Lately, Jessa Myers has been batting a thousand in the dating game. No exaggeration, it’s brutal out there. But, she’s not giving up. Doesn’t matter how much she loves Elvis Pawsley and Marilyn Purroe, Jessa’s determined not to become the spinster town cat lady.Only one problem: No guy has yet to live up to her childhood crush/teenage infatuation/adult obsession, Ethan Steele. The big, bad, … Steele. The big, bad, brooding U.S. Marshal is yes, ridiculously hot, but also way too overprotective. It’s that way with everyone who knew her before her long-awaited heart transplant. They all get the same hyper-worried look when she so much as sneezes still. Sure, intense hulk-growl concern is swoony and all, but she wants a man to see her as more than that girl she once was.
So, if that means she needs to settle for someone not nearly as knee-wobbling as Ethan, then that’s just what she needs to do…
Lately, Ethan’s been at his wits’ end. No exaggeration, loving Jessa for as long as he can remember hasn’t been easy. But, she’s worth it. Doesn’t matter how much she insists that his mere existence in her past means zero possibility of a future for them, he’s not giving up.
Only one problem: Jessa’s been dating loser after loser to try and find her Mr. Perfect to one day marry, probably have more cats with, and a long happy future. She just refuses to believe Kade doesn’t see her as the girl he once worried over. No, the only thing worrying him now is the stubborn beauty he’s crazy in love with continuing to let her head overrule her heart and slipping out of his life for good.
So yes, asking Jessa to be his temporary fake girlfriend to avoid the very real incessant matchmaking they both endure isn’t the most brilliant plan ever, but if it means they’ll get their chance at forever, then that’s just what he needs to do…
Stand-alone Whisper Lake romance, complete with HEA–and plenty of heat and heart along the way!
Author’s Note: Always Been You was previously published as Whisper of Surrender
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WOW!! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Jess and Ethan in Whisper of Surrender by the amazing Melanie Shawn, the second book in their Whisper Lake Romance series. Jess is grateful for her new lease on life after her heart transplant and now that she can plan for her future she is ready to find Mr. Right. U.S. Marshall Ethan has loved Jess since he first laid eyes on her back in their school days but Jess has made it clear that she doesn’t want his attention. Despite that Ethan is determined to change her mind and convinces her to be his fake girlfriend for the summer. Since Ethan has been invading her thoughts and dreams Jess agrees. As she spends time with Ethan Jess realizes that he’s more than she thought and her feelings toward him start changing.
These two were amazing. Jess was impressive with hers determination to prove her love to Ethan and not allow him to push her away. It was no surprise that Jess and Ethan’s feelings for one another reversed, especially after Ethan lost his partner. There were so many scenes that made me smile or laugh but Jess describing Ethan’s face as being RGF, resting grumpy face, made me laugh so hard. I loved the easter eggs honoring other authors as well as references to the television show Friends, and the movie Dirty Dancing.
Through their amazing and vivid writing Melanie Shawn did an outstanding job tackling this emotional story and I struggled to put the book down. I enjoyed the approach the authors took showing how Jess and Ethan were perfect for each other. Again the Knitting Mafia tried their best to find a match for Ethan but he thought he out smarted them. I loved the support given to Jess by her friends, family and Ethan’s grandmother to convince Ethan to live life to the fullest. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next story in the Whisper Lake series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Whisper of Surrender is the second book in Melanie Shawn’s Whisper Lake series and it is another great addition to their strong stable of books.
Jess Myers is now in her late twenties, but in all honesty she was never sure if she would see them. Having heart issues all her life, she finally has a new lease on life after undergoing a heart transplant a few years earlier. She’s now focused on living her life instead of just existing in it. The one thing she has yet to find is true love, although she’s always carried a torch for a guy she grew up with, Ethan Steele.
Ethan Steele is a US Marshall and he’s not looking for romance in his life for several reasons, but the “Needlepoint Mafia”, Whisper Lake’s own matchmaking ladies have other ideas and they are working overtime to find him a significant other. When it gets to be too much, Ethan hatches a plan that will allow him to be around the person he really wants, Jess, even though he’s convinced she wants nothing to do with him.
Can Ethan convince Jess to be his fake girlfriend for the summer? Or will that backfire on both of them and their real feelings will be revealed?
I enjoyed this trip back to Whisper Lake very much. It was easy to tell why Ethan and Jess were fighting against their feelings and attraction, but it also made me root for them more. This was extremely entertaining and it’s a perfect pool or beach read. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone with no issues. I’d highly recommend it!
Highly entertaining, emotional, sweetly sexy and engaging romantic journey filled with laughter, hope, loyalty and love. Could not get enough of this visit back to Whisper Lake….
Jessa Meyers is a sweet, quite, 20 something and a survivor that never let herself think about the future, until now. Ethan Steele is a sexy, charming and brooding U.S. Marshall that has had his eyes on Jessa for years and finally has a plan to win her over to his way of thinking…. Loved every twist and turn in this loving adventure.
I always know that I am in for a treat when I pick up a book by these authors. This one did not disappoint .
We go back to Whisper Lake , and this time the story belongs to Jess Meyers and Ethan Steele. Jess spent most of her life very ill and in hospitals, until a couple of years ago when she got a heart transplant. She is determined to live life to it’s fullest. Ethan is a US Marshal who has been attracted to Jess for years and she has always had a secret “thing” for him.
When Ethan suggests a fake relationship to “supposedly “ keep the Needlepoint Mafia from finding him potential girlfriends the fine line between make believe and what was real gets blurred.
It’s an engaging plot that at times is heartbreaking but also heartwarming and touching. Paraphrasing the authors, it’s a reminder that we need to show the people we love, that we love them and do it daily. IT’s a story about hope and love.
Another winner from these talented authors.
I voluntarily read this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.