Tongue Tied

Practice Makes Perfect #2

by Cassie Mint

I’m on the college debate team. I’m good at talking.
But when the head gardener looks at me, I can barely make a squeak.

When I was little, I got teased for having a stutter. All the other kids chattered away, while I struggled to form simple words.

I worked hard, had help, and got over that, damn it. I moved on. But when the handsome gardener looks my way in his fogged-up greenhouse, I’m tongue tied all over again.

He’s just so tall, and broad, and there’s this steadiness to him. Like the earth could crack apart, and he’d still be standing firm. Rooted deep.

When his green eyes find mine, I can barely stammer hello. But my fierce blush does the talking for me…

Tongue Tied is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a suddenly shy student and the man who’ll coax her out of her shell.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Contemporary, College, Contemporary Romance

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

About the author

Cassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.

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Reviews

[Lolina ⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loveddd Kai- wished this was longer 😔.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 Sterne

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww

This book was really sweet. I liked how stressed Kai was when he thought Eden wouldn’t speak around him because she was scared of him. Come on, the guy’s a Teddy Bear. The only thing is that there wasn’t really a dark spot but I didn’t seem to mind it.

Just a cute, sweet read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 87%.

This one isn't OK for me at all. You know how people say that little mermaid was a bit creepy because this dude is falling in love with a woman who can't speak?

Well, this book kinda has that too! This college student cannot speak in front of her teacher. He falls in love with her and they have sex before they have much of a conversation.

I would've quit the book a little bit earlier but I wanted to confirm before I gave this a two star.

They don't have a conversation about waiting until after he's not her teacher. Basically, the first time he is feeling like he really wants her, he asks her to meet him in the greenhouse and they have sex.

This is in the middle of a semester where he is her teacher! They have barely had anything to say to each other!

This feels so gross and inappropriate.

[Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shy undergrad hooks up with the head gardener of her botany major. Cute!

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as sweet as the previous one in the series. Missed the mark for me.

[Kate Russo ❦ (Rina Kent’s Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was 100% worth the wait omg I LOVED SEEING MY BABIES LANE AND AMBROSE 🤭🤭

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Practice Makes Perfect series and features college student Eden and her older mentor, Kai.

Eden is a botany major and is excited to finally put her extension plant knowledge to use at the prestigious campus greenhouse. But that excitements turns into surprise when she lays eyes on the Head Gardner, Kai. Suddenly she's too shy to speak up and finds herself tongue tied and stammering again!

I loved how innocent the initial interactions between Kai and Eden are. He's so understanding and protective of her feelings, going out of his way to make her comfortable and relaxed. A total sweetheart when it comes to Eden :)

This was a bit of a slow burn but I loved the build up to their relationship. It was a little forbidden but nothing overly dramatic or dragged out. It was a quick read with simmering heat, unique characters and a happily ever after.

The ending was a little abrupt but the epilogue makes up for it :)

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : Only Eden's age is disclosed, she's 22. Kai is older as Head Gardener at the greenhouse but I'd guess he is in his early to mid 30s.

Cheating : None.

OM/OW drama : None.

Separation : None.

Triggers/Kinks: Explicit sex, virgin heroine, risky sex

HEA/HFN : Ends with an epilogue 5 years later.

[LK · Rating 4 out of 5]

s h e l v e s :
age gap
cameos (Lane & Ambrose!)
college
instalove
mutual pining
new adult
ott
protective
shy girly
sits her in his lap
teacher
virgin

k i n k s :
dry humping
fucked outside
no condom
tss
💦

e n d e a r m e n t s :
♥︎ baby
♥︎ sweetheart

e n d i n g :
HEA + baby girl

🔥
“Sit on my lap. Yeah—like that.”

I grip her hips and squeeze, rocking our bodies together.

she knits her fingers behind my neck and kisses me deeply, squirming in my lap like she’s impatient for this too. God, I hope so. She’s panting now, hot and flushed and so fucking sweet, and my heart pounds out a war beat against my ribs as she writhes in my lap.

“Do you feel what you do to me, Eden?” My voice is rough.

She nods and rocks against my length, riding the hard ridge of my cock through my jeans. It’s the best kind of torture. Her eyes are hazy.

“C-can we…?” My gut twists even tighter.

“Hell yeah. If you want to, sweetheart.”

“ I don’t know what I’m doing. But I w-want to.”

Thank god. I’m wound so tight, I might explode if I don’t press inside my girl. Need to feel her wet heat. Need to fuck that shyness away, and hearing that I’ll be her first only makes my blood pump hotter.

♥︎

His short beard tickles my inner thigh. Kai turns his head and kisses me there, so sweet and intimate that my toes curl.

My low belly is heavy with need, pulse throbbing between my legs.

I’m slick and swollen. Achy and bared to Kai’s hungry gaze.

Kai winks at me, his breath hot against my bare slit.

…the scrape of his teeth over my clit makes me flush red-hot all over.
…his tongue pushing inside me makes me wail.

Green eyes watch me as I come, not blinking even once. His tongue strokes me through it all, delving between my folds.

♥︎

My fingers are clumsy when I reach back, but somehow I get his jeans all the way open and draw his cock into the humid air. It’s long and thick, the skin tan against my pale hand, and so hard it must surely be painful. Kai hisses between his teeth as I stroke him twice, my arm twisted awkwardly behind my back, his hips bucking up into my touch. And it’s powerful to be above him like this, to draw these ragged groans from Kai.

When I straddle his hips, the proud jut of his cock nudging at my belly, the gardener groans and scrubs both hands down his face.

“Go easy on me. Christ, I’m gonna explode the second you touch me, I know it.”

We both hold our breath as I notch the head against my entrance.

We let out twin groans as I sink down.

“Shit.” He grips my hips, squeezing tight. “Oh, shit.”

I feel him throb inside me. Feel the pulse tapping in his cock.

Seriously, I feel everything. It’s the closest I’ve ever been to another person, and it’s so perfect I could cry. Luckily, I’m too busy moaning and riding.

His head is tipped back and he’s hissing low curses, while his strong hands rock me back and forth over his cock. Every time he says my name, it sounds like a prayer.

“Eden. Eden.”

His thumb is on my clit. My head is spinning.

I gasp and buck my hips…while he grunts and thrusts and squeezes my ass.

Even in my daze, I feel the exact moment his control snaps. The gardener’s length swells inside me, stretching me even more, and then warmth floods my pussy in long spurts.

I sigh into his throat, blissed out and sticky.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tongue Tied bk 2 [Practice Makes Perfect]
These are novella's about the hero teaching the heroine some things and finding love along the way

Kai is a Head Gardener.. He is sweet, kind, caring and loves his job.. One day he gets to college students start working for him for one of their classes and he shows them the different flowers, pants and other things while working at the greenhouse.. He likes the shy girl that will not talk but starts to email him a lot so they can talk that way and they both fall for each other

Eden is a college student in her 20s living in a dorm with her best friend.. She used to have a stutter when she was a kid but when she meets kai her stutter comes back.. She loves gardening and plants so she is happy to get a workplace at the greenhouse but has to work with a guy from college that she debates with in debate class.. Once she meets Kai she gets tongue tied and can't talk because she finds kai hot and she does not know what to do about it.. So her best friend tells her to send him a email and see how your workplace is being Graded because eden is worried because she does not talk in front of him so when she sends the email he writes back which makes her happy and that's how they get to know each other.. One day she does get brave and says something to him but stutter's a bit but she keeps going.. She falls hard for kai

This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Head Gardener/Undergrad College Student Heroine
⦁ Teach me Trope
⦁ Heroine had a stutter when she was young and now its back again because she finds it heard to talk too the guy she likes
⦁ Age Gap
⦁ Virgin Trope
⦁ Heroine is tongue tied with hero so they get to know each other though emails
⦁ Both have feelings for each other
⦁ Some steam near the end with outdoor play in the greenhouse
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Hero will to anything for to his women
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Fast Read

I liked the strong friendship between Lane and Eden because you can see that they look out for each other and always there for each other.. It was nice to see Lane & Ambrose in this book because they are awesome..

I really liked the relationship between Kai and Eden because it was so sweet.. I am glad things worked out and i can not wait to read Stella's Story

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden (h), a Botany major, is thrilled to begin her placement in the greenhouse at Kephart College. From her very first day and her initial encounter with Kai (H), the head gardener, Eden feels the depth attraction between them. The greenhouse, an almost otherworldly environment, becomes the backdrop for their evolving relationship. Eden grapples with a stammer that surfaces particularly around Kai, highlighting her vulnerabilities and the intense effect he has on her. Their interactions range from awkward first encounters to deep, personal exchanges, hinting at a growing connection that transcends their initial teacher-student dynamic. Kai, in turn, is drawn to Eden's genuine passion for botany and her resilience, showcasing a gentle patience and understanding towards her. The greenhouse is the perfect setting as a place of learning and discovery for Eden but also as a home for the blooming of their relationship amidst the beauty and complexity of nature. Both Eden and Kai navigate their feelings, the professional boundaries they initially set, and the eventual realization and acceptance of their mutual attraction. Hot and steamy instalove, age gap romance.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Practice Makes Perfect series featuring the short and sweet instant connection between Kai and Eden. Eden is a shy botany major at Kephart College and from the very first time she that she encountered Kai the head gardener for the school Eden is struck speechless. Eden is consumed by feelings when she looks at Kai that makes it impossible for her to speak and if she does she stammers. Their relationship evolves in the greenhouse where Eden struggles to speak to Kai and he worries that she's afraid of him. Kai really wants to know why Eden can't speak to him and he handles the situation beautifully with patience and understanding allowing their connection to grow stronger. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this short and sweet instant connection romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

finding love in a greenhouse

I thoroughly enjoyed Kai and Eden’s love story! As a speech therapist that works with people who stutter I liked the representation in Eden’s stammer. Meeting Kai brings her stammer back and she finds herself practically mute in his presence. This definitely happens in people that stutter. A resurgence can be caused by a change in life or something that brings a lot of emotion. I loved how patient he was with her in waiting for her to be ready to talk to him. I also loved how equally obsessed he becomes with Eden. The depth of passion between these two was enjoyable to read. I love a short novella but I could have read a full novel about Kai and Eden.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden is excited to start at the greenhouse, unfortunately she has to deal with her nemesis from the debate team as well. When she meets the head gardener, Kai, her stammer that she worked so hard to over come returns. She has a hard time forming a single word around him.

Kai does not know what it is about him that scares Eden. He wants to fix it, to find a solution on why she is silent, it is not that she is scared, she is aroused around him. As things heat up between the pair, she finds her voice. This is a short and steamy read.

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

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

Tongue Tied is Book 2 of Practice Makes Perfect. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, shy girl gets her hunk romance. Eden is a shy botony major. Kai is the hunky head gardener at the college. Eden had speech problems when she was younger, but her stutter returns when she is nervous. When she begins to work with Kai, she gets so tongue-tied that she can't speak. Both are attracted to one another. Can Kai bring her out her shell and make her comfortable? Their chemistry was so hot. Kai was incredibly sweet with her, and we got a very happy ending. I loved it!!.

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

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Kai with all of my heart. That man is just the best. A great cinnamon roll hero. He wanted to know why Eden couldn't speak in front of him and even thought that she was scared of him. Little did he know that what she was feeling wasn't fear. She was hooked from the beginning. It was so cute to read how she couldn't even say yes or no to the man. I just loved every second of it, from the panicked monologues to the steamy scenes between them. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Tongue Tied Book 2 of Practice Makes Perfect. The first time she sees Kai, all ability to talk leaves Eden. She can talk to everyone but him, he leaves her literally tongue tied. Kai doesn’t know why she won’t talk to him but he is going to stop at nothing to find out. Eden comes up with a creative way to talk to Kai and things go on from there. This is a short and sweet story, and I loved the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

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

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second installment of the practice makes perfect series. Instalove story based on a student and gardener at college. Eden struggled with a stammer in her youth, she worked hard to overcome it, but one look at Kai and it's back. Not because she's scared, she's attracted to him, but he'd never be interested in her, would he?

Read this if you enjoy age gap romance, spicy scenes, school setting, dual pov writing, HEAs, short read, instalove, instaromance.

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

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Practice Makes Perfect series. Ed n was introduced in the first book. I couldn't wait to read her story with Kai. It did not disappoint. Poor Eden couldn't speak to Kai without a stutter. Kai was sweet and supportive. I really like how Cassie Mint introduces characters that led into the next book. I already feel invested in these characters making me want to continue the series.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden has a stammer that isn’t noticeable until she meets Kai Akana. She can hardly talk at all. He thinks he frightens her and that’s the last thing he wants. But who needs to talk when everything you need and want is at your fingertips and lips. This story is a feel good fast easy read, some steam and it just made me happy. I love it.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden is a biology major and now finally has the chance to work in the prestigious greenhouse of her university. She meets the head gardner and is instantly tongue tied. She had a speech problem and when she is excited or anxious it flares up again. And boy does Kai make her excited 😉 Kai thinks that she is afraid of him, but he quickly learns that that is not the problem. Instalove, age gap, sweet, fun to read, romantic, with a bit of steam and safe with a sweet HEA and absolutely no drama😍😍😍😍😍

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute. It’s a quick read, but grabbed my heart, I loved these characters.
Eden and Kai are instantly smitten 😍, but she’s struck mute or stuttering from her reaction to him. Seeing her discomfort, Kai, thinks he scares her and is gutted.
When she finally gets the courage to speak it explosive and steamy, leading to a perfectly sweet and adorable HEA.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden is in college studying Botany and Kai is the head gardener who leaves her tongue tied whenever she's around him. I liked how sweet Kai was with Eden and how he never made her feel less than him. I enjoyed this sweet romance and the epilogue was the cherry on top. Great writing and believable characters make this steamy age gap romance a great addition to the Practice Makes Perfect series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[JujuReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

-The fmc had speech impediment (makes the character more relatable)
-The mmc making a comparison between him and serial killers just bc the fmc can’t talk to him 😂
-It’s a small book but (like the first) it’s not rushed. In this one they are resolving a few problems before really getting to know each other
-They flirt more by email than in person
-I don’t think we had a proper closure, they sleep together and there’s the epilogue right away

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden is reliving her childhood when she meets Kai the gardener who sets her heart racing and making words hard to form. When she is unable to speak in his presence Kai takes charge. Will these two connect and make it to a happily ever after.

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

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this story!! The fact Kai was so patient and caring. This book has it all. Sweet, instant attraction and spice. I love of FMC was so shy by opened up and bloomed with the MMC. I can’t wait for the next book.

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

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tongue Tied is Eden and Kai's age gap HEA. Eden is a botany major in college and after two years got her placement in the coveted Kephart greenhouse. Kai is the Head Gardener in the greenhouse and wants to teach Eden about more than plants 😉
It was a steamy quick read and I enjoyed it!.

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

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute instalove romance. It was a short story with a fast pace. The storyline was entertaining and I liked that it was a little different from what other short stories. Eden and Kai had good chemistry and I really liked their emails back and forth.

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

[Priscilla Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Kay is loving, careful and protective. Eden is a person with a beautiful heart, she is loving and cute. A beautiful couple. Another beautiful story from CassieAnother beautiful story from Cassie.

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

[Cyn's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Cassie Mint, you'll love this next installation in the Kephart College universe. I love a shy-girl-gets-her-guy story and this only disappointed by being so short, but Kai and Eden were so sweet together I can't be mad about it. Oh, and for those that love an epistolary romance, this has just a little bit, via emails. Hope that wasn't a spoiler. 🤫