Review: Not with the Band by Kelli Warner

Title: Not with the Band

Author: Kelli Warner
Publisher: Kelli Warner
Published: May 5, 2017
Pages: 364
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Kindle Unlimited
~~~~~

Drama. Jerks. Another new school. 

Those are three things Kassidy Perry vows to avoid her senior year of high school. Unfortunately, it looks like the Universe didn’t get the memo. When her mom marries the football coach from a rival high school, Kassidy’s forced to move (again), enroll in a new school (again) and adapt to life with three stepbrothers, including the school’s star quarterback who’s barely said two words to her. And what’s up with her incredibly hot-yet-cocky neighbor who’s developed a weird habit of climbing the trellis to her bedroom’s balcony? Nothing about her senior year is turning out the way Kassidy planned—and that’s before a revealed family secret drops the biggest bombshell yet.

Jordan Lawson could care less about football, even though he’s starting his senior year on the radar of college recruiters. He just wants to play music with his band, win a national contest with a record label and pursue his dream of being a musician. When those plans are threatened, his saving grace lies in the hands of his new stepsister. But how can he ask Kassidy for a monumental favor, when he’s partly to blame for derailing her life? And what if getting what he wants puts her dreams in jeopardy? 

In her debut YA novel, Kelli Warner weaves a humorous and relatable story about finding your way in a world you can’t control—and what happens when the people you least expect turn out to be the ones you need the most.

Goodreads / Amazon

FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

This was such a wonderful story. This is a story about so many things. Family, friendship, trust, acceptance, standing up for yourself, and the concessions that we make for the ones that we love. It's a beautiful story. 

I think that my favorite aspect of this book was the strong emphasis on family. I love how it showed the struggles that can come with blended families as well as the beautiful moments. The book it told in two POVs- Kassidy and Jordan. They are stepsiblings (and very new to the whole thing) after Jordan's father and Kassidy's mother get married. Jordan also has two younger brothers and on top of that Kassidy's mother is pregnant with twins. Everyone is still getting used to the new living/family situation. I adored their parents. It was so obvious that they really loved each other and they were such amazing parents. One of my favorite parts of the story was the growing relationship between Kassidy and Jordan. They really become siblings to each other throughout the course of the story and it's beautiful. I loved the family dynamic at the end of the book. It made my heart glow.

I liked the romance between Lucas and Kassidy for the most part. I really liked their characters separately and together both. I thought that they were good for each other. I did think that they jumped into the relationship a little too quickly. There was a little bit of a buildup but then it just jumps in at full force. At least it felt that way to me. And then they weren't exactly open with their relationship. Almost like they were hiding it so that made things confusing. I liked where things ended and I think that the evolution of their relationship was great.

All of the characters were real and likable. I loved Lucas's character and his background. I like that he acted the way that he did because of traumas in his life. Kassidy and Jordan's characters were great as well. By the end of the book, I was glad that the POVs were from the two of them instead of from Kassidy and Lucas's POVs. It really helped build the family parts of the plot. I liked all of the side characters. I wish that there had been more of some of the characters like Jordan and Lucas's bandmates. They were only ever mentioned when they were rehearsing or playing with the band and it felt unrealistic to me. If they were friends with Lucas and Jordan and in a band with them then they would probably hang out with each other outside of band practice. And I felt that Danielle's character story kind of petered out. There wasn't really any closure to Danielle's story (or any depth to it, for that matter) nor any real closure to Danielle and Kassidy's situation in the story. 

The plot is hard to sum up since there are really so many different things going on for so many different characters. There are certainly overall themes that are explored throughout the book. 

Overall, this is a fantastic and emotional book that keeps things on the lighter side for the most part. Some deeper issues are explored but the author sticks to the nitty-gritty and doesn't bombard the reader with sensitive details that can often go along with sensitive subjects. I don't normally like that approach, but it really works well in this case. This book is a well-written story that I definitely recommend. 

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Tackle My TBR Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Library Love Challenge
- Contemporary Romance Challenge
- Bad Boys of Romance Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

This books really surprised me. It had an amazing representation of family and blended families. It was actually really beautiful. A lot of YA books lack parents and families so it was refreshing to see it in this book. What are some of your favorite books that have a great representation of family? What else have you been reading lately?

Review: Once Upon a Comic-Con (Geeks Gone Wild #3) by Maggie Dallen

Title: Once Upon a Comic-Con

Series: Geeks Gone Wild #3
Author: Maggie Dallen
Publisher: Maggie Dallen
Published: April 17, 2019
Pages: 174
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Kindle Unlimited
~~~~~

King Geek vs the Cheerleader

Julia Farrow has it all. She's got the friends, the grades, the smile, the perfect reputation, and the new boyfriend who adores her. All in all, life is pretty much perfect for Grover High's favorite cheerleader. Until she's tagged, that is. That ridiculous Geeks Gone Wild hashtag is still going strong and while Julia has managed to steer clear of the drama unfolding between the jocks and the geeks, one embarrassing photo is enough to flip her world upside down. The boyfriend? He's out. The friends? Turns out they're more like frenemies. And that perfect reputation? Well, that's all about to crumble as the truth comes out about Julia and her secret, passionate love affair with all things comics.

But Julia isn't about to go down without a fight. She's spent a lifetime honing her perfect image and when it's ruined, there's really only one person to blame. The school paper's editor-in-chief and the guy behind the hashtag--Matt Cartwright. Sure, he claims he's innocent, but if it wasn't for him she'd still be on track to be prom queen. He might not be able to fix this disaster that her life has become, but there's one way he can make it up to her. He can bring her along to the comics convention he's assigned to cover for his internship with the local paper. He's got the tickets, she needs an escape, and really, it's the least he can do. She's just tagging along as a fan, that's all. It's not like they have to be friends or anything. And those kisses? Well, what happens at comic-con stays at comic-con...right?

Goodreads / Amazon

FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

I've really enjoyed the Geeks Gone Wild series and this book is a wonderful conclusion to round it out. I've had so much fun reading this series and I am sad to see it come to an end.

I really loved the premise for this series as a whole as well as for each individual book of the series. I think that out of all the books, I connected with this one the most because of my own love for all things comics. I really loved the plot in this one. The general trope of the popular person and the nerd falling for each other has been done before, but in YA fiction it is usually the popular boy and the nerdy girl. I liked seeing the reversal of those usual roles in this book. It was refreshing and a little unexpected in the best of ways.

The characters portrayed their roles well. I liked Julia a lot. I liked her in the previous books too. I liked getting to know her better and seeing some of the struggles that she deals with. I liked her character growth as well. She finally sees that she doesn't have to wear a mask for everyone and that life can be so much better when she lets go of it and is just herself. I was totally cheering for her when she finally accepts that her popular "friends" have never really been her friends at all. Matt's character wasn't as developed as Julia's, but it was enough to make things work in the story. Matt is still trying to make amends for his role in the Geeks Gone Wild hashtag fiasco. When Julia gets tagged and her life falls apart, his friends make him realize that he is partially to blame for her pain. One of the obstacles that Matt deals with in the story is how judgmental he is. When he and Julia go to the comic convention and he sees her really blossom there he realizes that he was wrong to judge her. 

The romance was just so darn cute. I loved how Julia and Matt fell for each other. Julia gets to be herself at the comic convention and Matt sees the real Julia for the first time. And he likes the real Julia, even though he thought that he could never fall for the popular cheerleader. And Julia sees that there is more to Matt as well. She opens up to him when she has never opened up to anyone else before. They just have to figure out how to make things work when they leave the bubble of the convention and go back to the real world a.k.a. high school. 

While I enjoyed the story very much, I also felt that is was a little too fast-paced. The book was too short for my liking and I think that there were some missed opportunities to further develop the characters because of this. 

Overall, this is an adorable story that hits on some fine points about the labels that people place on one another, the importance of living for yourself, and forgiveness. If you enjoy fast-paced YA contemporary with the opposites attract trope then you'll love this one. I definitely recommend it!

Check out my reviews for the other books in this series!

Love at First Fight (Geeks Gone Wild #1)

Find my review here.

My Virtual Prince Charming (Geeks Gone Wild #2)

Find my review here.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- New Release Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Stellar Series Challenge
- Library Love Challenge
- Contemporary Romance Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

I really didn't know what I was missing in books until now. There definitely needs to be more nerd representation in books. I felt so connected to these characters and it felt good. Nerds rule the world anyway, so why can't we have more sexy nerds in books? Nerd love for the win! What other types of representation do you wish there were more of in books? Another one for me in mental health. There definitely needs to be more stories for folks like me.

Review: My Virtual Prince Charming (Geeks Gone Wild #2) by Maggie Dallen

Title: My Virtual Prince Charming

Series: Geeks Gone Wild #2
Author: Maggie Dallen
Publisher: Maggie Dallen
Published: March 6, 2019
Pages: 175
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Kindle Unlimited
~~~~~

Gamer vs Player 

Some girls have a dream guy, but Suzie's ideal boyfriend is totally real. He’s just...virtual.

Suzie doesn't need to see her online gaming buddy to know that he’s her perfect match. The problem lies in reality, AKA high school. Ever since a humiliating photo of her surfaced on the first day of senior year, she hasn't been able to escape the attention of Luke Warner, the hottie player who's apparently made it his mission to annoy her. Now that they're paired together in a programming contest there's no way she can avoid him...or their chemistry. His unexpected kisses might be earth shattering, but he’s so not her type.

Luke's got a secret, and it's one that could change everything between him and his new computer science partner. Suzie thinks he doesn’t know her at all, and she seems convinced that she doesn’t like him. But what if she knew that he was her online BFF? That would change everything. But will sharing his secret bring them together or tear them apart?

Goodreads / Amazon

FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

This is the second book that I have read by this author and it was just as adorable as the first book in this series. Maybe even more so.

This book is pretty much a classic jock falling for the nerd trope, but not in a bad way. I actually really enjoyed the story and the direction that the plot went. I liked that the jock and the nerd were both gamers. 

I think that I liked the characters in this book even more than the first book. They were very real and the reader could see their personalities clearly. I felt that there could have been more depth to the characters, but overall they were very likable. Luke was especially adorable. I loved his attitude and his snark. I liked being able to see the other characters from the first book in the series as well. 

There was an underlying theme of trust throughout this book. We see it from more than one angle. There is also a theme of hiding behind a mask for people instead of showing your true colors. I liked the character growth by the end of the book in these areas. 

I did feel like this book was way too short. I think that this is where the lack of character depth comes from as well. It didn't make me enjoy the book any less, but I can't help but think of how much better it could have been with a little more. 

Overall, this was such a cute book. I read this in a single sitting. I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy fluffy high school contemporary romance then I definitely recommend this book. It is very entertaining and shines a light on some good points. 

Check out my review for the first book in this series!

Love at First Fight (Geeks Gone Wild #1)

Find my review here.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- New Release Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Stellar Series Challenge
- Library Love Challenge
- Contemporary Romance Challenge
- The Bad Boys of Romance Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

Another adorable nerd romance. While the two main characters shared a central love for gaming, they were essentially opposites in all other regards. Do you enjoy opposites attract stories? What else have you been reading lately?

Review: Love at First Fight (Geeks Gone Wild #1) by Maggie Dallen

Title: Love at First Fight

Series: Geeks Gone Wild #1
Author: Maggie Dallen
Publisher: Maggie Dallen
Published: January 13, 2019
Pages: 226
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Kindle Unlimited
~~~~~

Band Geek vs Quarterback... 

One humiliating photo, a stupid prank, and a hashtag that goes viral. That's how my senior year goes from predictable to absurd in a heartbeat. This year is supposed to be easy. I've finally scored first chair in band, my college applications are done, and all my friends and I have to do is survive one more year of high school before our real lives can begin. Instead, I find myself in trouble with the principal, humiliated in front of the entire school, and fighting with my neighbor—AKA star quarterback, Prince Charming, and nicest guy on the planet. 

And that's just on the first day back at school. Trust me, it only gets worse from there. As #GeeksGoneWild trends on social media, my friends and I are the targets of an online witch hunt. But they've picked on the wrong people and retaliation is severe. As the tension escalates, it soon becomes clear that someone needs to step up and put an end to this nonsense. If that means playing nice with the quarterback, I guess that's what I have to do. Now if someone could please tell my heart that this new friendship is just for show. And the kisses...oh, the kisses. Someone please remind me that they don't mean a thing.

Goodreads / Amazon

FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. 

This book was such a little delight! The nerd inside me could not resist a contemporary story from a series titled "Geeks Gone Wild". I wasn't disappointed. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. 

I really enjoyed this book and I read it in a single sitting. As far as fluffy young adult contemporary romance goes, this book falls right in line. It had all the fluffy feels but was still a light read. Perhaps too light for my tastes, but I still enjoyed the story. I would have liked a little more drama or interaction between the characters. The story was enjoyable, but it felt too short. 

I loved the dual POV. I liked seeing things from both Margo and Jason's viewpoint as the story progressed. The characters were wonderful, though I wish we could have gotten to know them on a deeper level. Especially the side characters. I wanted more of Luke, Matt, Suzie, Julia, and even Dale. It felt like we only got a glimpse of them in the book. If they had been incorporated into the story more I think that it would have filled the gap that left the story feeling too short. Apart from that, I truly enjoyed Margo and Jason's characters. I just wish that the characters had been more memorable. 

I loved the plot of the story. It was pretty irresistible. I love childhood friends/neighbors to lovers stories. I love all the history and connection that the characters share in these kinds of stories. And the fact that Margo and Jason grew apart and into opposite sides of the social hierarchy spectrum made it all the more entertaining. I also liked the inclusion of the epilogue. 

Overall, this was an adorable book with likable characters. The book is a bit fluffy and a little on the short side but still enjoyable. This is a perfect light YA contemporary read. I have already started the next book in this series!

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- New Release Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Stellar Series Challenge
- Library Love Challenge
- Contemporary Romance Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

With this series titled Geeks Gone Wild, you know that I had to give it a shot. I am a nerd at heart and I love all things nerdy- comic books, computers and gaming, just everything! Each book in this series centers on a nerd that find love so I knew that I would enjoy these books. What are some books with nerdy characters that you would recommend? I could always use another on my TBR. What else have you been reading lately?

Review: Demon Magic and a Martini (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #4) by Annette Marie

Title: Demon Magic and a Martini

Series: The Guild Codex: Spellbound #4
Author: Annette Marie
Publisher: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Published: April 12, 2019
Pages: 268
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: ARC from author
~~~~~

When I first landed a bartending job at the local guild, I didn't know a thing about magic. These days, I'm practically an expert on the different magical classes, but there's one nobody ever talks about: Demonica.

Turns out they have a good reason for that.

My guild is strictly hellion-free, but some people will risk life and soul to control the biggest bullies on the mythic playground. And now a demon has been loosed in the city.

My three best friends are determined to slay it, but even badass combat mages are critically out-magicked. And that's not all. The monster they're tracking--it's not hiding. It's not fleeing. It's not leaving a trail of corpses everywhere it goes.

The demon is hunting too. And in a city full of mythics, it's searching for deadlier prey.

If we can't unravel the demon's sinister motivations, more innocent people will die, but finding the answers means digging into dark secrets ... and learning truths I never wanted to know.

Goodreads / Amazon

FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

MY REVIEW

DISCLAIMER: This review MAY contain spoilers. I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the author. All opinions contained in my review are my own.

Annette Marie has really upped the ante in the fourth installment of The Guild Codex: Spellbound. Emotions, stakes, and shock factors could not be any higher in this book! I have been waiting for this book for so long and I could not have been more pleased with it. Each book in this series gets better than the last. If this book is the middle of the series then I can't even imagine what a blowout this series will have. 

The thing that I love most about this book of the series (besides more EZRA, because yeah...) is the very strong representation of friendship. Friendship has been a theme throughout the series, but I love how important it becomes in this book. Tori hasn't had the best childhood and she has trust issues. She runs from things and closes herself off from things as a defense mechanism. (At least, it seems that way to me.) In this book, she has to choose between that part of herself and her friends. She has to meet that part of herself head-on and make some important decisions about herself or risk losing her friends forever. The lengths that Tori will go to for her friends in this book is inspiring. I love Tori so much. Not only do we get to see a beautiful portrayal of friendship, but we get to see Tori take on her personal demons. I was so waiting for this to happen and I am happy with how it played out. 

Everything that we learn about this world with each book makes me that much more obsessed with this fantasy world. I love every bit of it and I am forever hanging on the edge after I finish each book craving more like an addict. Getting a deeper look into demons and Demonica in this book really made the world feel more real. We finally get to see what Demonica is all about and it really brings this world to life when mixed with all of the other mythic classes that we've seen in the other books. Annette Marie is the queen of creating complex worlds and characters. She introduces her readers to her worlds much the same way as she does with her slow-burn romances. She intrigues us with enough to get our hearts pumping, but she doesn't overwhelm us either. With each book in the series the world grows.

With the expansion of the world also comes more development in the plot of the series. I like how each book in this series has a self-contained plot but also builds upon an overarching series plot. The plot is engaging, exciting, and much more intense than the previous books. This book definitely has a more serious tone, though it isn't without the humor and snark that you have come to expect from the other books in this series. 

I mentioned Tori's character development earlier, but there is also a lot of development for Ezra's character. Though there is still so much to learn about Ezra, we do get to learn about his big secret and how it affects the mages and their friendship. The three of them have such a strong bond. It's really beautiful. They have each other's back no matter what. And Tori is now a part of that so it goes from three mages to the four musketeers. I loved getting to see Ezra on a more personal level. I can't wait to find out more about Ezra's past. I also liked the addition of new characters and how they played into the story. I am excited to see more of them in future books. 

Overall, I am beyond impressed with this book! It obliterated my expectations and left me with a powerful need to start writing fanfiction just so I don't have to wait any longer for more. =P If you haven't started this series yet then I urge you to. This series is spectacular! It has an exciting world, amazing characters, and a plot that will keep you reading until the end. I am overjoyed with the news about the expansion of this world. Now I keep asking myself what demon do I have to summon to bring myself closer to the release of the next book?

Check out my reviews for the other books in this series!

Three Mages and a Margarita (#1)

Find my review here.

Dark Arts and a Daiquiri (#2)

Find my review here.

Two Witches and a Whiskey (#3)

Find my review here.

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- New Release Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Finishing the Series Challenge

Check out my 2019 Challenge Page to see my progress!

Annette Marie announced that this series will most likely have eight books in total! PLUS she announced a four-book spin-off series that features a new protagonist! The spin-off series will be ongoing with Spellbound series and will interweave a bit so we will be able to see our favorite characters from Spellbound. I am so excited! The first book in The Guild Codex: Demonized series is called Taming Demons for Beginners and it releases September 13, 2019! So before the next book from The Guild Codex: Spellbound which is titled The Alchemist and an Amaretto and released October 11, 2019! So much awesomeness to look forward to! Have a look at the covers for the next two books in this incredibly addicting world!

 

This series has fast become one of my favorite light and fast-paced urban fantasy reads. Even though I typically devour book series with longer books, I find this one quite addicting. What are some of your favorite fast-paced books on the lighter side?

Can't Wait Wednesday/WWW

Can't Wait Wednesday is a meme hosted by Wishful Endings. It is based on Waiting on Wednesday which was hosted by Breaking the Spine. In this post, we spotlight upcoming releases that we are super jazzed about.

WWW Wednesday is a meme currently hosted by Taking on a World of Words and previously hosted by A Daily Rhythm. This meme tackles three questions each week:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Title: All Our Broken Pieces

Author: L.D. Crichton
Publisher:  Disney-Hyperion
Published: May 7, 2019
Pages: 416
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
~~~~~

"You can’t keep two people who are meant to be together apart for long...”

Lennon Davis doesn’t believe in much, but she does believe in the security of the number five. If she flicks the bedroom light switch five times, maybe her new L.A. school won’t suck. But that doesn’t feel right, so she flicks the switch again. And again. Ten more flicks of the switch and maybe her new step family will accept her. Twenty-five more flicks and maybe she won’t cause any more of her loved ones to die. Fifty times more and then she can finally go to sleep.

Kyler Benton witnesses this pattern of lights from the safety of his treehouse in the yard next door. It is only there, hidden from the unwanted stares of his peers, that Kyler can fill his notebooks with lyrics that reveal the true scars of the boy behind the oversized hoodies and caustic humor. But Kyler finds that descriptions of blonde hair, sad eyes, and tapping fingers are beginning to fill the pages of his notebooks. Lennon, the lonely girl next door his father has warned him about, infiltrates his mind. Even though he has enough to deal with without Lennon’s rumored tragic past in his life, Kyler can’t help but want to know the truth about his new muse. 

Thoughts

I just received an ARC of this and I am so excited to read it! The main character seems to be dealing with anxiety issues and I can't wait to see the portrayal of it. I always like reading contemporary books that deal with the same mental health issues that I deal with. I like the representation. Also, the main character's name is Lennon, which also happens to be my daughter's first name. So, yeah, I kind of had to read it. =P

Currently Reading

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04/25/2019                        04/25/2019

 

                

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04/29/2019

Reading Next

What is a book that you are patiently (or not so much) waiting on? What books have you been reading recently? Feel free to leave the link to your Waiting on Wednesday and/or WWW post!

Book Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: In Other Words by Jennifer Woodhull

Today we have the release day blitz of IN OTHER WORDS by Jennifer Woodhull! Check it out and grab your copy now!

Title: IN OTHER WORDS

Author: Jennifer Woodhull

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Dexter

We became close friends in college. When Sinclair returns home to Dallas after two years in New York, I introduce her to my best friend Cole. The good-looking playboy ballplayer is the perfect kind of guy for the woman I'm sure would never be interested in me...even if seeing them together breaks my heart.



Sinclair.

He was the nerdy PhD candidate. I was the cheerleader. We made unlikely friends. Moving back home after two years away, he looks hotter than ever. When I start dating his ballplayer best friend, things get complicated. He doesn't see me as girlfriend material...but I can't get him, or my feelings for him, out of my head.

Get Your Copy Today:

Amazon | iBooks | Google Play | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

“She’s so fucking pretty,” Cole says, lolling his head back and forth against the headrest of my Tesla.

The phrase irritates the crap out of me. I feel like I want to punch him. Not that I’ve ever punched anyone, but that’s what this feels like—like I want to commit violence against my friend for using such a pedestrian description for a creature as indescribably spectacular as Clair.

“I don’t know though, man. She said she’d go out with me, but I’m not really sure she likes me.” Cole shakes his head. “It makes me kinda nervous. Usually, girls love me.” He turns to me and wriggles his eyebrows. “I mean, they really love me. It’s just…I don’t know. She’s different.”

“She is different. She’s intelligent, kind, inquisitive, funny...She’s definitely not like anyone else I know.” My response is a knee-jerk reaction in defense of the woman that holds so much of my heart. I immediately regret it saying these things, though. Idiot. Why are you selling him on how great she is? He already got something I’ll never have—a date with her.

“What sorta stuff should I talk to her about?” He asks.

“What do you usually talk to your dates about?”

“I usually say. ‘Hi. I’m a famous athlete. Also, I’m rich and have a huge cock. Let’s go to your place.’ Then they say okay, and we go to their place and fuck. If they’re good at it, I keep going back, and then we’re basically dating.” He shrugs.

I pull into the driveway and the gate closes behind us. I drop my head to the steering wheel and let out a long, deep breath.

“Cole, let me be clear,” I say carefully. “Clair is my friend. She’s my best friend.”

“I thought I was your best friend.”

“You’re my best male friend. She’s my best friend.”

“So I’m not your best friend? Ouch, bro.”

“You’re in the top two.”

Only two, really, but that’s not really the point.

“That’s not so bad, I guess. Hey, imagine if me and Sinclair got married someday. When you come to visit us, you’d get to see your two best friends at once!” He grins.

I’m dying. Oxygen is no longer getting into my bloodstream and my organs are shutting down. It’s the only explanation I can think of for the hell in which I find myself trapped.

“Again, Cole, let me be crystal clear. Do not treat Clair like some piece of ass. Don’t just sleep with her if you’re not serious about her.” My words are a caution.

He looks at me and his expression is earnest. “I wouldn’t do that, Dexter. I’m not an asshole.”

“I know you’re not an asshole. I just mean…” I blow out a breath and turn to him. “I know sometimes you date women and it’s just for fun. Clair is…she’s really important to me. Please don’t use her if you don’t see her as more than someone to go out with a couple of times, then move on from.” I hold his gaze, and he seems to get that I’m serious.

“Dude…do you like her? Should I not have asked her out—were you going to make a move?” He asks.

The weight of that question hangs in the air for a moment. My heartbeat is so loud, I’m sure any passerby could hear it. The blood courses through my veins with such fervor, I feel as if my arteries will burst.

Should I have made a move?

I don’t think she’d have been remotely interested in changing the dynamic of our relationship, but I was never brave enough to find out. After tonight, I feel, somehow, like I’ll never get the opportunity to know for sure.

“We’re just friends. We’ve always been just friends,” I reply.

It doesn’t answer his question, but the subtle ambiguity of my response is lost on my friend.

“Okay, I was just making sure. Cause, dude,” he shakes his head. “She’s hot as hell. As long as I’m not stepping on your toes…I’m totally going for it.”

Jennifer Woodhull is an author of romance with lots of wit, plenty of heat, and lots of heart. She is known for writing immersive settings that take readers to a wide variety of locales around the world. Her heroines are funny, strong make bad decisions, and get in their own way sometimes before finding their path to happiness. Her heroes are driven, funny, sweet, and sometimes complicated. Jennifer lives in Tennessee with her real life book boyfriend and their yellow lab who can be more persuasive than any roguish villain when he's after a snack. A lover of travel, Jennifer has been known to plot novels and write pages of dialogue on her phone from planes, trains, and automobiles (though not while driving, because safety first).


Jennifer's works include her debut Promise Series, the breakout hit The Dating Alternative, and the funny, sexy summer release, Sour.

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