What do you think?
Rate this book
Bending Over Backwards
"They both lost everything, and then they found each other. "
Jasmine Stanford has to be the most stressed-out yoga instructor on Cape Cod. Years after a childhood trauma left her penniless, homeless and parentless, working hard to maintain her hard-won success and security is all she knows.
Controlling her carefully rebuilt life is Jasmine's first priority, and there's no room or time in it for sexy former stockbroker Leo Fischer. But the more Leo comes around, the more Jasmine feels her resolve crumbling.
Leo is-or was-a hotshot investment banker until a workplace tragedy wiped out his memory and his career. On Cape Cod to recover, he's at loose ends, his future uncertain...until Jasmine becomes his north star. But their relationship is only physical, and Jasmine keeps her distance, even when she's as close to him as any woman can be.
Jasmine is anything but indifferent to the desire exploding between them. A summer fling was fine when she thought Leo would return to New York. But she's falling hard-and the last thing she wants to catch her is the past...
Warning: This book contains a wounded hero hotter than a summer sun and sex in very flexible positions.
Jasmine Stanford has to be the most stressed-out yoga instructor on Cape Cod. Years after a childhood trauma left her penniless, homeless and parentless, working hard to maintain her hard-won success and security is all she knows.
Controlling her carefully rebuilt life is Jasmine's first priority, and there's no room or time in it for sexy former stockbroker Leo Fischer. But the more Leo comes around, the more Jasmine feels her resolve crumbling.
Leo is-or was-a hotshot investment banker until a workplace tragedy wiped out his memory and his career. On Cape Cod to recover, he's at loose ends, his future uncertain...until Jasmine becomes his north star. But their relationship is only physical, and Jasmine keeps her distance, even when she's as close to him as any woman can be.
Jasmine is anything but indifferent to the desire exploding between them. A summer fling was fine when she thought Leo would return to New York. But she's falling hard-and the last thing she wants to catch her is the past...
Warning: This book contains a wounded hero hotter than a summer sun and sex in very flexible positions.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2013
1 person is currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hunter
149 books86 followersSamantha Hunter grew up in the Finger Lakes Region and now resides in Syracuse, NY with her husband. She showed early interest in being a writer when she signed her name as the author of an encyclopedia when she was seven years old. As an adult, she has published over 25 romance and mystery novels with new ones on the horizon.
Sam loves to travel and is always inspired by the places she's been, sharing her experiences with readers through her stories. She is also a serial hobbyist and volunteers for local animal shelters (which means she's always trying to figure out how to take more dogs and/or cats home!).
You can find out about new releases at www.samanthahunter.com or at her Samantha Hunter Books page on Facebook.
Sam loves to travel and is always inspired by the places she's been, sharing her experiences with readers through her stories. She is also a serial hobbyist and volunteers for local animal shelters (which means she's always trying to figure out how to take more dogs and/or cats home!).
You can find out about new releases at www.samanthahunter.com or at her Samantha Hunter Books page on Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 2, 2015
Bending Over Backwards - Samantha Hunter I'm in the middle of Midnight Breed Series (fictional and vampiric), just finished the 4th book and wanted something sweet and easy to read. It was quite early in the evening and I had a few hours to read before I sign out for the day. grabbed this one and drowned in it. What a sweet sweet story! Jasmine has a past to run away from. not that's is catching up, its her not wanting to end up like her family did. she wants her life to be as she wants it to be and she is determined to do it her way and on her own. she started up a Yoga studio a few years back and slowly but surely the business is building up. she is happy but exhausted.Leo on the other hand, doesn't know what he wants in his life. He was witnessed to a shooting in his working place and got shot himself, so the papers says.. he doesn't remember any of it. in fact he doesn't remember anything about his job. His boss determined to get him back, suggests that he takes a time off in his summer house near the beach in Cape Cod. Leo sees Jasmine on the beach instructing Yoga and his interest rising. he tries to half ask about signing up for Yoga and half hitting on her. with signing up - Jasmine has no problem, but any kind of relationship with this shark (those investment banker in dark gray suits..) is out of the question. Leo wants her, wants her in his bed, wants to be her friend, wants to help her. and he is willing to give her all the time she needs but in the end he simply wants her. Jasmine on the other hand - doesn't want him! - well, she loves having sex with him, but even that she considers a mistake. it takes her a lot of time to realize she truly wants him and doesn't want to let go even though he might be returning back to his job and leaving Cape Cod sometime sooner or later. Its a short story. but even so it succeeds in building their relationship beautifully. how she wants him but is afraid of committing to a relationship that is doomed to end and might leave her heart broken. How Leo is determined to have Jasmine ever if it brakes his heart, he is willing to help her, to take her in her own pace, to give her time, not to push, whatever she needs. he is just THERE for her in the true sense of the word. He doesn't judge her, doesn't make a "scene" when she pushes him again and again. he lets her decide and gives her time to do it. I just loved his character so much! There was a beautiful balance in him being there for her to him giving her space when she needs it. that's something we don't see very often. Though he doesn't know what he wants to do in his life, and doesn't remember what he used to do or even if he liked it this is the one thing he knows he wants and I just love the way he does it. in such a relaxed way. Reading about all those vampire dudes in my previous (and "usual") read - they know what they want - they want her - and they "hunt" her for it in a way till they get there. here its so different and so beautiful because it is so gentle. How much I love reading those fiction vampiric novels I found this one in the right time and place. I'll be checking up Hunter's books to find my balance of touch dudes with hopefully a dash of sweet guys that wins you over with their thoughtfulness and not their muscle and bad attitude :)
December 28, 2015
Review copy provided by author
Leo’s character caught my attention when I read the book blurb. Leo has post-traumatic amnesia, a result of a horrific workplace tragedy. He has no recollection of anything work-related, everything from what he did to how he did it. There are all kinds of 'what-if' questions and possibilities here. Will Leo regain his memory? If so, will he return to his previous life, his regular self? What will happen with the relationship that has transpired between Leo and Jasmine? Either way, whether he recalls his memories or not, he needs to figure out what he wants out of life. There's a possibility of Leo getting a 2nd chance opportunity and that's what caught my initial interest.
What starts out as a fling for Jasmine turns into something more. She has conflicted feelings about the relationship changing from purely physical, and the reasons for her feeling this conflict are well explored.
Leo and Jasmine have quite a bit in common and it's these similarities that form a connection for these two characters. Both have hurdles to get over and unbeknownst to them, it is each other in which they find their resolve. With their connection comes passion and chemistry, and there were some hot and sexy times had between them.
Bending Over Backwards was a light, fun, and quick read but there was something missing; a certain je ne sais quoi that I can't quite put my finger on.
Leo’s character caught my attention when I read the book blurb. Leo has post-traumatic amnesia, a result of a horrific workplace tragedy. He has no recollection of anything work-related, everything from what he did to how he did it. There are all kinds of 'what-if' questions and possibilities here. Will Leo regain his memory? If so, will he return to his previous life, his regular self? What will happen with the relationship that has transpired between Leo and Jasmine? Either way, whether he recalls his memories or not, he needs to figure out what he wants out of life. There's a possibility of Leo getting a 2nd chance opportunity and that's what caught my initial interest.
What starts out as a fling for Jasmine turns into something more. She has conflicted feelings about the relationship changing from purely physical, and the reasons for her feeling this conflict are well explored.
Leo and Jasmine have quite a bit in common and it's these similarities that form a connection for these two characters. Both have hurdles to get over and unbeknownst to them, it is each other in which they find their resolve. With their connection comes passion and chemistry, and there were some hot and sexy times had between them.
Bending Over Backwards was a light, fun, and quick read but there was something missing; a certain je ne sais quoi that I can't quite put my finger on.
February 10, 2020
This book has been expanded and re-released as Beyond Perfect. I originally gave this book 3 stars, but love the changes the author has made to it. Full review soon www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com
July 25, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
3 STARS
This is one of those books that when I finished, I had to think about my review. It wasn’t a bad book but it kind of left me feeling flat. There were parts I thoroughly enjoyed and others that left me completely frustrated and some that made me wonder if the hero and heroine should even be together. Words that should not go together are stressed out and yoga instructor but that’s just what our heroine is and I think that was something I had an issue with, she promotes balance in life with her students but can’t figure out how to achieve it in her own life. And to be honest, I really resented the way she initially treated the hero. I do however appreciate the way they managed to find peace and balance with each other thus making the story not a total loss.
I had a hard time liking the heroine, Jasmine, in this story. She was judgmental, overbearing, and downright rude at times especially to the hero. I hate that she made assumptions and didn’t take the time to understand what he was dealing with at first. Yes, I get that she was damaged from something in her past but you’d think that would make her want to get the full story before judging someone.
On the other hand Leo was very easy to like from the first chapter. I can’t imagine dealing with what happened to him and the aftermath but I thought he was doing a good job of trying to get on with a normal life. It was interesting to watch him begin to discover what his past was about and how he wanted to change his life in the here and now.
I won’t deny that these two had chemistry or that their intimate scenes were hot, but I still didn’t like the way Jasmine kept Leo at arm’s length for most of the book. This is one of those books that needed to be a little longer, I felt the ending was rushed and I would have liked more time with Jasmine and Leo really getting to know one another better. This book just didn’t live up to my expectations. Bending Over Backwards had the potential to be really good but I felt it left off in the middle and I’m still waiting for the end.
Review copy provided for an honest review
3 STARS
This is one of those books that when I finished, I had to think about my review. It wasn’t a bad book but it kind of left me feeling flat. There were parts I thoroughly enjoyed and others that left me completely frustrated and some that made me wonder if the hero and heroine should even be together. Words that should not go together are stressed out and yoga instructor but that’s just what our heroine is and I think that was something I had an issue with, she promotes balance in life with her students but can’t figure out how to achieve it in her own life. And to be honest, I really resented the way she initially treated the hero. I do however appreciate the way they managed to find peace and balance with each other thus making the story not a total loss.
I had a hard time liking the heroine, Jasmine, in this story. She was judgmental, overbearing, and downright rude at times especially to the hero. I hate that she made assumptions and didn’t take the time to understand what he was dealing with at first. Yes, I get that she was damaged from something in her past but you’d think that would make her want to get the full story before judging someone.
On the other hand Leo was very easy to like from the first chapter. I can’t imagine dealing with what happened to him and the aftermath but I thought he was doing a good job of trying to get on with a normal life. It was interesting to watch him begin to discover what his past was about and how he wanted to change his life in the here and now.
I won’t deny that these two had chemistry or that their intimate scenes were hot, but I still didn’t like the way Jasmine kept Leo at arm’s length for most of the book. This is one of those books that needed to be a little longer, I felt the ending was rushed and I would have liked more time with Jasmine and Leo really getting to know one another better. This book just didn’t live up to my expectations. Bending Over Backwards had the potential to be really good but I felt it left off in the middle and I’m still waiting for the end.
October 1, 2013
3.5 STARS. If you love category romances, Ms. Hunter is a consistently enjoyable author who nails the pacing, heat and conflict of what is expected in an HQ or category romance. Perfect modern read for category romance lovers.
I've got to be up-front and say that I am not a huge category romance fan, but, I really enjoyed Hunter's short story in the Samhain Strangers On a Train collection earlier this year and was pleased to receive the ARC for this, her latest romance. I highly rated SOT with 4.75 STARS and gave TIGHT QUARTERS 4.5 STARS on http://www.bookcrack.com.
In this book, Bending Over Backwards, I enjoyed the strong heroine and loved the hero's conflict. Hunter is wonderful with giving her characters a plot that involves a real life trauma that has resulted in crippling aftereffects (PTSD, phobias, illnesses, injury) and it's to her credit that she manages to keep the tone light and optimistic even while they suffer.
So, there's no knock intended to Ms. Hunter, but I am finding that as a reader, the wounded hero's amnesia or PTSD is not a fave romance trope of mine; however, she really hooked me at first with her hero's plight and the way it fractured his present life.
The inclusion of yoga and some of the life guiding principles that can be found while practicing and how it fit in their lives was a nice touch and I enjoyed the fact that Jasmine was a strong woman who enjoyed the casual nature of their relationship a.k.a. sex without guilt.
In the end, the category pacing was what made me a bit frustrated and it felt a bit rushed in the end. ~Again, maybe just my category issue. : ) I did want a bit more depth from the characters and that is what made this a 3.5 rather than a 4 STAR, for me. In for review this month at http://www.bookcrack.com.
I've got to be up-front and say that I am not a huge category romance fan, but, I really enjoyed Hunter's short story in the Samhain Strangers On a Train collection earlier this year and was pleased to receive the ARC for this, her latest romance. I highly rated SOT with 4.75 STARS and gave TIGHT QUARTERS 4.5 STARS on http://www.bookcrack.com.
In this book, Bending Over Backwards, I enjoyed the strong heroine and loved the hero's conflict. Hunter is wonderful with giving her characters a plot that involves a real life trauma that has resulted in crippling aftereffects (PTSD, phobias, illnesses, injury) and it's to her credit that she manages to keep the tone light and optimistic even while they suffer.
So, there's no knock intended to Ms. Hunter, but I am finding that as a reader, the wounded hero's amnesia or PTSD is not a fave romance trope of mine; however, she really hooked me at first with her hero's plight and the way it fractured his present life.
The inclusion of yoga and some of the life guiding principles that can be found while practicing and how it fit in their lives was a nice touch and I enjoyed the fact that Jasmine was a strong woman who enjoyed the casual nature of their relationship a.k.a. sex without guilt.
In the end, the category pacing was what made me a bit frustrated and it felt a bit rushed in the end. ~Again, maybe just my category issue. : ) I did want a bit more depth from the characters and that is what made this a 3.5 rather than a 4 STAR, for me. In for review this month at http://www.bookcrack.com.
July 25, 2013
I found out about this book last week and after reading the premise couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Sometimes you just need a good, light read. And with this one, all the yoga, and other.... workouts, I want to both dance the streets and sleep to regroup.
Jasmie is a yoga instructor, closed off emotionally after some difficult years in her past, who's taking on a new client, Leo an amnesiac stock broker from Wall Street.
I liked how, gradually, Jasmine's wall started crumbling down, and how she was healed by Leo, more so than he was.
I have to say there's a part about half way through the story where some Tantric methods are used, and if the story alone doesn't make you want to start practicing yoga, this specific part will. OMG *fans self*
In short, if you ever hesitated whether or not it will do you good, trust me, or better yet, trust Samantha Hunter - you can't go wrong with yoga.
Fun, light, flowy and well written summer read.
Jasmie is a yoga instructor, closed off emotionally after some difficult years in her past, who's taking on a new client, Leo an amnesiac stock broker from Wall Street.
I liked how, gradually, Jasmine's wall started crumbling down, and how she was healed by Leo, more so than he was.
I have to say there's a part about half way through the story where some Tantric methods are used, and if the story alone doesn't make you want to start practicing yoga, this specific part will. OMG *fans self*
In short, if you ever hesitated whether or not it will do you good, trust me, or better yet, trust Samantha Hunter - you can't go wrong with yoga.
Fun, light, flowy and well written summer read.
July 22, 2013
Jasmine Stanford idea of a relationship is skewed after an incident with her father rocked her world. When Leo Fischer sees Jasmine taught and a vision of beauty, giving a yoga lesson, he knows he wants to meet her. Leo is in Cape Cod recovering and still suffering from amnesia. He knows basic things about himself, but enough of it is a complete blank that it has given him an opportunity many never have, a fresh slate.
Jasmine cannot deny she is attracted to Leo, but she doesn’t want any strings. When Leo tries to get to know Jasmine outside of in bed, it is not always met with the results he was hoping for. While Jasmine tries to push Leo away, she has to wonder if she is letting the best thing that has happened to her walk away.
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=12341
Jasmine cannot deny she is attracted to Leo, but she doesn’t want any strings. When Leo tries to get to know Jasmine outside of in bed, it is not always met with the results he was hoping for. While Jasmine tries to push Leo away, she has to wonder if she is letting the best thing that has happened to her walk away.
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=12341
May 31, 2014
This was a "nice" story. I kept waiting for something momentous to happen, and I guess it did, but it didn't feel momentous enough. I understood why Jasmine was as she was, but this is one of those where nobody really talks to each other. Leo had very definite ideas about where he wanted them to go, but in her mind, he was temporary from the get go. And she kept him in that temporary box for a really long time. I was glad with how it ended, but I just wish there had been more to their story.
August 18, 2013
It was interesting how the author weaved a yoga mentality into the story. The characters were likeable and the story was of, but I just felt it was all superficial. I found it a bit off-putting for the main character to whine time and time again about first-world problems while doing yoga and having turned-over a new leaf. If they author would have taken the time to delve a bit deeper into the characters and extended the ending by just a little bit the book would have been tons better.
Want to read
May 4, 2013NOR
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews