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Oak Hollow #1
A Reason to Stay
Ellie loves her hometown, job, and best friend Jake. But Jake is a ladies man that will never settle down. Ellie can’t stand to see him with other women anymore, so she is packing up and leaving Cedar Grove and everything she loves to start over. A night of unexpected passion makes her start to think maybe things can work out between them, until she happens upon a secret Jake has been keeping for more than a year. Will their friendship be forever torn apart? Or will Ellie find A Reason to Stay?
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2014
33 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
June Stevens Westerfield
28 books197 followersJune is a geek girl, fat chick, and unrepentant romantic. She writes full time and is both independently and traditionally published. She also works part time running her greeting card company, Once More With Feelings, and is co-owner of the Pop Lit Divas Radio Show.
When not working, June can be found making jewelry, reading, cooking, or watching geeky movies with her husband and snuggling with her 6…YES 6, furbabies. Notice cleaning wasn’t listed…
When not working, June can be found making jewelry, reading, cooking, or watching geeky movies with her husband and snuggling with her 6…YES 6, furbabies. Notice cleaning wasn’t listed…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 22, 2016
A Reason To Stay es el primer libro de los tres que componen la trilogia Oak Hollow de June Stevens y nos presenta a Ellie y Jake, amigos desde niños.
Este libro es perfecto para ese momento en el que quieres leer una historia no muy larga y con una trama dulce y tierna, ademas si eres fan de los romances entre amigos seguro que te encantara.
2.5 Estrellas!
February 22, 2014
She couldn’t speak at all for fear of breaking the magic spell that seemed to have entrapped them. So she lay there, half on top of him, listening to his heart beat, feeling his chest rise under her hand with every breath. She committed every sound, every smell and every sensation to memory. She had no idea what would happen next, but she would always have this moment locked away in her heart.
***
What I loved most was that Ellie is not your typical female lead. She has curves and is darn proud of them. But curves is not what Jake is into. He enjoys the company of beautiful, thin women. Best friends is all they will ever be. No matter how much she loves him, it is time to move on. And leaving Oak Hollow is what she has to do. She can no longer stand by and watch Jake with those other women when her heart longs for him. But the night before she is to leave everything changes. Will she have it in her to walk away? Or will she find a reason to stay in her small Tennessee town?
This short story novella was absolutely delightful and most definitely steamy. I devoured it quickly and loved every minute of it. What starts out as a sad moment for Ellie quickly escalates into something more fierce and emotional and downright sexy. I rooted for these two. I knew that if they worked through their issues they would find they both feel the same for each other. It was all just a matter of opening up some lines of communication.
A REASON TO STAY is a quick must read for those who love a well written short story. I love these characters and only wish I could read more of them. Who knows, maybe the author will revisit them in the future and let us know how they are doing. I am so looking forward to the next novella in the series, ROMANCING LORELEI.
***
What I loved most was that Ellie is not your typical female lead. She has curves and is darn proud of them. But curves is not what Jake is into. He enjoys the company of beautiful, thin women. Best friends is all they will ever be. No matter how much she loves him, it is time to move on. And leaving Oak Hollow is what she has to do. She can no longer stand by and watch Jake with those other women when her heart longs for him. But the night before she is to leave everything changes. Will she have it in her to walk away? Or will she find a reason to stay in her small Tennessee town?
This short story novella was absolutely delightful and most definitely steamy. I devoured it quickly and loved every minute of it. What starts out as a sad moment for Ellie quickly escalates into something more fierce and emotional and downright sexy. I rooted for these two. I knew that if they worked through their issues they would find they both feel the same for each other. It was all just a matter of opening up some lines of communication.
A REASON TO STAY is a quick must read for those who love a well written short story. I love these characters and only wish I could read more of them. Who knows, maybe the author will revisit them in the future and let us know how they are doing. I am so looking forward to the next novella in the series, ROMANCING LORELEI.
August 27, 2014
If you are looking for a quick romantic read, then A Reason to Say is for you. In this fast paced read, we meet Ellie and Jake. They are two best friends who secretly love each other but the other doesn't know. Since the characters have known each other for a while, we do not have to establish a relationship it's already there.
One of the things I love about June Stevens' writing is that she isn't afraid to go outside the normal standard. She doesn't write her heroines to depict the outward stereotypes, she writes them as the everyday woman. I love knowing that there is a series out there that shows fuller figured women can find love.
The only thing I wish I could change is the length of the book. I want more Jake.
Overall thoughts, I love, love love, Mrs. Stevens work. I can't wait for more Oak Hollow books. Recommended for readers 18+ due to some steamy Jake and Ellie scenes.
Favorite quotes:
"We’ve never been on a date, so how can I ask you to marry me? But we’ve been together nearly every waking moment, and a lot of sleeping ones, since we were 14. We’ve even lived together. How can the lack of official dating stand in comparison to that? I want to spend the rest of my life with you"
"I love you, but I don’t want to hold you back"
One of the things I love about June Stevens' writing is that she isn't afraid to go outside the normal standard. She doesn't write her heroines to depict the outward stereotypes, she writes them as the everyday woman. I love knowing that there is a series out there that shows fuller figured women can find love.
The only thing I wish I could change is the length of the book. I want more Jake.
Overall thoughts, I love, love love, Mrs. Stevens work. I can't wait for more Oak Hollow books. Recommended for readers 18+ due to some steamy Jake and Ellie scenes.
Favorite quotes:
"We’ve never been on a date, so how can I ask you to marry me? But we’ve been together nearly every waking moment, and a lot of sleeping ones, since we were 14. We’ve even lived together. How can the lack of official dating stand in comparison to that? I want to spend the rest of my life with you"
"I love you, but I don’t want to hold you back"
August 12, 2014
A sweet & steamy approach to a love that was there all along.
1st let me say, I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. I prefer audiobooks when I can get them as they offer proper pronunciations, accents and excitement in all the right places! An audiobook is having the best of all worlds. It's like listening to a movie, but better as the book is always better. It also frees us up to do other things such as drive or housework or walk & still listen to a books at same time! It can't get any better than that!
This book take place in Oak Hollow with 2 main characters which are Jake and Ellie whom have been best friends for a really long time. Jake, who is a fireman has longed for Ellie for a very longtime, but didn't know how to approach Ellie about it. Ellie has sold her home & is moving away. Finally things blow up and they both admit how they feel!
I enjoyed this book. It made me think it reflects a lot on real life. Too many times we as people tend to hide our feelings and lose out rather than risk getting hurt. I can see this story happening for real. Good job to the author and the narrator on this story!
1st let me say, I read / listened to this book in audio format via audible.com. I prefer audiobooks when I can get them as they offer proper pronunciations, accents and excitement in all the right places! An audiobook is having the best of all worlds. It's like listening to a movie, but better as the book is always better. It also frees us up to do other things such as drive or housework or walk & still listen to a books at same time! It can't get any better than that!
This book take place in Oak Hollow with 2 main characters which are Jake and Ellie whom have been best friends for a really long time. Jake, who is a fireman has longed for Ellie for a very longtime, but didn't know how to approach Ellie about it. Ellie has sold her home & is moving away. Finally things blow up and they both admit how they feel!
I enjoyed this book. It made me think it reflects a lot on real life. Too many times we as people tend to hide our feelings and lose out rather than risk getting hurt. I can see this story happening for real. Good job to the author and the narrator on this story!
August 9, 2014
first of all, I love how June Stevens describes her main lady character as a size 20. Its nice when authors use woman characters that are not a size 0.
I am not a huge novella fan. I prefer to read the whole story, but since I haven't read anything of June Stevens yet, I picked this book up as an opportunity to be able to have chance to start reading her stories.
Jake and Ellie have been friends for many years. They spend a lot of time together and do much together. But they are both hiding a secret...
Ellie is about to move out of the town of Oak Hollow and move to Chicago to start over. She is so in love with Jake, she wants to get away from him because she feels that if she says something it may destroy her friendship with him.
Jake is considered a ladies man. Ellie will talk to Jake about his dates, but it cuts through her heart when they do.
On their last movie night, many things change between Jake and Ellie. This novella is sweet and touching. I hope to read more of the characters of Oak Hollow.
I am not a huge novella fan. I prefer to read the whole story, but since I haven't read anything of June Stevens yet, I picked this book up as an opportunity to be able to have chance to start reading her stories.
Jake and Ellie have been friends for many years. They spend a lot of time together and do much together. But they are both hiding a secret...
Ellie is about to move out of the town of Oak Hollow and move to Chicago to start over. She is so in love with Jake, she wants to get away from him because she feels that if she says something it may destroy her friendship with him.
Jake is considered a ladies man. Ellie will talk to Jake about his dates, but it cuts through her heart when they do.
On their last movie night, many things change between Jake and Ellie. This novella is sweet and touching. I hope to read more of the characters of Oak Hollow.
June 24, 2010
This is a sexy and sweet love story, though I wish it was longer. Jake is the perfect man, and Ellie is funny and lovable - with the possible exception of her little breakdown near the end. (I love Jake more for how he handles that.) I can't wait to read the next story in this series, where we'll get to meet Jake's brother.
December 11, 2012
Such a sweet, romantic story !
September 1, 2014
So incredibly BORING.
*1/5 stars*
*1/5 stars*
September 25, 2014
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 3 Story 4
A quick and steamy read that brings us into the story of Jake and Ellie at a point of change. These best friends each hold a torch for one another, but for their own reasons, they haven’t acted on it. June Stevens sets the story and gives us the characters fully formed and set which speeds up the action and lead-time to steam.
Jake is a fireman, a ladies man who has relied (some would say leaned) on Ellie and her friendship since childhood. Never once has he moved toward a relationship with her- his type is willowy and tall, and that is SO not Ellie. Ellie is done with the small town and limited opportunities. Sure it will be hard to leave her life and connections, but the sale of her house offers her a whole new view. Not your typical romance heroine, Ellie is full-figured and curvy, and she’s tired of watching Jake’s parade of model-thin women. She doesn’t believe he could be attracted to her, no matter how connected they are in all other areas.
When they both take that chance in a last-ditch effort, sparks fly and ‘type’ goes out the window. Jake and Ellie are made for each other, they have the affection and history that makes relationships work and when they discover the steam that rises in an untested attraction, all bets are off.
Narration for this story is provided by Meghan Kelly and she manages to present the story with a pleasant tone and tenor that suits the characters and the plot. She doesn’t over-work the inflections or tones to deliver the characters, and she adds appropriate pauses, hesitations and emotion to the story that doesn’t distract or compete with the words. The start of a new series, for fans of romance with women who aren’t reed thin and like their lust to turn to more – this is a good option.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the publisher via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 3 Story 4
A quick and steamy read that brings us into the story of Jake and Ellie at a point of change. These best friends each hold a torch for one another, but for their own reasons, they haven’t acted on it. June Stevens sets the story and gives us the characters fully formed and set which speeds up the action and lead-time to steam.
Jake is a fireman, a ladies man who has relied (some would say leaned) on Ellie and her friendship since childhood. Never once has he moved toward a relationship with her- his type is willowy and tall, and that is SO not Ellie. Ellie is done with the small town and limited opportunities. Sure it will be hard to leave her life and connections, but the sale of her house offers her a whole new view. Not your typical romance heroine, Ellie is full-figured and curvy, and she’s tired of watching Jake’s parade of model-thin women. She doesn’t believe he could be attracted to her, no matter how connected they are in all other areas.
When they both take that chance in a last-ditch effort, sparks fly and ‘type’ goes out the window. Jake and Ellie are made for each other, they have the affection and history that makes relationships work and when they discover the steam that rises in an untested attraction, all bets are off.
Narration for this story is provided by Meghan Kelly and she manages to present the story with a pleasant tone and tenor that suits the characters and the plot. She doesn’t over-work the inflections or tones to deliver the characters, and she adds appropriate pauses, hesitations and emotion to the story that doesn’t distract or compete with the words. The start of a new series, for fans of romance with women who aren’t reed thin and like their lust to turn to more – this is a good option.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the publisher via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 3, 2014
Such a quick yummy naughty read!! I love a curvy gal and a dishy firefighter!!!
The story is compact but holds a great smexy punch! A few steamy scenes that will have you begging for a cold shower. Oh la, that is some hot dish! Good lord the shower scene alone will have you loosing your panties!
The story is a typical best friends who are in love. It is great because it reduces build time for the feelings. I can totally believe that Ellie and Jake are in love.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meghan Kelly, who is terrific. She has a wonderful tone to her voice and keeps a steady pace. She added extra umph to the smexy scenes!! Oh my, did she every put energy into that part of the read!
This is one of those books that you wish were longer, you want to savor the delightful story. I really wanted more and can mot wait to see them again in the series!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
The story is compact but holds a great smexy punch! A few steamy scenes that will have you begging for a cold shower. Oh la, that is some hot dish! Good lord the shower scene alone will have you loosing your panties!
The story is a typical best friends who are in love. It is great because it reduces build time for the feelings. I can totally believe that Ellie and Jake are in love.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meghan Kelly, who is terrific. She has a wonderful tone to her voice and keeps a steady pace. She added extra umph to the smexy scenes!! Oh my, did she every put energy into that part of the read!
This is one of those books that you wish were longer, you want to savor the delightful story. I really wanted more and can mot wait to see them again in the series!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
June 22, 2014
I received this audiobook in return for an honest review.
This book is a spicy contempory new adult romance that is about the difficulty of moving from the friend zone into the romance zone. The entire novella is set during one twenty-four hour period. Ellie is a girl with some curves and some insecurities who is moving to Chicago the next day. Jake is a firefighter who has been her best friend since high school. The book is well written and the characters' actions are very believable. The only issue that I had with the book is that it was over too quickly. I wanted to spend more time with Ellie and Jake. Since this novella is labelled 'Book One', hopefully I will get that chance later. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to escape their own life for 90 minutes and likes spicy romances.
This book is a spicy contempory new adult romance that is about the difficulty of moving from the friend zone into the romance zone. The entire novella is set during one twenty-four hour period. Ellie is a girl with some curves and some insecurities who is moving to Chicago the next day. Jake is a firefighter who has been her best friend since high school. The book is well written and the characters' actions are very believable. The only issue that I had with the book is that it was over too quickly. I wanted to spend more time with Ellie and Jake. Since this novella is labelled 'Book One', hopefully I will get that chance later. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to escape their own life for 90 minutes and likes spicy romances.
September 1, 2014
This is a novella, and a great way to decide whether or not an author writes a story that you would like to read. Eep! This was a fun read. A sexy romping romance with characters I could relate with. Yup. Ready to read the next book.
March 9, 2014
A best friends turn lovers turn happily ever after kind of story.
Cute, short but well written.
Cute, short but well written.
May 20, 2016
Para lo chiquito que estuvo... Me gustó Haha pero siempre me encantan los libros de mejores amigos que se enamoran.
Le falta mas sustancia al libro pero son 4 capítulos para relajarnos y disfrutar.
Le falta mas sustancia al libro pero son 4 capítulos para relajarnos y disfrutar.
August 12, 2014
Rating: B-
Narration: C
Out of all the audiobooks I’ve reviewed I’ve never used the Guided Review template on Audible.com. So I decided to use it this time around. Below is my answers to their questions they ask you when you review an audio on their site.
Is there anything you would change about this book?
A Reason to Stay felt like the last half of a longer novella. I want the beginning, the work up to Ellie moving. I would like to have learned more about Ellie and Jake.
What did you like best about this story?
I love romances where best friends are secretly in love with each other. It’s one of my favorite plot lines in contemporary romances.
What do you think the narrator could have done better?
I didn’t fall in love with Meghan Kelly’s narration of the book. It was bad but it wasn’t my favorite either. The biggest issue I had been her voice for Jake. I don’t know how to put it… he didn’t sound guy enough for my taste.
Do you think A Reason to Stay needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
I don’t really see how there could a be follow up book, since Jake and Ellie got their happily ever after and there was no other characters in the story to get their own book.
Any additional comments?
Great characters and I liked idea of the story. Just wish there was more than basically a two or three scene story. I wanted more.
Over all I enjoyed A Reason to Stay but I wish it was a full length novel or even a longer novella. Although I was not completely sold on Meghan Kelly’s narration I would give her another try. I would also like to try more stories from June Stevens.
Narration: C
Out of all the audiobooks I’ve reviewed I’ve never used the Guided Review template on Audible.com. So I decided to use it this time around. Below is my answers to their questions they ask you when you review an audio on their site.
Is there anything you would change about this book?
A Reason to Stay felt like the last half of a longer novella. I want the beginning, the work up to Ellie moving. I would like to have learned more about Ellie and Jake.
What did you like best about this story?
I love romances where best friends are secretly in love with each other. It’s one of my favorite plot lines in contemporary romances.
What do you think the narrator could have done better?
I didn’t fall in love with Meghan Kelly’s narration of the book. It was bad but it wasn’t my favorite either. The biggest issue I had been her voice for Jake. I don’t know how to put it… he didn’t sound guy enough for my taste.
Do you think A Reason to Stay needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
I don’t really see how there could a be follow up book, since Jake and Ellie got their happily ever after and there was no other characters in the story to get their own book.
Any additional comments?
Great characters and I liked idea of the story. Just wish there was more than basically a two or three scene story. I wanted more.
Over all I enjoyed A Reason to Stay but I wish it was a full length novel or even a longer novella. Although I was not completely sold on Meghan Kelly’s narration I would give her another try. I would also like to try more stories from June Stevens.
August 6, 2016
A Really Great read. I really enjoyed this as fast moving, kept attention and had great dialogue. It was fun to read and has a palatable plot with believable characters. Nicely done.
August 14, 2014
Very short book.
June 29, 2013
Yay for the bigger girl!, wish the story had been longer, but enjoyable.
November 12, 2020
Ugh. Dumb. Full of cliches. Best thing about it was it was short, and even then I still skimmed a lot. (And I’m so freakin’ over the fit MMC picking up the fat FMC and her being like “oh no I’m too heavy you’ll hurt yourself” Like, it is so rare to read about a thin FMC being picked up and carried around, so why do they constantly do it in these cheeseball curvy romances?)
October 12, 2014
Short and sweet
What a sweet romance! I loved A Reason to Stay. It was hot and steamy while still being sweet and romantic. June Stevens is an incredible author and I can't wait to see what's next!
What a sweet romance! I loved A Reason to Stay. It was hot and steamy while still being sweet and romantic. June Stevens is an incredible author and I can't wait to see what's next!
February 7, 2015
short but sweet.
Wonderful short story, it was down to the point and the erotic scenes were well developed even though the book was short. The book was well written and a long story was not needed to get to know the main characters.
Wonderful short story, it was down to the point and the erotic scenes were well developed even though the book was short. The book was well written and a long story was not needed to get to know the main characters.
January 5, 2016
Awwww... me hubiera gustado que fuera más larga porque la adore *-* Que historia tan linda y dulce. Ellie y Jake me encantaron como protas, son una pareja adorable y tuvieron un final super adorable. Estaría dispuesta a leer mucho más de ellos ^-^/
January 15, 2016
El gran problema es que la historia es demasiado corta. Por eso conoces muy poco sobre los protagonista y todo pasa demasiado rápido. Lo que si me gusto es que la protagonista es una persona normal, sin ser perfecta y con cuerpo de modelo, sino era una chica normal.
August 12, 2018
Short but sweet. I love "unrequited" love!
February 23, 2014
Really sweet.
September 15, 2018
DNFed this one. I really liked that there was a plus sized heroine, but I couldn't get passed the paralell pinning. Wasn't my jam.
September 29, 2020
The hero is afraid to tell his best friend he's in love with her because he's so afraid of losing her friendship. That's why he goes on his way having sex with just about every unmarried woman in town. Because that's the next logical thing to do, obviously. And what does the heroine do? She thinks to herself, "He's not a manwhore, he's just a lady's man." In case you couldn't tell, I just sustained an injury rolling my eyes. 🤦
March 28, 2018
Very short, very sweet and cute friends to lovers romance.
Ellie and Jake have been best friends forever and Ellie is leaving their hometown because she feels there is no hope for them to ever be more and she needs to leave so she doesn't get hurt.
Jake doesn't want Ellie to go, but he doesn't want to ruin their friendship by confessing his feelings. The night before she is scheduled to leave, everything changes.
Ellie and Jake have been best friends forever and Ellie is leaving their hometown because she feels there is no hope for them to ever be more and she needs to leave so she doesn't get hurt.
Jake doesn't want Ellie to go, but he doesn't want to ruin their friendship by confessing his feelings. The night before she is scheduled to leave, everything changes.
November 23, 2020
A short sweet story
Being a plus size myself I love when the heroine is a plus size as well and even better the hero is a fire fighter and I have a weakness for a man in uniform.
This story is a friendship to lovers and a short story at its best took me about an hour to read
Being a plus size myself I love when the heroine is a plus size as well and even better the hero is a fire fighter and I have a weakness for a man in uniform.
This story is a friendship to lovers and a short story at its best took me about an hour to read
September 10, 2022
A cute quick friends to lovers story. Elle and Jake have been friends forever and Elle has been in love with Jake just as long. Right before she moves away they hook up. Loved it just wished it was longer. I think the narrator did a good job telling the story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews