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Surviving Valentine
Beach Eyes: Beautiful gold surrounding the pupils, just like sand at the beach, and then suddenly BAM! A deep blue like the ocean.
It all started with beach eyes for Scarlet Barnette. After jumping into bed with men without getting to know them first, she has learned it always ends in disaster. So she puts everything she has into running her self defense studio. As Valentine’s Day approaches Scarlet tries to steer clear of men who promise her a good time. Until she meets Darien Valentine and his beach eyes. Resisting him is going to take every ounce of control she has. Especially when she finds out he is her sexy new neighbor.
Darien Valentine wants Scarlet.
As soon as he saw her, he knew he had to have her.
She says she wants to be friends before lovers. Well Darien is just going to be the best friend she will ever have. Looks like this Navy Seal has his next mission.
Will they be able to resist giving in?
And when Tragedy strikes, will they survive it at all?
It all started with beach eyes for Scarlet Barnette. After jumping into bed with men without getting to know them first, she has learned it always ends in disaster. So she puts everything she has into running her self defense studio. As Valentine’s Day approaches Scarlet tries to steer clear of men who promise her a good time. Until she meets Darien Valentine and his beach eyes. Resisting him is going to take every ounce of control she has. Especially when she finds out he is her sexy new neighbor.
Darien Valentine wants Scarlet.
As soon as he saw her, he knew he had to have her.
She says she wants to be friends before lovers. Well Darien is just going to be the best friend she will ever have. Looks like this Navy Seal has his next mission.
Will they be able to resist giving in?
And when Tragedy strikes, will they survive it at all?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2013
7 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Florence
39 books619 followersJessica Florence writes the stories that her fellow nerds yearn for.
From Superheroes to Sexy Truckers, Jessica is known to give readers unique tales of hope where love conquers all. Stories that melt away reality and take you on a journey with the characters. If escapism is what you are looking for, then look no further. Jessica is the Queen of weaving the tales you may not normally pick up but find yourself not being able to put down.
Jessica’s always had a love of reading, and her love of books lead her to start writing in the 9th grade. She quickly learned that storytelling was her passion. Inspired by movies, music, and her personal life she writes like it’s the very air she breathes. Through her writing it’s evident that she lives for the stories she creates.
Jessica resides in North Carolina with her daughter, husband, and various animals. She loves to be outside, write in her hammock, and collect tea mugs.
CONNECT WITH J-FLO:
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jessicaflorenceauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/authorjessicaflorence
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/florencejess
➜ WEBSITE: www.Jessicaflorenceauthor.com
From Superheroes to Sexy Truckers, Jessica is known to give readers unique tales of hope where love conquers all. Stories that melt away reality and take you on a journey with the characters. If escapism is what you are looking for, then look no further. Jessica is the Queen of weaving the tales you may not normally pick up but find yourself not being able to put down.
Jessica’s always had a love of reading, and her love of books lead her to start writing in the 9th grade. She quickly learned that storytelling was her passion. Inspired by movies, music, and her personal life she writes like it’s the very air she breathes. Through her writing it’s evident that she lives for the stories she creates.
Jessica resides in North Carolina with her daughter, husband, and various animals. She loves to be outside, write in her hammock, and collect tea mugs.
CONNECT WITH J-FLO:
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jessicaflorenceauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/authorjessicaflorence
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/florencejess
➜ WEBSITE: www.Jessicaflorenceauthor.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 28, 2013
3-3.5 Stars
First, don't let my 3 star rating fool you. A 3 star rating means I liked a book, I just didn't LOVE it. This was a very cute story with a good dose of steamy and dirty talk thrown in. Which you'll never find this girl complaining about.
It had all the ingredients for a solid 4 stars for me, but unfortunately there were some things that I simply couldn't overlook that kept it from that.
The heroine taught self defense classes and was instantly likable. Who doesn't like a heroine that can kick some ass?
The hero? Be still my heart. Hot and a dirty talker. The icing on the man cake? He's a Navy SEAL. The second I read that, my inner dirty girl was all
The story was engaging with a twist at the end that although I somewhat saw coming, I still enjoyed.
So what didn't quite work for me? Well, a number of things.
The dialogue
It read a bit awkward for me. The H/h didn't sound like someone in their mid twenties but like someone in their teens. When a sexy SEAL utters the words "precious globes of goodness" in reference to the heroine's breasts...all I can do is giggle. But he did make up for this with his dirty talk, so I'll forgive him.
The editing
Here's the thing. I typically never touch on the editing when it comes to indie authors...but there were some instances where I had to re-read a sentence a few times because of it. While this wasn't glaringly obvious, I do tend to be a grammar nazi, so it does stand out like a glaring beacon to me. I don't ever mark down a book unless the grammar mistakes are distracting to me. In the case here, sadly they were.
The insta lust/love
Le sigh. This never seems to work for me in books. While I loved the hero and heroine and the steamy scenes between them, I found their road to love was just way too quick for my tastes. Considering both of their histories, it didn't strike me as very believable.
The book did have a super sweet epilogue that I absolutely loved.
Now while those things took my rating down a bit, I still did enjoy this one. A steamy, sexy, angst free read that I think everyone would enjoy.
Thank you to the wonderful author, Jessica, for my ARC. I look forward to your future books ;)
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
First, don't let my 3 star rating fool you. A 3 star rating means I liked a book, I just didn't LOVE it. This was a very cute story with a good dose of steamy and dirty talk thrown in. Which you'll never find this girl complaining about.
It had all the ingredients for a solid 4 stars for me, but unfortunately there were some things that I simply couldn't overlook that kept it from that.
The heroine taught self defense classes and was instantly likable. Who doesn't like a heroine that can kick some ass?
The hero? Be still my heart. Hot and a dirty talker. The icing on the man cake? He's a Navy SEAL. The second I read that, my inner dirty girl was all
The story was engaging with a twist at the end that although I somewhat saw coming, I still enjoyed.
So what didn't quite work for me? Well, a number of things.
The dialogue
It read a bit awkward for me. The H/h didn't sound like someone in their mid twenties but like someone in their teens. When a sexy SEAL utters the words "precious globes of goodness" in reference to the heroine's breasts...all I can do is giggle. But he did make up for this with his dirty talk, so I'll forgive him.
The editing
Here's the thing. I typically never touch on the editing when it comes to indie authors...but there were some instances where I had to re-read a sentence a few times because of it. While this wasn't glaringly obvious, I do tend to be a grammar nazi, so it does stand out like a glaring beacon to me. I don't ever mark down a book unless the grammar mistakes are distracting to me. In the case here, sadly they were.
The insta lust/love
Le sigh. This never seems to work for me in books. While I loved the hero and heroine and the steamy scenes between them, I found their road to love was just way too quick for my tastes. Considering both of their histories, it didn't strike me as very believable.
The book did have a super sweet epilogue that I absolutely loved.
Now while those things took my rating down a bit, I still did enjoy this one. A steamy, sexy, angst free read that I think everyone would enjoy.
Thank you to the wonderful author, Jessica, for my ARC. I look forward to your future books ;)
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
November 29, 2013
This book made my heart melt.... awwww a sweet easy read about boy meets girl with a little twist!
Scarlett has a past that made her stronger. She runs self-defence classes for woman.
Enter Darien Valentine, a navy seal on his holidays.
"I got a glimpse of a really tight set of abs and V. Oh the V, one of my favourite parts of a man"
They become attracted to each other and things moves on.....
"Damn, I have turned into fourteen year old again, where all you have to do is look at a chick and you get a hard on. I am a navy seal for Christ's sake! Control yourself man"
And this book is steamy!! And Darien is a dirty talker too! Thumbs up too that!
If you are in mood for a sexy easy boy meets girl, pick it up!
**ARC provided by author**
October 23, 2015
Well colour me amazed but this was one sweet and hot book!
I realy wasn't expecting much cuz lately every one of them disappoints me and it's really hard for me to find 5 star read.
But this one was lovely change from all that meh reads.
This is one sweet story about Scarlet and Darien.
I really loved both of them.
They fell for each other and there was so much passion and lust between them I wonder how this book stayed solid and did not burst into flames in my hands!
Scarlet is strong independent woman.
She owns her own gym and knows how to kick some ass.
See, she was perfect! Finaly some heroine who isn't weak and waiting for hero to save her ass.
And Darien sweet Darien...his dirty mouth and all that alpha male glory!
I think I found myself a new book boyfriend!
In the end, I found this book very very good.
So,I don't know what you are waiting for?
Go and see for yourself.
I realy wasn't expecting much cuz lately every one of them disappoints me and it's really hard for me to find 5 star read.
But this one was lovely change from all that meh reads.
This is one sweet story about Scarlet and Darien.
I really loved both of them.
They fell for each other and there was so much passion and lust between them I wonder how this book stayed solid and did not burst into flames in my hands!
Scarlet is strong independent woman.
She owns her own gym and knows how to kick some ass.
See, she was perfect! Finaly some heroine who isn't weak and waiting for hero to save her ass.
And Darien sweet Darien...his dirty mouth and all that alpha male glory!
I think I found myself a new book boyfriend!
In the end, I found this book very very good.
So,I don't know what you are waiting for?
Go and see for yourself.
February 2, 2016
I liked this one, but it didn't pull me in the same way the other two books I recently read from this author did. Both characters were likable, but I felt it dragged in places, so I did find myself skimming to get to the end.
December 22, 2013
4 Stars.. I ended up really liking this one a lot. Sweet and sexy with just the right amount of steam. Easy story to get drawn in to. A few distractions grammar wise, but nothing that couldn't be over looked once the story got going. definitely looking forward to more from Jessica.
November 8, 2013
I dig it ;)
September 14, 2015
As soon as I started reading this one I couldn't put it down until I was finished, I loved it! It was such a great romance and had a bit of mystery thrown in.
I really liked the main character Scarlet as she was very strong without being cocky, a nice surprise. Loved that she owned her own business that was a self-defence gym for women. Also enjoyed that she seemed to have her head screwed on right and not some ditz waiting for the H to rescue her after she did something stupid! It was a nice change.
The relationship between Scarlet and Darien was lust filled right from the start and I thought it was great they didn't jump straight into sex by the second chapter. Friends first was what they agreed to and it was nice to watch their relationship develop. Darien was to die for and the poster boy for hot Navy SEAL!
Lots of laugh out loud moments as the secondary characters brought lots of humour and one liners that had me smiling. A bit of mystery that had me second guessing who I thought it was throughout the story, loved that it wasn't so predictable.
Would defiantly recommend this one and as its the first for me from this author I'll defiantly be checking out the rest of her books!
I really liked the main character Scarlet as she was very strong without being cocky, a nice surprise. Loved that she owned her own business that was a self-defence gym for women. Also enjoyed that she seemed to have her head screwed on right and not some ditz waiting for the H to rescue her after she did something stupid! It was a nice change.
The relationship between Scarlet and Darien was lust filled right from the start and I thought it was great they didn't jump straight into sex by the second chapter. Friends first was what they agreed to and it was nice to watch their relationship develop. Darien was to die for and the poster boy for hot Navy SEAL!
Lots of laugh out loud moments as the secondary characters brought lots of humour and one liners that had me smiling. A bit of mystery that had me second guessing who I thought it was throughout the story, loved that it wasn't so predictable.
Would defiantly recommend this one and as its the first for me from this author I'll defiantly be checking out the rest of her books!
February 16, 2014
2 stars since I actually managed to finish it but only because I was lazy and didn't want to get my kindle or go upstairs. The errors in this book are crazy. There's at least one, usually more on each page and I thought the characters were more like 13 year olds rather than a Navy Seal and an adult woman.
November 27, 2014
Una lectura dulce, divertida y sexy.
Amé completamente a Scarlet: valiente, un poco torpe, fan de Harry Potter…
Y Darien… *suspiro* ¡que hombre!
Algo que no me gusto fue ese insta-love entre los dos protagonistas. ¿En serio te puedes enamorar en tres días?
Por lo demás, me encantó el libro. Yo también quiero encontrar "mi rincón".
Amé completamente a Scarlet: valiente, un poco torpe, fan de Harry Potter…
Y Darien… *suspiro* ¡que hombre!
Algo que no me gusto fue ese insta-love entre los dos protagonistas. ¿En serio te puedes enamorar en tres días?
Por lo demás, me encantó el libro. Yo también quiero encontrar "mi rincón".
December 28, 2016
Holy wow this book is definitely 5 star material. Darien had me once I found out he was navy got to love a man In a uniform lol. But also his personality 'loyalty everything about him just screamed amazing. And scarlet she is sweet heart to go through what she had and to help others after she is amazing.
August 13, 2020
4 stars? Yes- 4 stars- let me explain. So, here I am reading this book and the whole time I’m think this is okay. Great chemistry, sexy characters, and spontaneous sex. What’s not to like? And it was a cute story, but I felt emotions lacking (like you know the feels you get from a super good story). So, I’m thinking pretty much through the majority of the book its just okay, but I’m missing something. Hell, I’m still probably missing something from the beginning of the story, but shit that ending! Like who the hell cares after my fricken bad ass hero Darien comes in for the save at the end! Sure- it’s missing things- like a little more feels at the beginning, what happened to fox and her crazy ex at the end, and where was my wedding- but really who cares after that navy seal save!
October 31, 2013
Please check out my full 4 star review here
http://trinastantilisingtidbits.blogs...
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read/review this book for the author.
An age old story of boy meets girl, in this case in an extraordinarily different way, but well take it which ever way it comes, as it totally impacts to the story line.
Darien the big, strong and tough Navy Seal, just crumbles when he meets Scar or Scarlet as she is known, and his feelings are all over the show.
Normally he is so calm and collective and knows just how to control himself and his emotions, but they are all out of whack when it comes to Scarlet.
Sparks fly, and romance is in the air and the journey for Darien and Scarlet begins.
Scarlet is not your average woman she is a pretty tough cookie and she owns and manages a self defence studio, to teach people how to protect and defend themselves, she has had to be this way after an unfortunate incident made her completely change her life, she got that scumbag locked away for good........
Darien and Scarlet are quite compatible in every way, and it is great experiencing their journey together and better still that we get to tag along for the ride.
You get to meet their friends, their enemy's, their families and find out how they treat their loved ones and you get to know the characters in each and every way and feel as if you know them as well.
Happy Ever Afters will always draw you in but I must say that this is still an un put down able book, so come along and experience the journey.
Well done Jessica, this was a great story I look forward to reading more from you.
4 stars from me.
http://trinastantilisingtidbits.blogs...
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read/review this book for the author.
An age old story of boy meets girl, in this case in an extraordinarily different way, but well take it which ever way it comes, as it totally impacts to the story line.
Darien the big, strong and tough Navy Seal, just crumbles when he meets Scar or Scarlet as she is known, and his feelings are all over the show.
Normally he is so calm and collective and knows just how to control himself and his emotions, but they are all out of whack when it comes to Scarlet.
Sparks fly, and romance is in the air and the journey for Darien and Scarlet begins.
Scarlet is not your average woman she is a pretty tough cookie and she owns and manages a self defence studio, to teach people how to protect and defend themselves, she has had to be this way after an unfortunate incident made her completely change her life, she got that scumbag locked away for good........
Darien and Scarlet are quite compatible in every way, and it is great experiencing their journey together and better still that we get to tag along for the ride.
You get to meet their friends, their enemy's, their families and find out how they treat their loved ones and you get to know the characters in each and every way and feel as if you know them as well.
Happy Ever Afters will always draw you in but I must say that this is still an un put down able book, so come along and experience the journey.
Well done Jessica, this was a great story I look forward to reading more from you.
4 stars from me.
February 16, 2015
This was a sweet romance with a bit of a mystery sprinkled in.
The main character, Scarlet, owns a self-defense studio for women, called Scars. Scarlet is a very strong main character. She has no interest in getting into a relationship so she is surprised when she becomes interested in Darien Valentine, a Navy Seal that is currently on leave.
I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Scarlet and Darien. The mystery was sprinkled in throughout the story. There were hints to what was going on but not enough to figure it out before it was presented. I kept questioning my assumptions as to what was going on. I really enjoyed that because it kept me guessing throughout.
The twist at the end had my heart pounding as I was trying to race through the end to find out how this would end.
The main character, Scarlet, owns a self-defense studio for women, called Scars. Scarlet is a very strong main character. She has no interest in getting into a relationship so she is surprised when she becomes interested in Darien Valentine, a Navy Seal that is currently on leave.
I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Scarlet and Darien. The mystery was sprinkled in throughout the story. There were hints to what was going on but not enough to figure it out before it was presented. I kept questioning my assumptions as to what was going on. I really enjoyed that because it kept me guessing throughout.
The twist at the end had my heart pounding as I was trying to race through the end to find out how this would end.
August 10, 2016
I like that this story has a unique perspective. The characters definitely do not go through a cookie-cutter plot. I appreciate that the woman can more than fend for herself. She's tough, inside and out. But she's been wounded. Can Mr. Wonderful break through? I didn't quite like that she has a perfectly sculpted body but still has curves and is a DD cup. That was just a bit too unrealistic for me.
December 12, 2014
El estilo de la escritura no me gusto para nada... Es tierna y quizás entretenida pero la redacción fatal!!!
Lo rescatable y por eso las dos estrellas ella es fan de Harry Potter *melts my heart* y que es un ejemplo de superación después de ser víctima de violencia doméstica un tema interesante pero no aprovechado.... Oh y Daren so sexy!!!
Todo demasiado acelerado y resuelto en las últimas 10paginas.
Me costo mucho terminarlo
Lo rescatable y por eso las dos estrellas ella es fan de Harry Potter *melts my heart* y que es un ejemplo de superación después de ser víctima de violencia doméstica un tema interesante pero no aprovechado.... Oh y Daren so sexy!!!
Todo demasiado acelerado y resuelto en las últimas 10paginas.
Me costo mucho terminarlo
June 14, 2015
This was my first time reading one of Jessica's books, and really enjoyed this story. Darien and Scarlet have some serious chemistry, and delicious romance scenes. The author knows how to pull at all your emotions in this book, especially feeling worried. Now if you will excuse me while I head to take a bubble bath...Thanks for the idea, Scarlet! I would recommend this book, and look forward to reading Evergreen in the future.
September 8, 2015
This is the first book I've read by Jessica. Well it's not the last.
I've now added all her books to my wish list.
I read this in one sitting I couldn't put it down. I loved Scarlett and the fact she was kick ass, new book boyfriend for the night Darien, now tell me who the hell doesn't like the tall dark and muscled navy seal??
I did find it ended too quick but then when I'm so engrossed I think most books do.
I've now added all her books to my wish list.
I read this in one sitting I couldn't put it down. I loved Scarlett and the fact she was kick ass, new book boyfriend for the night Darien, now tell me who the hell doesn't like the tall dark and muscled navy seal??
I did find it ended too quick but then when I'm so engrossed I think most books do.
February 29, 2016
Darien didn't know what he would do on his nine week leave from his Navy SEAL team. Then he met Scarlett and he knew. Scarlett and Darien had an instant attraction. I like that they were able to get to know one another before they were intimate. They are so good together. There is just enough suspense and danger to keep you on the edge of your seat.Be sure to give yourself several hours to read this book. You won't be sorry.
Review by Laura
Review by Laura
February 29, 2016
Darien didn't know what he would do on his nine week leave from his Navy SEAL team. Then he met Scarlett and he knew. Scarlett and Darien had an instant attraction. I like that they were able to get to know one another before they were intimate. They are so good together. There is just enough suspense and danger to keep you on the edge of your seat.Be sure to give yourself several hours to read this book. You won't be sorry.
December 21, 2013
This book was seriously one of the cutest books I've ever read. It was a little bit steamy. The twist at the end was just AMAZING, the story needed it. I felt the love throughout the book. Ms. Jessica Florence did a very good job with this one.
And I just want to thank her for sending her books to me, that meant a lot. :)
And I just want to thank her for sending her books to me, that meant a lot. :)
March 18, 2014
For those women out there who are not afraid to take care of themselves and are forces to be reckon with, this is the book for you. There is no saving a princess or a damsel in distress. This novel is about a man and a woman getting what they want without beating around the bushes too much. A book that was hard to put down, it is a steamy romance that leaves you wanting more.
August 22, 2015
A new reason to love Valentine!
This was a great story, a true romance with a dash of suspense and mystery! You can't help but fall in love with the sexy navy seal Darien Valentine! Scarlet is a kick-ass hopeless romantic and these two make the perfect pair.
This was a great story, a true romance with a dash of suspense and mystery! You can't help but fall in love with the sexy navy seal Darien Valentine! Scarlet is a kick-ass hopeless romantic and these two make the perfect pair.
September 5, 2015
Loved it!
This book was truly a love story. I couldn't put it down. Loved Scarlet and Darien. I was so happy to see these two get their HEA! I would love to see a book done about Cadence and Ross.
This book was truly a love story. I couldn't put it down. Loved Scarlet and Darien. I was so happy to see these two get their HEA! I would love to see a book done about Cadence and Ross.
October 7, 2015
Valentine on Valentine's day
Fun story, nice and steamy with some bad assery thrown in too.
Friends before fling is hard when the smoking hot SEAL makes your panties melt with just eye contact. But somehow they manage to do it.
Fun story, nice and steamy with some bad assery thrown in too.
Friends before fling is hard when the smoking hot SEAL makes your panties melt with just eye contact. But somehow they manage to do it.
November 20, 2014
2.5 cliché everywhere!
February 1, 2015
Una lectura rapida y facil,con mucho romance y un poco de accion. Personajes geniales. Scarlet & Darien♥ Darien♥
September 16, 2015
Cute story, I liked it, I just didn't love it.
February 28, 2016
A really lovely yet steamy story. Scarlet can resist all she likes, but Darien has time and patience to win her over.
Loved this story, a good, easy read.
Loved this story, a good, easy read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews