First comes marriage, then comes…love? Divorce? Let’s pretend this never happened … They say opposites attract and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to CeCe and Shep. But what happens when the two most anti-marriage people in the French Quarter start enjoying the act? CeCe I never planned on getting married. After my dad deserted my family the day before my tenth birthday, and I watched my … birthday, and I watched my mother fall to pieces over him, I decided it wasn’t worth the heartache. Then Shepard Rhys-Jones, who ghosted me two years ago, declares he needs to marry someone to claim his inheritance, and I drunkenly offer myself up as his wife.
He was the best I’ve ever had and now, he’s all mine… but only for the next year.
Shep
I never planned on getting married. It was one business transaction I had no desire to close. Yet, here I am… sitting in a bar in New Orleans… seriously considering making CeCe Calhoun my wife. If we can manage to stay married for a year, I’ll be one hundred million dollars richer and finally have the freedom to forge my own path, separate from the Rhys-Jones name.
She’s the only woman I’ve struggled to forget, and she’s finally mine. For now.
Is it possible for this fake marriage to be real?
more
Y’all I was sooo excited that CeCe’s got her own book after I read about her in Come Again!! I freaking love when my favorite characters get their own spin offs!!!
“Do not pay attention to how he says your name. This man is a snake charmer, that’s all”
Ohhh myyy Gahhhh, Y’all, I fell head over heels over Jiffy Kate’s newest book Neutral Grounds. I had some laugh out loud moments, some swoony moments and some, OMG I am about to throw my kindle across the room moments!! Lol
Question: Would you consider marrying someone for Five Million Dollars with strings attached?? lol Well that is exactly what CeCe has to decide. And to top it off, she has to decide if this is even worth it when the guy who is asking her to do this “business transaction” she was with before in a fun one night stand. A very hot and steamy one night stand!! Buttt..to top it off, this guy ghosted her, erased her from his memory, poof gone. Lol
Sooo, Did CeCe take the “business transaction?” Well you are just going to have to pick up Neutral Grounds and find out. You are in for heckova’ great read, get ready!!!
5 Shining Stars from me!!!
Thank you Jiffy Kate for another swoony book!! xoxo
Neutral Grounds is a fun romance. The hero and heroine are both strong characters in their own right, but a powerhouse together. What starts out as a marriage of convenience quickly becomes anything but. I absolutely loved CeCe and Shep’s closeness, chemistry, and emotional connection.
The book kept me engaged and I was completely invested in CeCe and Shep’s story. The characters were fun, upbeat, and likeable. The book was fast-paced, and I enjoyed every single second I was in NOLA.
Another great book in The French Quarter Series!! I couldn’t put this one down! She’s is added to my book boyfriend list! It was a super quick read with no unneeded drama! Jiffy Kate is quickly becoming a must read for me! Can’t wait to catch up on all their books! I definitely recommend this one!
I can’t express how long I’ve been patiently
waiting for Shepley and Cece’s story. From the moment these two characters were introduced in Blue Bayou I knew I’d love them and couldn’t wait for more.
Shepley was the womanizer you loved to hate, while Cece was the strong fierce independent woman who took care of her family, had the kindest heart in the world- but one of the most stubborn characters out of Jiffy Kate’s books. They had me laughing, crying, talking to myself out loud about there story and falling more in love with Shep- who couldn’t resist the blonde hair, blue eyed mischievous one? I loved them and must say this is my favorite book by Jiffy Kate of all time.
Three things I know for sure when reading a Jiffy Kate book:
1. I’ll be transported to the magical South, hence (see number two)
2. I’ll have a bad case of wanderlust
3. The characters will feel like family
So when they announced they were writing Neutral Grounds and I was super excited and more than ready to go back to NOLA’s French Quarter. Plus, I was finally getting the story of Cecilia (CeCe) Calhoun and Shepard (Shep) Rhys-Jones, who had a shocking weekend-long affair during Blue Bayou.
Even though I thought I knew these characters–CeCe was introduced in Chasing Castles as Cami Benoit friend, while Shep is Blue Bayou’s Maverick Kensington best friend–the story took me by surprise. Thanks to the steamy weekend, it was a given that their chemistry was insane. But I would have never guessed their depth and the turn of events in the plot (hello marriage of convenience!).
CeCe is a strong, confident and problem-solving woman who is used to rely on herself. She is witty, not afraid to speak her mind and so so funny. Shep oozes money, charm and power. He is sexy and he knows it. But he is also desperate to be freed from the ties that bound him to his family.
Wicked talented duo Jiffy Kate took them into an effortless journey where love shines through. Despite their marriage starting as a means to an end, it quickly evolved into a fairy tale. The love and care that Shep has for CeCe is every woman’s dream. He is attentive, protective and does things without expecting anything in return. Neutral Grounds shows both characters vulnerabilities, and it is simply magical. The story develops flawlessly and it’s obvious that this was a story that needed to be told.
And it true Jiffy Kate fashion, we get an update of well-beloved characters: Carys, Maverick and Jules from Blue Bayou; Avery and Shaw from Come Again; and Dani and Micah from Finding Focus. Now, if I could only convince Jiffy Kate to allow me into move to their books…
I couldn’t get enough of CeCe and Shep. I loved everything about their story. The chemistry and the banter between the two of them was fantastic and I didn’t want it to end.
Shep isn’t one for relationships, so when he has to marry to get his inheritance the last person he would ever expect volunteers, CeCe. CeCe has been hurt in the past, even by Shep after one amazing weekend together. However, they can’t avoid each other forever since the are part of the same close circle of friends.
What started out as just a one year business deal turned into so much more. Shep’s growth throughout the story was the biggest of any other character, the realizations he had over relationships and his connection with CeCe were amazing. I was really cheering for them the entire story.
This book was full of laughs, romance, hilarious banter, and plenty of steam. Definitely another MUST READ from Jiffy Kate!
This book hits you like five shots of espresso! So basically, it hits you with an extreme jolt.
This is CeCe and Shep’s book. We first met them both in Blue Bayou. Shep is Mavericks business partner and best friend from Dallas, Texas. CeCe is the owner and operator of Neutral Grounds. She also happens to be BFF’s with Carys from Blue Bayou and Avery whom we met in Come Again. I love this series and honestly hope we continue to see it grow.
Shep and CeCe originally were hanging out for a night of drinks and board games with Maverick and Carys.
When Shep wagers a kiss on the line should he be the winner of the Monopoly game. Well low and behold he IS in fact the WINNER!! CeCe tosses caution to the wind and allows that gorgeous winner to take all. A One night stand became a weekend long hookup that was the best either had ever experienced, or so CeCe thought.
When “Say No to Relationships Shep” started feeling some little twinges in his heart , he knew he was either starting to catch feelings or suffering early onset heart disease and he was way too young for that. When he looked at the beautiful sleeping angel, CeCe beside him he knew he better get the heck outta dodge and quick. Because no good would come from what he was feeling. So he packed up for Dallas and was off “quicker than a new bride’s nightie.” Two years later when he moves to New Orleans for good how will his beautiful little baker and barista handle it? What happens when she offers to do something to help him and then the lines start to blur? Will Shep give up everything to turn fake into real?
CeCe is this gorgeous and sassy coffee shop owner. She takes care of her family and runs a successful business. She doesn’t have time for a relationship even though she has had quite a dry spell since that “the walking shart” Shep ghosted her after an epic weekend. She has had a lot hit her all at once. A random stranger of a relative shows up out of the blue and challenges Neutral Grounds her livelihood, the very thing she uses to take care of her mom and put her younger sister through college. When she overhears a conversation with Shep about the conditions of his inheritance, she offers a solution that could benefit them both. What happens when she quilt realizes Shep “the walking shart” is actually kind of “ a sweet and kinda caring Shep” and nothing like she really expected. Lines blur, and despite her fighting it, feelings get involved. Like really involved! What will CeCe do when she suspects Shep doesn’t feel the same? Can CeCe step back and let someone take care of her for once?
This book has everything you could want!! It’s funny, it’s sweet, it has some angst and a little bit of frustration. It brings back some of our favorites from Blue Bayou and Come Again. It is fast paced and oh so delicious and hot. Definitely hits different genres for me. I would say this covers Fake-Relationship, Frenemies-to-Lovers, and sort of Second Chance.
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– Jiffy Kate are my girls! I love their stuff. This whole series has been fantastic and I don’t think I could love one more…then the next book comes out. The settings, the secondary characters the pace. It all makes for a perfectly wrapped gift of a book.
-This was Perfection! Love scenes were smokin hot and sweet. Like perfect BBQ.
Cliffhanger Warning-NO CLIFFHANGER. #HappyEndings
4 stars
Neutral Grounds by Jiffy Kate will leave you with anything but neutral feelings. I’ve loved this friend group from the beginning and they just keep wheedling their way deeper into my heart.
Shep wants everyone to believe he’s a love em and leave em type but there’s some real depth inside this hottie that few get a chance to see. CeCe is one of the few women who held his attention but after ghosted her, she’s a tough nut to crack. After watching her mother fall apart over a man, CeCe is terrified of being dependent on someone else and left behind. Despite being two of the most marriage phobic people out there, they see a mutually beneficial business deal on the horizon.
Marrying each other was simply a means to an end; an end scheduled for exactly one year from them but the more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other. It’s a complicated web but neither wants untangle this web.
Awesome read by Jiffy Kate. Such great characters and backstories. Loved seeing the evolution of Shep and CeCe!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
After every Jiffy Kate book I find myself wanting more, more of the characters, more story, more of their writing. I absolutely loved this book and I just love how they incorporate the characters from other books. Who doesn’t love Jules, he is super amazing and I smile every time his name is mentioned. I’m glad we finally got to hear Cece’s story and got a glimpse into Shep’s life. This definitely makes me want to visit the Square in New Orleans.
Adult Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance
First Person, dual-POV
This book is a standalone but it is part of the French Quarter setting that the authors have been writing. The characters can be seen in other books from the author.
“How can getting married give you freedom? Isn’t that an oxymoron?”
by Cece
WHAT HAS REALLY WORKED FOR ME
Addictiveness: 4.5/5 This book had the perfect pace and had me wondering how it would end. It was an easily one-sitting read. As addictive as pizza!!!
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 4.5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 5/5, real 5/5 Characters were multidimensional with lots of interesting layers to them. They were very easy to love.
Shep was a multi-millionaire that looked like a wet-dream, amazing in bed, but very loyal to his friends. Really, what was not to like? Even though he was the king of one-night-stands, he was no cheater. When he jumped, he really committed himself to it. He was loving, caring and protective. He didn’t get what he wanted, but totally what he needed from this relationship.
Cece was a very strong woman that has since a very young age only been able to depend on herself. She was a bit of a control freak that had a hard time accepting a helping hand. I really loved her, but had to take off half a star for being so stubborn and not really seeing what was right in front of her.
Villains… or antagonists… I guess, we could say her cousin, his father, but really the biggest villain here is Cece and her fears.
Secondary characters… so many interesting one, and I believe most of them have had their book already, so I must go back and read their stories.
All characters were easy to love, connect and understand!!!
Cover: art 4/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This book cover is good. I can totally see Shep in that guy with his expensive watch and button up with jeans. I only wished that I could find more of the story in the cover. I like the title and I love the subtitle. It give a snippet into the story. I would probably buy this book by its cover without needing to read the blurb!
Freshness: 3.5/5 This was a good contemporary romance. It doesn’t have concept totally different from others out there, but it has a cool, fresh vibe. I like how we got a different hero than what was expected. As fresh as mint tea!
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 4/5, setting 5/5, subplots 4/5, twists 4/5 Great opening for an amazing ending. Love the setting and the romance is believable. The conflict is good and it felt real. There is no major twist, but the subplot is interesting enough to keep the story flowing. High level of enjoyment!
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 4.5/5, development 5/5, steam 4/5 The couple’s attraction was undeniable. The way they care for each other was cute and their lovemaking was hot. I have throughly enjoyed how this romance grew accordingly. It was not rushed and it made it feel real. Passionate love!
Writing Style: 4/5 I love the characters and their growth. I enjoy the plot concept and the setting. The romance felt real and the smut was good. Smart writing!
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Plot: I just think a few loose ends remained sort of loose. The conflict with the father really didn’t feel solved. I don’t really know what happened at the end. I thought they were going to be a major hurdle, but it just died down.
MY THOUGHTS
This was my first book by the authors, but I will definitely read more. In fact, even though this is a standalone I got interested in the setting (I love New Orleans) and I really want to read their friends books. I’m certain both Shaw/Avery and Carys/Maverick has had a book that I would love to go back and read it. I’m certain I will even see Shep and Cece featuring there.
Oh, I would love to read Jules happily ever after!
29.5/35 STARS – 4 STARS (between 31.5 stars and 33 stars)
Addictiveness: 4.5 Character: 5 Cover: 4 Freshness: 3.5 Plot: 4 Romance: 4.5 Writing Style: 4
Action 1/5 Angst 0/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 2/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 0/5
Would I recommend? Sure. If you like friendship and romance.
Would I re-read this book/series? I will follow the series, and I may reread the book.
Would I read more from the author? I’m looking forward to read this series.
You may read this because you like the author you SHOULD read this because you enjoy great friendship stories; you MUST read this for a romance in a sexy setting!!!
I loved this book so much. Shep and CeCe have some of the most amazing, swoonworthy chemistry that I’ve read in a book. While their union is unconventional, it’s totally them. They’re an unconventional couple who come from two different worlds, but those worlds present the same challenges and battles for each of them. Individually, they’re strong – but together, they’re stronger. And I love it.
Shep is totally my new book boyfriend. He’s sexy and sophisticated and a total romantic, even though he spends most of the book pretending he isn’t. And CeCe is a beautiful, strong, independent woman all the way through – but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve a happily ever after.
I loved going back to New Orleans and revisiting this book family that has quickly become one of my faves to read. But Shep and CeCe’s story is my favorite of them all so far.
Neutral Grounds is a loveable and delightful read. I truly enjoyed read about Cece and Shep. There are wonderful characters and they have great chemistry. This story is wonderful written a good storyline.
I read and reviewed a Advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.
I DEVOURED this whole book! I had been wanting to read CeCe’s story for awhile and it was wonderful! I loved how strong Shep & CeCe’s chemistry was…I mean there was no fighting their draw to each other. Watching them learn to get over past hurts & worries was heartwarming. A bonus was going back and seeing some of my favorite characters again! I really loved it!
PS- I wouldn’t be upset if Finley got a book…#justsayin
My favorite author duo ha done it again! I love how Jiffy Kate writes a series that is entwined but could also be read as stand alones!
We’ve already met CeCe & Shep, But Neutral Grounds is THEIR story. They have a bit of a history. One hot weekend that went nowhere. And now things are a bit awkward. Their best friends’ are engaged, so avoiding each other is basically out of the question.
CeCe is a strong, independent woman who has had to care for herself since childhood. Shep. Well Shep is a Rhys-Jones. A wealthy, privileged playboy with no intention of every settling down and marrying. Circumstances arise that throw them into a “marriage of convenience.” It’s a business dealing. One year. They both benefit. No feelings involved! Right?!? Well, if you want to see how that turns out, you need to read the book. It’s definitely a wild ride!
I enjoy how JK weaves all of the other NOLA characters through the book. You get to know them and feel connected. Your senses come alive with the sights, and sounds, and smells of NOLA! They have a way of pulling you right into the book and making you feel a part of it all.
I was especially happy to see Jules back being his fabulous self in Neutral Grounds! PLEASE give Jules his own book. I *need* his story!!!
I totally and completely fell in love with Shep and CeCe; albeit I wanted to kick Shep in the beginning. Watching them find their HEA was truly a pleasure to read. This book is not to be missed! I’ve fallen in love with Jiffy Kate and I regret nothing!
Jiffy Kate has taken us back to the french quarter in New Orleans with Neutral Grounds. I feel like I have returned home to family with this book. This writing duo knows how to pull you in with their characters and story lines so that you feel as if you are one of family of friends their stories are about. In this book we get to know these two wonderfully flawed characters – Shep and CeCe, both are strong and independent and find it hard to rely on others until CeCe offers to marry Shep, and then the laughs and tears begin! If you are looking for a story of self searching, loving friends, and hotness in all things Shep, then go and read Neutral Grounds. Now I have to wrap up this review so that I can pack up my belongings and move to New Orleans to be with this group of friends.
So many thoughts and feelings right now. I started this book yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t put it down. This book was fantastic!! I loved Cece and Shep. The chemistry. The fake marriage. His powerful demeanor. Her sassy take no drama attitude. Seeing our favorite characters from previous stories. I just loved everything about this book.
Neutral Grounds is another highly engaging read from the duo Jiffy Kate. It is set in New Orleans and brings us back to some of the amazing places and characters we have met in previous books including Carys and Maverick, Avery and Shaw and of course Jules.
This book focuses mostly on the relationship between Shep and CeCe. They had a fling in the past which left CeCe feeling somewhat jilted, but now Shep is back and after his grandfather passes away, they find themselves in an unconventional arrangement that has them quickly headed down the aisle.
I absolutely loved both CeCe and Shep from the start and I adores them together. It really seemed like CeCe might have what Shep needed to help cure his jaded view of relationships and marriage. I loved reading his transformation as he went from anti-marriage bachelor to swoony husband extraordinaire. His interactions with CeCe were sweet and brought about all the feels and their chemistry was hot, hot, hot!!!
Jiffy Kate has created an amazing group of friends you can’t help but just want to be part of. The writing is strong and the story line is engaging. I was 100% invested in this story and read in one sitting because I just did not want to put it down. Neutral Grounds just might be fighting for top position as my favorite Jiffy Kate book. It’s a definite must read!!!
OMG!!!! How is this the first book I have read by this AMAZING team! Believe me, I am hooked and will be getting my hands on all of their books!
This book was written so perfectly! I loved the characters, the story line, the writing and the HOT chemistry! From the moment I started reading I was hooked an unable to put this book down. It took me on such an emotional ride that I was laughing one moment and ready to punch something the next. The way that Shep was treated by his parents broke my heart and everything that CeCe was doing to keep her business and take care of her family had me rooting for her to succeed. This is a must read book for sure! You will not be disappointed!
By Alisa
Love love love!
“If ever there was a woman I could see myself tied to, it would be her.”
Two years ago Shepard Rhys-Jones and Cece Calhoun had a hot weekend together. Then commitment-phobe Shep basically ghosted her. She’s never forgiven him, nor has she ever really gotten him out of her system. Now, Shep needs a wife in order to gain his inheritance. In a drunken moment, Cece volunteers herself. I mean, how hard can it be to be in a fake marriage with him for just a year?
As it turns out, it can be pretty freakin’ challenging!
“My time spent with her is different. This is more. I knew it when we were together two years ago, and I know it now.”
I absolutely adored Shep and Cece’s story. I loved the spark that burned bright between them. Their chemistry was off the charts! No matter how much they tried to ignore it or deny it, there was no question that, in spite of their differences, they were hugely compatible. I loved how Shep changed his outlook on love and relationships. It’s obvious that Cece had a memorable effect on him and I loved that he didn’t shy away from his real feelings for her when he realised how he truly felt. He’s such a swoony character! Cece is a strong, smart woman and I enjoyed how she handled Shep. She’s resilient in the face of adversity and vastly independent. It melted my heart that Shep wanted to lighten her burdens.
Overall, a fabulous, sexy story that I thoroughly enjoyed it!