When you’re from a place like Clayton, PA, you either leave as soon as you can, or you never leave. We can’t even say we’re a one-stoplight town, because we don’t have a stoplight, just a traffic circle on a minor local highway. Here in Clayton, everyone knows everyone, and gossip and rumors are a way of life.So, when my high school sweetheart leaves our son and me for a woman in another state, … another state, it’s the talk of the town for months, if not years. Even my motor-mouthed, wild child of a best friend, Cora, can’t rustle up enough trouble to keep my name off their lips for more than a week or two.
So, when I meet a handsome, single man not from Clayton, I assume he’s just passing through.
It was just supposed to be a night of fun with my BFF before school starts—one last hurrah before lesson plans and homework and packing lunches and school pickup lines take over everything. It wasn’t supposed to lead to an intense, sizzling connection—an attraction which despite my most vehement denials goes far beyond the physical.
The real question now is…will it end in another heartbreak for me and my son, or could it become a Happily Ever After?
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First of all, I am so in love with the idea of a story for each of the 50 states in the U.S. I don’t do a lot of travelling and I look forward to seeing the United States through the eyes of Mrs. Wilder.
Jamie and Elyse meet at a bar during a night out. A one night stand is not a regular occurance for either, but also something neither can say no to. Their chemistry is off the charts and their night together was “magical”.
Being a single mom, Elyse has more to protect than just her own heart. Her son Aiden is her whole world and her mama bear instincts really come out to play. She certainly finds herself attracted Jamie and thinks often of their night together, but she’s sure she knows how to wrangle those feelings and keep them under control.
Jamie is divorced and has recently moved to Clayton because of his job, principal of Aiden’s elementary school. He also begins to spend more time with Aiden as he assists with football practice. Though Elyse refuses to discuss a repeat of their night together, Jamie continues to subtly pursue the chance to spend more time with Elyse.
Jamie and Elyse dance around each other throughout much of this book, but it’s the moments Jamie spends with Aiden that cause Elyse (and myself) to fall in love with him completely.
While there was nothing life changing or mind blowing about this book, it was certainly entertaining. I am looking forward to the next installment, Cowboy in Colorado.
What a fun idea! Jasinda is doing 50 stand-alone romance trope novels in all 50 states in the USA. This one has an unexpected pregnancy, which I love!
When you’re from a place like Clayton, PA, you either leave as soon as you can, or you never leave. We can’t even say we’re a one-stoplight town, because we don’t have a stoplight, just a traffic circle on a minor local highway. Here in Clayton, everyone knows everyone, and gossip and rumors are a way of life.
So, when my high school sweetheart leaves our son and me for a woman in another state, it’s the talk of the town for months, if not years. Even my motor-mouthed, wild child of a best friend, Cora, can’t rustle up enough trouble to keep my name off their lips for more than a week or two.
So, when I meet a handsome, single man not from Clayton, I assume he’s just passing through.
It was just supposed to be a night of fun with my BFF before school starts—one last hurrah before lesson plans and homework and packing lunches and school pickup lines take over everything. It wasn’t supposed to lead to an intense, sizzling connection—an attraction which despite my most vehement denials goes far beyond the physical.
The real question now is…will it end in another heartbreak for me and my son, or could it become a Happily Ever After?
such a sweet and tender story!! Love is stronger!!
I absolutely LOVED this book!! This is the first of the 50 States of Love Series and I am so excited!
Pregnant in Pennsylvania may be one of my top reads by Jasinda at this point. There wasn’t anything about this story I didn’t like. Elyse is a single mother who was hurt really bad by her son’s dad and doesn’t really do the dating scene. Then walks in Jamie.
Jamie is HOT and probably my 2nd book boyfriend. He is one of the sweetest characters I have ever read. Jamie went through a pretty rough divorce himself, but falls instantly for Elyse…and then falls in love with her son. Adorable love story that I soon will not forget!!!
Jasinda’s new second chance romance set in a small town with an unexpected pregnancy … yes, please!
Unexpected pregnancy and super sexy!
I knew when I read that Jack Wilder was saying this new series with 50 States of Love was going to kill him and Jasinda by the end that I HAD to read them ALL!! Mainly, I just enjoy Jasinda Wilder’s writing and was really excited to see how the books were related to their titles state. This book, Pregnant in Pennsylvania, was adorable! Elyse is a local lifer. She’s lived in Clayton all her life only leaving for college and returning once she finished college. Her life was exactly what she wanted… small town living and raising a family. Until one day, ever changed for Elyse and her ex-husband Dan.
Elyse and Dan created a sweetheart named Aiden. It was just Elyse and Aiden. They formed a really sweet mom and son bond. This has to have one of the most adorable book openings I’ve ever read with single parents. I think this is what Elsye had a hard time moving on from. Change is hard. Fear is deep especially when you’re a single mom with double the fear. You aren’t just protecting your heart but the heart outside of your body. The new man in town is persistent and the situation isn’t as simple as just a man and a woman liking each other. But Jaime is smitten and he doesn’t give up! I really adored him quickly.
If I had to complain about anything with this book is that I really wish it had been in dual POV. I would have loved reading Jaime’s personal thoughts. I’ve never been to Pennsylvania besides driving through, it seriously feels like the state goes on forever and there’s always construction going on… and oh man the deer are plentiful!! This felt like a small town story with tons of normal, everyday real feelings and fears. I really appreciated the way Elyse made herself think positive things about herself for each negative. It’s a good reminder that we all age and our bodies change as we get older. Elsye is a character that most women, especially moms, are going to relate too. I’m really excited for the next book!!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
i totally will look forward to each and every state, the hubs & i love travel … 50 books … can’t wait to see what we will do and see in each and every book. so excited. i enjoyed this read. tamer than the Badd Brothers or Dad Bod Contracting both are awesome reads/series … please check them out if you have not done so as of yet, u will love each and every one for so many amazing reasons, PROMISE. & do understand i am not saying there are not sizzle-y moments in this read ’cause there are … totally! just a different kind of sizzle. I wanna know what will happen in my home state of Virginia? Aren’t you curious what will happen in your state. Please know “Cowboy in Colorado” is coming August 2nd & “Married in Michigan” is coming Oct 4th, Both are available for PreOrder. So awesome. I just love how Jasinda has a great way of writing that pulls u in and makes you wanna more about her characters, like you wonder about them when the book is over, u become so dedicated to her what and where will this head. well written. keeps ya curious. easily visualized in your mind … makes ya wanna travel to PA. Have you been there … gorgeous state, lots of family there … so I know it well. great history … know that Jasinda … say a bit … don’t quote me here …but it is just her thoughts, u can see some similarity if you were to travel there …but it is not a true location … just based off ideas made up in her head. well done. I look forward to those other states … can’t wait!! ( ;
Pregnant in Pennsylvania was such a cute read from Jasinda Wilder!!
When I first heard about this idea for 50 reads, set in the 50 states, I knew that I was immediately on board with the idea. In fact, I was so intrigued by an idea that I had never heard of before.
Elyse and Jamie are such a fabulous couple. They have each been through their fair share of heartbreak, turmoil, obstacles, and emotional moments. When Elyse’s husband left her and their son, I couldn’t contain the emotion I was feeling. Having gone through something relatively similar, I knew exactly what her and her son were feeling. They were heartbroken. They felt as though things may have been their fault, wondered what they could have done differently, and how things would be different in the result of a different outcome. It is because of the realness of the situation, that I constantly found myself connecting to Elyse. She is a character you not only read about, but you feel, deeply inside yourself.
When you put Elyse and Jamie together fireworks ignite. I love how Jamie was able to be there for Elyse. He became her rock. Her constant and her shoulder to lean on. They relationship was so effortless, and intense, that you constantly wish that everything will be okay and that they end up together. You root for them right up to the last page.
This novel left me heart bursting from my chest at the pure intensity of love and passion coming from within the pages.
I cannot wait to read the next instalment in the 50 States of Love Series. I know that it is something I will look forward to!
4.5/5 Stars!
What a great first book in a fun new series idea. Two people drawn together by so many twists of fate. But will they be able to conquer their fears to be together? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
The wonderful Wilders are taking us on a romantic trip around the USA. We start in small town America, in the state of Pennsylvania. Family owned businesses, main street gossip, and of course football.
Elyse is the high school guidance counselor and a single mother of a little boy. She was hurt so badly by her husband, that she doesn’t want to pursue a relationship to protect herself and her son. She meets an attractive man on a night out on the town with her friends. There’s a surprise for her when school starts. Can Elyse overcome her fears, and commit to the man of her’s and her son’s dreams.
I’m looking forward to the next 49 states in their new 50 book series. As always the Wilders combine heartfelt romance, a little suspense, and a bit of comedy to create an emotional, well written story. Enjoy the road trip!
Pregnant in Pennsylvania is a sweet & fun story that kicks off the new 50 States of Love series from Jasinda Wilder…take a tour of the US starting with an unexpected pregnancy in PA 😉 Love this concept!
I love second chance romances especially in a small town! It’s inspirational and romantic – everything I’m looking for in this great world building Jasinda’s done!
Quick and fun read. I really enjoyed this one! I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. This book had like-able characters and a story that was easy to get sucked into. Elyse and Jamie are characters that I couldn’t help loving. Elyse is a single mom in a small town, who against her better judgement, has a one night stand with Jamie. Turns out Jamie is the newly hired principal at her son’s school. There is a bit of awkwardness because of this, but there is a real connection that they are unable to keep denying. All in all, the story was pure fun.
This story is so good and I am so excited for everyone to read it!
Elise has lived in Clayton, this very small town, since she was born and she has no intention of leaving! She is happy with her life, her son Aiden and her friend Cora, her parents and her job..she didn’t know what she’s been missing until Jamie enters her life.
This man is absolutely amazing and I was rooting for them!!!
I live the small town feels and her crazy family!
Can’t wait for next book!
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Pregnant in Pennsylvania kicks off a new 50 States of Love series by Jasinda Wilder. It’s a contemporary romance centered around a high school counselor, Elyse, and an elementary school principal Jamie.
Elyse is totally gun shy when it comes to romantic relationships. She’s been burned pretty badly by her high school sweetheart which was her husband too. He left her for another woman and she’s raising their son by herself. Thankfully she has help from her parents and BFF.
Living in such a small town you pretty much know everyone and their business. So when Elise notices a guy she’s never met before at one of the local watering holes her interest was peaked. Though she knows she can’t commit to more than one night because her son comes first.
The shock of who the new guy is and their combustible attraction is hard to avoid. Hello small town. Jamie is persistent I’ll give him that! He definitely isn’t interested in giving up on Elyse. You know when you’ve got a good thing so you might as well hold onto it!
5 Amazing stars!!
Pregnant in Pennsylvania was absolutely an amazing read. I just couldn’t get enough of this book. OMG all the warm and fuzzy’s. This book is the first in a 50 book state series. If the next 49 books are like Pregnant in Pennsylvania then 50 just won’t be enough for me.
Elyse is divorced single mother who lives in the small town of Clayton PA where the available single men are in shortage. However one night her BFF Cora, who is absolutely hilarious, finally talks Elyse into a girls night out. While out Elyse meets a new comer to town who she’s instantly attracted. Jaime, who just moved to Clayton is out enjoying the nigh life in this new town at a local bar. Little does either them know that this one chance night out will change their lives.
This book is a total must read by Jasinda Wilder. Pregnant in Pennsylvania will have you laughing, and awe all through the entire book. This was the first book I’ve read of 2019 that was just so realistic that I felt like I watching a best-friend go through everything that Elyse and jaime go through.
A surprise pregnancy with a second chance romance? Yes, please!
“You can’t live your life scared of the what-ifs, Elyse.”
But that’s exactly what she’s been doing since her divorce, since her ex left her and their son without a second glance. And, for the past three years, Elyse’s focus has been solely on her son, Aiden, shielding him from anymore heartbreak and making sure that he understands just how much he’s loved regardless of his father’s neglect.
As a single, working mother, Elyse has had to juggle a lot of responsibilities and play numerous roles in order to take care of everyone in her life, and she has done remarkably well to keep all parts of her life moving forward, protecting Aiden from further pain, but in the process of focusing on her work and her son, she’s also found a way to prevent any personal heartache for herself, feeling that she doesn’t have time for any distractions, but what that has also done is give her a way to hide behind her son, ensuring that she won’t have to be let down by anyone else if she doesn’t give her heart away again.
But what she didn’t anticipate was meeting a man who ‘gets’ her on every level…who allows her to experience the kind of intimacy that she never had with her ex-husband…who is as smitten with her son as he is with her…who keeps pursuing her even when she’s rejected him and sent him mixed signals numerous times…who vows to show her that the ‘what-ifs’ can actually mean something amazing instead of how she views them as too much to risk.
Jamie Trent may not be a typical alpha male book boyfriend, but I think that’s why I rooted for him from his very first encounter with Elyse. He also endured a divorce – one that made him question his and other people’s choices, but he never gives up on finding love again and he sees exactly what he wants in Elyse and is patient enough to allow Elyse to work through her fears and concerns while also proving to her that he’s nothing like her ex and that they can create something beautiful, not only for one another but for Aiden as well.
Pregnant in Pennsylvania teaches many lessons about life and love, and while they will all resonate with readers, two in particular are extremely important beliefs to remember:
“Nobody gets through life without scars,” and “Fear is a powerful thing – but love is stronger.”
The truth that these two ideas speak to is exactly what Elyse, what readers who have faced similar situations need to hold onto because there will always be pain in life…there will always be heartache, but it’s up to each person as to how s/he responds to the difficult times and the actions taken, but holding onto the belief that better days are ahead…that love can persevere through anything makes every day a little bit better than the last until the heartbreak is completely in the past and a happy present and future are what matters most.
4 Poison Apples
The Wilders have embarked on a romance novel road trip of the fifty states, and the first stop is Clayton, Pennsylvania. A small, endearing town in which everyone knows everyone, and I absolutely loved visiting here through their eyes.
Elyse Thomas, high school guidance counselor, single mom, is a woman who was burned by love once. Burned so bad that when a handsome stranger strolls into town,the mere thought of letting any man back in her life is just too much for her to fathom. So what if the man is perfect in every way, getting attached is just something she cannot do.
If the next books of this romantic road trip are like Pregnant in Pennsylvania, then my bags are packed, I have a car full of gas and snacks… I’m ready to visit all of them. The amount of emotions packed in just this book alone is enough for me to say that I’m invested. I love and support wherever the characters take the Wilders.