After years of war, Lincoln Sheppard thought he’d left the violence and ugliness behind. He was content with the life he built for himself. Then the woman down the street came in and shook everything up.All Eden Brenner ever wanted was to have a place to call home. She finally found that in Hope Valley. Then she went and fell in love with the man a few houses down the first time she laid eyes on … laid eyes on him. There was just one problem. Women like her didn’t catch the attention of men like him. He was totally and completely out of her league. And to make matters worse, when her past comes knocking, the beautiful world she’s built for herself is at risk of crumbling to the ground.
When danger forces Eden into his arms, Lincoln begins to see her in a whole new light, and he suddenly finds himself wanting things he never expected. And he wants them all with the shy, clumsy woman from down the street. But when the truth comes out, that proves nearly impossible. Now he’s fighting the hardest battle of his life, and the stakes are higher than ever. Protect the woman he’s falling for while trying to win her heart at the same time.
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I’m not sure how to put into words how much I loved this book!!! I was in a major book slump but this book I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day.
Jessica Prince really knows how to write an amazing story and I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with in this series. This story had twists that I didn’t see coming and flowed perfectly into the perfect story line.
Eden hasn’t had a whole lot in her life and has finally made a place of her own. However, can she really have the man of her dreams now that she has found a place to call home?
Lincoln is an alpha male that also seems to be a player. However, can he turn his ways around for the right women?
I can say that I laughed many times while reading this book. I also however really wanted to beat the crap out of Lincoln many times as well.
Wow! This story held my interest from the beginning. I wanted to kick Lincoln and wonder how Eden had survived her childhood and became a wonderful person. Getting to know the other characters and hope to read their stories.
I loved this book so much!
There is just something about Jessica Prince’s words that always leave me with that home-cooked meal, wholesome loved up feeing!!!
Her Picking up the Pieces Series literally ripped my heart out and put it back together so I knew when this one was coming out I had to get on board the JP train!!!!
I was so lost to this book and the characters!
I was easily caught up in the small town feeling this book gives off in spades and I adored every second of it!
Our main girl Eden was so relatable…real, curvy and down to earth in a way that resonated with me so much! She was just so friggin’ likeable and I loved being able to get an inside glimpse into her thoughts as she manouvered her way to her own happy ever after.
Now Lincoln, well he’s a whole other story…
Oozing appeal with all his hotness and alpha wrapped up nicely in the manners his momma taught him – you won’t be able to resist Lincoln!
This book balanced all the elements of a home grown romance with a slice of surprise and some melt in your mouth moments so well!
I couldn’t recommend this author or her new series Hope Valley more!!
I am no stranger to Jessica Prince. I’ve read some of her books and got so excited when I received an ARC.
To be honest, I struggled through the first couple of chapters. I thought why did the character had so much bad self-image… I get that most of us struggle through life with insecurities, but Eden Brenner was something else… hers was just on a whole another level. Almost to the point of being annoying… I get that her upbringing sucks, but it was just too much, at least in my opinion anyway.
And don’t get me started with Lincoln… I know he was all kinds of hot but he was also kind of condescending… I know it’s probably just a southern thing, but there was just too much “baby,” “darlin,” “honey,” and “sweetheart.”
It took me until the middle to feel excited for the characters. I don’t if I’m the only one who feels this but yeah…
It has some angst to it, drama, comedy and action. It was definitely a slow burn but I still enjoyed the book nonetheless.
5 Stars
Review by Alysia
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Out of My League by Jessica Prince is a quick read that will warm your heart. There was a bit of action but it’s more of a sweet romance. The first thing I loved was the character names! They aren’t the standard Mary or Joe. They are very uncommon and unique. Also, all the Die Hard references were awesome.
Eden has had a crappy life. Growing up with her family was terrible and all she wanted to do was get away and find the perfect all American town. After a google search, she finds Hope Valley and is finally home. There, she meets the Lincoln. He is the hot neighbor, two doors down, who is totally out of her league.
Lincoln is the hot, steamy, alpha male that every woman dreams about. He is a bit of a player that never sees himself settling down with anyone. He is a Private Investigator and after a certain turn of events, now has to keep an eye on Eden. He may think her a plain Jane but, after one dance, all that changes.
Jessica Prince did an amazing job displaying how their love story progressed with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep you reading all night long. I wasn’t able to put this down!
I need the next book now!!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was impressed! Love, sassiness, and alphas that do not disappoint! Intrigue and strong characters take you on a ride for sure.
