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The Last Shot Tavern
Finding Instinct
Erin is used to being friend-zoned.
Erin’s always been one of the guys, and she’s fine with that. After suddenly losing her sports career to an injury, she has much more important things to focus on. Even if subbing for her best friend as a secretary has her working closely with her sexy as sin boss. The too proper man could never be interested in someone like her, despite one night together that completely changes her opinion on sex.
Nicholas always has to be in charge.
There’s no way that a spur-of-the-moment, says-every-thought-in-her-head woman could fit into Nicholas’s world, so why can’t he get Erin out of his thoughts? When he takes her to a ritzy event, he expects it to be a disaster. Instead he has fun, which has never been a part of his life.
When her injury flares, he proposes a fake marriage, with added benefits besides insurance. Having her around will drive his father to distraction while Nicholas finishes what must be done. Plus he’ll get to keep her close for a little longer.
Neither expect the sparks they feel to flame into much more. Now Nicholas must convince her he has nothing to offer before he proves he’s just like his father. He can’t risk her joy in life being dimmed by the past he’ll never be able to leave behind.
With angsty pasts healed through love, and heroes who are gentle everywhere but in bed, The Last Shot Tavern series contains interconnected standalones with no cliff hangers and all the steam.
Amber Warden’s stories often include characters overcoming tragic pasts or current hardships and may include situations that not everyone would like to read. Content notes are included in the look inside to help you decide if this story is for you.The Last Shot Tavern Series
Finding Comfort – Trenton and Celia
Finding Nerve – Blake and Katie
Finding Instinct – Nicholas and Erin
Finding Hope – Malcolm and Jami
Finding Emotion – Damon and Skylar
Erin’s always been one of the guys, and she’s fine with that. After suddenly losing her sports career to an injury, she has much more important things to focus on. Even if subbing for her best friend as a secretary has her working closely with her sexy as sin boss. The too proper man could never be interested in someone like her, despite one night together that completely changes her opinion on sex.
Nicholas always has to be in charge.
There’s no way that a spur-of-the-moment, says-every-thought-in-her-head woman could fit into Nicholas’s world, so why can’t he get Erin out of his thoughts? When he takes her to a ritzy event, he expects it to be a disaster. Instead he has fun, which has never been a part of his life.
When her injury flares, he proposes a fake marriage, with added benefits besides insurance. Having her around will drive his father to distraction while Nicholas finishes what must be done. Plus he’ll get to keep her close for a little longer.
Neither expect the sparks they feel to flame into much more. Now Nicholas must convince her he has nothing to offer before he proves he’s just like his father. He can’t risk her joy in life being dimmed by the past he’ll never be able to leave behind.
With angsty pasts healed through love, and heroes who are gentle everywhere but in bed, The Last Shot Tavern series contains interconnected standalones with no cliff hangers and all the steam.
Amber Warden’s stories often include characters overcoming tragic pasts or current hardships and may include situations that not everyone would like to read. Content notes are included in the look inside to help you decide if this story is for you.The Last Shot Tavern Series
Finding Comfort – Trenton and Celia
Finding Nerve – Blake and Katie
Finding Instinct – Nicholas and Erin
Finding Hope – Malcolm and Jami
Finding Emotion – Damon and Skylar
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
23 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Amber Warden
28 books48 followersA former numbers cruncher, Amber Warden left the accounting world to write emotional and steamy contemporary romance instead.
Her main hope is for those reading to take away the feeling that they are more than enough for anyone.
When she's not writing, she's reading shoujo manga, playing otome games, and listening to her favorite J-rock music.
She'd love to hear from her readers:
amberwardenauthor@gmail.com
Instagram @amberwardenwrites
Facebook @amberwardenauthor
Her main hope is for those reading to take away the feeling that they are more than enough for anyone.
When she's not writing, she's reading shoujo manga, playing otome games, and listening to her favorite J-rock music.
She'd love to hear from her readers:
amberwardenauthor@gmail.com
Instagram @amberwardenwrites
Facebook @amberwardenauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 3, 2022
Thank you to Amber Warden and BookSirens for providing me with an ebook copy of Finding Instinct for me to read and review. Holy hot, hot, hot! This was the perfect balance between plot and spice. The characters were such interesting people with extremely unique pasts. I would have enjoyed learning a bit more details about their pasts but they developed so much throughout the story that I was really rooting for them to successfully overcome their challenges and roadblocks. And the chemistry was volcanic! This is book 3 in the Long Shot Tavern series and while it can be read on its own, having the prior knowledge from the previous books definitely added to the depth of the story. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
November 1, 2022
I rate this book 3.5 stars.
I thought that this was a cute romance. Erin is used to putting herself last and doing things on her own. Nicholas is trying to help her as he is drawn to her. There is quite the struggle of will between these two characters though they passion sparks constantly. Surrounded by good friends, these two will have a good chance of making to their HEA. I found this book entertaining.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
I thought that this was a cute romance. Erin is used to putting herself last and doing things on her own. Nicholas is trying to help her as he is drawn to her. There is quite the struggle of will between these two characters though they passion sparks constantly. Surrounded by good friends, these two will have a good chance of making to their HEA. I found this book entertaining.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
November 2, 2022
This is a new to me author and Finding Instinct is book three in a series. I haven't read the other books, so I was a little lost at the beginning. It was easy to get into the story though and I enjoyed it. Erin and Nicholas are great characters and have really good chemistry. This is a fake relationship story with a happy ending.
October 14, 2022
A hair shy of three stars
This is the third book in a series (presumably of five), and it's me least favorite so far. The main characters are not new to series readers, but for me, the personalities that had formed (at least in my mind) over the previous two books didn't follow through here. The are also plot points that are kept vague and are never fully explained.
Nicholas is a rich guy and Katie's (previous book's heroine's) boss. Katie is on her honeymoon and has asked her BFF Erin--former pro basketball star--to fill in as Nick's secretary for three weeks. About a week in, sexy hijinks ensue.
Erin is unapologetically blunt and honest to a fault, but I like that about her. You never have to worry that she's going to hide her feelings or be embarrassed by who she is--a rare trait for a romance-novel heroine. The only thing she prevaricates on are things related to her own well-being (specifically shoulder pain from a career-ending torn rotator cuff). Nick is an old soul with a truckload of kink. His use of Mr. and Ms. in the workplace is so old fashioned (yet, huh, does play into the kink, doesn't it?), and his speech patterns seem incredibly formal and perhaps slightly foreign. I'm not sure if this last part (the odd speech patterns) is supposed to be that way or if he's just awkwardly written. And then put him in the bedroom (or against the wall or on a sofa or in his office), and he gets really excited about "f**king," using the word so liberally but literally (as does Erin) that it loses its punch and starts to sound a little immature.
What Nick does for a living is vague--something about investments maybe--and the reasons for his chilly relationship with his father are too. And then he's doing something to mess with his father's business, but I never was entirely sure why or how. With Erin, it's her past employment that could use more explanation. Being a pro basketball star (presumably WNBA?) is pretty huge, but we don't ever see her in that environment or even having any contact with former teammates. Just a whole lot of vague going on.
The plot takes some interesting turns trope wise. It starts off as a "sleeping-with-the-boss" tale with a little"forced proximity" thrown in, and then it turns into a "marriage-of-convenience" one. It's also got a touch of BDSM/erotica going on, but Nick's willingness to let Erin hold the reins occasionally does slightly lessen the impact. Those who don't like this last trope might want to take a pass though. Anyway, the tropes work okay together, but it does create multiple conflicts or issues to resolve, and I'm not sure that they all were in the end.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
This is the third book in a series (presumably of five), and it's me least favorite so far. The main characters are not new to series readers, but for me, the personalities that had formed (at least in my mind) over the previous two books didn't follow through here. The are also plot points that are kept vague and are never fully explained.
Nicholas is a rich guy and Katie's (previous book's heroine's) boss. Katie is on her honeymoon and has asked her BFF Erin--former pro basketball star--to fill in as Nick's secretary for three weeks. About a week in, sexy hijinks ensue.
Erin is unapologetically blunt and honest to a fault, but I like that about her. You never have to worry that she's going to hide her feelings or be embarrassed by who she is--a rare trait for a romance-novel heroine. The only thing she prevaricates on are things related to her own well-being (specifically shoulder pain from a career-ending torn rotator cuff). Nick is an old soul with a truckload of kink. His use of Mr. and Ms. in the workplace is so old fashioned (yet, huh, does play into the kink, doesn't it?), and his speech patterns seem incredibly formal and perhaps slightly foreign. I'm not sure if this last part (the odd speech patterns) is supposed to be that way or if he's just awkwardly written. And then put him in the bedroom (or against the wall or on a sofa or in his office), and he gets really excited about "f**king," using the word so liberally but literally (as does Erin) that it loses its punch and starts to sound a little immature.
What Nick does for a living is vague--something about investments maybe--and the reasons for his chilly relationship with his father are too. And then he's doing something to mess with his father's business, but I never was entirely sure why or how. With Erin, it's her past employment that could use more explanation. Being a pro basketball star (presumably WNBA?) is pretty huge, but we don't ever see her in that environment or even having any contact with former teammates. Just a whole lot of vague going on.
The plot takes some interesting turns trope wise. It starts off as a "sleeping-with-the-boss" tale with a little"forced proximity" thrown in, and then it turns into a "marriage-of-convenience" one. It's also got a touch of BDSM/erotica going on, but Nick's willingness to let Erin hold the reins occasionally does slightly lessen the impact. Those who don't like this last trope might want to take a pass though. Anyway, the tropes work okay together, but it does create multiple conflicts or issues to resolve, and I'm not sure that they all were in the end.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
July 14, 2023
*4.5 stars*
This is the third installment of The Last Shot Tavern Series by Amber Warden. It is told in third person POV and leaves you with a HEA. This story can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable if read in order since the previous characters make a lot of appearances.
I really enjoyed this story of Nicholas and Erin. They were complete opposites. Erin-a retired basketball player because of a shoulder injury-is loud, clumsy, hilarious, selfless and down to earth with no filter. Nicholas-the owner of a successful business-is wealthy, quiet, selfless, giving, patient and romantic with a hidden alpha side.
I loved that Nicolas was annoyed yet taken by Erin and her blunt comments and clumsy ways. I loved that when he found out about what was going on with her, in and out of the bedroom, he was determined to help her. I loved that Erin found her true self with Nichola’s help, even if she wanted to hardheaded about her feelings most of the time. I love that she is not only protective over her friends and family, but also over Nicholas as well.
It was good to revisit the other Characters and see how their life is progressing. I love when a female character gives nicknames to other people, but I think Erin over did it with the “Chick” and could have come up with some other name every now and then. Regardless, I’m excited to read the next book and see what comes next.
I received an advanced readers copy via BookSirens. These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.
This is the third installment of The Last Shot Tavern Series by Amber Warden. It is told in third person POV and leaves you with a HEA. This story can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable if read in order since the previous characters make a lot of appearances.
I really enjoyed this story of Nicholas and Erin. They were complete opposites. Erin-a retired basketball player because of a shoulder injury-is loud, clumsy, hilarious, selfless and down to earth with no filter. Nicholas-the owner of a successful business-is wealthy, quiet, selfless, giving, patient and romantic with a hidden alpha side.
I loved that Nicolas was annoyed yet taken by Erin and her blunt comments and clumsy ways. I loved that when he found out about what was going on with her, in and out of the bedroom, he was determined to help her. I loved that Erin found her true self with Nichola’s help, even if she wanted to hardheaded about her feelings most of the time. I love that she is not only protective over her friends and family, but also over Nicholas as well.
It was good to revisit the other Characters and see how their life is progressing. I love when a female character gives nicknames to other people, but I think Erin over did it with the “Chick” and could have come up with some other name every now and then. Regardless, I’m excited to read the next book and see what comes next.
I received an advanced readers copy via BookSirens. These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.
November 9, 2022
“Those gray eyes of his saw way too much when they looked at her.”
