Make Me Unwind

Magnolia Point/Man of the Month Club #15

by Alexia Chase

A small town, feel good, steamy insta-attraction romance with a guaranteed Happily Ever After!

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2024

About the author

My name is Alexia Chase.

Want a free book? Grab it today!

http://alexiachaseromance.com/claimin...

I specialize in quick, dirty, and sweet short stories and novellas with some novels for your reading pleasure.

I write for busy working mothers who admire and acquire books that provide the full escape of a novel but don’t have a lot of time.

More importantly, I offer insta-love, smutty sex, and swoon-worthy moments that will leave you with a flushed face and a giddy smile. Quick – pray no one is watching and wondering what in the hell is wrong with you because no one else looks that happy.

People who have read my books have the following to say:
“This insta-love story is extremely funny, a quick read and just filled with so much good and filthy stuff. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone that likes Alexia Chase or is just thinking about picking one of her books up for the first time. Just make sure you are reading this where you can laugh out loud and get a crimson face when you read the erotic sex scenes.” LF Books
&
“I’ve read a lot of books written by Alexia Chase; she has done a great job at writing another good short story; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.” Jeanne Richardson

My writing gives busy women that thirty-minute escape they need when they can’t afford a trip to the Caribbean with their secret lover, Dimitri.

My Soul Sisters don’t even have time to get away from the kids to take a shower.

Quick. Dirty. Sweet.

Alexia Chase

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Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Me Unwind is Part of the Man of the Month: Magnolia Point series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, virgin gets her ex-military man romance. Piper is a 20 year old sassy and feisty virgin. She is fierce, resilient, and determined. Asher is a bit older, hunky, grumpy, ex-navy seal who was medically discharged after a bombing. Both of these characters are complex, hurting with both physical and emotional scars from traumas they have survived. When Piper's sister-in- law books her for paddleboarding and kayaking at the vacation resort they are at, she is upset. She has physical scars from an accident when she was 14. Asher has been wallowing in self-pity since he was discharged, and his brother, who runs the resort, has asked him to lead some activities. When he and Piper meet, they immediately clash even though they are attracted to each other. But as they keep crossing paths, both realize they want more, but they are also scared of being hurt. Asher goes hot and cold due to the same. But their chemistry is hot, and after a bit of angst, we get an amazing HEA. These 2, somewhat broken souls come together to love and heal each other. It was so good!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnolia Point has been a great setting for this shared author world and when Piper and her family vacation at the resort just outside of town it just keeps getting better.
Piper is young, but in some ways mature beyond her years. After an accident left her needing multiple surgeries and physical therapy and treatment for her mental health as well she is starting to find her feet. But as all good family does they push and this family does so by signing her up for paddle board lessons, and kayaking lessons. And her instructor well, let me introduce Asher. Medically Discharged Navy SEAL. After being in his own trauma inducing attack Asher has been listless and lost. But once he meets Piper sees her spark, her sass, then learns her story and discovers her strength his whole world is turned upside down. It's a great quick read with some return characters if you are familiar with the author's books, if not it's a perfect introduction to her writing.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper was hit by a drunk driver when she was 14 and she was left with bad scarring. She is very withdrawn because people her age had reacted badly to her injuries. She goes on a family holiday but wants to spend her time looking after her brother's children. However, she has been signed up for paddleboard lessons. There she mets Asher who is helping out at his brother's resort after being invalided out of the services. He is having problems adapting to his changed life, but then he meets Piper. Can they help each other?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexia Chase gives us a heartfelt addition to this series with a story of two people battling trauma and darkness who find a love that heals. In addition we are treated to a story with humor, wonderful characters, banter, supportive family and friends, perseverance and sizzling passion. It is a fast paced instaLove but a very satisfying read. I found myself cheering on Asher and Piper’s love journey.
“Undoubtedly, she was put in front of me when I needed her. To show me that life is worth living. To make me unwind. To show me life could still be beautiful.”.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Enemies to Lovers, Age-gap
Magnolia Point series
Man of the Month 2024 series

*over 18 readers only *

Trigger/ Content warnings
PTSD
Flashbacks
Panic attacks
Military injury
Drunk driver caused injury

She was injured as a teenage and has hidden away for most of her life since. He was injured bad enough to end his SEAL career. Both suffer from flashbacks, panic, and PTSD. She's only here for a week on vacation, and her best friend thinks now is the best time to punch her v-card. How will this possibly work out?

The end of the book is a chapter of the brother's story.

[Tracey Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Asher and Piper’s story. They are both hiding scars from tragedies when they meet. Their connection is immediate and their love was meant to be. They help each other heal and are perfect for together. Great book I highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!

I loved it! Just the right amount of steam and spice to keep you going through the whole book! Loved the characters! I’m excited to read more from this series! If you like alpha males you’ll enjoy this one! Must read. Happy reading

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute instalove romance. It was a well written story and it had a good flow. I loved that both Piper and Asher had scarring, emotional and physical, it was a shared experience that made their connection stronger though it also created some bumps in their road to a HEA.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper (h), a young woman with physical and emotional scars after an accident years before, reluctantly joins her family at a vacation cabin. She meets Asher (H), a former Navy SEAL struggling with his own scars and PTSD, who is temporarily working as an instructor when her family unexpectedly signs her up for lessons. Despite a rocky start, Piper and Asher form a connection through paddleboarding and kayaking lessons, slowly revealing their vulnerabilities to each other. Piper and Asher spend more time together, and she begins to confront her fears and heal emotionally. Asher, too, finds solace and purpose in their growing relationship, contemplating a future beyond his military past. As their connection deepens through shared experiences and steamy moments, they must navigate their fears and insecurities helping the other to unwind from their respective traumas to build a future together. Hot and steamy age gap, holiday romance, exploring love, healing, and resilience, showing how two people can find strength and purpose in each other.

[lissyloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Piper and Asher. Piper is on vacation with her family and is gifted with paddle boarding lessons. Asher is filling in at the resort his brothers owns and ends up being Pipers teacher. This book is a short, quick read. It is hot and steamy and an addictive read. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t out it down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Asher and Piper have suffered from accidents in the past. He's a SEAL that was medically discharged after his vehicle was hit who's dealing with PTSD, and trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life now that he's a civilian. Piper was hit by a vehicle at age 14 and deals with panic attacks and her scars.

They meet in Magnolia Point where he's temporarily working for his brother at their family resort as an instructor for water sports. Their first meeting didn't go off so great but the more time they spend together their walls start coming down. They understand each other and learn how to heal and find love and happiness together.

4 stars

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick insta love read. Piper and Asher are both battling scars. They meet and find something special. I liked the characters and the storyline. The book is fast paced. I liked how the two of them had to fight their own personal battles. Overall a good read.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Me Unwind by Alexia Chase is a captivating and emotionally charged read that truly stands out. Chase's storytelling is both compelling and poignant, drawing you into a world of deep connections and personal growth. The characters are richly developed, and their journey is both touching and memorable. This book delivers on all fronts, offering a perfect blend of romance and heartfelt moments. 5 out of 5 stars!

[Jennifer Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my this book is such a beautiful story. Yes this book is a short story but I absolutely love it. There trauma on both sides of the mmc and fmc.
So piper was in an accident when she was 14 and ever since then she feels everyone thinks she’s a disgusting person because of her scars. Until she meets Asher. Asher has trauma from when he was a navy seal. He was hit by a bomb while at war.
Once they meet each other they help each other thru there panic attacks. You must read . I absolutely loved this.

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick whirlwind romance that takes both by storm. Piper is sweet and has a positive view on life while Asher is trying to find himself after the military. It was a sweet and quick with lots of passion, the perfect holiday romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book with super hot chemistry, sexy former seal, and some trauma both had to work out. I love how the book ended, a perfect hea.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a little longer than I like to read, but I really enjoyed it.

Asher and Piper met when she goes to get paddle board lessons from him that her brother Weston The Comeback signed her up for. Piper is on vacation with her brother, her sister in law, niece, nephew and mother when they sign her up to take paddle board and kayak lessons. Piper was athletic when she was younger, while Asher was discharged from the Navy SEALs. Piper is late getting to her lesson because she doesn't want to go. Asher stand glaring at his watch when Piper approaches him and tells her she's late and he's taking it off her lesson. The following day when Asher sees Piper he notices she has a limp while walking and he hopes he didn't put her through to much. Later in the day, Piper finds out that Asher is giving her lessons in how to kayak. As they glide along the water Asher can't help but notice what a natural Piper is at everything she does. When they get back to shore Piper share what happened to her when she was fourteen she has scares all over her body. When Piper thinks Asher is going to share he closes her off and walks away. Later Asher finds Piper and tells her about being discharged from the Navy, he thought he was going to be in for life. A storm is coming in and Piper sees Asher trying to secure some of the bikes. Piper is helping Asher secure some of the bikes when a truck comes and the kids inside are goofing off. The truck comes close to Piper and she freezes, everything from the day of the accident comes back to her. Asher helps pull Piper out of her panic attack then takes her back to her cabin. Piper takes Asher and she leads him into her cabin, later after the storm is gone Asher is still at the cabin. Asher is having a tea party with Piper's niece. Piper can't keep the smile off her face as Asher pretends to drink from a pink tea cup. When Asher goes to leave, Piper shows him to the door, and tells him goodbye, she doesn't want to see him again. Piper stays in the cabin for the next twenty four hours, her sister in law tells her that Asher is into her. Piper can't see how this is going to work out she lives in Kansas City and Asher lives in Magnolia Point, South Carolina. Later that night while another storm is approaching Piper stands at the waters edge. Asher finds her and tells her if she knows how dangerous that is. Asher tells her how beautiful she is when he sees that her mind is wondering to other places. When it starts to rain Asher takes her to his parent's house, where he's staying. When they are inside Asher asks Piper if he can kiss her, she tells him yes. Asher begins to pleasure Piper, when she's humping him he tells her she's going to have to stop or he'll come. Asher asks Piper if she's sure she wants to do this, she tells him she does. Asher's mind wonders and soon he's sees the lightening and hearing the thunder it takes him back to the day of his accident. Just as Asher plunges into her and then realizes Piper's a virgin. Asher's heart pounds, he's having a panic attack, he can't control it and he's off Piper and runs to the bathroom and vomits. When Asher comes out she's gone, Piper thinks it's because of her scars and he couldn't handle them. Piper asks her brother Weston if she can watch her niece and nephew while he takes his wife out. Asher sees Piper with her niece and nephew and notices that she's in a bikini. Soon Asher sees Piper's brother coming towards him, but he wants to apologies to her first. Asher asks Piper if he can talk to her, then Weston comes to take his children. Piper takes Asher into the cabin, he tells her what happened, that he had a panic attack. Piper didn't realize that's what was going on and realizes she needs to pay more attention. Soon Piper is pleasuring Asher then they make love. Asher offers to cook dinner for Piper later that night. Before they have dinner they make love. The next day Asher takes Piper into town so that he can show her all the little shops. Asher tells Piper he called one of his commanding officers who offered him a job a few weeks ago. Asher tells Piper he wants to keep seeing her and they'll make it work. When Asher asks Piper where she lives she tells him Kansas City her brother plays on the football team. Asher tells her that he's moving to Kansas City for a security job he's already hired. Asher already signed all the paperwork and his boss is looking for a place for him to live. Ashe tells her he's falling in love with her, Piper tells him she's falling in love with him also. Asher asks Piper if she'll move in with him, and she tells him yes. Piper and Asher met her mother for lunch, and they tell her about their plans. Five days later, Piper heads to Chloe's bakery where her friend, Lexie works. They talk about Asher and their plans together. Asher shows up a few days early and surprises Piper. Asher takes Piper to Truman's Security and introduces him to Cade and Truman who are his bosses now. They talk about all the job that Asher will be going on. Piper has never been this happy before, and Asher feels the same. Asher tells her he loves her and Piper tells him she loves him. Three years later, they head back to Magnolia Point, Piper is eight months pregnant, they're expecting a boy. Three years ago Asher suffered from sadness and anger. Now his life couldn't be better, he has an amazing wife and son on the way, a family that supports him and a job that's like family.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher Murphy is trying to find his place in the civilian life after being medically discharged from the SEALs after his vehicle was hit and he ended up under the vehicle with his leg pinned. Now 1 year later he has been at his family Resort. Asher is being kinda forced to help his brother at the resort since one of his instructors.
Piper is on a summer vacation with her pro football player brother Weston, his wife Charlotte, their 2 children and her mother Andrea. They are staying at a resort, but Piper has in an accident an age 14 and has left her scared down her legs and doesn’t want to wear a swim suite because of those scars.. But her brother and sister-in-law sign her up for water activities with an instructor. The story follows Asher and the demons he battles from his injury and how lost he is. Piper has demons she battles from her accident and trauma. Two people that come together during a vacation could just be the answer for each other’s healing.. This book touches on issues of self-image, bullying, PTSD, parental abandonment, feeling lost after the service. Age gap, insta-love, spicy scenes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Magnolia Point, SC, this cute read tells the story of Piper, younger sister of football player Weston, the reader met in another Alexia Chase story...Piper was injured while riding her bicycle by a drunk driver, causing a lot of damage, but in the aftermath scars...which she was ashamed to show as kids had teased her in school...She's on vacation with her mom, Weston, Caroline and their two kids...Weston signs her up for paddleboarding and kayak lessons...her instructor is substitute that his brother, owner of resort, conned into it...Asher. Asher was medically discharged from the SEALS after a devastating IUD incident in a truck and was in physical therapy for years...now doesn't know what to do because all his dreams centered around military career...of course this grumpy guy gets to teach a naturally athletic Piper how to paddleboard and the chemistry is off the charts for the ex-soldier who is approximately ten years older that the gal from Kansas City who came to watch her brother's kids....but you will need to read this age-gap story to see what happens...I voluntarily read this story through an Advanced Reader Copy...

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal! The characters are broken and beautiful. Piper has dealt with her fair share of injury and trauma but has tried to bounce back even though her family pushes her to do more. Asher has withdrawn from everyone since he left the military, he’s not sure what to do with himself now. He goes back home and is helping out part time for his brothers business. Their first meeting doesn’t go so well lol but fate keeps throwing them back together. They have a unique understanding of what the other is going through that is so amazing. These two have an extremely stubborn exterior with a soft squishy inside waiting to be exposed, it’s just gonna take the right person. Can they be that for each other? Do they even want to try? Read this completely absorbing romance that will grab you from the beginning to find out! Absolutely loved it! I received an ARC and am happily leaving my review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Love Can Help Overcome Anything -
Asher was having difficultly acclimatising to civilian life after what happened to him on his last deployment, but meeting Piper seemed to give him a new lease on life. Piper had closed herself off to relationship because of what she had gone through since her accident, but spending time with Asher gave her the confidence to explore the opportunity of being in a relationship. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding between Asher and Piper nearly cost them their chance of being together, but he was able to clear up the situation and convince her to give them a chance at a future.

This was a remarkable and emotionally challenging story about two people who were able to overcome their traumatic pasts and risk taking a chance on love. The storyline was addictive and had me riveted to my seat, so I was unable to take a break until I finished reading the book. This gem of a story is another great addition to Alexia Chase’s portfolio.

I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are books of Alexia Chase's that I've truly enjoyed and a few that I didn't finish. This one was between the two. I had to give myself a little push to finish, but I did finish. It is a novella, and I believe that makes it more difficult to write a believable romance. In my opinion, there is more steam than this length of book needed. Especially since they were total strangers falling in love. On the whole, I liked the storyline. But it was rushed. We didn't get to see/read/feel them falling for each other. I cared for the situations that they were both trying to overcome, but didn't connect with them. I was just reading about them. I didn't connect with the secondary characters either, and actuallydidn'tget a chanceto even like them. I'd rather become emotionally invested in all the characters and have one good steamy scene rather than multiple steamy scenes and not be invested. There are many that would disagree with me though. I do look forward to her next full length book!

[J.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story with positive energy, two lost souls finding their way to each other and overcoming past traumas, helping each other find their way back to what they once were. Piper is emotionally and physically scarred from a childhood accident, happy to hide away from everyone but agrees to go on holiday with her brother,his family and her mother. Asher is ex SEAL retired early due to an injury and ptsd also has been hiding but agrees to help out at the family’s holiday resort. The main characters meet,there’s instant attraction but due to their issues are too frightened to do anything about it until they give in to temptation. This was an emotional and uplifting read with wonderful characters who heal each other, great family dynamics and super steamy. A beautiful epilogue that takes place 3 yrs later. Written from both povs which is always a bonus for me. I always enjoy Alexa’s books and this was up there for me.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Piper and Asher. Piper is on vacation with her family and is staying at Asher's brother's resort. Piper's family is very protective of her after she was injured in an accident when she was younger. She is very nervous about her scars and would prefer to stay to herself. When her brother tries to get her to enjoy herself, he pays for paddle boards lessons. Asher is former military, discharged because of an accident and he has his own scars to deal with. Asher feels his family feels sorry for him and he is ready to live his life again. When they meet, there is an instant connection but Piper runs away from him. Asher wants to learn more about her and they bond over their injuries. I really enjoyed this story. I love how they bonded over their histories. I thought Asher was a good man who was a little lost until he met Piper. Another great one.

[CookieLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper and Asher were great together. Both were grumpy and wanted to be inside being hermits rather then forced to be seen and social. I liked how Piper didn’t not participate in every activity. Rather she was great at each one. Which surprised and got Asher’s attention. I wish they had talked more about the issues rather than not. More so with Asher. He let Piper know enough. But not the important stuff. So, when they did finally succumb to their feelings things didn’t go well. As neither knew what was happening with the other in those crucial moments. However, I applaud Asher for seeking her out each time to explain. Because once both were completely open and honest with each other they both realized they’d found their other half. Which was sweet. And then boy were they like rabbits. The ending brought in characters from other books. And ones I’d like to know more about. Which is always nice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Piper has been sheltered since her accident and has made her self conscious about the scars on her legs and very sensitive about them. Asher is medically discharged SEAL with his own leg scars but also suffers from flashbacks and nightmares. Piper and Ashers relationships seems to be one step forward two steps back with Piper's sensitivity relating to her scars means she does not always outwardly observe Asher's mental conflicts so retreats from him and Piper's protective brother pushes her to learn new things but prevents Piper from forming  relationships outside of the family by not listening to Piper needing him to let her handle her own battles. Asher and Piper each have retreated from living a full life due to their physical and mental scars. I liked that Piper and Asher have family and friends that push them to live and have support.

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the Magnolia Point set of novellas. These books are all stand-alone & written by different authors; this time by one of my favourites, Alexia Chase. I loved that the two main characters – Piper & Asher – are both damaged in their own way. Piper is still suffering & insecure from an accident in her teens that has left her scarred. Enter grumpy ex-seal Asher who is, under protest, working as a water sports instructor at his family’s resort. I really liked that the two have chemistry right from the start but fight it due to their individual hang ups (Asher still suffers from flash backs to the attack that ended his service career). The reader is truly engaged in their romance which, despite a rocky start, misunderstandings, and the possibility that their relationship has an ‘end date’ leads to a cute HEA.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

More romance and a little drama, from this talented author.
A couple who bear scars. Asher, ex SEAL, injured when he and his team were out on manoeuvres and an attack caused death and carnage.
He also suffers mental scars of flash backs. Piper suffered extensive damage from being hit by a car and in adding to her physical injuries, also suffers panic attacks.
They each react differently to things, but they share an understanding. They have different personalities but compliment each other in their ways. Their experiences have moulded them, but each encourages the other to be better. Life has a way of moving on and sometimes fate intervenes to make it better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this was a fabulous story with amazing characters. Individually, Asher and Piper were both hurt and torn appart emotionally long before they met. Struggling to deal with daily living, they tried to bury and mask the feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Neither dared consider that someone existed that would truly see or understand what they hardly understood themselves.

This was an emotional read, dealing with difficult, sensitive, and very real traumas. Chase created the perfect setting for these characters to find eachother. Would they ultimately find peace and acceptance too? I can't praise this book enough. You need to read it yourself. I did receive a gift copy, but my review is voluntary. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Chase manages to pack a lot of story into a book that you can consume in a sitting.
Piper and Asher are great characters that are very likeable, but both have lingering issues and a touch of PTSD from accidents in their pasts.
Asher did not get off on the best foot with Piper when they first meet but getting her through a panic attack helps paint him in a different light. He does however, continue on the two steps forward one step backwards path as these two muddle their way to getting together.
Once they do get together, we get plenty of steam, it wouldn't be an Alexia Chase book if our characters weren't heating up the pages!
Enjoyable, instant love where everything turns out in the end.