Oh my I think Eden and Lincoln are my new favourite couple from Jessica Prince. Every minute of their story had me on the edge of my seat it’s sweet sexy and heart breaking with aghast a plenty.
Eden has moved to Hope Valley to make a new life for herself. When she meets her new neighbour Lincoln she’s smitten but to him she’s a bit of a plain Jane and definitely not the type of women he would go for.
Lincoln has his own private security firm and when he’s asked to keep tabs on her as part of a job he realises there’s so much more to her than he thought but when Eden’s life begins to spiral and secrets are revealed will he run the risk losing her for good?
An amazing start to this new series and I can’t wait to read more from Hope Valley.
5 Finding a New Forever Stars!!!
I’m a long-time fan of Ms. Prince’s books and with each book I make a connection with one or more of her characters. But I can honestly say I’ve never connected with one of heroines the way I did with Eden Brenner. There’s just something about this woman that grabbed my heart and I felt like we had so much in common. I didn’t have anywhere the same type of childhood this strong and beautiful woman had, but I definitely can relate to how she feels about herself based on what she’s been told all her life.
Imagine looking for a place you can call home and finding the beautiful small town of Hope Valley and feeling like it’s a forever home. Well, Eden has moved to the picturesque town and while she’s mostly an introvert, her neighbor Nona is bound and determined to show Eden just how beautiful she is and then there’s Lincoln Shepherd. To say this man has an affect on Eden is putting it mildly….
“He called me buttercup! the teenage girl in my head was squealing and dancing like a maniac.”
Eden automatically is an okay person in Lincoln’s eyes because his dog Rocky, who he rescued and isn’t a fan of many people, immediately loved Eden. When Eden catches Lincoln’s eye one night, she’s not sure what to think because no man has ever paid this much attention to her. Little does she know that there’s an ulterior motive to his attention….or is there?
This book moves at a nice clip given the setting and the goings on in town…lots of crimes being committed that could potentially be linked to Eden. All the while, Eden and Lincoln become closer in every way possible…
“The sight of his naked chest took my breath away. There was no other way to describe it – he was sheer beauty. If it took the rest of my life, it still wouldn’t be enough time for me to look my fill.”
And let me tell you, I’m reading and enjoying watching these two fall in love and then BOOM!!! Leave it to Ms. Prince to throw in a twist that literally had me sitting straight up in my chair with a rapid heartbeat! Needless to say as tired as I was, cuz it was just before I was going to beg, I was wide awake and HAD to finish this book!!
I’m so in love with this book, these characters, this town and this new series. Based on the secondary characters we’ve met in this book I’m going to be a very happy reader! Ms. Prince has once again written a book that reeled me in from the very first chapter, gave me characters that I fell in love with and a hero I absolutely swooned over and a storyline that took me on quite a ride!!!
#outofmyleague #hopevalleybook1 #jessicaprince #lincolnandeden #shesfoundherforeverhome #inherforevertown #rockytherescuedpuppy #hecallsherbuttercup #shemakeshimlaugh #holycrapiNEVERsawthatcoming
Right from the beginning Eden Brenner is someone you just couldn’t help but root for to get her happily ever after. Due to a toxic childhood with horrible parents and an awful brother, all she’s wanted was to get away from all that abuse and find a place where she felt like she belonged, a place where she could just start over. So after years of living a nomadic life, she finally felt like settling somewhere so after a google search and weeks of visiting around the country, she found Hope Valley. As soon as she stepped foot in town she knew that she had found the home she’s been wishing for. And for the first time, she was making friends and having girl’s night out and having fun. And even though she could not believe a man like Lincoln, the most beautiful man she has ever seen, would ever be interested in her there is an inkling of hope, especially when he starts to pursue her.
Lincoln Sheppard is a bit of a player, but he is the type of man who helps elderly women with their groceries, rescues last chance pups and make sure to open doors for the ladies; a gentleman as Eden likes to call him. But he is still that protective, possessive alpha I so love. And as he starts to get to know Eden, he knew who she was for him. Unfortunately there is a secret he is keeping from her and once that is revealed, Eden is devastated. By getting both POVs, I started dreading the heartache that was coming and I did indeed shed some tears.
Eden and Lincoln’s journey to their happily ever after was definitely on the bumpy side; a bit of angst, Eden’s past rearing its ugly head, and some horrible “mean girls” but early on Lincoln knew Eden was the one and he was determined to fight for them. I have to say, I loved his attempts to get her to come back to him. That first reunion was so sweet but at the same time off the charts hot!
I definitely could not put this book down, I had to finish in one setting because the story was intense and even after they were committed to each other, there was more to come and not all good. I just had to find out what happened. Once all the danger was over, it was perfect, with the perfect epilogue. I definitely recommend this book! Cannot wait for the next installment of the Hope Valley series!
Jessica Prince is a one click author for me and I am so glad that she is writing a new series called “HOPE VALLEY”…
This series is totally right in my wheelhouse. It is set in Hope Valley which is #7 on the list of “most beautiful places in the United States for middle income”. It’s quiet, peaceful, and for the most part, crime free. The men in Hope Valley are unbelievable! “It was like there was something in the water or the air that made them some of finest men to ever walk the planet.” It’s also a town “with lots of great women, awesome women in it.” (and some nasty, vile b***hes also). RIGHT???? TOTALLY MY JAM!!!
OUT OF MY LEAGUE is the first book in the series. It features a new girl in town who draws the attention of her hot neighbor and his super fabulous dog. It’s a bit of suspense and romantic comedy all wrapped in one.
There is so much that I loved in this book… The setting, the cast of characters, the dialog, the newly formed female friendships and the charisma of the two main characters – oh, and the female protagonist’s job. The story moves at a pretty quick pace, kept my attention from beginning to end and set up the future of the series so well that I wish it was already written.
As I have with this author’s previous series, I am sure I will devour them each as they come out.
I recommend this enjoyable story!!!
Jessica Prince’s new Hope Valley Series kicks off with the sweet, small town romance Out of My League. With that small town feel, tight knit community, swoony romance and a bit of suspense mixed in, its a perfect start and gets me excited for more.
Eden Brenner could be you or me. Insecurities plague her and her self confidence is lacking. She’s had a rough life but she’s resilient and strong.
Lincoln Sheppard is the ultimate guy – alpha, good looking, neighborly, chivalrous. He puts off that playboy vibe but deep down he’s all heart and just needs the right woman to settle him down.
The easy pace, hilarious banter and sexy chemistry makes for a charming read. The story is full of heart, some complications, a group of friends and co-workers that everyone needs and that deserve theIr own stories too! And if we’re lucky, we’ll get one for every single one of them.
Out of My League is a sweet, sexy, small-town, alpha, slow-burn romance. From the moment that I “met” Eden I just wanted to read more and more and more. I wanted to be friends with her. There was just something about her that was so real. I absolutely adore reading “real” characters ones that have depth and flaws and just aren’t too perfect to be able to relate to. Jessica has a real knack for delivering these types of characters. Lincoln and Eden were so great together. I can not wait to return to Hope Valley to read more about this new town and all the intriguing characters we met there!
How could I not love this series??
With each released book, I love more and more this author’s work. I love her characters, the stories she tells, her towns and all the feelings she brings.
When I started this book, I was confident I was gonna love Marco (we met him in Consume – #3 Civil Corruption series). And don’t get me wrong, I am still in love with him, but now I’m also in love with Cord (I so need his book) and totally, oh totally in love with Lincoln.
From the moment I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down! I was enthranced by Eden and Lincoln, and I totally loved the secondary characters, such as Cord and Marco (as I already said), Nona, Rory, Hayes, Gypsy and others that were so sweet and funny!
Eden is shy and insecure, but not in an annoying way. She is like that in a relatable way, in a way you can understand, because somehow, for some reason, on some level, you feel that too. She is also sweet, sexy without knowing it (and that makes her sexier) and funny. She lights up the place where she is and she affects people around her, despite her past and the despicable family she has.
“My woman had a gift for making people laugh, even when they thought they had nothing to laugh about. I knew that for a fact, because she’d done that very thing for me.
It as one of the millions of reasons why I loved her”
Lincoln is sexy, cocky, protective and loyal. He started approaching Eden for secondary reasons, and he might be a little slow at realizing his feelings, but once he did, he was all in. He was caring, nurturing, he made her feel good about herself and he was totally and undenyably devoted to her.
“You told me that what we had was real for you from the very beginning. What I didn’t realize was that it was the same for me too. When I held you on the dance floor that first night, everything changed. You’re genuine and beautiful. I don’t just want you, Eden, I want to know you. You’re different than any wiamn I’ve ever been with (…) you make me laugh, and you make it so easy. I didn’t think that was possible”
But when some truths are uncovered, Eden has to decide wether or not she is willing to take some major risks in the feeling department. After being put let down over and over again by her family, she claimed to never allow someone to hurt her again.
And when the time came for her to choose, she followed her heart and made the right choice.
“The way I saw it, I had two choices. I could either hold on to the ugly and let it take root, let it fester and grow until its barbs were tangled so deep I was never able to let it go…
Or I could cut it out of me and allow room for the good to move in and grow in its place.
And as I lay there beneath the man I was falling hard and fast for, the decision came easily.
I chose to be happy”
Little did they know that, once they finally solved their issues and were happily in love, so many other things were coming against them putting in jeopardy not only their love but also their lives.
I was glad things took the time they did. They story couldn’t be rushed. Both of them needed to evolve in that time, and it wouldn’t make them justice to speed. It was the perfect pace.
I say and repeat: I couldn’t put the book down. I sucked every page and every word, avid for more of them, and when I realized the book was coming to an end, I felt truly ad, because I needed to know more about them, I needed to learn them, I needed to enjoy them, I wanted to love them.
My love for these characters was as intense as their love for each other, and I want more people to feel it too. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
“The intensity of what I was feeling for this woman hit me like a wrecking ball to the gut. I wasn’t falling for her, I’d already hit the ground. It was a feeling I’d never experienced, and it gave me a high I knew I’d chase for the rest of my life”
Wow!!!! What an amazing 5 star first book in a new series, Hope Valley. A great debut and introduction.
Eden finds a new beginning in Hope Valley. Having left behind a difficult childhood with parents and brother that never cared much for her. As she’s settling with a new home and friends, she’s admiring from afar, Lincoln. The sexy, gorgeous alpha notices her but for different reasons.
This was an amazing romantic suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. I loved the storyline and plot that kept me addicted and entertained. The characters were brilliantly created to make me feel for them, especially Eden. I can’t wait for more from this series.
Standalone for now, told in a dual POV with HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
If you like your alpha hero’s extra protective and filled with a heart of gold? You probably want to take some time to meet Lincoln Sheppard.
Seriously. This hero is delicious. He’s growly and stoic, sexy and – once that soft underbelly is exposed – charming as all get-out. I loved him. And I loved the evolution of his relationship with Eden.
Eden took a bit longer for me to warm up to. I struggle sometimes with heroines who struggle with themselves. It detracted from the romance for me a little bit and actually made it a little difficult for me to connect with the pacing of the love story. It moved faster than my heart did, in this case. And it felt just a tiny bit insta to me, which isn’t a bad thing necessarily, it just means that I didn’t always feel it the way I wanted to feel it.
I did, however, completely adored that little scene-stealer, Rocky, and the role he played in Eden and Lincoln’s relationship. I was also delighted with the secondary characters and the added depth and humor they brought to the story. Ultimately, it was well worth the read and I can’t wait to see where this series goes from here!
Eden has had a tough life, moving around all the time, with a family who puts her down every chance they get and who are on the wrong side of the law. It’s all done a number on her self-esteem. And yet, she’s still one of the most awesome heroines Jessica Prince has ever penned. She’s sweet, tough, and stands up for what (and who) she believes in. But when she meets her hot new neighbor, she knows (thinks) he’s far out of her league.
Lincoln is a ride or die kinda guy. So when his brother in arms asks him for a favor, he’s all in, no questions asked. So what if that favor requires him to get close to his new neighbor, the kind of woman he would normally not take much notice of. But, he soon realizes that Eden’s got layers he didn’t expect. And she’s got him hooked. But, when her past comes calling, can Lincoln keep her safe AND keep her in his life and in his heart? What about when she realizes just how and why their relationship started?
I absolutely LOVED Out of My League!! Eden is the perfect heroine for Lincoln. Their chemistry is hot and has depth, it’s not all just heat with no substance. And the story itself, with the dash of suspense, the small-town charm, and the secondary characters who are the perfect foil for this sweet and sexy couple, is riveting reading. Wow, I am seriously impressed. Seriously impressed. I’ve loved Jessica Prince’s rockers in Civil Corruption (well, some of the guys are major assholes at first), and I’ve loved her Locklaine Boys, and I am absolutely in love with her heroes and heroines in the Girl Talk series, but I gotta say that Out of My League has now taken the biggest part of my heart where all her writing resides. It’s so sweet, it’s sexy, it’s smart, and the banter is witty and snarky – perfect, in other words! I cannot wait for more of the Hope Valley crew. I know what comes next will be an amazing ride if Out of My League is any indication.
Ooh, who doesn’t love a growly alpha male with a soft and gooey underbelly he doesn’t expose to just anyone? Hmm? I see no hands raised, which means you’re going to love Lincoln Sheppard just as much as I do. He’s a retired military man who’s opened up a private security company in Hope Valley and he loves his job and his town. He doesn’t need anyone or anything else. Especially not the pretty, new, slightly mysterious resident of Hope Valley.
Eden Brenner has fought all her life for the quiet, peace and the home she’s found in Hope Valley. And she’s somehow caught the eye of her handsome next door neighbor. The man she’s had a massive crush on since moving in. A man she’d never thought would look twice at her.
But between Eden’s beauty and charm, Lincoln can’t help but notice her. And so help him when feeling start getting involved. And just when their romance is taking off, the past rears it’s ugly head.
Man, I wanted to love Out of My League. On paper, it seemed like sheer perfection: small town romance with a bit of heat and a crazy fun cast of characters. Don’t get me wrong, Out of My League is that but I struggled a bit connecting to Eden and the pace of the romance with Lincoln.
It happened really quickly and it seemed like Lincoln was just way too smooth with his initial wooing. After all he’d lived next door for several months and never paid Eden a bit of attention. However, once I warmed up and bought into their relationship, I was hooked.
And don’t even get me started on the rest of the secondary characters! I am greatly looking forward to more from them and this series.
As a fan-girl who has gobbled up many of Ms. Prince’s books through Kindle Unlimited over the last few years, I was so excited to get my hands on this first book in a new series. When I first started reading, I really wasn’t sure that I was going to like either character. Lincoln comes off as a typical playboy, and Eden seems like a doormat. I don’t like either type of character, so I was seriously a bit miffed. While I might have given up very quickly if reading a new author, because I have really liked so many of Ms. Prince’s past characters (e.g., Love Hate Relationship is one of my favorite books of all time!), I kept reading, though with one eyebrow cocked and a scowl on my face. And I’m so, so glad I did. Turns out, Linc just needed the right gal to come along, Eden was simply a nice person but had no problem showing plenty of backbone, and the two of them together were perfect. One of my favorite things about this story (as in Ms. Prince’s books in general) is how the conflict comes into play and then how things work out. This author isn’t afraid of the realistic, darker side of conflict and resolution. It’s the kind of stuff that gives me chills. On top of that, this book introduces a whole cast of characters that I’m already mesmerized with and can’t wait to learn more about. Bottom line: when all was said and done, I was holding my head in shame for having even a moment where I thought the characters were unlikeable and the story wouldn’t be one for me. In truth, it’s one I’ll read again when the next one comes out, and then again with the one after that, and so on.
This is the first book in Jessica Prince’s new series. I can already tell you I have fallen in love with the town of Hope Valley. I want to go visit. I will admit I was not a big fan of Lincoln’s attitude in the very beginning. I thought he was a little jerky, but I hung in there with him and he made it worth it. He turned out to be one heck of a character. He just needed the right woman to bring out the real man inside. Eden just captured my heart right from the beginning. Learning her past and seeing the heart of gold she has is truly beautiful. She deserves all the happiness the world has to offer. I loved watching her form friendships with some of the ladies of Hope Valley. This book definitely has it all. There is heart, heat, humor, and suspense. There were moments this book had me on the edge of my seat. Jessica started off this series with a bang and I can’t wait for ore books. I will be eagerly awaiting them.
Here is my preface— I LOVE JESSICA PRINCE!
This book was sooooo good! I absolutely love Lincoln and Eden. They are absolutely perfect for each other.
Eden is basically your girl next door that had some major parenting issues. What I mean by that is that her family sucks, straight up. She did grow up and see what they were doing and basically did the opposite and somehow ended up being one of the sweetest people ever. She has major self esteem issues, but rightfully so with her messed up family devaluing her worth all of the time. She decides to move to Hope Valley and start over.
Lincoln is a bit of a player, hot as heck and sex basically pouring off of him, he is never lacking on the female front. As an ex military man, he set up his own private investigation firm to fill with other military men to help use their talents for good.
There is a huge twist that goes down and it threatens to shatter Lincoln and Eden’s budding romance and her idealistic world. It is a bit heart-breaking– but that is when you know you have an amazing author!
Read this book if you enjoy steamy sexy men that see what is clearly in front of them and want to act on it!
Majorly 5 out of 5 stars from me for this book and I cannot wait for the next book!
PS: I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest feedback.