Review: It Takes a Woman by Piper Sheldon

It Takes a Woman by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own. It is hard to believe that this is the 4th and final book in the Scorned Women's Society (SWS) series. As with the other books in the series, this does read as a standalone but if you want to get to know the other ladies from the SWS then I highly recommend reading those as well. I think it will give you some background on the various characters and their partners mentioned throughout this book.

This follows the final member of the SWS, the fabulous and quirky Gretchen Laroe. Gretchen loves to help other people, she especially likes to help people find love. When it comes to her own love life, she's had her one true love who was take from her too early. Vincent has also known the loss of the love of his life much to early. Vincent is the complete opposite of Gretchen, he is a workaholic and kind of a stick in the mud. He works at the Donner Lodge with Roxy, Gretchen's best friend, and splits his time between Green Valley and his home in New York or wherever he is travelling for business. Gretchen and Vincent are drawn to each other for many reasons, but they have both known loss and grief and don't know if they are ever going to move on from their first loves. They each want a companion and a family, so they strike up a marriage of convenience of sorts. Everyone is skeptical about their arrangement, but as time goes on it is clear that there is more to their relationship than just convenience.

I really loved this! Both Gretchen and Vincent have some emotional baggage from their past relationships, which is natural considering the circumstances. They both have to do some healing before they can move forward with each other. They both have great humor between them and the character development is great. I love good banter between characters and this does not disappoint!

This was the perfect end to the series. I know I have been waiting for Gretchen's story since the first time she picked up her bat in Suzie's book. This has funny moments with the ladies of the SWS. Heartwarming moments between the two main characters, and a resolution between the ladies and Jethro.

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Review: Hopelessly Devoted by Piper Sheldon

Hopelessly Devoted by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was really cute despite being pretty angsty. While it is a standalone novella, I would highly recommend reading The One That I Want first, and maybe My Bare Lady as well. This runs concurrently with events that happen in The One That I Want, and I feel like I would be really confused had I not read that already. You should also read The Treble With Men because it is my favorite book in the series and then you will know all of the women in Scorned Women Society up to this point. There are alot of mentions of previous characters and I feel it would be helpful to have a baseline knowledge of who they are and what they are talking about going into this novella. You can read it on it's own, but I think it would be helpful to have read the other books first.

If you have been keeping up with the books in the series you will recognize Jack as Ford's best friend, and Skip aka William as Sanders' best friend and business partner. Skip has come to Green Valley to rescue Sanders from yet another bad decision and help him clean up his mess. Both Skip and Sanders are grieving over the loss of Sanders' father, who was a father figure to Skip. Sanders isn't dealing with his emotions very well, which means their business is suffering from yet another rash decision. Skip gets roped into helping out with a youth group for troubled teens and ends up going camping with Jack. Normally his wouldn't be a big deal, but Skip had a panic attack all over Jack at a bar just a few nights ago and is feeling some sort of way about it. Both Jack and Skip are attracted to each other, but neither of them are ready to jump in head first into a relationship especially when there is a ton of baggage for them to sort through.

I really enjoyed the character development in this. William/Skip kind of starts out as a shy, gruff guy but he really blossoms when he's on the camping trip with the kids. There is a bit of kinship with them as they all come from rough homes and not the best circumstances. He gives them great advice and encourages them to be better men. The consent conversation was pretty great. That needs to be on a poster! We also get to see him connect with Jack as they both came from somewhat similar backgrounds and while they have some things to work on when it comes to their relationship the had good chemistry. While this is only a novella, it packs an emotional punch and has a good amount of steam.

I was provided and ARC, all opinions are my own.
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Blog Tour: The One that I Want by Piper Sheldon

The One That I Want, an all-new opposites attract contemporary romance from Piper Sheldon, is available now in Kindle Unlimited!  

To see what I thought, you can read my review here.

There is no such thing as luck.

Roxy Kincaid isn’t a biker chick anymore. She’s made herself more than Jethro Winston’s castoff, and she’s never going back to her old life with the Iron Wraiths. But one summer night, a charming stranger threatens to sweep Roxy off her feet. Ignoring fate and their instant attraction, she has to get back to her real life in Green Valley. He couldn’t be the one that she wants when he’s exactly the thing that could ruin everything. If only she could stop thinking about him.

Luck is everything.

Sanders Olsson is going to fix his mistakes. He’s determined to show his best friend he’s a reliable business partner not the distracted flake he’s been lately. But he has to listen when the universe brings him a sign in the form of a guarded beauty he can’t keep his eyes off. Their instant connection is almost magical but she leaves without giving him even a last name. When fate gives Sanders a second chance in life and love, he sets out for Green Valley without a backward glance.

Their summer lovin’ happened so fast but what will it take to make it last?

‘The One That I Want’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe. 

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Excerpt

“Watch it,” I mumbled as I was steadied by strong hands on my shoulders. Then I remembered to be nice and tried to scoot to the side.

The arms held me gently in place. When I looked up, glaring pointedly, he dropped them. It was Mr. Eye Contact from across the room. A little thrill tickled the back of my knees. He was damn fine this close up. Not my taste, but definitely a certain appeal. Like, if I wanted to know someone with a yacht to “summer on,” he’d be my type.

His eyes were startlingly blue. His hair was this dark shade of blond, thick waves swept back with lighter tips that looked as though it had been bleached naturally by the sun. A smile quirked his mouth and my focus moved there. He had soft crinkles around the corners of his eyes and a natural tan that spoke of time outside.

He said something with the tilt of his head and a soft smile on his lips. I blinked away, wondering if my mouth had been hanging open catching flies as I took him in.

“What?” I yelled and pointed to my ear. The band had just started back up.

His smile grew to expose that two front teeth protruded just a little. It was a disarmingly charming flaw, like a puppy with just one floppy ear. His gaze moved over the exposed skin of my neck and shoulders under my tank top, seemingly studying the tattoos.

I wasn’t knocking my edgy looks, but I typically didn’t attract men who could have been plucked straight from an Ivy League fraternity mixer. At least the collar of his black button-up wasn’t popped. And he wore nice sneakers and jeans, not boat shoes and pink shorts. Okay, so he wasn’t preppy per se, but squeaky? Like he’d hurt my teeth to take a bite out of. He didn’t even have a beard, for crying out loud. Not to box this guy in, but guys like this did not go for girls like me. Then again, sometimes there were the guys who liked to “slum it” with the easy small-town girls from Green Valley.

Mr. Eye Contact leaned closer. He smelled like a shower after a hard workout. It was like the cleansing smell of a spring morning after working all night at the Dragon Bar. My jaw was clenched tight, thinking about taking a bite out of him again.

“Dance?” he asked. His voice had a rich and deep timbre that sent a tiny shudder down my spine.

His confidence was sexy without being overwhelming. He tucked his hands deep into his pockets and waited patiently as I took him in, studying him head to toe. There was no pressure in his question. I suspected if I said no, he’d walk away without another word. I told myself I wanted to dance alone but suddenly I wasn’t so sure. Wouldn’t it be nice to have hands on me? Wouldn’t it be an escape to just be a woman dancing with a man to good music?

Shocking myself, I realized I was interested. So I felt a zing for this man? It didn’t mean anything. It meant that my warning system wasn’t going off. It meant that I was a person who wanted to dance. It didn’t have to mean anything.

He extended his hand. I bit my lip. I was here to celebrate my hard work. It was one night before an early flight home tomorrow.

“What the hell?” I said unheard in the club.

I slid my hand into his. His hand was not the buttery-soft warmth of an Ivy Leaguer. His hand was calloused and hot. What might it feel like to have those rough palms gripping the tender skin of my hips?

He pulled me only long enough to let me pass, then he let me lead the way to the floor. As I made my way to the other dancers, I felt his gaze on my backside like the vibration of a motorcycle. I risked a glance over my shoulder. His focus returned to mine as he licked his bottom lip.

“Lord, help me,” I mumbled to myself.

Good thing it was just one night and just one dance. This guy would be way too easy to fall for. But what could one dance with a stranger hurt?

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.

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Review: The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon

The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

I loved getting to know Roxy and Saunders.  They both had such interesting back stories and were perfect for each other.  Each of them had some baggage to unpack before they could finally be together, but I really liked the way that was handled.  I actually appreciated that this turned into a slower burn romance.  I thought it was going to be a insta-love kind of thing, but I should have known that Piper Sheldon was not going to let me down and that she was going to deliver a solid, mature romance book with substance.  I was not disappointed.

This starts out with Roxy and Saunders meeting at a night club in Denver, they are instantly attracted to each other.  Things start out passionate and heavy, but Roxy has turned her chaotic life around and always likes to be in control so they opt for a nice chat over ice cream before she heads back to Green Valley.  Never expecting to see or hear from her mystery man again, Roxy goes back to her uber controlled, buttoned up life coordinating events and working at Donner Lodge.  When Saunders bursts on to the scene to work with the Lodge on some outdoor corporate team building events, she is shaken and her carefully scheduled itinerary is threatened.  If Roxy wants the promotions she has worked so hard for and deserves she will have to learn to work as a team, and if Saunders wants to win the girl he's going to have to learn to let her in and deal with his demons and feelings.  

I loved the side characters in this.  Skip, Saunders' best friend and business partner was awesome though he's got some secrets of his own that I hope we learn about in the future.  He is always cleaning up after Saunders, but he finally calls him on his crap when he's made one too many messes for himself.  I loved that he finally stood up to Saunders and made him face reality.  The same goes for Gretchen, she was such a good friend to Roxy, but she and Roxy pushed each other away because they didn't want to deal with their feelings.  When they finally talked it out, they realized they each wanted what was best for each other.  I found that so relatable.  I also love their friend group and their support for each other.

I loved the comparison of Sandy and Danny in Grease.  She's conservative where he is wild.  He's impulsive where she is controlled.  In the end they both want to be together and complement each other so well.  I also loved the grand gesture scene at the end.  If you have seen the movie, you will get the references.

I'm looking forward to seeing more from the Scorned Women's Society, especially Gretchen and maybe Skip or Jack (maybe Skip and Jack? ;))  I really enjoyed this installment and the whole series in general.  

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Release Blitz: The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon

The One That I Want, an all-new opposites attract contemporary romance from Piper Sheldon, is LIVE EARLY on AppleBooks, Nook, Kobo, and GooglePlay!

There is no such thing as luck.

Roxy Kincaid isn’t a biker chick anymore. She’s made herself more than Jethro Winston’s castoff, and she’s never going back to her old life with the Iron Wraiths. But one summer night, a charming stranger threatens to sweep Roxy off her feet. Ignoring fate and their instant attraction, she has to get back to her real life in Green Valley. He couldn’t be the one that she wants when he’s exactly the thing that could ruin everything. If only she could stop thinking about him.

Luck is everything.

Sanders Olsson is going to fix his mistakes. He’s determined to show his best friend he’s a reliable business partner not the distracted flake he’s been lately. But he has to listen when the universe brings him a sign in the form of a guarded beauty he can’t keep his eyes off. Their instant connection is almost magical but she leaves without giving him even a last name. When fate gives Sanders a second chance in life and love, he sets out for Green Valley without a backward glance.

Their summer lovin’ happened so fast but what will it take to make it last?

‘The One That I Want’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy TODAY!

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About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.

Find Piper Sheldon online

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2lAvr8A

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2kxkioK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kx2RVn

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lxxV7H

Website: http://bit.ly/2kitH3H

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Review: The Treble With Men by Piper Sheldon

The Treble With Men by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are a fan of The Phantom of the Opera (the musical) you will love this!  I've seen the Broadway production several times and listened to the music on repeat about a zillion times.  I even played the Music of the Night as a flute solo in 8th grade.  I wanted to be Christine when I listened to the music, and I secretly kind of always wanted Christine to pick the Phantom.

This is sort of a retelling of Phantom, and I found it hard to put down.  It follows Kim Dae/Christine Day, a fourth chair cellist at the local symphony and Devlin, the iintimidating masked Maestro known for his anger management problems.  When Devlin personally asks Kim to help him with his latest composition she is utterly confused.  First, she isn't quite sure how he knows her real name, she has been going by Christine Day since she put her wild days of running around with Jethro Winston behind her.  Second, she isn't the first chair, aka the best cellist in the symphony, she could be but she lets her demons of her past hold her back.  Devlin has his own secrets and demons but he isn't ready to let Kim know them yet, what he does know is that she is better than she is and he only accepts 150% from all of his musicians.  He pushes her and all of the musicians at the SOOK to their limits.  His methods aren't exactly the most endearing, but he's extremely talented.  As he lets his guard down with Kim, she is able to let go of some of her past and let the music in.

I loved this!!!  Kim and Devlin were amazing together.  Their relationship was as slow burn as it gets.  They are both stubborn, vulnerable, and the moments between them sizzle and burn.  I also loved that both of them had great sounding boards when they needed support.  Kim had the women of the SWS to help her and Devlin had the most wonderful family.  They may not have taken their advice, but they had people who loved them as they were and not for what they could do for them, and they would call them out for being ridiculous.  I loved watching these characters develop as individuals and as a couple.  There are great side characters as well.  The pace was great, when I wasn't reading this I was trying to find ways to get back to this book. 

Piper Sheldon's writing keeps getting better and better and I can't wait to see what she has in story for the rest of the Scorned Women Society. 

I was provided and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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