Amber warns at the beginning of her books that her characters often have tragic pasts and so far every book in this series has had exactly that. This book is no exception. I knew Nicholas from the prior books and I always thought he was great. I also knew he had secrets but I have to admit I was surprised how much sadness and insecurities he was hiding. I would have never thought he and Erin were a good match as on the surface they are so different. But the truth is they are perfect for each other. They both are incredibly selfless, sensitive people who put others first and I thought they would never wake up and realize they both wanted each other desperately. I almost cried a few times they were hurting themselves so much. Such a good book. Such a great series. And so much fun getting to see how the others are doing. I’m beginning to feel like part of the group. Ready for Malcom next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amber warns at the beginning of her books that her characters often have tragic pasts and so far every book in this series has had exactly that. This book is no exception. I knew Nicholas from the prior books and I always thought he was great. I also knew he had secrets but I have to admit I was surprised how much sadness and insecurities he was hiding. I would have never thought he and Erin were a good match as on the surface they are so different. But the truth is they are perfect for each other. They both are incredibly selfless, sensitive people who put others first and I thought they would never wake up and realize they both wanted each other desperately. I almost cried a few times they were hurting themselves so much. Such a good book. Such a great series. And so much fun getting to see how the others are doing. I’m beginning to feel like part of the group. Ready for Malcom next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2022
Good story! Steamy and sexy. Erin was such a contradiction - so many emotional scars and insecurities and yet so unself-conscious in other ways. She’s loyal and supportive to others but has SO much trouble accepting help and support for herself. She can be prickly and often seems determined to be as lonely and alone as possible to protect herself. She is always more ready to run away to “protect” others than stand up for herself and her wants and needs. Nicholas has baggage of his own thanks to his horrible father and dysfunctional childhood that keeps him from feeling “worthy”. Really liked Erin and Nicholas’ relationship. They filled needs for each other that no one else could - love, understanding and support.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
October 28, 2022
At the start of the story, I wasn't sure I would really like it. I appreciated the story, especially because I've seen some women in reader groups looking for heroines that have a different experience with intimacy- as in not enjoying and it even being painful. And the hero refuses to just allow that to happen. Maybe why I didn't like it at the start is not having met the two people before like I would have if I had read the two books before it in the series. The difficult road leads to a beautiful love between the couple. I ended up really enjoying the dynamics and the struggles they faced- and the way they eventually handled them together.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
November 8, 2022
Steamy yet sweet:
I really enjoyed this steamy, sorta fake marriage romance. The story progressed well and I felt invested in what was transpiring.
I liked how protective and caring Nicholas was but he had his issues and it was good seeing him move past some of his old hangups. Meanwhile Erin came across as carefree but she too had lessons to learn and it was lovely seeing how these two balanced the other out. However they were both stubborn and their own worst enemies which made me want to shake them at times! I enjoyed reconnecting with this loyal group of friends and look forward to the rest of the books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I really enjoyed this steamy, sorta fake marriage romance. The story progressed well and I felt invested in what was transpiring.
I liked how protective and caring Nicholas was but he had his issues and it was good seeing him move past some of his old hangups. Meanwhile Erin came across as carefree but she too had lessons to learn and it was lovely seeing how these two balanced the other out. However they were both stubborn and their own worst enemies which made me want to shake them at times! I enjoyed reconnecting with this loyal group of friends and look forward to the rest of the books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 23, 2022
Finding Instinct by Amber Warden
Quite an interesting love story. Erin is a former pro basketball player, a tall and awkward tomboy. She's blunt, upfront, and straightforward. She's a temp secretary to Nicholas, a logical, hard, emotionless businessman, with incredibly formal manners.
Nicolas may seem cold, but he does care and do things for people that mean something to him. Erin's shoulder injury and Nicholas' twisted relationship with his father as well as with his stepmother lead to a temporary marriage agreement. There are a lot of secrets, some kinks, and a lot of romance. I love the way everything comes together at the end and leads to a very satisfying HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Quite an interesting love story. Erin is a former pro basketball player, a tall and awkward tomboy. She's blunt, upfront, and straightforward. She's a temp secretary to Nicholas, a logical, hard, emotionless businessman, with incredibly formal manners.
Nicolas may seem cold, but he does care and do things for people that mean something to him. Erin's shoulder injury and Nicholas' twisted relationship with his father as well as with his stepmother lead to a temporary marriage agreement. There are a lot of secrets, some kinks, and a lot of romance. I love the way everything comes together at the end and leads to a very satisfying HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2022
This is the third book in the Last Shot Tavern Series but can be read as a standalone. You will get more enjoyment if you read the other books in the series because of the inter connected characters. This is Erin and Nicholas's story and it's one you'll find hard to put down. An emotional roller coaster that will have your head spinning at times. Their chemistry is off the charts and in my opinion this is the best book in the series so far. No shortage of family drama or surprises. A fake marriage isn't all it seems. A good book that was fun to read with an engaging story line and likable characters. I read a free advance copy via booksirens and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 3, 2023
Finding Instinct is Book 3 of The Last Shot Tavern series by Amber Warden. Like the rest in this series I could not put it down before I found out how it ended. I liked Nicholas and Erin. Erin is a strong female protagonist with a huge heart but still has her share of problems with her emotions. Nicholas has a horrible, violent father and he tries to distance himself from his family. He doesn't realize how kind and considerate he is to everyone. These two people continue to fight their attraction to each other. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a good love story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2022
The 3rd book in The Last Shot Tavern Series, in my opinion, far surpasses the first 2 when it comes to the romance and sexuality. Nicholas and Erin have amazing chemistry and... wowzer, are the sex scenes are HOT!!!!!
I am a huge fan of this series and I really look forward to the next one. I hope it's just a steamy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am a huge fan of this series and I really look forward to the next one. I hope it's just a steamy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 29, 2022
It was okay!
I received an ARC copy of this book via Hidden Gems and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a new author to me and I haven't read any previous books in the series, so I was a bit lost in the beginning regarding some of the characters.
The story is told from the POV of both characters Nicholas and Erin.
It was an okay story, but its not for me, so I wouldn't read others in the series.
I received an ARC copy of this book via Hidden Gems and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a new author to me and I haven't read any previous books in the series, so I was a bit lost in the beginning regarding some of the characters.
The story is told from the POV of both characters Nicholas and Erin.
It was an okay story, but its not for me, so I wouldn't read others in the series.
February 6, 2023
I have all of one big complaint about this book. Just one. And it's that, if I have to read the word "chick" ONE MORE TIME, I may have to throw my kindle across the room. It just doesn't feel natural and I hate it. I loved everything other than that. Nicholas is adorable and Erin is a badass. I'm also a sucker for a marriage of convenience.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 31, 2022
This is the first book I read from this author and its book three in the series. Since I didn't read the other two, I felt lost in the beginning, but I stuck with it and it did get better. I think I actually liked Nick more than the heroine Erin for me. It took me awhile to like her. I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2022
Erin and Nick
Erin has recently started a new job. She's a retired athlete that is doing a temp job as a secretary. One night her boss needs a date so she helps out by filling in. They sirens time getting to know each other and agree to have a fake relationship. However, they didn't know that they'd really end up falling for each other.
Erin has recently started a new job. She's a retired athlete that is doing a temp job as a secretary. One night her boss needs a date so she helps out by filling in. They sirens time getting to know each other and agree to have a fake relationship. However, they didn't know that they'd really end up falling for each other.
February 15, 2023
This was a good story that pulled me in from the start. The only reason I gave it four stars is because it was written in the third person point of view which is a deal breaker for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2024
Amazing story. This is the third book in the series. Erin and Nick are boss and employee. I loved that what started out as one thing lead to them having a good chemistry. a wonderful read,
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2022
Erin is one interesting gal. She has some really strange quirks but you slowly get used to her as the story progress. I totally love Nick. He’s totally different from the image people see.
December 16, 2022
This book was ok. I had a hard time getting into it. It seemed to be more of a steamy/harlequin read vs. a true storyline. The author wrote very well, just not my cup of tea.
July 1, 2023
The characters grew and learned that sometimes you need someone else. It had everything I had hoped for, very easy to understand and get into.
March 8, 2024
I liked Nicholas and Erin’s book. It was an interesting read. This was a new author, for me. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
March 31, 2023
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
If you enjoy graphic and sexy romance novels, with a touch of humor, you will enjoy this book. I did.
All of the characters are realistic and have doubts and fears and challenges that make you love or hate them.
I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you enjoy graphic and sexy romance novels, with a touch of humor, you will enjoy this book. I did.
All of the characters are realistic and have doubts and fears and challenges that make you love or hate them.
I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2023
Dare i say too much spice?
September 14, 2023
Finding Instinct is the third in the Last Shot Tavern series. While this can be read as a stand-alone it is nice to read the others first as the characters are intertwined. Erin has recently retired from an athletic career due to injury and agrees to temp for a friend as a secretary. While working, she ends up filling in as a date for her boss at an event. As they get to know one another they begin to catch feelings. As part of a mutually beneficial arrangement they engage in a “fake” wedding. As their relationship progresses they face conflict and they must decide if their feelings are surface level or love! This is a good book for people who enjoy fake relationship storylines!
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews