022
Choosing You is a sweet novella prequel to the Chikalu Falls series, following the secondary character of Old Man Bailey — aka Matthew — and the love of his life, Lottie.
Matthew and Charlotte's story is short and steamy but full of so much heart. Charlotte comes to Montana from the big city of St. Louis to open up a branch of her father's banking empire. She's a high society girl, raised to be prim and proper, but feels utterly suffocated by the expectations that her parents have for her. From the first time she sees bad boy Matthew Bailey on his motorcycle, Charlotte is absolutely smitten. She's hoping that being in Chikalu Falls will give her the opportunity to spread her wings and figure out who she is outside of being "Charlotte Perry of the Perrys" -- and her romance with Matthew helps her do exactly that.
Matthew's had a rough life -- his mom died, his father is an alcoholic -- and it's hard to escape that kind of shadow when you live in a small town. But while Matthew may be all rough and tumble on the outside, he's an absolute gentleman when it comes to Charlotte. He's kind, respectful, considerate — and for the first time in his life, in Charlotte, he has found someone who sees him for him. Not as the son of the town drunk.
But Matthew and Lottie come from such different worlds, and he feels like he needs to make a drastic change to his life in order to be worthy of her. Will Matthew learn that Charlotte doesn't need anything more than him before it's too late?
This sweet story is a great book to binge in a single sitting. It's short and sweet, but oh-so-sexy!
Matthew and Charlotte's story is short and steamy but full of so much heart. Charlotte comes to Montana from the big city of St. Louis to open up a branch of her father's banking empire. She's a high society girl, raised to be prim and proper, but feels utterly suffocated by the expectations that her parents have for her. From the first time she sees bad boy Matthew Bailey on his motorcycle, Charlotte is absolutely smitten. She's hoping that being in Chikalu Falls will give her the opportunity to spread her wings and figure out who she is outside of being "Charlotte Perry of the Perrys" -- and her romance with Matthew helps her do exactly that.
Matthew's had a rough life -- his mom died, his father is an alcoholic -- and it's hard to escape that kind of shadow when you live in a small town. But while Matthew may be all rough and tumble on the outside, he's an absolute gentleman when it comes to Charlotte. He's kind, respectful, considerate — and for the first time in his life, in Charlotte, he has found someone who sees him for him. Not as the son of the town drunk.
But Matthew and Lottie come from such different worlds, and he feels like he needs to make a drastic change to his life in order to be worthy of her. Will Matthew learn that Charlotte doesn't need anything more than him before it's too late?
This sweet story is a great book to binge in a single sitting. It's short and sweet, but oh-so-sexy!
August 1, 2022
Sexy and adorable.
4,5 stars
This novella was absolutely delightful.
The characters were bewitching and being this book a shorter story didn't take away their chemistry.
I was hooked from the beginning and touched by Matthew's story. He deserved his Lottie and the love she brought to her life, just like she deserved the freedom and love he brought to hers.
This read was as quick as it was steamy and it left me wanting more.
4,5 stars
This novella was absolutely delightful.
The characters were bewitching and being this book a shorter story didn't take away their chemistry.
I was hooked from the beginning and touched by Matthew's story. He deserved his Lottie and the love she brought to her life, just like she deserved the freedom and love he brought to hers.
This read was as quick as it was steamy and it left me wanting more.
August 1, 2022
Lena Hendrix is a word wizard! I love all her books and Choosing You is no different. I’m just in awe of Lena’s work and can’t wait for more!
Choosing you is a short, sweet, and steamy novella in the Chikalu Falls series.
We are taken back in time to read about the love story of “Old Man Bailey” and Charlotte (Lottie). Old Man Bailey was first introduced to us in Finding You from the Chikalu Falls series. But don’t fret…all the books within the Chikalu Falls series are stand-alones so you don’t necessarily need to read Finding You before Choosing You. However, why would you not?! This series is immaculate! Read them all! 😉
What to expect:
♥️Small Town Romance
♥️Opposites Attract
♥️Age Gap
♥️Bad Boy
♥️Instant Chemistry
♥️Sweet & Steamy!
Charlotte comes from money. Matthew is a bad boy with a reputation. But that doesn’t scare Charlotte. When she sets eyes on Matthew after moving to Chikalu Falls, she can’t ignore that instant connection.
Choosing you is a short, sweet, and steamy novella in the Chikalu Falls series.
