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Will friends turn to lovers in this fan-favorite Westmoreland family novel by New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson?
Stern Westmoreland realizes his big mistake when he helps his best friend Jovonnie “JoJo” Jones with a makeover for a date with another man. Because Stern wants JoJo for himself! The attraction between them can no longer be denied, and they’re left with only one a long, steamy night together as much more than friends! But have they crossed the line, jeopardizing their friendship for a fling? Or has this makeover of their relationship been a long time coming?
From Harlequin Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.
The Westmorelands span the globe! Don’t miss a single story from the Denver branch of the family!
Book 1 — Westmoreland’s Way
Book 2 — Hot Westmoreland Nights
Book 3 — What a Westmoreland Wants
Book 4 — A Wife for a Westmoreland
Book 5 — The Proposal
Book 6 — Feeling the Heat
Book 7 — Texas Wild
Book 8 — One Winter’s Night
Book 9 — Zane
Book 10 — Canyon
Book 11 — Stern
Book 12 — The Real Thing
Book 13 — The Secret Affair
Book 14 — Breaking Bailey’s Rules
Book 15 — Bane
Stern Westmoreland realizes his big mistake when he helps his best friend Jovonnie “JoJo” Jones with a makeover for a date with another man. Because Stern wants JoJo for himself! The attraction between them can no longer be denied, and they’re left with only one a long, steamy night together as much more than friends! But have they crossed the line, jeopardizing their friendship for a fling? Or has this makeover of their relationship been a long time coming?
From Harlequin Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.
The Westmorelands span the globe! Don’t miss a single story from the Denver branch of the family!
Book 1 — Westmoreland’s Way
Book 2 — Hot Westmoreland Nights
Book 3 — What a Westmoreland Wants
Book 4 — A Wife for a Westmoreland
Book 5 — The Proposal
Book 6 — Feeling the Heat
Book 7 — Texas Wild
Book 8 — One Winter’s Night
Book 9 — Zane
Book 10 — Canyon
Book 11 — Stern
Book 12 — The Real Thing
Book 13 — The Secret Affair
Book 14 — Breaking Bailey’s Rules
Book 15 — Bane
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
124 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
895 books3,591 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 18, 2018
Stern the oblivious and Jojo the tomboy.
Both MCs are likeable and interesting, but the whole plot was just so contrived and unbelievable, that it felt almost ridiculous. still I liked this one better than the other book it was paired with on audio (Bachelor Untamed). But mostly because Jojo kicks ass . Stern and Jojo have been friends since they were kids. They even vacation together and the reader is to believe that in all those years (Jojo is about to turn into a 30 year old virgin -wince- yes you read that correctly! many many years wasted!!!), they have never been attracted to each other. Even when they were horny teens??? And what's with this author and her 30 year old virgins!? Just thinking of a woman wasting some of the best 'breast years' of her life makes me so sad! I mean, what is wrong with her? Maybe she needs therapy, that she is 30 and has never been tempted to have sex?
Jojo is the first to realize that she is attracted to her friend, but is sure he will never reciprocate so she decides to try to fall in love with someone else. She asks Stern, her BF to help her be more sexy, and of course this leads to Stern realizing that, yes, she is smoking hot. There's a song and dance and both are sure the other will never love them in a romantic way. There's also the creepy OM.
I should have enjoyed the story more, but I never could get over the fact that she was 30 and had never enjoyed a man, but had watched Stern with his one night stands for well over a decade without it bothering her... really?? shrug.
The audio reader is just meh. He does lousy female voices.
Both MCs are likeable and interesting, but the whole plot was just so contrived and unbelievable, that it felt almost ridiculous. still I liked this one better than the other book it was paired with on audio (Bachelor Untamed). But mostly because Jojo kicks ass . Stern and Jojo have been friends since they were kids. They even vacation together and the reader is to believe that in all those years (Jojo is about to turn into a 30 year old virgin -wince- yes you read that correctly! many many years wasted!!!), they have never been attracted to each other. Even when they were horny teens??? And what's with this author and her 30 year old virgins!? Just thinking of a woman wasting some of the best 'breast years' of her life makes me so sad! I mean, what is wrong with her? Maybe she needs therapy, that she is 30 and has never been tempted to have sex?
Jojo is the first to realize that she is attracted to her friend, but is sure he will never reciprocate so she decides to try to fall in love with someone else. She asks Stern, her BF to help her be more sexy, and of course this leads to Stern realizing that, yes, she is smoking hot. There's a song and dance and both are sure the other will never love them in a romantic way. There's also the creepy OM.
I should have enjoyed the story more, but I never could get over the fact that she was 30 and had never enjoyed a man, but had watched Stern with his one night stands for well over a decade without it bothering her... really?? shrug.
The audio reader is just meh. He does lousy female voices.
September 27, 2013
Very good friends to lovers story. Stern and JoJo have been friends since they were kids. They hang out together a lot, including going up to his hunting lodge. They can talk to each other about almost anything. Lately JoJo has realized that she's tired of being friends with all the guys and wants some romance. Being a tomboy who is great at karate, hunting and as a mechanic, she lost when it comes to feminine pursuits. So she goes to her best friend Stern, a definite ladies man, for advice on what to do.
I loved both JoJo and Stern. JoJo is an independent woman who knows what she likes and is capable of. She and Stern have been friends for a long time, but recently she has noticed that her feelings for him are changing. She doesn't want to lose his friendship by putting the moves on him so she decides to try to fall for another man instead. But she has no idea how to go about it, so she asks his advice. She talks him into giving her kissing lessons which sets off even more fireworks. I loved her absolute trust in Stern and his actions. She had no idea what she was doing to him. Having been friends with Stern for so long she's also friends with the rest of the family, so has a great time when the ladies help her with her makeover. I thought she was a little naive going to that bar chasing after the guy with "possibilities". I loved the way that Stern was there but didn't interfere when she asked him not to. That's when she finally admitted to herself that there was no way another man would be able to replace what she felt for Stern, and decided that she would go after what she had wanted in the first place. I really liked the deepening of the relationship even though she still avoided telling Stern her true feelings. I completely loved the scene at the garage at the end, though I did see it coming.
Stern was great. He's a bit of a ladies man since he has no plans to settle down until he's thirty-five. But he's seeing more of his family members falling to the love bug and wonders if he should be looking too. I love his friendship with JoJo and the way he doesn't get mad when she beats him out at one of their activities. He is taken by surprise when she asks him what she should do to attract a man. He's her friend so he answers and offers to help, but finds that he's not really happy with the idea of another man being with her. When she asks him to kiss her and teach her how it's done he is stunned by the strength of the desire he suddenly feels for her. It really freaks him out because he's never thought of her as anything other than a friend. Now he can't get her out of his mind or his dreams. He resists as hard as he can. I loved the way that he keeps going to other guys in the family for advice and they all look at him like he's nuts and tell him that he's in love with her. It takes awhile for him to admit to himself that they are right, and then he has to decide what to do about it. I loved the scene at the bar when he made sure he was there as backup but let her deal with things herself. He accepted her request for "friends with benefits" but knew he wanted more. He just didn't know how to tell her. I loved the ending.
I loved both JoJo and Stern. JoJo is an independent woman who knows what she likes and is capable of. She and Stern have been friends for a long time, but recently she has noticed that her feelings for him are changing. She doesn't want to lose his friendship by putting the moves on him so she decides to try to fall for another man instead. But she has no idea how to go about it, so she asks his advice. She talks him into giving her kissing lessons which sets off even more fireworks. I loved her absolute trust in Stern and his actions. She had no idea what she was doing to him. Having been friends with Stern for so long she's also friends with the rest of the family, so has a great time when the ladies help her with her makeover. I thought she was a little naive going to that bar chasing after the guy with "possibilities". I loved the way that Stern was there but didn't interfere when she asked him not to. That's when she finally admitted to herself that there was no way another man would be able to replace what she felt for Stern, and decided that she would go after what she had wanted in the first place. I really liked the deepening of the relationship even though she still avoided telling Stern her true feelings. I completely loved the scene at the garage at the end, though I did see it coming.
Stern was great. He's a bit of a ladies man since he has no plans to settle down until he's thirty-five. But he's seeing more of his family members falling to the love bug and wonders if he should be looking too. I love his friendship with JoJo and the way he doesn't get mad when she beats him out at one of their activities. He is taken by surprise when she asks him what she should do to attract a man. He's her friend so he answers and offers to help, but finds that he's not really happy with the idea of another man being with her. When she asks him to kiss her and teach her how it's done he is stunned by the strength of the desire he suddenly feels for her. It really freaks him out because he's never thought of her as anything other than a friend. Now he can't get her out of his mind or his dreams. He resists as hard as he can. I loved the way that he keeps going to other guys in the family for advice and they all look at him like he's nuts and tell him that he's in love with her. It takes awhile for him to admit to himself that they are right, and then he has to decide what to do about it. I loved the scene at the bar when he made sure he was there as backup but let her deal with things herself. He accepted her request for "friends with benefits" but knew he wanted more. He just didn't know how to tell her. I loved the ending.
October 9, 2022
Trash . Literally trash . At the beginning I thought this book might stand a chance . It just had to prove me wrong.
It started off well but somewhere along the way things went wrong . It felt as if the author just wanted to finish up with this book ,not as in abrupt climax or rushed writing - it felt like she was skipping scenes because , well that’s basically what she did . The writing seemed to take a sudden turn and the more I read , the more it got on my nerves . It was as if someone yanked out a few pages of the book , took those along with some of the more spicy scenes , beginning and published that as the actual book . Considering the length , it’s quite possible . Every major romantic moment or the likes was skipped to . And the plot was RIDICULOUS. I think my little sister has written better than this . The main character ? Awfully done . She was childish as heck . A soon to be 30 year old behaving in a way even 18 year olds don’t . yet somehow she was supposed to be fierce ,trained in multiple weapons and arts ??? Didn’t fit with me . It also had some of that Cinderella story case where no one wants her and she magically turn into this hot ass thing . She reaaallly annoyed me . She was clueless and an air head . Her reasons for doing things , how she reacts to them and communication with her …. Ughh puh-lease . I don’t even know how that was considered an ending , how did this get published actually? I probably sound excessively mean about this but it did not pass my standards as a romance book and I don’t think it takes all that much to please me . Definitely do NOT recommend .
Note : why is it kinda fun/easy to write mean reviews though ?
It started off well but somewhere along the way things went wrong . It felt as if the author just wanted to finish up with this book ,not as in abrupt climax or rushed writing - it felt like she was skipping scenes because , well that’s basically what she did . The writing seemed to take a sudden turn and the more I read , the more it got on my nerves . It was as if someone yanked out a few pages of the book , took those along with some of the more spicy scenes , beginning and published that as the actual book . Considering the length , it’s quite possible . Every major romantic moment or the likes was skipped to . And the plot was RIDICULOUS. I think my little sister has written better than this . The main character ? Awfully done . She was childish as heck . A soon to be 30 year old behaving in a way even 18 year olds don’t . yet somehow she was supposed to be fierce ,trained in multiple weapons and arts ??? Didn’t fit with me . It also had some of that Cinderella story case where no one wants her and she magically turn into this hot ass thing . She reaaallly annoyed me . She was clueless and an air head . Her reasons for doing things , how she reacts to them and communication with her …. Ughh puh-lease . I don’t even know how that was considered an ending , how did this get published actually? I probably sound excessively mean about this but it did not pass my standards as a romance book and I don’t think it takes all that much to please me . Definitely do NOT recommend .
Note : why is it kinda fun/easy to write mean reviews though ?
August 21, 2013
In Book Three of Brenda Jackson's Westmoreland trilogy we meet Stern.. Another of the fabulous Westmoreland cousins! These three cousins have had one thing in common.. they were bachelors and planned to stay that way. Zane never planned to marry.. but timber down he went.. Canyon, well he wasn't against marriage but when the woman he loved left him he was pretty much through for a while.. yeah that worked out really well.. Now it's Sterns turn. Only Stern has had the love of his life right by his side the entire time.
Stern Westmoreland has his life on track.. He is an attorney for his family's business, owns his own home and vacation place, has a great family and has a best friend who can outshoot, out martial art and knows more about cars than anyone else around.. It's when that friend asks him for dating advice and how to make men notice her that gets Stern's attention.
When Jovonnie "JoJo" Jones started noticing her best friend in an overly friendly manner.. When he started starring in some of her more erotic dreams, JoJo knew she needed to do something. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin a life long friendship with her new feelings. So she focused on another man who didn't even realize she was alive, well except as a mechanic. Not sure what to do she asks her best friend.. isn't that what girls do? It's just he isn't handling things well.
There is just something special when books are about friends finding love. While it helps support the theory that men and woman can never be just friends (and that is irksome) it is also a nice dream. To know that someday the person you trust the most, the person who has always stood by your side is the person you were meant to spend your life with.
Stern and JoJo are a great couple, they see more than the outer shell they see the person beneath the surface. While Stern has always been one gorgeous man, JoJo has hidden herself behind coveralls and baseball caps.. No men even realize how beautiful she is.. Once her makeover is complete she realizes that really none of that matters. Sure she enjoys dressing up and looking nice but those who can't see beyond the surface really aren't worth worrying about.
Of course JoJo's choice in substituions leaves much to be desired.. a poor copy of Stern to say the least.. JoJo is forced to deal with the ramifications of her choices.. and let's just say she learns an interesting lesson..
While I enjoyed the premise of this book JoJo's total and complete naiveté surprised me. It turned me off just a tad. No one who lives in a major city in the US can reach the age of 30 and be that naive. Sexually inexperienced, sure.. but some of the things she believed.. yeah totally bothered me.. At least this was with Stern and he was there to help her grow.. but that was a minor disappointment.. All in all Stern is wonderful way to wrap up this particular Westmoreland Trilogy.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Stern, provided by netgalley and is errsed on September 3, 2013
Stern Westmoreland has his life on track.. He is an attorney for his family's business, owns his own home and vacation place, has a great family and has a best friend who can outshoot, out martial art and knows more about cars than anyone else around.. It's when that friend asks him for dating advice and how to make men notice her that gets Stern's attention.
When Jovonnie "JoJo" Jones started noticing her best friend in an overly friendly manner.. When he started starring in some of her more erotic dreams, JoJo knew she needed to do something. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin a life long friendship with her new feelings. So she focused on another man who didn't even realize she was alive, well except as a mechanic. Not sure what to do she asks her best friend.. isn't that what girls do? It's just he isn't handling things well.
There is just something special when books are about friends finding love. While it helps support the theory that men and woman can never be just friends (and that is irksome) it is also a nice dream. To know that someday the person you trust the most, the person who has always stood by your side is the person you were meant to spend your life with.
Stern and JoJo are a great couple, they see more than the outer shell they see the person beneath the surface. While Stern has always been one gorgeous man, JoJo has hidden herself behind coveralls and baseball caps.. No men even realize how beautiful she is.. Once her makeover is complete she realizes that really none of that matters. Sure she enjoys dressing up and looking nice but those who can't see beyond the surface really aren't worth worrying about.
Of course JoJo's choice in substituions leaves much to be desired.. a poor copy of Stern to say the least.. JoJo is forced to deal with the ramifications of her choices.. and let's just say she learns an interesting lesson..
While I enjoyed the premise of this book JoJo's total and complete naiveté surprised me. It turned me off just a tad. No one who lives in a major city in the US can reach the age of 30 and be that naive. Sexually inexperienced, sure.. but some of the things she believed.. yeah totally bothered me.. At least this was with Stern and he was there to help her grow.. but that was a minor disappointment.. All in all Stern is wonderful way to wrap up this particular Westmoreland Trilogy.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Stern, provided by netgalley and is errsed on September 3, 2013
July 15, 2016
Who doesn't love a romance to develop from an established friendship? I for one am a sucker for them. There is something to be said about already having that strong foundation set and so much happy history to look back on as you navigate your future together. That's exactly what we get with Stern, the 27th book of the Westmorelands series, by Brenda Jackson.
Jovonnie Jones is one of the guys. She works in an auto repair shop, goes hunting with the guys and is Stern Westmoreland's best friend. When JoJo tells Stern that she needs his help with a makeover, he has no idea what to think. She's never really let all of that girl stuff be a priority before and he wonders what is up with the big change. Stern is a typical Westmoreland male. He is caring and compassionate. But, when he falls he shows it in a big way.
JoJo has a life that she loves. She has good friends and loves her job. But, when she begins to develop feelings for Stern that goes beyond their friendship she decides that fixing herself up is in order. This gets tricky as the couple becomes closer. She fears hurting their friendship if she lets him know her true feelings. JoJo is strong and independent. I liked that she stayed true to herself as she explored a more feminine look.
The Westmorelands are a fun family to read. They are such a fun and loving with one another. I like seeing the family and catching up on the lives of the previous couples. Have no fear this book may be one of many in this series, but can totally be read as a standalone.
This story has little drama and angst. JoJo and Stern are laid back and they went with the flow for the most part. The story is very predictable and tame in some ways. Which is a great combination if you are just looking for a nice, easy read.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Jovonnie Jones is one of the guys. She works in an auto repair shop, goes hunting with the guys and is Stern Westmoreland's best friend. When JoJo tells Stern that she needs his help with a makeover, he has no idea what to think. She's never really let all of that girl stuff be a priority before and he wonders what is up with the big change. Stern is a typical Westmoreland male. He is caring and compassionate. But, when he falls he shows it in a big way.
JoJo has a life that she loves. She has good friends and loves her job. But, when she begins to develop feelings for Stern that goes beyond their friendship she decides that fixing herself up is in order. This gets tricky as the couple becomes closer. She fears hurting their friendship if she lets him know her true feelings. JoJo is strong and independent. I liked that she stayed true to herself as she explored a more feminine look.
The Westmorelands are a fun family to read. They are such a fun and loving with one another. I like seeing the family and catching up on the lives of the previous couples. Have no fear this book may be one of many in this series, but can totally be read as a standalone.
This story has little drama and angst. JoJo and Stern are laid back and they went with the flow for the most part. The story is very predictable and tame in some ways. Which is a great combination if you are just looking for a nice, easy read.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I have the two in one but I'm reviewing them separately. It had me laughing to tears it was so funny to me at times. This is about Stern Westmoreland and Jovannie "JoJo" who have been best friends since middle school. Stern and JoJo do everything together, she's not the typical girly girl. she likes to hunt, do karate, archery. While at the Stern's hunting lodge JoJo realizes that she was starting to see Stern differently, her feelings were changing but she was afraid she didn't want to mess up their friendship by telling him. So she comes up with this plan for Stern to help her meet a man. When she does Stern finds out that he is not happy about her meeting or trying to date another man. He didn't want anything to come between their friendship and she felt the same. Because they were friends Stern he try's to help her but now his feelings are beginning to surf and everybody can see but them. It really starts to get crazy and funny after they kiss for the first time and now he's giving her Kissing Lessons too funny. Finally they both want more but is too afraid to move to the next step. Then everything changes when Stern decided he wanted more and he invites her back to the lodge and she decides she wants more too. On the way there JoJo tells him she wants to be Friends with Benefits. That's all Stern needed. Stern and JoJo move beyond just friends to lovers and soul mates. Love my Westmoreland Men. It seems the younger ones find their true love earlier in life. Can't wait for Bane's story. There is only four family members left to write about but I think there will be more to come.
March 31, 2015
~2/5
I haven’t read any of the book in this series, or anything else by Brenda Jackson. I picked this up because it was cheap, thinking it sounded cute and hopefully steamy.
It starts out pretty good, the writing subtle, the characters entertaining. Jojo is in love with Stern, her best friend, and so decides to fall in love with someone else instead. Stern is very oblivious, throughout most of the novel, as his feelings start to develop to more. Jojo is also pretty oblivious, and her inexperience is pushed to the ridiculous.
I actually found the characters all right, and I liked Stern and some of the others. I liked their friends-to-lovers route. I did have a problem with their “practicing” kissing thing, though. That didn’t make sense on any level.
Given that this is such a huge series, I think it's good that the rest of the Westmoreland family wasn't mentioned too much. Since I haven't read any of the other books, their huge family tree was confusing, even given how little they were mentioned at all.
The more I read, though, the more the writing got on my nerves. I don’t know if it changed, or if I did. But it got a little more tell-than-show I think, and more exaggerated, like a teenage girl had written it. And then just some of the language, and the little use of contractions, got on my nerves, as it made it harder to read.
By the time I got to the end, I was happy to be finished with it. I thought about picking up another of her books, but now I don’t think I will.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
I haven’t read any of the book in this series, or anything else by Brenda Jackson. I picked this up because it was cheap, thinking it sounded cute and hopefully steamy.
It starts out pretty good, the writing subtle, the characters entertaining. Jojo is in love with Stern, her best friend, and so decides to fall in love with someone else instead. Stern is very oblivious, throughout most of the novel, as his feelings start to develop to more. Jojo is also pretty oblivious, and her inexperience is pushed to the ridiculous.
I actually found the characters all right, and I liked Stern and some of the others. I liked their friends-to-lovers route. I did have a problem with their “practicing” kissing thing, though. That didn’t make sense on any level.
Given that this is such a huge series, I think it's good that the rest of the Westmoreland family wasn't mentioned too much. Since I haven't read any of the other books, their huge family tree was confusing, even given how little they were mentioned at all.
The more I read, though, the more the writing got on my nerves. I don’t know if it changed, or if I did. But it got a little more tell-than-show I think, and more exaggerated, like a teenage girl had written it. And then just some of the language, and the little use of contractions, got on my nerves, as it made it harder to read.
By the time I got to the end, I was happy to be finished with it. I thought about picking up another of her books, but now I don’t think I will.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
March 28, 2019
2.75 Stars. (BWBM). Audiobook with narration by Sean Crisden. Friends to lovers. About the friends: Superwoman...Jovonnie "JoJo" Jones is a marksman, archer, black belt martial artist, auto mechanic with an engineering degree and a 30-year-old virgin who has not learned to style her hair nor purchase outfits suitable for all the society events that she is said to have occasionally attended with Stern. Oblivious man...Stern Westmoreland is an astute successful businessman and womanizer; however, he lacks the perception to discern that is friend and constant companion is physically attracted to him and he to her. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite troupes. I get that it takes awhile for the parties to acknowledge their feelings for fear of failing as a romantic couple and loosing the friendship; but the author made these 'thirty-somethings' behave like 'teeny-boppers', i.e., in the move SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL, best friends Keith and Watts practice a kiss as part of Watts' effort to ready Keith for a date with Amanda when she (Watts) is in love with Keith, (Keith) is oblivious to his romantic love for Watts until he relives the practiced kiss. Aside from the unbelievable childishness of this book's storyline, the reader is told that JoJo and Stern are in love, the writing does not allow the reader to witness or experience the protagonists transition from plutonic friends to a romantic couple. This is my first read of this author's work and I had planned on reading her latest series, Catalina Cove, but this book has made be question that decision.
July 9, 2021
JoJo and Stern. Where do I begin? I fell in love with Stern. I want a Stern. Ms Jackson really knows how to write a dreamboat of a man. He's protective of JoJo, yet he doesn't smother her. He adores her, and he fights his feelings for her until he can't anymore. I just love a good friends-come-lovers story. It makes me giddy.
JoJo is a kick ass heroine. Strong, independent, and not afraid to lean on her friend when she needs to. Admitting you need help and a shoulder to cry on, so to speak, takes real strength. It made me love JoJo that much more. I understand her dilemma. Completely. How do you tell your bestie you've fallen in love with him? I mean, really!
Not having read the previous 26 books in the series, I had no idea about their backgrounds. And it made me a little sad that they had such tragic backgrounds. I look at my own background and I can't even imagine.
Those who have followed this series are sure to love this book. But if you're like me, and have no idea what you're getting yourself into, trust in Ms Jackson. Even if you haven't read the other books, you get enough of a background on supporting characters so that you don't feel too left out and confused half the time. Reading the rest of the series isn't necessary to fall in love with this book.
I received this book as an e-galley from Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
JoJo is a kick ass heroine. Strong, independent, and not afraid to lean on her friend when she needs to. Admitting you need help and a shoulder to cry on, so to speak, takes real strength. It made me love JoJo that much more. I understand her dilemma. Completely. How do you tell your bestie you've fallen in love with him? I mean, really!
Not having read the previous 26 books in the series, I had no idea about their backgrounds. And it made me a little sad that they had such tragic backgrounds. I look at my own background and I can't even imagine.
Those who have followed this series are sure to love this book. But if you're like me, and have no idea what you're getting yourself into, trust in Ms Jackson. Even if you haven't read the other books, you get enough of a background on supporting characters so that you don't feel too left out and confused half the time. Reading the rest of the series isn't necessary to fall in love with this book.
I received this book as an e-galley from Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
August 16, 2013
JoJo owns her own repair auto shop and she never really thought about her looks or how men see her. But that changes when she decided it times to find a man, after realizing she is falling for her best friend Stern Westmoreland. Jojo is not the girly type she hunts, and does martial arts, and works in her repair shop. Stern is her best friends since high school, they spend a lot of time together as friends, but soon that friendship turns into something more and both of them are afraid to admit it. JoJo decides she needs to find another man to take her attention off Stern, but ask Stern for help because she has no experience with men.
I love this story! It held my attention the entire time; I loved each and every detail of the story. I really enjoyed watching Stern gradually come to terms with his feelings for JoJo and JoJo trying to find a way to run from her feelings. This book will have you smiling, laughing, frustrated and hot under the collar…a MUST Read!!!
ARC Provided by NetGallery
I love this story! It held my attention the entire time; I loved each and every detail of the story. I really enjoyed watching Stern gradually come to terms with his feelings for JoJo and JoJo trying to find a way to run from her feelings. This book will have you smiling, laughing, frustrated and hot under the collar…a MUST Read!!!
ARC Provided by NetGallery
September 3, 2013
A Beautifully written addition to the Westmoreland Saga. As always, it could stand alone, but why? Don't deny yourself the treat that is Brenda Jackson's writing. Stern is a friends becoming lovers story, yes, but it is so much more. It is peopled with characters you will connect to emotionally. You will be eagerly awaiting the happily ever after moment, as I did, and you will not be disappointed. The pacing is even, the story well plotted, the characters strong, the setting, stunning, and the emotional impact for me was excellent. The love scenes, though few, were passionate and appropriate to the storyline. The secondary characters all seem like people I would like to have as friends and family.
*I was lucky enough to request and receive my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I was lucky enough to request and receive my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2014
Nice story. Although I found that Jackson's men tend to talk like women a lot, with multisyllabic words and lots of adverbs and adjectives. I've never heard a man say to his brother "I behaved inappropriately," instead of something like "I acted like a horse's ass," unless it was a historical. Also, this is toward the end of an apparently very long series and Jackson seemed to need to throw in the names of everyone who has ever been in one of the stories.
August 10, 2013
I love a good friends turned lovers story, and Brenda Jackson has done it well here.
Read
June 11, 2020I love friends to lovers books. This was an audiobook read.
This was ... so very much a "Harlequin category" book. A lot of suspension of disbelief was required. Jojo is great - super kickass, owns her own auto repair shop, is (a black belt?) a crack shot, good at a lot of things. But ... for being "girly" super clueless - but beyond that like ... TOO clueless for this day and age. Friend. You have the internet. HOW?!
(And also I'm pretty sure this is ... oh definitely yeah - she reads romances. So ... HOW IS SHE SO CLUELESS, HOW?!)
I actually have issue with her being nearly 30 and a virgin. Life is weird, y'all.
(Especially - I don't know when this was published but I know younger millennials were less promiscuous than people who were older than them so that'd be like ... people in their mid 20s to early 30s of the demographic I'm thinking of at least ... maybe more but I'm only going by the data I know.) SO ANYWAY.
She's super fixated on dude (Walter? What a name) just based on his looks - which fine, but she's kinda planning their HEA without even knowing him. Obviously that goes south.
What was eye-roll-y for me was Stern and his "practicing" and Jojo just being like "oh ok" and ... it didn't really seem like she always had a working brain for herself.
So there was some cognitive dissonance too with how stuff just didn't make sense.
I can't remember if I've read any of the previous books - pretty sure I might've read some of the earlier ones? But anyway - I liked a lot of the secondary characters and I did like when Stern and Jojo were together.
Stern trying to figure out his emotions (man that takes a while).
I'm not mad I read this book but I'm also not writing home about it. Nothing too egregious but nothing GREAT!/Standout.
Fast fun read, I'd say probably a C- or C--
not rating it though because nothing jumps out and since it was an audiobook read I'm afraid I missed something.
This was ... so very much a "Harlequin category" book. A lot of suspension of disbelief was required. Jojo is great - super kickass, owns her own auto repair shop, is (a black belt?) a crack shot, good at a lot of things. But ... for being "girly" super clueless - but beyond that like ... TOO clueless for this day and age. Friend. You have the internet. HOW?!
(And also I'm pretty sure this is ... oh definitely yeah - she reads romances. So ... HOW IS SHE SO CLUELESS, HOW?!)
I actually have issue with her being nearly 30 and a virgin. Life is weird, y'all.
(Especially - I don't know when this was published but I know younger millennials were less promiscuous than people who were older than them so that'd be like ... people in their mid 20s to early 30s of the demographic I'm thinking of at least ... maybe more but I'm only going by the data I know.) SO ANYWAY.
She's super fixated on dude (Walter? What a name) just based on his looks - which fine, but she's kinda planning their HEA without even knowing him. Obviously that goes south.
What was eye-roll-y for me was Stern and his "practicing" and Jojo just being like "oh ok" and ... it didn't really seem like she always had a working brain for herself.
So there was some cognitive dissonance too with how stuff just didn't make sense.
I can't remember if I've read any of the previous books - pretty sure I might've read some of the earlier ones? But anyway - I liked a lot of the secondary characters and I did like when Stern and Jojo were together.
Stern trying to figure out his emotions (man that takes a while).
I'm not mad I read this book but I'm also not writing home about it. Nothing too egregious but nothing GREAT!/Standout.
Fast fun read, I'd say probably a C- or C--
not rating it though because nothing jumps out and since it was an audiobook read I'm afraid I missed something.
December 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book because it had some meat to it. Usually these books are like 100 pages and the plot is a laughable afterthought. This book pleasantly surprised me.
With that being said - I understand why these two were best friends because they were both extremely dense. Kissing lessons? Are you freaking kidding me? The amount of time it took for both of them to admit their true feelings to themselves and each other. Plus the lame excuses they kept making for what they were feeling. OMG. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I was so glad when they finally got their crap together.
Stern was the typical Westmoreland but JoJo's character was absolutely amazing. I loved this girl. I hope to read more about her in future books.
With that being said - I understand why these two were best friends because they were both extremely dense. Kissing lessons? Are you freaking kidding me? The amount of time it took for both of them to admit their true feelings to themselves and each other. Plus the lame excuses they kept making for what they were feeling. OMG. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I was so glad when they finally got their crap together.
Stern was the typical Westmoreland but JoJo's character was absolutely amazing. I loved this girl. I hope to read more about her in future books.
May 25, 2022
Too Many Best Friends
Stern and JoJo's story was a delightful romp through romantic interludes, but it was almost overwhelmed by the super redundant use of the term "best friend". Okay, we got it after the first three or four references, but the repeated use was just too much. It was also unbelievable that the couple was supposed to be so in tune with each other, yet they could not discern the other's obvious feelings. Most unfathomable of all, though, was the bit about the kissing "lessons" for JoJo. Give me a break! Neither JoJo nor Stern was naïve enough to fall for that one. The book was otherwise a typical Brenda Jackson treat, however, that will please her die hard fans in spite of these annoying flaws.
Stern and JoJo's story was a delightful romp through romantic interludes, but it was almost overwhelmed by the super redundant use of the term "best friend". Okay, we got it after the first three or four references, but the repeated use was just too much. It was also unbelievable that the couple was supposed to be so in tune with each other, yet they could not discern the other's obvious feelings. Most unfathomable of all, though, was the bit about the kissing "lessons" for JoJo. Give me a break! Neither JoJo nor Stern was naïve enough to fall for that one. The book was otherwise a typical Brenda Jackson treat, however, that will please her die hard fans in spite of these annoying flaws.
July 26, 2017
I really love these Westmoreland books but each on has, the same twist of faith. Guy meet girl, girl is a virgin he becomes her first. They've either know each other all their life or at some point or a westmoreland family member. So they fall madly in love and get engaged or married. Good read but getting very predictable. Other than for the mystery being different all the stories are pretty much the same.
August 11, 2017
The relationship between Stern and JoJo was interesting. JoJo is this jeans and sweats, sneakers-over-heels, alpha woman who can do things better than any man. For that reason, she was single. Then her best friend, Stern Westmoreland, is the opposite. He's a lady's man, and proud of it. JoJo asks him to help her get the man she wants. It was so interesting to see how it played out! You gotta read this.
May 19, 2023
Stern. This is about two friends finding love right in front of their faces. Stern and "JoJo" Jovonnie have been friends forever. They did everything together since childhood. JoJo decides she wants a man and asks Stern to help her make herself over to catch Walter who she thinks is the best man for her. Stern is upset at first, but then decided to help only to realize he doesn't want her to be with any man. Read and see what happens to their relationship as time goes on.
January 23, 2020
After the last few books I thought this was going to be a dumpster fire. So I was absolutely delighted with how much I enjoyed JoJo and Stern. He was a bit cave-manny, but almost all these fellas are.
The plot had it's flimsy unbelievable moments, but the relationship was well paced and FUN. Joy all around
The plot had it's flimsy unbelievable moments, but the relationship was well paced and FUN. Joy all around
August 1, 2021
I didn't like it all that much, heroine is almost 30 and she comes across as 18 and fresh out of high school (like with the questions she ask and things she doesn't know, I'm not referring to her being a virgin). Then the chemistry between hero and heroine didn't feel all that strong, I felt like I barely knew them. Np.
December 28, 2023
Friends to lovers is my jam! Stern and JoJo had been friends since middle school. Then she noticed her feelings for him changed. So she comes up with this crazy plan to get a guy to distract her from her feelings for Stern. Then she had the audacity to ask Stern to help her win the guy. I almost lost it at the kissing lessons.
This was such a good book. I really enjoyed it.
This was such a good book. I really enjoyed it.
August 22, 2020
Can’t see the forest for the trees
In this sweet love story we find to people who have such a deep unconditional friendship that they don’t recognize that they are deeply in love...of course trouble rears its ugly head only to find out that love conquers all.
In this sweet love story we find to people who have such a deep unconditional friendship that they don’t recognize that they are deeply in love...of course trouble rears its ugly head only to find out that love conquers all.
May 20, 2018
I'm enjoying reading about the Westmorelands, but this one was just OK or me.
December 21, 2018
I so enjoyed this book !!!
Nothing like falling in love with a man who wad your best friend before he became your lover.
Brenda Jackson is a great writer.
Nothing like falling in love with a man who wad your best friend before he became your lover.
Brenda Jackson is a great writer.
June 5, 2020
Can’t get enough
July 12, 2021
Loved this book.
library
July 30, 20210
October 30, 2021
A cheesy Harlequin romance.
September 27, 2022
Alpha male? Whut
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