Yearn

Red #1

by Jennifer Probst

HAVE YOU EVER YEARNED FOR SOMEONE YOU HATED?

VanderPump Rules Meets Dawson’s Creek in this steamy, angsty romance.
The moment I laid eyes on Max, I knew I wanted him. I may work as a waitress at the prestigious NYC restaurant RED, but I’m the Queen of my tight-knit friend group who rules the clubs at night, and Max is my King. Too bad Max’s moody musician bestie can’t stand me, though he stares with a dark intention I can’t seem to ignore, like I belong to him. I despise his smug smile and stinging insults. And though the sexual chemistry between us is just as legendary as our fights, we’d never betray Max.
Especially since we hate each other.
Right?

The moment I laid eyes on Landon, I knew I wanted her. But she walked right past me and claimed my best friend, Max. I saw in her eyes she craved my hands on her, but she chose the golden boy; and the leader of our tight friend group. Too bad she couldn’t hide her hunger behind her haughty attitude and scorn. She called me a whoring musician and a dirty player, but I knew Max could never give her what she wanted. It’s finally time to show her what she’s been missing, even if it will destroy everything and everyone around us. Because Max has his own secrets, and I’ve been waiting for my turn to claim Landon.
Once I get a taste, I don’t intend to let her go, but I’m sure she’ll choose me.
Right?

Step into the world of RED and meet your new addiction…

Please note: Yearn ends on a cliffhanger and continues in Crave.
**Triggers include: cheating, drug use, BDSM elements, attempted assault.

Genres: Erotica

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.

Reviews

[Lynn Estell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my first book by this author. Not my favorite story line or characters but I did grab the next book in this series to see if the story line will grab me a bit more. The relationships are off for me so far. So much of self absorbed characters are a bit much to take.

[Jen Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!! Gossip Girl meets delicious spice. The characters aren't the most likeable, but they're REAL, which is so refreshing!! I didn't dislike any of the MCs, but they all have things about them that aren't great qualities, yet they're still good people, just living life the best way they know how. Can't wait to see how everything plays out in Crave.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yearn by Jennifer Probst delves into the intricate dynamics of a group of friends. Some are romantically involved, while others yearn for someone within the group, creating a web of complex relationships.
Landon, a model, is trying to break into acting but, for the time being, is waitressing to make a living. Landon's best friend is Elle, an actress/singer who is also a waitress to make a living. Max is a model who is tending a bar. He is dating Landon, and his best friend, Cooper, is a model and is dating Elle. Max's friends include Adam, a music writer and musician, and Noah, a DJ. Noah is dating Daisy, a nursing student. Max and Adam met Landon at the same time. Landon chose Max as he is the safer bet between the two, someone she can manipulate to conform to her wants. Adam wanted Landon from day one, but when she chose Max, he stepped aside and witnessed Max cheat on Landon on a guy's trip. There's a new waitress at Red's bar/private club, where Landon, Elle, and Max work. Her name is Gabriella. She's a knock-out with flaming red hair and an influencer with a social media following larger than Landon and Elle's. When Gabriella moves to get to know Max better, Landon lets her know what's what.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Probst is a go-to author for me, and I have read several of her books through the years. This was a very different story, and it took me a bit to get invested in the characters. The main story follows Landon and Max who work together at a hip bar, and their group of eight, 4 female and 4 male 20-somethings struggling to make it in their chosen professions. Landon is very self-centered and manipulative; Max is not necessarily monogamous; Adam is hung up on Landon; Elle is wanting to be an actress but seems a much better singer. There is a lot going on in this book, we are introduced to all eight characters basically from the start and they are all in some sort of chaos with work or personal lives. The author weaves intricate dynamics between the characters while also making them seem so self-serving. This book does end on a cliffhanger, but we are forewarned.

[Renee Parlopiano · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me say I like Jennifer Probst. I enjoy her books and keep going back for more. This story didn't grab me the way her books usually do. I kept reading and slowly got invested in the characters.
I don't think they are very likable but that's okay. I really don't "like" any of them. But I found that they weren't so different than any past generations. They find themselves selling out to succeed in the world that sets its own rules. For that, I gave them a pass. As far as the love triangles, it's as it always was. There will always be yearning for something different. The book is aptly titled.

So, I'm onto the next book in the series.

[Gina Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

crazy

This book is like a little VPR meets Summer House and Southern Charm. Landon is with Max but has eyes for Max. Landon gets mad when Gabby matches up with Adam. Landon has heard cheating rumors about Max but never wants to listen to them. Great play list for this book thanks for introducing me to some new music. Let’s see what’s in store and what shenanigans are going to happen next.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of eight - four men and four women. Some within relationships and others just friends, that is until one pair breaks up and a true connection is formed. But can the love triangle end up with the friendships intact? Or will they all be doomed. Cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Snow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like the main female character, Landon...like Jesus...she really ruined the whole story...and the rest of the group was just meeeh...
Loved Adam though, and he's the only reason I finished both books...

[Nathalie Trinh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Love Triangle
Spicy
Very social media focused

[Samantha Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed to breakup all my fantasy reads with something quick

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angsty

So much angst in this story and no one is listening to my ideas of what they should do! Oh well, that is what makes it a good read.