We are taken back in time to read about the love story of “Old Man Bailey” and Charlotte (Lottie). Old Man Bailey was first introduced to us in Finding You from the Chikalu Falls series. But don’t fret…all the books within the Chikalu Falls series are stand-alones so you don’t necessarily need to read Finding You before Choosing You. However, why would you not?! This series is immaculate! Read them all! 😉
What to expect:
♥️Small Town Romance
♥️Opposites Attract
♥️Age Gap
♥️Bad Boy
♥️Instant Chemistry
♥️Sweet & Steamy!
Charlotte comes from money. Matthew is a bad boy with a reputation. But that doesn’t scare Charlotte. When she sets eyes on Matthew after moving to Chikalu Falls, she can’t ignore that instant connection.
October 20, 2023
This was my first book by the author & was a quick
Novella. The 2 MC’s have an instant connection and we’re basically inseparable from the moment they laid eyes on one another.
What I loved was the fact that 2 people coming from completely opposite family calibers can meet in a town, not knowing a thing about each other, and make their own judgement based off their own feelings. I liked that the FMC was unaware of the Bailey family name and she did not care one bit about his family background or how he grew up. She really cared about him for who he is as an individual.
Overall I like the writing style of this author.
Novella. The 2 MC’s have an instant connection and we’re basically inseparable from the moment they laid eyes on one another.
What I loved was the fact that 2 people coming from completely opposite family calibers can meet in a town, not knowing a thing about each other, and make their own judgement based off their own feelings. I liked that the FMC was unaware of the Bailey family name and she did not care one bit about his family background or how he grew up. She really cared about him for who he is as an individual.
Overall I like the writing style of this author.
August 8, 2022
Choosing You is an opposites attract, small town romance. Charlotte and Matthew are opposites in almost every manner. Where Charlotte is part of the community that is “prim and proper”, Matthew is part of the community that is considered as “dirty and poor”. There was instant attraction between the two from the moment they met and it only developed as they spent time together. These two came from different worlds, but they were meant to be.
These two were perfect for each other! Lottie wanted independence and freedom to do what she wanted as opposed to the societal pressures placed upon her by her parents. Matthew was a caring guy who had dreams and aspirations, but was dealt a shitty hand. These two see each other for what they are and their love is goals. Matthew was seriously swoon-worthy and I loved this quick and steamy novella!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These two were perfect for each other! Lottie wanted independence and freedom to do what she wanted as opposed to the societal pressures placed upon her by her parents. Matthew was a caring guy who had dreams and aspirations, but was dealt a shitty hand. These two see each other for what they are and their love is goals. Matthew was seriously swoon-worthy and I loved this quick and steamy novella!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 7, 2023
Quick, dirty, sweet. AND CAN WE CHAT A MOMENT about cops and firefighters, doctors and rockstars being a thing... but MECHANIC MY GUYS. MECHANICS SHOULD BE A THING. I think Lena is making it a thing for me.
January 26, 2024
Super CUTE!!!!! I kinda had like grease (the movie) vibes! 🐩 because she was the ‘good girl’ from the richer side and he was the ‘bad boy’ from a rough family.
March 7, 2024
A sweet little prequel to the series
November 10, 2024
This was a great Saturday morning story. The characters grab you right away- the best way. It was a short read and made my heart happy.
August 5, 2022
This is a super sweet and sexy novella focusing on Old Man Bailey’s youth and how he met his wife Lottie. I absolutely love this insight in to his past and who knew he was a bad boy hottie in his youth! This is an insta-love, opposites attract short story and fits in to Lena’s Chicalu falls stories perfectly. This can be read as a stand-alone, but it adds a little something to the series if read alongside!
February 26, 2023
Lena Hendrix’s ability to write steamy small town romances is amazing – and then to go ahead and fit it into a novella??? Blown. Away.
This book was a fun read. I enjoyed Charlotte and Matthew, and while I didn’t personally relate to Charlotte, Matthew’s character really pulled at my heartstrings.
From a character with far too many restrictive expectations on her, to a character where the entire town expects him to become his deadbeat father… these two characters bring out the best in each other.
I’ll definitely be going backward and reading the rest of the Chikalu Falls series ASAP!
Tropes:
- Small town romance
- instant attraction
- I want to be a better man for you vibes
This book was a fun read. I enjoyed Charlotte and Matthew, and while I didn’t personally relate to Charlotte, Matthew’s character really pulled at my heartstrings.
From a character with far too many restrictive expectations on her, to a character where the entire town expects him to become his deadbeat father… these two characters bring out the best in each other.
I’ll definitely be going backward and reading the rest of the Chikalu Falls series ASAP!
Tropes:
- Small town romance
- instant attraction
- I want to be a better man for you vibes
August 1, 2022
I am so so glad that Lena gave us Old Man Bailey's love story! You meet Matthew Bailey in Finding You and he's the old grump in town. Well, although he's still a grump or at least around everyone else he is, Charlotte brings out who he really is and I was here for it all! The love these two had was palpable. They were there for each other and nothing was going to stop that. Charlotte was not going to let Matthew feel abandoned again and Matthew had found the woman he would never let go of. This was the perfect novella and I loved every second of it!
October 31, 2022
It’s short, and it’s cute. It’s meant to be a prequel to the Chikalu Falls series and follow Old Man Bailey as a young man falling in love. You have to fully suspend reality because the timeline doesn’t make any sense. This book should take place in the early-mid 1900s based on his age in the rest of the series, but Charlotte has a computer in her office at the bank and they mindlessly scroll TV channels in the evenings. It’s a cute story if you completely forget that this is supposed to be set several decades in the past.
August 9, 2022
This book made me sob my heart out!!
If you’ve read this series then you would have met old man Bailey, the local old grump of Chikalu Falls. This is his story of how he met his love, Lottie.
Having now read this book which takes us back to when he was in his teens, and knowing what a strong love he had with Lottie made my heartbreak for him (yeah, I know it’s fictional but it still didn’t stop me sobbing my heart out at what he has lost by losing Lottie)
Anyways, enough of my sorrow, the storyline was surprisingly gripping, there was tension and a little suspense of will they, won’t they. Lottie and Matthew both had “family” issues, Matthew has a drunk abusive father, whilst Lottie has a quite strict & demanding father. Matthew comes from a poor family, and he’s working his butt off to help his younger brother escape and go to collage, whilst Lottie is being given extra responsibility with the family business.
This is insta love but the author has written it in a way that doesn’t feel rushed, the heat is certainly turned up, I would not have guessed grumpy old man Bailey packed this heat! Lol
For me, Lottie was a star, she didn’t give up on Matthew, she was strong willed and loved Matthew the way he deserved to be love.
For a novella this story was complete (although I desperately wanted the story to continue) the romance was sweet & hot! And there was plenty of emotion & feelings coming through the pages.
Only question is, as I’ve read the whole series, I’m sure one of the young girls in book 2-3? was called Lottie, I’m wondering if there’s a connection that I missed? I don’t need an excuse for a re-read but I’m definitely going to have to check this info, unless anyone can tell me if this was correct? And if there’s a connection? 🤔
If you’ve read this series then you would have met old man Bailey, the local old grump of Chikalu Falls. This is his story of how he met his love, Lottie.
Having now read this book which takes us back to when he was in his teens, and knowing what a strong love he had with Lottie made my heartbreak for him (yeah, I know it’s fictional but it still didn’t stop me sobbing my heart out at what he has lost by losing Lottie)
Anyways, enough of my sorrow, the storyline was surprisingly gripping, there was tension and a little suspense of will they, won’t they. Lottie and Matthew both had “family” issues, Matthew has a drunk abusive father, whilst Lottie has a quite strict & demanding father. Matthew comes from a poor family, and he’s working his butt off to help his younger brother escape and go to collage, whilst Lottie is being given extra responsibility with the family business.
This is insta love but the author has written it in a way that doesn’t feel rushed, the heat is certainly turned up, I would not have guessed grumpy old man Bailey packed this heat! Lol
For me, Lottie was a star, she didn’t give up on Matthew, she was strong willed and loved Matthew the way he deserved to be love.
For a novella this story was complete (although I desperately wanted the story to continue) the romance was sweet & hot! And there was plenty of emotion & feelings coming through the pages.
Only question is, as I’ve read the whole series, I’m sure one of the young girls in book 2-3? was called Lottie, I’m wondering if there’s a connection that I missed? I don’t need an excuse for a re-read but I’m definitely going to have to check this info, unless anyone can tell me if this was correct? And if there’s a connection? 🤔
July 30, 2023
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
Choosing You was such a heartwarming (and spicy) read! I was absolutely enthralled in Matthew and Charlotte’s love story and could not put it down; I read this in two days!
Both Matthew and Charlotte tugged at my heartstrings. Matthew comes from the wrong side of the tracks. His father is a town drunk, and almost everybody (except for the women interested in having him in their bed) avoids him whenever he comes around. Matthew’s intent is to get out of dodge, except he’s concerned for his brother, Kevin, who still resides with their father.
Charlotte comes from old money. Her father is a banker and after acquiring a couple investment firms, including one in Chikalu Falls, he takes his family there where he puts Charlotte in charge of the firm. Charlotte is feeling discontent in her life. She doesn’t know who she is and she’s tired of living under her parents’ thumb. She decides to use her time n Chikalu Falls to find herself, and start doing what she wants to do.
Charlotte and Matthew meet when Matthew rides by her house and there’s an instant attraction. When Matthew decides to get a loan to pay for Kevin’s schooling, Charlotte tries to help as best as she can, but old prejudices die hard and Charlotte has an uphill battle. I loved watching Charlotte find herself in this book, I loved how she stood up for Matthew when no one else had, and I loved that she confronted him when he was making bone-headed decisions without confiding in her.
I loved how Matthew cared for his brother, Kevin, and was there for him when things were bad at home. Even when that meant facing his father. I loved how he treated Charlotte, and how he respected her.
Favorite spicy scene: The car ride.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
Choosing You was such a heartwarming (and spicy) read! I was absolutely enthralled in Matthew and Charlotte’s love story and could not put it down; I read this in two days!
Both Matthew and Charlotte tugged at my heartstrings. Matthew comes from the wrong side of the tracks. His father is a town drunk, and almost everybody (except for the women interested in having him in their bed) avoids him whenever he comes around. Matthew’s intent is to get out of dodge, except he’s concerned for his brother, Kevin, who still resides with their father.
Charlotte comes from old money. Her father is a banker and after acquiring a couple investment firms, including one in Chikalu Falls, he takes his family there where he puts Charlotte in charge of the firm. Charlotte is feeling discontent in her life. She doesn’t know who she is and she’s tired of living under her parents’ thumb. She decides to use her time n Chikalu Falls to find herself, and start doing what she wants to do.
Charlotte and Matthew meet when Matthew rides by her house and there’s an instant attraction. When Matthew decides to get a loan to pay for Kevin’s schooling, Charlotte tries to help as best as she can, but old prejudices die hard and Charlotte has an uphill battle. I loved watching Charlotte find herself in this book, I loved how she stood up for Matthew when no one else had, and I loved that she confronted him when he was making bone-headed decisions without confiding in her.
I loved how Matthew cared for his brother, Kevin, and was there for him when things were bad at home. Even when that meant facing his father. I loved how he treated Charlotte, and how he respected her.
Favorite spicy scene: The car ride.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
November 26, 2022
Received this as a freebie because I signed up for a giveaway and I was...not a fan. With a typo in the first like 30 pages idk what I was expecting.
Really it's 1.5 stars because the writing wasn't horrible (there were some good one liners and a few good paragraphs) and the length was good. However, it felt like instalove once it got to it and the first spicy scene felt out of place. Climax (pun intended) hit way too fast and didn't have much build up or tension in the scene itself—Charlotte didn't even put up a fight, pretty much just told him to fuck off and left which didn't feel true to what we were led to believe was the depth of their connection.
Charlotte was annoying and naive AF (thank god for Tina because she stole the show for me)
Not the best steamy novella I've read, not the worst, but definitely could've been better with some editing/storyline work or extra length (not a lot ofc just enough so it didn't feel so instalove-y). Smut scenes could've been better and better led up to. It felt too rushed and could've done with another like 100 pages so we actually got to see Charlotte and Matthew's relationship grow.
OK SPOILERS UP NEXT BC I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
Really it's 1.5 stars because the writing wasn't horrible (there were some good one liners and a few good paragraphs) and the length was good. However, it felt like instalove once it got to it and the first spicy scene felt out of place. Climax (pun intended) hit way too fast and didn't have much build up or tension in the scene itself—Charlotte didn't even put up a fight, pretty much just told him to fuck off and left which didn't feel true to what we were led to believe was the depth of their connection.
Charlotte was annoying and naive AF (thank god for Tina because she stole the show for me)
Not the best steamy novella I've read, not the worst, but definitely could've been better with some editing/storyline work or extra length (not a lot ofc just enough so it didn't feel so instalove-y). Smut scenes could've been better and better led up to. It felt too rushed and could've done with another like 100 pages so we actually got to see Charlotte and Matthew's relationship grow.
OK SPOILERS UP NEXT BC I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
February 1, 2023
So this was a super short, but sweet novella as the origin story of Old Man Bailey.
There were definitely inconsistencies from the story here vs what was told in the series though.... in one of the books, Bailey said he married her when she was underage, however, in this story, she was in her 20s and coming to Chikalu Falls to manage the bank there.... and yeah, the whole denying Bailey's loan was silly. As if she didn't know it was Davis and the hands of her father. Insert the eye roll here.
Overall, it was super cute, but too short. I get that it's a novella, but to pay $2.99 on Amazon for 100 pages was quite overpriced considering the full length books were available on Kindle Unlimited. The only reason I bought it was because it was Old Man Bailey and he was my favorite character throughout all the books. His grumpy ole persona just won me over.
To save yourself the money - they met, her dad disapproved of him, she ran off and married him, and they lived happily ever after until she passed (which isn't addressed in this book).
Boom. Done.
You're not missing much otherwise, other than some inconsistencies in what you've already read about them - assuming you read the first 3 books in the Chikalu Falls series. If you haven't, what are you doing reading this book first? That's just silly. Though, I'm really not sure I'd recommend the series. So, perhaps, you're reading it right. Stop now while you're already behind in time and money. haha.
There were definitely inconsistencies from the story here vs what was told in the series though.... in one of the books, Bailey said he married her when she was underage, however, in this story, she was in her 20s and coming to Chikalu Falls to manage the bank there.... and yeah, the whole denying Bailey's loan was silly. As if she didn't know it was Davis and the hands of her father. Insert the eye roll here.
Overall, it was super cute, but too short. I get that it's a novella, but to pay $2.99 on Amazon for 100 pages was quite overpriced considering the full length books were available on Kindle Unlimited. The only reason I bought it was because it was Old Man Bailey and he was my favorite character throughout all the books. His grumpy ole persona just won me over.
To save yourself the money - they met, her dad disapproved of him, she ran off and married him, and they lived happily ever after until she passed (which isn't addressed in this book).
Boom. Done.
You're not missing much otherwise, other than some inconsistencies in what you've already read about them - assuming you read the first 3 books in the Chikalu Falls series. If you haven't, what are you doing reading this book first? That's just silly. Though, I'm really not sure I'd recommend the series. So, perhaps, you're reading it right. Stop now while you're already behind in time and money. haha.
January 31, 2023
Damn! Best book of the series by far. Sexy, sweet, and focusing on characters that I did not expect but made me so absolutely happy.
This is Mr. Bailey’s story with the love of his life, Charlotte. It is a love at first sight story between a boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a girl from a rich family.
I just loved this story. It was super short but nothing was lost in spite of the short length. I loved Matthew. Seeing him as a young man falling in love made his impact as an older man in the previous books that much more meaningful and sweet. I could not get enough of him as a hero. His confidence was everything and his immediate attraction and love for Charlotte was completely swoon-worthy.
Charlotte was a fantastic character. I loved that she was so unprejudiced and had no preconceived notions because she was from out of town. It made it so fun to watch her fall for the town bad boy before she ever knew that he had a bad reputation.
This story was so cute and sexy and I can not get enough. It is one of those stories that I could have kept reading all night if only the page count had supported that.
Definitely would read this story again. One of the best I have read in a while.
This is Mr. Bailey’s story with the love of his life, Charlotte. It is a love at first sight story between a boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a girl from a rich family.
I just loved this story. It was super short but nothing was lost in spite of the short length. I loved Matthew. Seeing him as a young man falling in love made his impact as an older man in the previous books that much more meaningful and sweet. I could not get enough of him as a hero. His confidence was everything and his immediate attraction and love for Charlotte was completely swoon-worthy.
Charlotte was a fantastic character. I loved that she was so unprejudiced and had no preconceived notions because she was from out of town. It made it so fun to watch her fall for the town bad boy before she ever knew that he had a bad reputation.
This story was so cute and sexy and I can not get enough. It is one of those stories that I could have kept reading all night if only the page count had supported that.
Definitely would read this story again. One of the best I have read in a while.
July 30, 2022
Readers met Old Man Bailey in Finding You, book one of the Chikalu Falls series. We know him as a somewhat reclusive, slightly sad, older man who has a heart of gold. This book is the story of how he met his wife, Lottie.
Matthew Bailey grew up on the wrong side of the tracks as the oldest son of a father who was an abusive alcoholic. I love how protective he is of his younger brother in this story. He comes across as the motorcycle riding bad boy when he meets Charlotte. She is the upper crust “good girl” who falls instantly for Matthew. They have instant chemistry, but she falls for his heart. I appreciated Matthew’s desire to allow Charlotte to do better in her life than he could provide. But Charlotte, she is tougher than that. I love how fierce she is defending Matthew and how her determination and follow through to get her man are undeniable.
This was a quick and steamy read with just the right amount of emotion. I loved getting to know the history of Mr. Bailey and his late wife. I really enjoyed this peek into the past.
Matthew Bailey grew up on the wrong side of the tracks as the oldest son of a father who was an abusive alcoholic. I love how protective he is of his younger brother in this story. He comes across as the motorcycle riding bad boy when he meets Charlotte. She is the upper crust “good girl” who falls instantly for Matthew. They have instant chemistry, but she falls for his heart. I appreciated Matthew’s desire to allow Charlotte to do better in her life than he could provide. But Charlotte, she is tougher than that. I love how fierce she is defending Matthew and how her determination and follow through to get her man are undeniable.
This was a quick and steamy read with just the right amount of emotion. I loved getting to know the history of Mr. Bailey and his late wife. I really enjoyed this peek into the past.
July 31, 2022
Lena Hendrix delivers with this delicious novella! Choosing You takes us back to Chikalu Falls where we get to read about "Old Man Bailey" and his wife, Charlotte's love story. Whether you're new to the Chikalu Falls series or taking a trip back; this novella is the perfect sizzling summer read! Although a quick read, it did not feel rushed at all & kept me wanting more!
Matthew Bailey and Charlotte Perry are complete opposites. Charlotte comes from money and is used to the finer things in life. Matthew has a reputation, one where most people steer clear of this mechanic. But that doesn't deter Charlotte from wanting to get to know him, the real him. She storms into his life, turning everything upside down like a hurricane! There is an instant attraction and connection; she brings out the best in him and he brings out the boldness in her!
In true Lena fashion, Choosing You is packed with steamy scenes, dirty talk that drips from the pages, and all the feels! Wonderfully written, I absolutely love this author & can't wait for more!
Matthew Bailey and Charlotte Perry are complete opposites. Charlotte comes from money and is used to the finer things in life. Matthew has a reputation, one where most people steer clear of this mechanic. But that doesn't deter Charlotte from wanting to get to know him, the real him. She storms into his life, turning everything upside down like a hurricane! There is an instant attraction and connection; she brings out the best in him and he brings out the boldness in her!
In true Lena fashion, Choosing You is packed with steamy scenes, dirty talk that drips from the pages, and all the feels! Wonderfully written, I absolutely love this author & can't wait for more!
July 31, 2023
I went into this with no history on this series. I received this through another author's newsletter and thought I would check it out. I was not disappointed. I gave it three instead of fours stars because I have a hard time with everything moving as fast as it did, even though it kind of had to since this was a novella.
This is about Matthew and Lottie. Matthew is the bad boy in town with a reputation. Lottie is the banker's daughter in town for work and comes from money. Despite these things, they are instantly attracted to each other upon first meeting and the feelings hit hard for both of them fast. Things progress quickly until Matthew has to make a heart breaking decision to save his brother from their drunk of a dad. It is his only way out that he can see, and it doesn't involve Lottie....or at least that's what he thinks. But she has to show him why she is choosing him.
I have downloaded Finding You on my Kindle and plan on diving in to learn more about how Matthew and Lottie fit into this series. The sex scenes in this book were SPICY in my opinion which I liked. I am looking forward to reading more by Lena!
This is about Matthew and Lottie. Matthew is the bad boy in town with a reputation. Lottie is the banker's daughter in town for work and comes from money. Despite these things, they are instantly attracted to each other upon first meeting and the feelings hit hard for both of them fast. Things progress quickly until Matthew has to make a heart breaking decision to save his brother from their drunk of a dad. It is his only way out that he can see, and it doesn't involve Lottie....or at least that's what he thinks. But she has to show him why she is choosing him.
I have downloaded Finding You on my Kindle and plan on diving in to learn more about how Matthew and Lottie fit into this series. The sex scenes in this book were SPICY in my opinion which I liked. I am looking forward to reading more by Lena!
August 11, 2022
This book is a cute an entertain rom-lite short story with a HEA. The chemistry between the characters is immediate, drawn to each other, they fell fast despite their different birth backgrounds.
So Charlotte, an heir of a financial empire, have to move to a small town in order to manage the bank family business.
When she saw Mathew for the first time, something change inside of her, he make her bold, maker her feel free an alive.
Everybody in town knows Mathew Bailey is bad news, just a mechanic, no money, no fancy name or perfect family but Charlotte is the only one who gives him a chance, there’s no judgement in her eyes, maybe he could be something else too, a better version of himself.
This book also describe some alcohol abuse situations (nothing really dark or deep) but it could be a trigger for some and that should be taken into account before reading it.
Will the bad boy gain the girl?? Is it worth the trouble?? Go for it!! I totally recommend it!!
So Charlotte, an heir of a financial empire, have to move to a small town in order to manage the bank family business.
When she saw Mathew for the first time, something change inside of her, he make her bold, maker her feel free an alive.
Everybody in town knows Mathew Bailey is bad news, just a mechanic, no money, no fancy name or perfect family but Charlotte is the only one who gives him a chance, there’s no judgement in her eyes, maybe he could be something else too, a better version of himself.
This book also describe some alcohol abuse situations (nothing really dark or deep) but it could be a trigger for some and that should be taken into account before reading it.
Will the bad boy gain the girl?? Is it worth the trouble?? Go for it!! I totally recommend it!!
August 1, 2022
Ms, Hendrix gives us a beautiful story of two people from different sides of the track but could not be more made for and perfect for one another. Lottie is a strong and independent woman that has had a great life and now works for her father. Michael is the boy from the wrong side of the track that everyone warns you about but they could not be more wrong. He is caring and the love that he shows for his brother and Lottie is proof. Yes, his past had over showed his present but Lottie sees who he is now and does not allow anyone's views to interfere with what she sees in him. The love that they share and the way that he makes sure that she knows he would do anything for her were swoon-worthy.
Choosing You is a sweet, enjoyable and quick read that will have you feeling all sorts of feels.
Choosing You is a sweet, enjoyable and quick read that will have you feeling all sorts of feels.
August 2, 2022
As a super fan of Lena's Chikalu Falls series, I was so thrilled when she released this novella! Getting to go back to that town, albeit at a different time, and learn more about some of the great side characters was everything I wanted. But don't worry, this novella is a complete standalone too, so you can enjoy it on it's own, I promise!
Lena writes some of the best FMCs. They're always strong and independent and Charlotte is nothing less! The way she sees something in Matthew, feels their connection and won't let anything, including her father, stand in the way of their story? Ugh, I love it! And Matthew - the motorcycle riding, bad boy (with a heart of gold) mechanic is absolutely dreamy. Top it all off with some of Lena's signature spice and you've got the perfect quick read to satisfy your romance cravings!
Lena writes some of the best FMCs. They're always strong and independent and Charlotte is nothing less! The way she sees something in Matthew, feels their connection and won't let anything, including her father, stand in the way of their story? Ugh, I love it! And Matthew - the motorcycle riding, bad boy (with a heart of gold) mechanic is absolutely dreamy. Top it all off with some of Lena's signature spice and you've got the perfect quick read to satisfy your romance cravings!
May 20, 2023
I loved this Chikalu Falls novella prequel! I binged in one sitting and loved their story.
I started here with the Chikalu series and I can’t wait to read the rest.
They come from very different upbringings but their instant connection melted my heart!
❣️ Small Town Romance
❣️ Insta love
❣️ Age gap
❣️ Opposites attract
So much steam…
“All the noise, the masculinity of it . . .” I squirmed in my seat. “I liked it.” “Oh yeah? How much did you like it?” Feeling emboldened by the darkening desire that crossed his face, my hand disappeared beneath the heap of fabric of my skirt. “Feel for yourself.”
& swoon to be enjoyed!
“All at once she was everything. Right then I knew. She was it for me. I didn’t deserve her. I had to find a way to become someone who did.”
Lena really has a way with words 🥵🫠😉
I started here with the Chikalu series and I can’t wait to read the rest.
They come from very different upbringings but their instant connection melted my heart!
❣️ Small Town Romance
❣️ Insta love
❣️ Age gap
❣️ Opposites attract
So much steam…
“All the noise, the masculinity of it . . .” I squirmed in my seat. “I liked it.” “Oh yeah? How much did you like it?” Feeling emboldened by the darkening desire that crossed his face, my hand disappeared beneath the heap of fabric of my skirt. “Feel for yourself.”
& swoon to be enjoyed!
“All at once she was everything. Right then I knew. She was it for me. I didn’t deserve her. I had to find a way to become someone who did.”
Lena really has a way with words 🥵🫠😉
August 1, 2022
I won’t lie. It was painful to see such happiness, knowing what the future may hold. But I was so glad to see Matthew shine with the woman who grabbed his heart and refused to let go that I jumped into this story anyway. He’s trying to do right by family, knowing that he likely won’t have a 100% success rate. She’s trying to get under the thumb of her family, knowing that nothing she wants or is will be good enough for them. And yet, these two made it work. Their love endured the lies and manipulations of others, the anger of still more people, and the judgment of a small town. So sit back, enjoy the ride, and remember the happy times when the hard hit later in the life for Matthew and Charlotte.
August 2, 2022
Old Man Bailey got his book and hot damn if it isn't everything I needed!!!! & old man Bailey isn't so old in this prequel novella. 🥵🔥
Matthew Bailey is the town's bad boy. Charlotte is the new girl who comes from old money. They are polar opposites but where she makes him want to be better man, he let's her feel free and be herself.
If you've read the Chikalu Falls series by Lena then you're going to want to read this book for sure!!! After reading this you can understand while Old Man Bailey is the way he is all those years later. When we meet him books 1-3. To have a love like his and Lottie's is one of a kind. Loosing that regardless of how is heartbreaking. I'm glad we got to meet Lottie and watch her and Matthew together! ❤
Matthew Bailey is the town's bad boy. Charlotte is the new girl who comes from old money. They are polar opposites but where she makes him want to be better man, he let's her feel free and be herself.
If you've read the Chikalu Falls series by Lena then you're going to want to read this book for sure!!! After reading this you can understand while Old Man Bailey is the way he is all those years later. When we meet him books 1-3. To have a love like his and Lottie's is one of a kind. Loosing that regardless of how is heartbreaking. I'm glad we got to meet Lottie and watch her and Matthew together! ❤
January 5, 2023
Another huge fan of Lena Hendrix. It's one of those books with hidden pasts and a guy who thinks he isn't good enough for the girl he has fallen in love with. Matthew is trying to do better by his younger brother with a father who is an alcoholic. He joins the Marines because he is turned down for a personal loan through Charlotte's family financial institute, but only to find out Charlotte approved the loan. She is angry with Matthew for joining the service, but instead joins him in California for the four years he is there. They get married, his younger brother attends college and five years later, Matthew and Charlotte welcome their first child; a boy, to complete their life together. Don't forget to read the next book: Finding You.
August 27, 2023
If you read the Chikalu Falls series, then you know all about Mr. Bailey and have heard mention of his wife. Well, this is their story.
I just loved Matthew and Charlotte, they had a wonderful story of opposites in so many ways but knowing you met ‘the one’ when you first saw them. They brought out the best in each other, and just worked so well as they got to know each other better and fall in love. I couldn’t help but smile the whole time with these two.
I quick, sweet, heartwarming read! I couldn’t get enough of this pair! They are a perfect pair. I would have been happy to read a full length novel of their story too. This was just the best to end off the series, it is a fantastic town.
I just loved Matthew and Charlotte, they had a wonderful story of opposites in so many ways but knowing you met ‘the one’ when you first saw them. They brought out the best in each other, and just worked so well as they got to know each other better and fall in love. I couldn’t help but smile the whole time with these two.
I quick, sweet, heartwarming read! I couldn’t get enough of this pair! They are a perfect pair. I would have been happy to read a full length novel of their story too. This was just the best to end off the series, it is a fantastic town.
July 27, 2025
This is Old Man Bailey's origin story. I loved it because he's not a bad boy falling for a good girl, he's just a boy with an unhappy upbringing, doing is absolute best to make life better for his younger brother. But the first time he sees beautiful Charlotte, he knows she's it for him.
Charlotte could have been a spoiled princess of a rich girl, but while she had advantages, she still knows her own heart, and her heart claims Matthew Bailey the first time she lays eyes on him.
Plus, Trina is featured in the story. This was SOOOOO cute and sweet and steamy, just an absolute treat. Thank you Lena!
You could read it first or read it last, but whatever you do, READ THIS ONE.
Sweet Scale: 5/5
Spicy Scale: 3.5/5
Charlotte could have been a spoiled princess of a rich girl, but while she had advantages, she still knows her own heart, and her heart claims Matthew Bailey the first time she lays eyes on him.
Plus, Trina is featured in the story. This was SOOOOO cute and sweet and steamy, just an absolute treat. Thank you Lena!
You could read it first or read it last, but whatever you do, READ THIS ONE.
Sweet Scale: 5/5
Spicy Scale: 3.5/5
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