Men like Nick should come with a warning label... don’t touch. He walked into the shop, smelling like heaven, wanting his first tattoo, and I should have refused his business. Because I knew the moment I set eyes on him, I didn’t stand a chance. Still, I fell down the rabbit-hole with him.
Now, he’s gone, moved on, and the result of our one-night stand is left growing inside me. I’ll probably never see this man again.
NICK
It was only supposed to be a little ink. A parting gift to myself from myself. Because when your girlfriend dumps you for a famous rockstar, you leave. You move on. You get the hell out of town and forget all about her. But I never counted on meeting Amanda before I left. Or the night we shared. Or the mark she left when she put her ink on my skin.
Sarah Darlington was born in Colorado and grew up all over the United States. These days, she calls Virginia home, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and large dog. The best word to describe Sarah is 'creative.' She's passionate about designing, crafting, and photography. But most of all... she loves creating stories through her writing. Her romance books are sexy and heart-gripping at their core, guaranteed to make you swoon. Any of them can be read as a stand-alone, but all are connected within the same world.
Jeff and Ashlyn are stuck in the virgin zone. What’s that? Well, it’s when two people have been dating for several months, but they have yet to make it past first base. The longer it takes for one of them to make a move, the harder it is to just do it already.
But things are about to change.
Jeff has plans. So does Ashlyn. Mission: Drive each other crazy.
If it works, they’ll both get what they want this Valentine’s Day.
Jeff and Ashlyn are both nineteen year old college students who were introduced in Outcast. If you haven’t read that one, I’d definitely recommend it as it provides added glimpses of their characters. (Plus it’s a good story!)
“Sweet Dreams” is a short story that tells of of Jeff and Ashlyn’s hook-up after months of dating. On one hand, I’m a little bummed that this wasn’t expanded into a novella so we could have gotten more build-up. I would have definitely liked to read more about their dating days.
“‘Five seconds after you’re out this door, I’ve got my cock in my hand. I think about you naked. On your back. Bent over. On top of me. In the shower. In the pool. Name any scenario, and I’ve jerked off to it.’”
Never the less, their hook-up is pretty hot—one of those nice blends of dirty and steamy but without being cheesy.
Told via their dual alternating first person POV, both Ashlyn and Jeff are both likable characters. I especially appreciated that Ashlyn was confident, and she wasn’t insecure about her body.
I kinda wish Jeff would have reveled in showing her off though rather than covering/hiding her. That’s so much more empowering. But all in all, they were a sweet pair.
Now I have to admit, I had some trouble with the epilogue. While it had a “realness” factor to it, for someone with emetophobia like myself it didn’t leave me with feel-good vibes. Truth be told, I would have far preferred more of the beginning of their relationship and less of the later years.
Safety Recap:
No cheating. No sex scenes w/OP. No OW/OM drama. H&h are both virgins. No rape or sexual abuse. HEA.
*Title purchased in February 2020. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of transparency and providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating.
I’ve been putting my son first for so long that I’ve forgotten how to be me. Each monotonous day bleeds into the next, and I feel like I’m struggling to keep my head above water.
But a kiss at the top of a Ferris wheel with a man I barely know changes that.
Jay reminds me that I used to be bold. Vivacious. Funny.
Strong.
Now if only I could convince him his past mistakes don’t define the man he is today.
JAY
I can perform over a dozen illusions with a simple sleight of hand, but I can’t make the felony on my record disappear.
The last thing I should be doing is hanging around a young single mom and her kid.
But Casey doesn’t know that I’ve been watching her. That I want her for myself. That I’m addicted to her dimples, her tenacity, her fierce love for her child.
If I was a better man, I’d leave her alone, but she pulls off the biggest magic trick of all time: making me believe I’m a good guy.
Cover Design: Tanya Baikie at More Than Words Graphic Design
Jamie Schlosser writes steamy new adult romance and romantic comedy. When she isn't creating perfect book boyfriends, she's a stay-at-home mom to her two wonderful kids. She believes reading is a great escape, otters are the best animal, and nothing is more satisfying than a happily-ever-after ending.
The last person I expected to see on this tropical island is my ex. Although, since I never actually broke up with her, isn’t she technically still my girlfriend?
Yeah, I’ve got some explaining to do. And groveling. Probably some begging, too. Good thing we’re stuck at this resort together for the next three weeks.
Corrine Harper is the only girl I’ve ever wanted, and I won’t let her slip through my fingers again. They call me Aiden the unattainable. Consider me attained.
Cover Design: Tanya Baikie @ More Than Words Graphic Design
Jamie Schlosser grew up on a farm in Illinois surrounded by cornfields. Although she no longer lives in the country, her dream is to return to rural living someday. As a stay-at-home mom, she spends most of her days running back and forth between her two wonderful kids and her laptop. She loves her family, iced coffee, and happily-ever-afters.
It doesn’t take much to become the laughing stock of reality television. Just ask Theodore “Theo-Dog” Legend. Once you’ve pissed on a fire hydrant in front of the paparazzi, no one ever lets you forget it.
Hadley Holiday is on her way to being America’s sweetheart, thanks to her dog training routine on a national talent show. Although she didn’t win first prize, she snagged Theo’s attention and he’ll do just about anything to make her his—even if it means being the butt of everyone’s joke once again.
Hadley wants a career in showbiz. Theo needs to get rid of that doggone nickname—pun intended. Pairing the two together on a new show sounds like a disaster waiting to happen... or it could be the best thing that’s ever happened to them.
Jamie Schlosser grew up on a farm in Illinois surrounded by cornfields. Although she no longer lives in the country, her dream is to return to rural living someday. As a stay-at-home mom, she spends most of her days running back and forth between her two wonderful kids and her laptop. She loves her family, iced coffee, and happily-ever-afters.
Genre: College Sports Romance Release Date: November 5, 2018
~Blurb~
You know those stories where the smart girl tutors the dumb jock? This isn’t it.
Blair
What’s the probability of insulting the one guy on campus I need to help me pass statistics? If I knew, I wouldn’t be standing in front of Wes Reynolds begging him to tutor me.
Basketball player, sexy, arrogant, always sleeping through class… these are the things I knew about him. What I didn’t know is that he is a seriously smart jock.
Wes
What’s the best way to get rid of the peppy and unrelenting girl that keeps asking me to tutor her? If I knew, I wouldn’t be staring at her tan legs and attempting to teach her statistics.
Sorority girl, fine as f**k, determined, ball buster… these are the things I knew about her. What I didn’t know is that she is all the things I didn’t realize I wanted or needed.
Or that one semester with her would change everything.
“Rise and shine,” Joel says as he nudges me. I’m not asleep.
I wish I were. My eyes are closed, hat pulled down, but there’s no sleep to be had.
“She’s coming back for more.” The tone in his voice is almost inspired.
I don’t have to look up to know who he’s talking about, but I do anyway. She’s the most entertaining thing about this class. Open my eyes and lift the hat, turn it backward so my view isn’t the least bit blocked.
Today she’s wearing little pink shorts that show off tan legs, yellow tennis shoes that don’t match but somehow work, and a bracelet with a little charm around her left ankle. It’s too small to make out, but I stare anyway. Her brown hair is pulled up in a high ponytail, and she has a megawatt smile plastered on her face. A big bow on top of her head is all she’d need to look like head cheerleader of my high school fantasies.
“Wes, hey, can I talk to you for a second?”
“What’s up?”
I’m hella impressed by the balls on this chick. She’s put her foot in her mouth, not once, but twice, and damn near insulted the entire student athlete population, but she keeps coming back. She has determination and grit. I admire that about her.
I also am not in the least bit offended by her assumption that I’m a dumb jock. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised she came right out and asked who my tutor was, but I know exactly what it looks like. I’ve fed into the stereotype for years, doing nothing to make it seem otherwise. Well, nothing but get straight A’s.
“I have sort of a favor.”
“What’s up?” I stand to walk with her out of the class.
“The tutor center was a bust. I know you said . . .” She looks like she’s choosing her words carefully. “Do you have old study notes or tests from previous semesters?”
“Still convinced I’m not capable of passing on my own, huh?”
“I’m sorry, really, no offense. I just want in on whatever study materials you’re using. I can’t afford to fail another test. What’s your secret?”
The secret? I’m fucking smart. Photographic memory smart and statistics is my whole world, but I can’t resist messing with her.
“You know, saying no offense doesn’t make whatever you’re saying less offensive. It just makes you feel better about saying something offensive.”
Joel snickers behind me. I just can’t resist fucking with her. She’s making it too easy.
“Sorry. I’m really so sorry. What about the other guys on the team? Anyone have any awesome math tutors who aren’t available to us non-jock students? I can pay.”
“Couldn’t say for sure, but I don’t think so. Most the guys hold their own academically.” I lean in catching a whiff of her hair. It smells good—like sugar cookies or candy canes or something sugary sweet that I want to sink my teeth into. “Shocking, I know.”
Her shoulders slump in defeat, and I can tell she’s finally accepted that I have no answers for her. At this point, I almost wish I knew of someone to send her to. I don’t exactly travel in circles that clue me in on secret study sessions and underground tutor societies.
“Thanks anyway.” She gives a little wave with the hand clutched around the strap of her backpack.
Joel catches up to me, and we watch as she crosses the campus toward the library. “Dude. That chick . . .”
“I know,” I say, and we continue to stare after her completely awe stricken.
Rebecca Jenshak is a self-proclaimed margarita addict, college basketball fanatic, and Hallmark channel devotee. A Midwest native transplanted to the desert, she likes being outdoors (drinking on patios) and singing (in the shower) when she isn't writing books about hot guys and the girls who love them.
I’m Heath Taylor. Laid back. Easy going. Fastest guy on two skates and chill to a fault. Until Kara.
Three nights together and I’m done for. Her laugh, her smile, the way my hand curves around her waist. She’s the one. Not a doubt in my mind...until I walk into my last class of the semester.
Kara, the woman of my dreams, is my new instructor. My hockey season and her career prospects are on the line. One false move--if anyone finds out--we’re both sunk.
On the ice I’m a beast that can’t be stopped, but thoughts of her are throwing me off my game. My fingers itch to feel her in my arms again. But risking everything could ruin what we’ve worked so hard for.
Sometimes life has a way of changing the best laid plans. And sometimes you can’t stay away no matter the promises you make.
Maya Hughes has always loved romance novels. One look at her Kindle is confirmation. She started writing her first romance novel while pregnant with her third child and she hasn’t looked back. Now, her romance writing addiction has replaced her romance reading addiction.
You can find her writing on her foldable keyboard and phone anytime inspiration strikes. Her sweet and steamy stories range from rockstars to small towns and everything in between. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her three kids, running errands or vegging on the couch with the love of her life and biggest fan, her husband.
Not every love story begins with a fiery explosion of lust.
Some are tiny embers of hope that smoulder slowly until the stars align… I’d been living in a bubble. It was meant to protect me from the things in life that hurt. I could live, I could laugh, but at least I didn’t have to love. Loving was dangerous and I would never do it again. It was working just fine, until the bubble burst. It let in danger. It let in light. It let in…him. Unknowingly I’d been living in the dark, feeling my way. He filled my world with starlight. He showed me how to move on to the next level. He made me feel again. I thought the wounds from the past would never fully heal, But perhaps they only heal when the time is right. Sometimes you just have to thank your lucky scars.
Kerry Heavens is a London born indie author, iPhone addict & general ray of sunshine! Kerry writes: sometimes sweet, sometimes not, often funny, always hot, real romance, dirty romcoms and other such smut.
