| Nash Montgomery is always up for a good time. But when a senior prank goes too far, his baseball scholarship is put at risk, threatening the future everyone expects him to follow. The consequences earn him community service at a local youth center where he discovers a passion that defies the path he thought had been laid out for him. Cassidy is a talented musician trapped under the weight of her mother’s ambitious dreams for her. Desperate to carve out her own identity, she struggles to find her voice amidst the noise of others’ expectations. Their worlds collide in Nashville when both earn a spot on Real American Country, a new reality TV competition for aspiring country stars. As they navigate the pressures of the spotlight, they’ll have to decide if they’re chasing their own dreams—or someone else’s. And along the way, they’ll discover that getting wrapped up in the right person can bring out the best in themselves. Wrapped Up in You is a heartwarming tale about breaking free from the expectations of others, finding love, and discovering that the best path is the one you create for yourself. |  |
Genre: Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release date: October 1, 2024
Release date: October 1, 2024
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Interview with Jennifer
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
I accidentally started writing a series I’ve dubbed Real American Country. It centralizes on a group of contestants who are selected to appear on a reality TV show for aspiring country music artists and that show happens to be called Real American Country. Book one (Fall When You’re Ready) was supposed to be a standalone.
Instead, characters kept demanding I write their stories. If you’ve read Fall When You’re Ready, you may have caught glimpses of Cassidy Raye Stanton starting around Chapter 42. And you really only see Nash Montgomery’s name mentioned in conversation. But for whatever reason, these two got my attention and I needed to know why. When I started prodding, they delivered.
I accidentally started writing a series I’ve dubbed Real American Country. It centralizes on a group of contestants who are selected to appear on a reality TV show for aspiring country music artists and that show happens to be called Real American Country. Book one (Fall When You’re Ready) was supposed to be a standalone.
Instead, characters kept demanding I write their stories. If you’ve read Fall When You’re Ready, you may have caught glimpses of Cassidy Raye Stanton starting around Chapter 42. And you really only see Nash Montgomery’s name mentioned in conversation. But for whatever reason, these two got my attention and I needed to know why. When I started prodding, they delivered.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I started writing it while the first book was in edits in October 2023. The first draft didn’t take too long but to get to a place where I was happy with the final product was about eleven months. I sent it to ARC readers September 1 and it was published October 1, 2024!
I started writing it while the first book was in edits in October 2023. The first draft didn’t take too long but to get to a place where I was happy with the final product was about eleven months. I sent it to ARC readers September 1 and it was published October 1, 2024!
#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I absolutely love romance books, but what really draws me in are the stories that focus on the emotions and the characters, rather than just what happens behind closed doors. When I started writing, that’s what I wanted to capture—the emotional journey of falling in love. It’s about those little moments that make your heart skip a beat, like a lingering glance or a meaningful touch. Do you remember how powerful a single whispered word can be? That’s the magic I want to bottle up in my stories.
For me, the best part is when characters grow together. They face life’s challenges, support each other, and come out stronger on the other side. It’s not just about falling in love, but about how love can make you a better person.
That’s why I write sweet contemporary romance—because the stories I want to tell are about heartfelt connections, emotional growth, and the kind of love that lifts you up, not just romantically, but as a whole person.
I absolutely love romance books, but what really draws me in are the stories that focus on the emotions and the characters, rather than just what happens behind closed doors. When I started writing, that’s what I wanted to capture—the emotional journey of falling in love. It’s about those little moments that make your heart skip a beat, like a lingering glance or a meaningful touch. Do you remember how powerful a single whispered word can be? That’s the magic I want to bottle up in my stories.
For me, the best part is when characters grow together. They face life’s challenges, support each other, and come out stronger on the other side. It’s not just about falling in love, but about how love can make you a better person.
That’s why I write sweet contemporary romance—because the stories I want to tell are about heartfelt connections, emotional growth, and the kind of love that lifts you up, not just romantically, but as a whole person.
#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Can you keep a secret? OK, good. Yes, I do. And they aren’t the main characters! One of my favorite character duos is Jet and Cody in Wrapped Up in You. Cody (short for Cordelia) is Nash's younger sister. She's a constant bright spot in everyone's day. And Jet is a kid who needs Nash as much as Nash needed him.
Nash becomes the big brother Jet never had and Jet helps send Nash down the path fate cooked up for him.
If I thought I could, I'd write Jet and Cody's love story RIGHT NOW because the two of them are precious in the few glimpses we get of them. Alas, my TBW (to-be written) pile is already too tall as it is!
Can you keep a secret? OK, good. Yes, I do. And they aren’t the main characters! One of my favorite character duos is Jet and Cody in Wrapped Up in You. Cody (short for Cordelia) is Nash's younger sister. She's a constant bright spot in everyone's day. And Jet is a kid who needs Nash as much as Nash needed him.
Nash becomes the big brother Jet never had and Jet helps send Nash down the path fate cooked up for him.
If I thought I could, I'd write Jet and Cody's love story RIGHT NOW because the two of them are precious in the few glimpses we get of them. Alas, my TBW (to-be written) pile is already too tall as it is!
#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Wrapped Up in You is a story of love, music, and the sacrifices we make for those who hold our hearts. In the end, it’s about finding your way back to the one who feels like home—even if it means taking the long way around. It’s a story about taking charge of your future and trusting your gut even when the weight of everyone else’s expectations is heavy.
I hope readers come away with a sense of hope and a reminder that love isn’t always easy, but when it’s real, it’s worth fighting for. I want them to feel inspired by the emotional growth of the characters, the power of trust, and the importance of following your heart—even when it leads you down unexpected paths. Ultimately, I want readers to see that love is about more than just finding someone; it’s about building a life together and supporting each other through all of life’s challenges.
Wrapped Up in You is a story of love, music, and the sacrifices we make for those who hold our hearts. In the end, it’s about finding your way back to the one who feels like home—even if it means taking the long way around. It’s a story about taking charge of your future and trusting your gut even when the weight of everyone else’s expectations is heavy.
I hope readers come away with a sense of hope and a reminder that love isn’t always easy, but when it’s real, it’s worth fighting for. I want them to feel inspired by the emotional growth of the characters, the power of trust, and the importance of following your heart—even when it leads you down unexpected paths. Ultimately, I want readers to see that love is about more than just finding someone; it’s about building a life together and supporting each other through all of life’s challenges.
#6. How did you name your characters?
My characters’ names usually show up when they do! It’s funny, there have been instances where I name a character and then halfway through the manuscript I decide I don’t like the name for some reason and I’ll change it. Or there’s one draft I was writing where I named one guy Dan and another Danny and they had the same job and I didn’t realize it until I went back and proofread it and got confused! So Dan became Scott haha! I do try to stick to time appropriate names when necessary. If I’m writing “in the 1990s” then I hover around names I remember being popular then. I have found myself on the Baby Names website to double check!
My characters’ names usually show up when they do! It’s funny, there have been instances where I name a character and then halfway through the manuscript I decide I don’t like the name for some reason and I’ll change it. Or there’s one draft I was writing where I named one guy Dan and another Danny and they had the same job and I didn’t realize it until I went back and proofread it and got confused! So Dan became Scott haha! I do try to stick to time appropriate names when necessary. If I’m writing “in the 1990s” then I hover around names I remember being popular then. I have found myself on the Baby Names website to double check!
#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
Wrapped Up in You was 10,000 words heavier before the final round of edits! I love words. I always want the reader to know EVERYTHING about everything so trying to come to grips with needing to cut scenes is hard for me. We cut about 10,000 words about two weeks before it went to ARC readers and I cut every single one of them in protest. Then I re-read it and knew it had been the absolute right decision.
Then I got an e-mail from an ARC reader telling me that a sentence somewhere in the first two pages was duplicated… so I got to cut a few more words after that!
Wrapped Up in You was 10,000 words heavier before the final round of edits! I love words. I always want the reader to know EVERYTHING about everything so trying to come to grips with needing to cut scenes is hard for me. We cut about 10,000 words about two weeks before it went to ARC readers and I cut every single one of them in protest. Then I re-read it and knew it had been the absolute right decision.
Then I got an e-mail from an ARC reader telling me that a sentence somewhere in the first two pages was duplicated… so I got to cut a few more words after that!
#8. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I'm Jennifer Carr. I'm a wife (married my best friend that I met when I was 13), homeschooling mom (1 teenage daughter who is an artist and looks just like her dad), part-time farmer (we just downsized to chickens only but there were goats not long ago!), social media addict (Queen of the Doomscroll!), and an avid reader (I’ll give anything a try). I'm a lover of coffee, music, learning, animals, and writing. I have a degree in Psychology, a Master's in Marriage & Family Counseling, and certifications in Life Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and am a certified Brain Health Professional. I also taught high school AP Psychology for several years. Then I wrote a book... and my world shifted on its axis.
In March 2023, I launched a podcast in hopes of cultivating a community geared toward creatives—authors, musicians, artists, etc. My goal has been to foster a platform where we can share ideas, support one another's work, and create a network of resources creatives need along their journey.
I'm Jennifer Carr. I'm a wife (married my best friend that I met when I was 13), homeschooling mom (1 teenage daughter who is an artist and looks just like her dad), part-time farmer (we just downsized to chickens only but there were goats not long ago!), social media addict (Queen of the Doomscroll!), and an avid reader (I’ll give anything a try). I'm a lover of coffee, music, learning, animals, and writing. I have a degree in Psychology, a Master's in Marriage & Family Counseling, and certifications in Life Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and am a certified Brain Health Professional. I also taught high school AP Psychology for several years. Then I wrote a book... and my world shifted on its axis.
In March 2023, I launched a podcast in hopes of cultivating a community geared toward creatives—authors, musicians, artists, etc. My goal has been to foster a platform where we can share ideas, support one another's work, and create a network of resources creatives need along their journey.
#9. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
If I could change one thing in my life, it would be learning earlier to surround myself with people who support me as much as I support them. For the longest time, I lived in a world where almost every relationship I had was one-sided. I poured my heart and soul into friendships and relationships, always being the one to give more, only to find myself burned out and, eventually, abandoned once the support fizzled then stopped.
Looking back, I wish I had recognized sooner that I deserved mutual support—people who genuinely had my back, who lifted me up the same way I did for them. It’s a tough lesson, but one I’m grateful for now. Relationships, whether personal or professional, should be balanced, with love and support flowing both ways, and I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when someone isn’t offering that same energy in return.
If I could change one thing in my life, it would be learning earlier to surround myself with people who support me as much as I support them. For the longest time, I lived in a world where almost every relationship I had was one-sided. I poured my heart and soul into friendships and relationships, always being the one to give more, only to find myself burned out and, eventually, abandoned once the support fizzled then stopped.
Looking back, I wish I had recognized sooner that I deserved mutual support—people who genuinely had my back, who lifted me up the same way I did for them. It’s a tough lesson, but one I’m grateful for now. Relationships, whether personal or professional, should be balanced, with love and support flowing both ways, and I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when someone isn’t offering that same energy in return.
#10. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
If you love a book or even just like a book, please leave at least a star-rating for it somewhere! Whether it’s Goodreads, Facebook, Amazon, or some other social platform, drop a quick line with some stars and share the love!
Authors, especially self-published authors, bank on word-of-mouth for the majority of their marketing so we live for the ratings and reviews.
Also, if you love something about a book, I promise you the author would LOVE to hear from you! (Case in point, this author would LOVE to hear from you!)
If you love a book or even just like a book, please leave at least a star-rating for it somewhere! Whether it’s Goodreads, Facebook, Amazon, or some other social platform, drop a quick line with some stars and share the love!
Authors, especially self-published authors, bank on word-of-mouth for the majority of their marketing so we live for the ratings and reviews.
Also, if you love something about a book, I promise you the author would LOVE to hear from you! (Case in point, this author would LOVE to hear from you!)
#11. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
It’s OK to be yourself. We often feel pressure to fit into molds or expectations that others set for us, but there’s real freedom in embracing who we truly are. It’s OK to be imperfect, to have quirks, and to live authentically. The world needs the unique perspective that only you can offer.
But, it’s best to be who you were created to be. We’re all created with purpose, and it’s not just about being yourself, but becoming who God designed you to be. It’s about leaning into your God-given gifts and strengths, even when that path may be challenging or countercultural. There’s a deep fulfillment in aligning your life with God’s purpose for you, trusting that His plan is greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves.
It’s OK to be yourself. We often feel pressure to fit into molds or expectations that others set for us, but there’s real freedom in embracing who we truly are. It’s OK to be imperfect, to have quirks, and to live authentically. The world needs the unique perspective that only you can offer.
But, it’s best to be who you were created to be. We’re all created with purpose, and it’s not just about being yourself, but becoming who God designed you to be. It’s about leaning into your God-given gifts and strengths, even when that path may be challenging or countercultural. There’s a deep fulfillment in aligning your life with God’s purpose for you, trusting that His plan is greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves.
More from Jennifer
Wrapped Up in You is book two of the Real American Country Series. But don’t worry, it can definitely be read as a standalone! The series follows a reality television country music competition and some of the contestants as they pursue their dreams of becoming country music recording artists. This book follows the story of Nash Montgomery and Cassidy Raye Stanton as they each navigate the pressures of the spotlight. They’ll each have to decide if they’re chasing their own dreams—or someone else’s. And along the way, they’ll discover that getting wrapped up in the right person can bring out the best in themselves.
Wrapped Up in You is a heartwarming tale about breaking free from the expectations of others, finding love, and discovering that the best path is the one you create for yourself.
One of my favorite things about writing this series is coming up with custom playlists for each book. If you love country music or just want to see what all the fuss is about, here’s the playlist that goes along with Wrapped Up in You: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hXjkRFytj9tPFpitHRdEf?si=d0209225ac1f41e0
Wrapped Up in You is a heartwarming tale about breaking free from the expectations of others, finding love, and discovering that the best path is the one you create for yourself.
One of my favorite things about writing this series is coming up with custom playlists for each book. If you love country music or just want to see what all the fuss is about, here’s the playlist that goes along with Wrapped Up in You: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hXjkRFytj9tPFpitHRdEf?si=d0209225ac1f41e0
 | I’m Jennifer Carr. I’m a wife, homeschooling mom, baker, part-time farmer, social media addict, and an avid reader. I’m a lover of coffee, music, learning, animals, and writing. I have a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Marriage & Family Counseling, and certifications in Life Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and am a certified Brain Health Professional. I also taught high school AP Psychology for several years. I’ve always loved writing. Complete transparency alert – I never set out to become an author. I know, that probably sounds unlikely considering, but it’s true. I sat down one day and decided I wanted to write a story because I needed to know how a dream I’d awoken from ended. It snowballed and turned into chapters and eventually into an entire book. When I finished that book, I needed to make sure my characters were OK and thriving so I wrote the second book. |
It was at that point I realized that being an author was something I could see myself doing for a really long time. So, I’m
still writing and loving every minute of it. When I’m not writing, there’s a good chance I’m reading and drinking coffee!
still writing and loving every minute of it. When I’m not writing, there’s a good chance I’m reading and drinking coffee!
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize of
a 6-Month Kindle Unlimited Subscription and an eBook copy of the book!!
a 6-Month Kindle Unlimited Subscription and an eBook copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
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Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 16 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, January 17 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17
For the Love of Literature, January 18 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, January 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 20 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 21
Blossoms and Blessings, January 22 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23
Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 25
Stories By Gina, January 26 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, January 26
For Him and My Family, January 27
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 28 (Author Interview)
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 16 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, January 17 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17
For the Love of Literature, January 18 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, January 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 20 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 21
Blossoms and Blessings, January 22 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23
Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 25
Stories By Gina, January 26 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, January 26
For Him and My Family, January 27
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 28 (Author Interview)