Flirting with Trouble

by Bailey Swan

Kira Fox went to Costa Rica to get away. Now she’s stranded in paradise with her brother's best friend.

Seven days of solo fun and sun. A quick tropical reset. That was all I wanted before diving into the monumental task of fixing my life.

Instead, my flight was canceled, I missed my bus tour, and thanks to a truly ridiculous purse snatching incident, I'm stuck here with no money and no passport.

Just when I think my trip can’t get any worse, Malcolm Costillo crashes my pity party with dark eyes and a sexy smile that promise trouble. My brother’s college bestie might be a stranger to me, but there’s no denying the intense attraction arcing between us.

Or the fact that he is completely off-limits.

That’s Rule #1 when it comes to my brothers - I never get involved with their friends.

But when staying with Malcolm for a few days is my only option, I can’t help wondering if some rules are meant to be broken.

Grab this short & steamy instalove novella, featuring a reclusive artist and the forbidden woman he can’t let slip through his fingers.

85 pages, ebook

Published April 1, 2024

Reviews

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being stuck in a foreign country with no money and no passport miles from home is a nightmare that makes me shudder, second only to the one where I turn up to my high school graduation in my underwear 😊 Luckily for Kira, she has a knight in shining armor in the form of Malcolm Costillo, her brother’s BFF. I loved the idea of a tropical adventure, especially with a hunk like Malcolm, and although Kira didn’t really strike me as the adventurous type, she proved me wrong and was willing to try anything at least once. She called herself bitchy at the start, but given the difficult time she had, with one disaster after another, it was hardly surprising that she was a bit put out by the time she met Malcolm. However, she was actually pretty likeable and I found myself cheering her on. Malcolm was also a great character, who seemed to have isolated himself in Costa Rica after a bad breakup, perhaps to seek inspiration for his sculptures in this tropical paradise. Though both had reservations about how their relationship could affect their family and friends, there was no denying the strong attraction Kira and Malcolm felt from the start. Their close proximity ultimately forcing them both to make life-altering decisions with a great epilogue to round the story off to a satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★★★

Bailey Swan's "Flirting With Trouble" offers a delightful escape into a world where unexpected romance and sizzling chemistry collide. From the moment Kira Fox's plans for a tropical reset go awry, readers are drawn into a story that is both lighthearted and irresistibly charming.

Kira, the protagonist, is a relatable and engaging character whose journey from frustration to flirtation is a joy to follow. Stranded in Costa Rica without money or a passport, her predicament takes a turn for the better when Malcolm Costillo, her brother’s best friend, comes to her rescue. The intense attraction between them is immediate, and their interactions are filled with playful banter and undeniable chemistry.

One of the novella’s strengths is the dynamic between Kira and Malcolm. Malcolm, the reclusive artist with dark eyes and a sexy smile, is the perfect foil to Kira’s feisty and adventurous spirit. Their connection feels genuine and electric, making their story all the more captivating.

Swan's writing is both engaging and refreshing, transporting readers to the sunny beaches and vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica. The pacing is perfect for a short and steamy read, with each chapter building on the last, leading to a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion.

While "Flirting With Trouble" is a fun and breezy romance, it also touches on themes of self-discovery and breaking free from self-imposed rules. Swan handles these themes with a light touch, making the novella both thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable.

In conclusion, "Flirting With Trouble" is a charming and well-crafted novella that offers a perfect blend of romance and humor. Bailey Swan has proven herself to be a talented storyteller, and I eagerly anticipate her next work. If you’re looking for a quick, steamy read that will leave you with a smile, do not miss this book.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Matchmaker’s Guide to Happiness -
Kira thought she had hit rock bottom when the monkey stole her purse, but she soon realised her mistake when her brother’s gorgeous best friend witnessed her meltdown and she felt an instant desire for him. Malcolm had given up on relationships to focus on his art career, but he felt a possessiveness toward Kira from the moment he met her. Even though Kira and Malcolm tried everything to maintain a platonic friendship, the allure was too strong to keep them from temptation and once they accepted the inevitable, it led to the happily ever after they both deserved.

This is an interesting tale about getting a second chance at happiness when you least expect it. Grab a copy of this book and have fun reading it. This author is new to me and I must it’s been a very enjoyable experience reading her book.

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

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kira takes an impromptu trip to Costa Rica she thought it would be all spectacular vacation, but what she gets instead is a whole lot of chaos and nothing going her way. When she meets her brother’s friend that lives nearby she is instantly attracted but knows brother’s best friends are always off limits. Malcolm can’t help his attraction to Kira and he knows he should keep away, but something always keeps pulling him back to her. When things heat up and their passion takes over will Kira still leave when her vacation is over or will Malcolm be able to convince her that with him is where she belongs? A quick steamy read that was fun and cute.

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kira and Malcom are both such likable characters in the brother’s best friend romance. When a vacation to Costa Rica for an impromptu trip turns into one disaster after another, Kira ends up getting help from Malcom, who is her brother’s best friend.
These two have such a great connection from the start and even though Malcom knows Kira is off limits, he can’t deny his attraction to her. And Kira’s brother had one rule when it came to his friends…they are off limits. So will these two find a way to be together.

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

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flirting with Trouble by Bailey Swan is a good, and enjoyable steamy insta love small town brother's best friend stranded in paradise romance read. The story has a good entertaining world building story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining quick fun cute steamy romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kira decides to take a trip to Costa Rica but ends up with a headache when she runs into problems with her trip. When she is left with no money or passport, her brother's best friend helps her out. She wasn't expecting to be attracted to Malcolm. Her brother has always had a rule about her dating his friends but their mutual attraction is hard to fight. Will they find that what they feel is too strong to deny?

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are well developed and the storyline grabbed my attention from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't provide details. But I will recommend reading this book. It is so good!.

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

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, steamy, romantic short story! I liked the story, the characters and the happy ending. Looking forward to reading more stories with the other characters!.

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

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and entertaining read. I loved the characters and I liked how it all played out. Such a great read.