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Wild Winter Nights #3
Craved
Returning to Alaska was never part of the plan, but I can’t walk away when my gran’s beloved bed and breakfast is crumbling before my eyes. Sticking around definitely has NOTHING to do with the smoking hot firefighter renting my parents’ guesthouse.
(Especially not when I get to watch him paint shirtless).
He’s got a hard candy shell, but I’m determined to tease him until I crack it. Pretty soon he’s chasing me through the hotel and straddling me on a bed to get his revenge…
Not that it leads anywhere good, because West has the self-control of a monk. Sigh.
He says it’s because he’s a single dad. He says it’s because he’s friends with my parents…but even a former marine has to give in to his desires sometimes.
When West finally kisses me, I light up like a Times Square Christmas tree. He loses his restraint…I lose my shirt…
But then his guard is back up before anything good can happen.
Maybe I should go back to being a chef in New York and leave him be. But West is a recipe I really want to taste.
How do I get this man to take a chance on me?
(Especially not when I get to watch him paint shirtless).
He’s got a hard candy shell, but I’m determined to tease him until I crack it. Pretty soon he’s chasing me through the hotel and straddling me on a bed to get his revenge…
Not that it leads anywhere good, because West has the self-control of a monk. Sigh.
He says it’s because he’s a single dad. He says it’s because he’s friends with my parents…but even a former marine has to give in to his desires sometimes.
When West finally kisses me, I light up like a Times Square Christmas tree. He loses his restraint…I lose my shirt…
But then his guard is back up before anything good can happen.
Maybe I should go back to being a chef in New York and leave him be. But West is a recipe I really want to taste.
How do I get this man to take a chance on me?
Unknown Binding
First published May 23, 2023
6 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 24, 2023
Craved was a fun, sexy, and entertaining small-town, single dad romance, and I absolutely loved West and Amelia’s story!
Proofread for author.
Proofread for author.
June 7, 2023
4.3 stars out of 5 stars (standard rounding rules apply)
Having been my first book of Billie Bloom's I was excited to be introduced into a new town and characters, as well as to follow them on their journey to a happy-ever-after. This book is a third in the series, but can be read a stand-alone which I appreciate. With every stand-alone in a series there are areas where you feel you are missing something, because they reference it - but those times are few and don't truly hinder the story and the development of it. Craved is a relatively quick read; full of laughs, some angst, some spice and that coveted happy-ever-after.
Amelia is our lead female character who returns home for the summer. She is sassy, and not afraid to go after what she wants. Her beloved grandmother had passed leaving her a bed and breakfast and that may just be the trick to get her out of the funk that she had been in prior to coming home. The only catch? The tenants staying in her parent's guest home, the sinfully sexy older single father - who also happens to be a firefighter.
West is a down on his luck as a former marine. A one-night stand turned into a lifelong commitment, one he doesn't mind; except of course the vindictive mother attached to his cute son, Theo. Having a friendship with Amelia's parents has led him to taking steps to better his, and Theo's, life as well as to his rental home in their backyard. When Amelia shows up for the summer, he is instantly attracted to her - but tries to fight it the best he can. After all he has commitments and she is just there for the summer... right?
The story was fast paced in a way that it needed to move forward while also tell a complete story. I find that in some areas it fell as little flat, like with her renovating the Bed and Breakfast we have scenes where she is doing that, but they are only included as a driver for other moving parts in the story. This leaves me to question whatever happens with it. Does it get finished? Does she scrape the bed and breakfast and just open a restaurant? This is also the same with West and his goals. They seemed to be there just to drive home certain plot lines. Nothing wrong with that, but a little more added to it so the reader isn't left in the dark as to where it ended up would be nice.
I am not a big fan of children being in storylines, but wanted to give this one a chance anyone. What I did like was that Theo didn't take over scenes, but added to them. There were times where it meant to be just about Theo and his needs; and times where Theo was meant to enhance the scenes and he did just that. On that though, I felt like at times he was definitely used as plot driver; or in the case of his mother a drama creator. There was a lot of other moving parts that having that be a major issue for the Amelia and West just seemed overkill, especially where it was very rushed in certain areas.
The spice level for me would be about a two, maybe two-point-five, chili-peppers out of a five chili-pepper scale. (Please keep in mind this is a personal opinion, it could be more or less for you.) There was some adventurous spicy time within, as well as the 'taboo' feeling that comes with West being over ten years older than Amelia, and her parent's friend.
As a whole I enjoyed the story, and would definitely read more from Billie Bloom. The plan is to go back and read book one and two to see where everything starts within this stand-alone interconnected series. I look forward to more in the series, because I feel there are definitely some characters that are screaming for their own happy ever after.
Thank you for gifting me this novel, and creating the opportunity for me to share my honest thoughts, feelings and opinions about it.
Having been my first book of Billie Bloom's I was excited to be introduced into a new town and characters, as well as to follow them on their journey to a happy-ever-after. This book is a third in the series, but can be read a stand-alone which I appreciate. With every stand-alone in a series there are areas where you feel you are missing something, because they reference it - but those times are few and don't truly hinder the story and the development of it. Craved is a relatively quick read; full of laughs, some angst, some spice and that coveted happy-ever-after.
Amelia is our lead female character who returns home for the summer. She is sassy, and not afraid to go after what she wants. Her beloved grandmother had passed leaving her a bed and breakfast and that may just be the trick to get her out of the funk that she had been in prior to coming home. The only catch? The tenants staying in her parent's guest home, the sinfully sexy older single father - who also happens to be a firefighter.
West is a down on his luck as a former marine. A one-night stand turned into a lifelong commitment, one he doesn't mind; except of course the vindictive mother attached to his cute son, Theo. Having a friendship with Amelia's parents has led him to taking steps to better his, and Theo's, life as well as to his rental home in their backyard. When Amelia shows up for the summer, he is instantly attracted to her - but tries to fight it the best he can. After all he has commitments and she is just there for the summer... right?
The story was fast paced in a way that it needed to move forward while also tell a complete story. I find that in some areas it fell as little flat, like with her renovating the Bed and Breakfast we have scenes where she is doing that, but they are only included as a driver for other moving parts in the story. This leaves me to question whatever happens with it. Does it get finished? Does she scrape the bed and breakfast and just open a restaurant? This is also the same with West and his goals. They seemed to be there just to drive home certain plot lines. Nothing wrong with that, but a little more added to it so the reader isn't left in the dark as to where it ended up would be nice.
I am not a big fan of children being in storylines, but wanted to give this one a chance anyone. What I did like was that Theo didn't take over scenes, but added to them. There were times where it meant to be just about Theo and his needs; and times where Theo was meant to enhance the scenes and he did just that. On that though, I felt like at times he was definitely used as plot driver; or in the case of his mother a drama creator. There was a lot of other moving parts that having that be a major issue for the Amelia and West just seemed overkill, especially where it was very rushed in certain areas.
The spice level for me would be about a two, maybe two-point-five, chili-peppers out of a five chili-pepper scale. (Please keep in mind this is a personal opinion, it could be more or less for you.) There was some adventurous spicy time within, as well as the 'taboo' feeling that comes with West being over ten years older than Amelia, and her parent's friend.
As a whole I enjoyed the story, and would definitely read more from Billie Bloom. The plan is to go back and read book one and two to see where everything starts within this stand-alone interconnected series. I look forward to more in the series, because I feel there are definitely some characters that are screaming for their own happy ever after.
Thank you for gifting me this novel, and creating the opportunity for me to share my honest thoughts, feelings and opinions about it.
May 24, 2023
Short, steamy angsty romance between a guarded man and a feisty female
I have truly enjoyed this series. Now that we’ve gotten West’s story, have we gotten to the end? Unless JP, Tucker and Evie get their own book, looks like it. When we started the adventure in Port Providence, Alaska with Jameson and Jolie, I was hoping each of these guys would get their own story. Since West and Amelia as well as Henry and Chloe, found their HEA the former Marines have all found their mates in Alaska. I know JP, Tucker and Evie were becoming a throuple in a former book; will that be all we get about them?
West and Amelia don’t get away unscathed. There will be a vindictive woman and custody over sweet Theo, not to mention The Daffodil. I would like to have had a sentence or two about the renovation of the B&B in Juneau, which brought Amelia home. Like, did she get the termite damaged steps replaced or the urine smell in the drywall removed? Ms. Bloom wouldn’t need to belabor it but just say in passing how that was corrected like other obstacles in opening the Daffodil. Otherwise, I loved this book. Culminated fairly quickly, but I needed closure so it worked.
If you like relatively short, steamy, angsty romance, you will want to read this series. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
I have truly enjoyed this series. Now that we’ve gotten West’s story, have we gotten to the end? Unless JP, Tucker and Evie get their own book, looks like it. When we started the adventure in Port Providence, Alaska with Jameson and Jolie, I was hoping each of these guys would get their own story. Since West and Amelia as well as Henry and Chloe, found their HEA the former Marines have all found their mates in Alaska. I know JP, Tucker and Evie were becoming a throuple in a former book; will that be all we get about them?
West and Amelia don’t get away unscathed. There will be a vindictive woman and custody over sweet Theo, not to mention The Daffodil. I would like to have had a sentence or two about the renovation of the B&B in Juneau, which brought Amelia home. Like, did she get the termite damaged steps replaced or the urine smell in the drywall removed? Ms. Bloom wouldn’t need to belabor it but just say in passing how that was corrected like other obstacles in opening the Daffodil. Otherwise, I loved this book. Culminated fairly quickly, but I needed closure so it worked.
If you like relatively short, steamy, angsty romance, you will want to read this series. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
May 21, 2023
Amelia returns home to Alaska to fix up her gran’s Bed and Breakfast which she inherited. She soon discovers that her parents have befriended a sexy single dad firefighter. West lives in Amelia’s parent’s guesthouse and isn’t looking for a relationship. Even though there is a 17-year age gap, they are attracted to each other.
I haven’t read the first two books in the Wild Winter Nights series but this can be read as a stand alone. Even though the plot is fairly predictable, that’s okay for a novella. I gobbled it up in one sitting. This is well written with interesting characters. Although West is almost 40 years old, he is he’s having his own coming of age. He is on the cusp of getting his pilot license and navigating the way to have a love life with a three-year-old son. Theo (West’s three-year-old son) features in the story but doesn’t take over any of the scenes. I’ve now got the first two books on my TBR. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story includes:
1. Age gap (17 years)
2. Single dad to a thee-year-old boy
3. A couple of open-door sex scenes
4. Firefighter (although there is only a couple of scenes with this)
5. Small town in Alaska.
I haven’t read the first two books in the Wild Winter Nights series but this can be read as a stand alone. Even though the plot is fairly predictable, that’s okay for a novella. I gobbled it up in one sitting. This is well written with interesting characters. Although West is almost 40 years old, he is he’s having his own coming of age. He is on the cusp of getting his pilot license and navigating the way to have a love life with a three-year-old son. Theo (West’s three-year-old son) features in the story but doesn’t take over any of the scenes. I’ve now got the first two books on my TBR. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story includes:
1. Age gap (17 years)
2. Single dad to a thee-year-old boy
3. A couple of open-door sex scenes
4. Firefighter (although there is only a couple of scenes with this)
5. Small town in Alaska.
December 4, 2023
An age-gap romance that fills your heart up.
West had to move from the little island of Port Providence, Alaska to Juneau, Alaska because he got a girl pregnant and now has a son who he shares custody with. He’s a firefighter. Amelia’s parents, who own a helicopter business to transport people around Alaska, have taken West and his son under their wing. He is taking flight lessons to make something more of his life. After all, he pushing forty now. Amelia has come home to decide what to do with her gran’s bed and breakfast, which she has left to her after her death. Amelia is only twenty-two. She decides to fix the place up. She has just finished her internship at a famous restaurant, but they didn’t hire her. She’s not sure what she’s going to do after that. Amelia and West’s first meet amazed Amelia at how handsome West is. West is determined not to hook-up or have any relationships, because looked what happened when he did it before. Confusion and mixed feelings and misunderstandings is what makes this story amazingly appealing. I couldn’t put it down.
West had to move from the little island of Port Providence, Alaska to Juneau, Alaska because he got a girl pregnant and now has a son who he shares custody with. He’s a firefighter. Amelia’s parents, who own a helicopter business to transport people around Alaska, have taken West and his son under their wing. He is taking flight lessons to make something more of his life. After all, he pushing forty now. Amelia has come home to decide what to do with her gran’s bed and breakfast, which she has left to her after her death. Amelia is only twenty-two. She decides to fix the place up. She has just finished her internship at a famous restaurant, but they didn’t hire her. She’s not sure what she’s going to do after that. Amelia and West’s first meet amazed Amelia at how handsome West is. West is determined not to hook-up or have any relationships, because looked what happened when he did it before. Confusion and mixed feelings and misunderstandings is what makes this story amazingly appealing. I couldn’t put it down.
May 21, 2023
This was my first book by Billie Bloom and it won’t be my last!
I will be picking up book 1 & 2 to learn more about all of West’s friends and the gang!
Craved was a sweet grumpy single dad, age-gap story. One of my favorite troupes and it didn’t disappoint. Maybe a tad too sweet, but that’s just nitpicking at this point and the fact that I have been on a dark reading spree. I needed this book.
West had been burned in the past and let it define who he had become. Amelia is a young chef determined to make her way in the world. Add in some pretty amazing parents, meddling friends and you have yourself a great story.
I will be picking up book 1 & 2 to learn more about all of West’s friends and the gang!
Craved was a sweet grumpy single dad, age-gap story. One of my favorite troupes and it didn’t disappoint. Maybe a tad too sweet, but that’s just nitpicking at this point and the fact that I have been on a dark reading spree. I needed this book.
West had been burned in the past and let it define who he had become. Amelia is a young chef determined to make her way in the world. Add in some pretty amazing parents, meddling friends and you have yourself a great story.
May 31, 2023
Age gap romance and single dad x small town tropes will always have me on chokehold!!!
I freaking loved this one, a single dad and a fireman????? Hello I'M HOOKED!!!!!
West and Amelia (or Meala as Theo calls her) are like so cute together, like magnets that can't resist the pull they feeling!!!!
Dale and Kate are definitely my spirit animals, i love how they played matchmaker!
Theo is the cutest i can't! The bond he has with Amelia is adorable!
I wanted to slap Abby for her bitching and scheming!
If you're looking for a quick, cute, easy and fluffy read with spice then this is definitely for you ❤️🔥
Big thanks to Booksirens and Billie for providing me with this ARC 🙏🏻
I freaking loved this one, a single dad and a fireman????? Hello I'M HOOKED!!!!!
West and Amelia (or Meala as Theo calls her) are like so cute together, like magnets that can't resist the pull they feeling!!!!
Dale and Kate are definitely my spirit animals, i love how they played matchmaker!
Theo is the cutest i can't! The bond he has with Amelia is adorable!
I wanted to slap Abby for her bitching and scheming!
If you're looking for a quick, cute, easy and fluffy read with spice then this is definitely for you ❤️🔥
Big thanks to Booksirens and Billie for providing me with this ARC 🙏🏻
June 14, 2023
Loved this!!
I loved this story of West and Amelia!! He is the almost 40 single dad. She's the daughter of his mentor and close friends. Amelia's parents already treat West like an adopted son and his son Theo like a grandson. When Amelia comes home for a visit, she realizes that her grandmother left her the Inn she owned and now it needs her more than ever. West is always around and their chemistry is fire! But West has been burned before and feels like he can't date anyone. They really can't fight the attraction to each other. You have to read the book to find out what happens!! You won't regret it, I highly recommend!! I loved the book and the series!
I loved this story of West and Amelia!! He is the almost 40 single dad. She's the daughter of his mentor and close friends. Amelia's parents already treat West like an adopted son and his son Theo like a grandson. When Amelia comes home for a visit, she realizes that her grandmother left her the Inn she owned and now it needs her more than ever. West is always around and their chemistry is fire! But West has been burned before and feels like he can't date anyone. They really can't fight the attraction to each other. You have to read the book to find out what happens!! You won't regret it, I highly recommend!! I loved the book and the series!
June 22, 2023
West is a single dad with an adorable son. Amelia is much younger than West and the daughter of his mentors.
He thinks she's too young for him, she disagrees. The push and pull between the two makes for an interesting story. Their age gap is the only perceived difference between them and it causes him more angst than it does her. Loved the story
I received an advanced reader copy for free and I'm voluntarily reviewing it
He thinks she's too young for him, she disagrees. The push and pull between the two makes for an interesting story. Their age gap is the only perceived difference between them and it causes him more angst than it does her. Loved the story
I received an advanced reader copy for free and I'm voluntarily reviewing it
July 7, 2023
A sweet and quick sunshine/grumpy single dad, age-gap, small-town read.
West is a former marine and now a firefighter-guarded single dad to 3-year-old Theo. Amelia is a sassy chef home for the summer intent on renovating her late grandmother's B&B.
It was a nice read but it left a few questions.
I was given a free copy of this book from BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
West is a former marine and now a firefighter-guarded single dad to 3-year-old Theo. Amelia is a sassy chef home for the summer intent on renovating her late grandmother's B&B.
It was a nice read but it left a few questions.
I was given a free copy of this book from BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 6, 2023
ARC given for a fair and honest review.
I’m on the fence with this one. I have no issue with age gaps over the age of consent but this one didn’t feel right. The female lead came across as young for her age and the male older than his years.
The plot was ok, again I had an issue with the female lead and the males daughter. It didn’t come across as step patent relationship, more like a fun baby sitter.
This just wasn’t for my reading palate
I’m on the fence with this one. I have no issue with age gaps over the age of consent but this one didn’t feel right. The female lead came across as young for her age and the male older than his years.
The plot was ok, again I had an issue with the female lead and the males daughter. It didn’t come across as step patent relationship, more like a fun baby sitter.
This just wasn’t for my reading palate
June 4, 2023
West and Amelia - what a fun story! I love her; she's feisty, not afraid to go after what she wants. He's a tad uptight, feeling locked into his current situation, but completely in love with his son. It's a feel-good story with a touch of angst, wonderful parents, busybody friends, and the cutest toddler ever! I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
May 18, 2023
Craved by Billie Bloom is a good, and enjoyable small town single dad age gap firefighter romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2023
The age gap was a little too big for me. She wasn't exactly mature for her age and he wasn't exactly young for his which kind of felt forced for the characters. If I'm being honest, I really didn't like how many times he asked her to stop or back off and she didn't. If the roles were reversed in this story it would be creepy. I definitely didn't ever feel like she took on a "motherly" role to the kid either, more like a messy aunt. Just my opinion. Still an okay read, not my favorite from this series. Would have rather read about Evie and her life.
July 15, 2023
Fun and flirty age gap read with witty dialogue and sizzling scenes. Enjoyed the characters and their personalities and how they each had to get over themselves in order to be together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2023
Absolutely devoured this book in about 3.5 hours! I couldn’t put it down! Such a sweet small town love story with a decent amount of spice thrown in!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2023
An amazingly sweet story about a young woman figuring out her place in the world and a single father taking a leap and finding love.
May 21, 2023
This is a fun and quick read. West and Amelia are great characters and I loved Theo. The story is fast paced but still hits the feels. Overall a good read.
May 26, 2023
I loved the sassy strong Amelia, and West... swoon! He was a swoony, guarded daddy who just wanted to do right in the world....their story is super sweet and a definite five star!
September 14, 2023
I liked this a lot. It was fast to read and was very cute. A great escape from my day.
January 7, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
May 29, 2023
Amelia, a chef returns home to open her grandmother’s b & b before she heads back to New York. She inherited it and she will fix it up and have someone manage it. She meets West, who is staying in her parents guest house. He’s an ex Marine, firefighter and single father to Theo, also known as Teddie. He’s also training to get his pilot license with her father. Amelia decides to fix it up without the help of her parents money. West helps her paint and repair it for her. She decides to open a restaurant a couple of nights to earn the money herself. People are loving it. Can she make enough money to fix all the repairs? West and Amelia is fighting their attraction. Can they resist each other? He’s a lot older. She’s leaving and he has baby momma drama. What would her parents say if he crossed that line? They’re very good to him and Teddie. He wouldn’t want to hurt them. Will Amelia leave? As time goes on Amelia realizes that she might not won’t to leave her parents because they are getting up in age. Will she decide to say and work her own business? These characters are wonderful and deserve a chance at true love. With the help of her parents, cute little Teddie and all their friends, maybe it just might work out. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
West is a single father to Theo, who's three. He's living in Amelia's parents guesthouse. Dale is helping him get pilot's hours so he can change jobs, presently he's a firefighter but has decided he's getting to an age when he needs a change.
Amelia has come home to sort out her grandmother's b and b, she thinks she's going to renovate it and leave again but loses her heart to Theo and has feelings for West, who thinks he's too old for her and worries what her parents will say.
Then to complicate things Theo's mother starts causing problems.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A great read from Billie
Amelia has come home to sort out her grandmother's b and b, she thinks she's going to renovate it and leave again but loses her heart to Theo and has feelings for West, who thinks he's too old for her and worries what her parents will say.
Then to complicate things Theo's mother starts causing problems.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A great read from Billie
May 21, 2023
This is a fun and quick read. West and Amelia are great characters and I loved Theo. The story is fast paced but still hits the feels. Overall a good read.
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