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Decadence Creek #2
Just the Way You Are
One year of marriage. No sex. No complications. No messy emotions.
Stacey Parker laid out the rules for her temporary marriage to Harrison Duval, and Harrison plans to break every one. Ten years ago, Stacey disappeared from his life, and he’s not about to let it happen again.
Stacey has wanted Harrison for years, but giving in to the heat between them could mean exposing her secrets, secrets about family scars and choices young women shouldn't have to make alone. Secrets that could tear his world apart.
Stacey Parker laid out the rules for her temporary marriage to Harrison Duval, and Harrison plans to break every one. Ten years ago, Stacey disappeared from his life, and he’s not about to let it happen again.
Stacey has wanted Harrison for years, but giving in to the heat between them could mean exposing her secrets, secrets about family scars and choices young women shouldn't have to make alone. Secrets that could tear his world apart.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2012
51 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Ryan
64 books8,411 followersAward-winning author Lexi Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of hot contemporary romance and sexy, action-packed YA fantasy. Her books have sold over a million copies. A former English professor, she considers herself lucky to have traded stacks of grading for emotionally charged storytelling. She is happiest when at home in Indiana with her husband and two children, where you can find her lifting weights, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 20, 2014
Stacey is in need of a husband, quickly. She has one piece that remains of her mother and in order to keep it, she must find a man to marry. The problem is, she doesn't ever want to be married. Never wanting to taint a man the way her father tainted her mother.
Harrison longs to return home and the fact that the woman that tilted his world ten years ago is there, is just icing on the cake. Harrison can't seem to get the girl out of his head that he met that day in the cornfield. And when he seems to be the answer to her prayers, he can only hope he can finally break through to her.
A second chance romance with a strong, yet broken heroine and a hero that never lost sight of what he wants. This was a fantastic little short story that was filled with so much in such a limited amount of pages. Lexi Ryan does an amazing job giving you an entire story with the minimum amount of words. Although the story spans only a few days, through the magic of flashbacks we are given a decade of information.
I am not sure what happened to this series, as the third book was expected to be released last year; but I know that I want more.
Harrison longs to return home and the fact that the woman that tilted his world ten years ago is there, is just icing on the cake. Harrison can't seem to get the girl out of his head that he met that day in the cornfield. And when he seems to be the answer to her prayers, he can only hope he can finally break through to her.
A second chance romance with a strong, yet broken heroine and a hero that never lost sight of what he wants. This was a fantastic little short story that was filled with so much in such a limited amount of pages. Lexi Ryan does an amazing job giving you an entire story with the minimum amount of words. Although the story spans only a few days, through the magic of flashbacks we are given a decade of information.
I am not sure what happened to this series, as the third book was expected to be released last year; but I know that I want more.
April 27, 2014
As this is a novella I really hadn't expected very much but I was pleasantly surprised, it turned out to be a good little read!
July 20, 2013
Just the Way You Are by Lexi Ryan is another well-written story about love and second chances. This is the second installment in the Decadence Series.
One year of marriage. No sex. No complications. No messy emotions.
We were briefly introduced to Stacey and Harrison in book one, which was their wedding that everyone was attending. This is their story and goes into depth about why they both agreed to a temporary marriage.
Stacey and Harrison also have a past together as well. After many years apart, they're reunited again in marriage to save Stacey's mom's beloved house. Despite many years of separation, sparks still fly between these two and keeping their hands off each other proves a lot harder than they both thought.
This novella had surprisingly high amounts of emotions- heartache, sorrow, pain of loss. Stacey and Harrison were a great couple and I loved Harrison for his sweet & caring ways towards Stacey. Normally I prefer alpha man's but I truly thought Harrison was so sweet. Stacey never had it easy growing up & it was great to see someone love her for all that she is. I think that is what sold me on this book.
Despite the shortness, this story did not lack in character or plot development. It was well-written & packed in a lot in just 68 pages. To me this book could stand alone without the others.
One year of marriage. No sex. No complications. No messy emotions.
We were briefly introduced to Stacey and Harrison in book one, which was their wedding that everyone was attending. This is their story and goes into depth about why they both agreed to a temporary marriage.
Stacey and Harrison also have a past together as well. After many years apart, they're reunited again in marriage to save Stacey's mom's beloved house. Despite many years of separation, sparks still fly between these two and keeping their hands off each other proves a lot harder than they both thought.
This novella had surprisingly high amounts of emotions- heartache, sorrow, pain of loss. Stacey and Harrison were a great couple and I loved Harrison for his sweet & caring ways towards Stacey. Normally I prefer alpha man's but I truly thought Harrison was so sweet. Stacey never had it easy growing up & it was great to see someone love her for all that she is. I think that is what sold me on this book.
Despite the shortness, this story did not lack in character or plot development. It was well-written & packed in a lot in just 68 pages. To me this book could stand alone without the others.
July 14, 2015
Such a sweet and heartfelt love story. Characters were real and believable. Lexi has a way of writing that speaks to you! Read this lovely story. You'll be glad you did!
September 29, 2025
I love short and spicy novellas. This could have been a full novel with the amount of background the two characters had and the deepness of the storyline but nonetheless it wasn’t too shabby to read.
May 23, 2021
good story but i felt the end was rushed
December 21, 2021
This is the second story in Decadence Creek. Like the first it is a nice, short story. Fun with some steam. Enjoyable quick read.
February 21, 2013
Just the Way You Are by Lexi Ryan is another well-written story about love and second chances. This is the second installment in the Decadence Series and is followed by Just One Night (Decadence Creek). Although, this is the second of the series, I believe this can be a stand alone read and still make sense. However, Stacey and Harrison were featured in Just One Night as well, so I would recommend reading that one first just to get a better grip of this series.
This second addition to the series did not disappoint. We were briefly introduced to Stacey and Harrison in book one, which was their wedding that everyone was attending. This is their story and goes into depth about why they both agreed to a temporary marriage. Stacey and Harrison also have a past together as well. After many years apart, they're reunited again in marriage to save Stacey's mom's beloved house. Despite many years of separation, sparks still fly between these two and keeping their hands off each other proves a lot harder than they think.
I highly enjoyed Just One Night (Decadence Creek) and this one was no different. Packed into this novella were surprisingly high amounts of emotions- heartache, sorrow, pain of loss. Stacey and Harrison were a great couple and I loved Harrison for his sweet & caring ways towards Stacey. Stacey never had it easy growing up & it was great to see someone love her for all that she is.
I loved how the author also had flashback scenes recapturing Stacey and Harrison's past. It makes you understand the dynamic of their relationship so much more and the glimpses that we get from their past added more to the story, making this read that much more enjoyable for me.
In the end, Just The Way You Are was a wonderful read. Despite its shortness, this story did not lack in character or plot development. It was well-written & packed in a lot in just 63 pages. Novellas usually leave me without much satisfaction because they're harder to deliver, but Ms. Ryan executed this one beautifully. I highly enjoyed reading every minute of this story & would recommend it!
This second addition to the series did not disappoint. We were briefly introduced to Stacey and Harrison in book one, which was their wedding that everyone was attending. This is their story and goes into depth about why they both agreed to a temporary marriage. Stacey and Harrison also have a past together as well. After many years apart, they're reunited again in marriage to save Stacey's mom's beloved house. Despite many years of separation, sparks still fly between these two and keeping their hands off each other proves a lot harder than they think.
I highly enjoyed Just One Night (Decadence Creek) and this one was no different. Packed into this novella were surprisingly high amounts of emotions- heartache, sorrow, pain of loss. Stacey and Harrison were a great couple and I loved Harrison for his sweet & caring ways towards Stacey. Stacey never had it easy growing up & it was great to see someone love her for all that she is.
I loved how the author also had flashback scenes recapturing Stacey and Harrison's past. It makes you understand the dynamic of their relationship so much more and the glimpses that we get from their past added more to the story, making this read that much more enjoyable for me.
In the end, Just The Way You Are was a wonderful read. Despite its shortness, this story did not lack in character or plot development. It was well-written & packed in a lot in just 63 pages. Novellas usually leave me without much satisfaction because they're harder to deliver, but Ms. Ryan executed this one beautifully. I highly enjoyed reading every minute of this story & would recommend it!
September 23, 2013
4 Where is book 3? Stars
I loved this book. I also love it when an author can write a short and powerful story in a short story and finish the book leaving you wanting more. Not because she did not finish the first story but because you loved the book so much. This is how I feel about the Decadence Creek Books! I want a book 3 to read more about the Duval’s.
Lexi Ryan has a way with words and she can tell a story! She gives you enough background to fall in love with the characters but also enough to leave you wanting more. When I read the first story in the series, I was hooked and had to purchase the second book in this series. To no one’s surprise, I loved this book as much as I loved the first.
Stacey did not think she deserved Harrison but he wanted to prove her wrong. After a marriage of only convenience, I loved seeing these characters begin to show their true feelings. My only real complaint now is where is Book 3?
I loved this book. I also love it when an author can write a short and powerful story in a short story and finish the book leaving you wanting more. Not because she did not finish the first story but because you loved the book so much. This is how I feel about the Decadence Creek Books! I want a book 3 to read more about the Duval’s.
Lexi Ryan has a way with words and she can tell a story! She gives you enough background to fall in love with the characters but also enough to leave you wanting more. When I read the first story in the series, I was hooked and had to purchase the second book in this series. To no one’s surprise, I loved this book as much as I loved the first.
Stacey did not think she deserved Harrison but he wanted to prove her wrong. After a marriage of only convenience, I loved seeing these characters begin to show their true feelings. My only real complaint now is where is Book 3?
June 25, 2013
Contemporary second chances romance about that skips backwards ten years and then the present where Stacey Parker and Harrison Duval are getting married, but they have a lot of history when they were young and made mistakes. I think the worse (and best) part of this story is the fact that Stacey keeps too many secrets which threaten her marriage and love possibilities. Angst ridden story with a gentle seduction by Harrison who is clueless about the past, but has lots of ideas for their future. This is supposed to be a marriage of convenience plot, but that lasts about two minutes once they are married and in the limo en route for their honeymoon.
Very sweet but short romance.
56 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Very sweet but short romance.
56 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
November 8, 2013
This is a short story, novella or whatever you want to call it. But it is moving. The sexual tension is provocative and alluring. You feel hos much Harrison loves Stacey. You fell the shame and hurt that Stacey faced throughout her life. Then the story is wrapped up in a nice little bow to create a happily ever after.
I started reading Lexi Ryan after she was promoted by another author and I really enjoy her work.
I look forward to reading other books, shorts, or whatever because I know it will be great.
I read this as an ebook -- and even better it was free.
I started reading Lexi Ryan after she was promoted by another author and I really enjoy her work.
I look forward to reading other books, shorts, or whatever because I know it will be great.
I read this as an ebook -- and even better it was free.
April 16, 2014
A great love story of people who get second chances. I was also the 2nd book in the series, Just One Night is the first. It was a novella but it was packed with everything you need in a good love story. I loved Lexi Ryan's style of writing in this. I like the way she would flash back and you could get the jest of the story. Loved the characters in the story and they were easy to fall in love with. Romance, true love, sorrow, regret, and a very painful past are the ingredients of this wonderful love story.
April 23, 2013
Really enjoyed this quick, second book in Decadence Creek series, although theirs was a marriage of convenience, they both loved each other, it was nice to briefly catch up with Chase and Addy,
I loved this short read, as I have been reading some real heart wrenching books lately, thanks Lexi, I hope theres more to come.
I loved this short read, as I have been reading some real heart wrenching books lately, thanks Lexi, I hope theres more to come.
June 5, 2014
This was a quick, good love story. Harrison and Stacey had a past. Stacey never felt worthy of anyone and always tried to keep people at a distance, including Harrison who she loved. Harrison loved Stacey also and circumstances brought them together. Harrison wasn't about to let Stacey get away for a second time. If you are in the mood for a quick good love story, I would recommend this one.
July 7, 2014
Poor Stacey! She lost so much in her young life because of that poor excuse of a father from hell. Thank God for Harrison, her "temporary" husband. Harrison was the only one who ever treated her like she was worthy. The book left a lot of unanswered questions: who set the fire? who robbed Harrison's apartment and why?
December 6, 2014
I liked the second book more than the first. Stacey and Harrison's story had more depth and was heartbreaking and it goes way back ten years ago. I really wish Lexi would consider write a longer version of their story because I enjoyed seeing them together a lot!
July 9, 2013
With only 63 pages long, this was truly well written and packed full of romance, mystery and to the point. My first read by this author, love the concept of the story. I loved the story and would recommend to anyone and everyone.
April 13, 2014
I really loved the story. A little bit mushy..but hey..I'm in the mood for this kind of story.
Harrison is sweet .... Stacy adorable and I loved the twist. It was just in a right portion :)
I'm glad I picked this up !
Recommended!
Harrison is sweet .... Stacy adorable and I loved the twist. It was just in a right portion :)
I'm glad I picked this up !
Recommended!
October 30, 2013
The characters Harrison and Stacey were a great addition to the first book. Their story was sad and heartfelt. To me the book was to short for me, I wish the book was a little longer because I got pulled into their story. Thanks for writing an excellent book.
November 5, 2013
Loved this great novella by Lexi Ryan! Picked it up while it was free to give her a try and the story is sweet and super sexy and totally satisfying. Great. Another author to put all their books on my long TBR pile
November 11, 2013
This is a nice quick read about a girl who's had a truly horrible life but has remained lovely and kind despite it. She finds love and happiness and not before time, great characters and a lovely little story.
December 11, 2013
I read this book first of all of Lexi!! Just put it mildly I had to go out and get the next ones because this book drew me in and made me want to read as much as Lexi's wirting possible!! And She didn't disappoint in writing this ones or the others!!!!!
Read
December 17, 2013Full story, in a couple of hours of reading. This story was nice, I enjoyed the characters, and even though I was able to read it in an afternoon, I didnt feel like I was cheated. I really enjoyed this sweet story.
March 12, 2015
I liked it but didn't love it. Great little book, however it jumped around too much for me going from past to present. It also seemed liked it started halfway though another story then jumped back and forth to fill in the blanks... Great for some zone out light reading!
June 10, 2015
Meh, too much drama for such a short book.It would have been more appealing to me if it were longer to work through all the issues. And I really thought the reason why Stacey couldn't be with Harrison was very ridiculous.
February 27, 2013
Love these novellas
June 30, 2013
What a great short read! Love that I snagged it for free!!! And even got sucked into the snippet of Unbreak Me and went right back to Amazon and bought it!!!
June 19, 2013
4.5 stars
Quick sweet read
Quick sweet read
July 19, 2013
Wonderful love story that was surprising complete for the short length. I will be looking for other books from this author.
June 25, 2013
Very Short but a good read!!! Hope there is more to come
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews