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Crossroads #7
Actually Love: Jessie & Zach
Real or fake. As VP of public relations for SPC, the beautiful and talented Jessie Sloan knew the difference. The order and control she had in her life was real. Love was fake and she didn’t have time for fake.
Win or lose. Sexy, sculpted boxing champ Zach Courtland has had his share of losses in life, but inside the ring, he knew nothing but wins. He was used to taking and landing punches, but little did he know that he was about to get the knock-out of his life.
After circumstances beyond their control, and nosy landlords, force these two strangers to live together they become fake boyfriend and girlfriend and real roommates. Will Jessie and Zach still know the difference between real and fake, winning and losing? Or will they surrender to the idea that this may be…Actually Love.
**Author's note: Each book in The Crossroads Series can be read as a stand-alone**
Win or lose. Sexy, sculpted boxing champ Zach Courtland has had his share of losses in life, but inside the ring, he knew nothing but wins. He was used to taking and landing punches, but little did he know that he was about to get the knock-out of his life.
After circumstances beyond their control, and nosy landlords, force these two strangers to live together they become fake boyfriend and girlfriend and real roommates. Will Jessie and Zach still know the difference between real and fake, winning and losing? Or will they surrender to the idea that this may be…Actually Love.
**Author's note: Each book in The Crossroads Series can be read as a stand-alone**
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2014
386 people are currently reading
1360 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Shawn
133 books1,849 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
July 7, 2014
I'm in love with Zach and Jessie!
I am a huge fan of The Crossroads Series. I think what I like most about Melanie Shawn's books is that they don't follow the same formula most romance books follow. You get to truly know the characters and the reasons behind decisions they make. In previous books Jessie seemed aloof and almost rude, after reading this story, I realized she's neither of these but self contained. I fell in love with Zach, he has replaced Riley as my favorite. I can't wait for Becca and Brian's story!
I am a huge fan of The Crossroads Series. I think what I like most about Melanie Shawn's books is that they don't follow the same formula most romance books follow. You get to truly know the characters and the reasons behind decisions they make. In previous books Jessie seemed aloof and almost rude, after reading this story, I realized she's neither of these but self contained. I fell in love with Zach, he has replaced Riley as my favorite. I can't wait for Becca and Brian's story!
June 24, 2014
I thought I was going to spend a good portion of the book with the main characters, especially Jessie, in denial. Imagine my surprise when not only that did not happen but the characters acted on it and then figured out together their relationship. Of all Melanie Shawn books this is defenitely the one I will always remember as the romantic comedy, even our leading lady says so!
It was a really fun read on a rainy day.
It was a really fun read on a rainy day.
March 4, 2016
I'd probably give this 1.5 stars, in that I finished it, but with great difficultly - and even then, mostly by skimming.
Jessie and Zack met within the first pages of this book and were completely, overwhelmingly, heart-stoppingly, life-alteringly attracted to each other. It was very over the top how each was unlike anyone they'd ever met before - hotter, funnier, more mysterious. But then 60% of the book was a constant back and forth of "should I or shouldn't I? I know I shouldn't, but I want to. It's not a good idea, but..." I found myself skipping over much of the book between 35% and 60%, when there was finally some progression in the relationship. The only hint of conflict popped up at 89% and was resolved within a few paragraphs.
The story was told mostly by inner thoughts. Each event between Jessie and Zach was referenced after the fact by the inner thoughts of one of the characters. I'd rather have experienced the development of their friendship and then relationship. But, the biggest problem I found was it was just too wordy. The same thoughts were repeated several ways in different parts of the book, or even within the same paragraph. It bogged me down.
I wasn't crazy about the writing style (the thoughts in parenthesis) or references to pop culture. Others may enjoy that. Just not my thing, I guess.
Jessie and Zack met within the first pages of this book and were completely, overwhelmingly, heart-stoppingly, life-alteringly attracted to each other. It was very over the top how each was unlike anyone they'd ever met before - hotter, funnier, more mysterious. But then 60% of the book was a constant back and forth of "should I or shouldn't I? I know I shouldn't, but I want to. It's not a good idea, but..." I found myself skipping over much of the book between 35% and 60%, when there was finally some progression in the relationship. The only hint of conflict popped up at 89% and was resolved within a few paragraphs.
The story was told mostly by inner thoughts. Each event between Jessie and Zach was referenced after the fact by the inner thoughts of one of the characters. I'd rather have experienced the development of their friendship and then relationship. But, the biggest problem I found was it was just too wordy. The same thoughts were repeated several ways in different parts of the book, or even within the same paragraph. It bogged me down.
I wasn't crazy about the writing style (the thoughts in parenthesis) or references to pop culture. Others may enjoy that. Just not my thing, I guess.
June 26, 2014
Real or fake? Jessie and Zach are inadvertently caught up in a scenario of being fake boyfriend and fake girlfriend. Jessie is a strong, independent woman who is focused and organised. She meets Zach Courtland. A rugged, tough, boxing champion who also happens to be sexy as all get out.
Playing the role of girlfriend in their fake relationship to get the brownstone residence of her dreams seemed like a good idea at the time. When Jessie starts to question her choices, that is where the comic, sentiments, passion and scorching emotions really begin.
Zach is completely mesmerised by Jessie. Willing to go along with the fake boyfriend role to gain the brownstone building, and of course, to see Jessie. Zach becomes drawn to Jessie in a way that has him questioning his decision of playing the role of fake boyfriend. Unable to get Jessie from his constant thoughts, Zach sets himself on a mission of winning her affections and proving that he can be more than just fake boyfriend material.
Be captivated by Jessie & Zach and their sizzling chemistry, family dramas not to mention family interference and multiple challenges with a few surprises thrown in. Old favourites in The Crossroads Series make a reappearance and more than add to the charming , bewitching story! Many laugh out loud moments and a lot of sentiments throughout the book keep the reader riveted and the magnetic pull between Zach and Jessie makes this book an absolute dazzling read!
Actually Love is a must read in a series that has been a phenomenal success throughout which has not yet disappointed.
5 Dazzling Stars!
*ARC Received from the Author for an honest review
Playing the role of girlfriend in their fake relationship to get the brownstone residence of her dreams seemed like a good idea at the time. When Jessie starts to question her choices, that is where the comic, sentiments, passion and scorching emotions really begin.
Zach is completely mesmerised by Jessie. Willing to go along with the fake boyfriend role to gain the brownstone building, and of course, to see Jessie. Zach becomes drawn to Jessie in a way that has him questioning his decision of playing the role of fake boyfriend. Unable to get Jessie from his constant thoughts, Zach sets himself on a mission of winning her affections and proving that he can be more than just fake boyfriend material.
Be captivated by Jessie & Zach and their sizzling chemistry, family dramas not to mention family interference and multiple challenges with a few surprises thrown in. Old favourites in The Crossroads Series make a reappearance and more than add to the charming , bewitching story! Many laugh out loud moments and a lot of sentiments throughout the book keep the reader riveted and the magnetic pull between Zach and Jessie makes this book an absolute dazzling read!
Actually Love is a must read in a series that has been a phenomenal success throughout which has not yet disappointed.
5 Dazzling Stars!
*ARC Received from the Author for an honest review
June 22, 2014
The Sloans sure know how to make readers moan in pleasure!!! Melanie Shawn’s latest in the Crossroad Series, “Actually Love” brings us up close and personal with Jessie and Zach.
They do make an adorable couple. Jessie, a famous PR professional is pitted against Zach, the sexy kryptonite boxer. Misunderstandings and a need for a home have them sharing a house posing as a couple and we get to go on a super sexy ride of a delightful romance.
Gotta love the Sloan clan - siblings and cousins galore. With a typical family having the fun of teasing these two, to advising them in the game of love, to the Golden Girls meddling in their lives, “Actually Love” is a true and true, fuzzy, feel good love story!
Along with Jessie and Zach trying to find their place with each other, in each other’s lives, Melanie sure throws us into a myriad of emotions, with family support, and heart to heart talks. When Zach’s past comes punching into their lives, loved the way it was handled with sense and sensibility.
This is one knockout of a story and you can’t but help fall in love with Zach and Jessie.
http://alimalivzletlivz.wordpress.com/
They do make an adorable couple. Jessie, a famous PR professional is pitted against Zach, the sexy kryptonite boxer. Misunderstandings and a need for a home have them sharing a house posing as a couple and we get to go on a super sexy ride of a delightful romance.
Gotta love the Sloan clan - siblings and cousins galore. With a typical family having the fun of teasing these two, to advising them in the game of love, to the Golden Girls meddling in their lives, “Actually Love” is a true and true, fuzzy, feel good love story!
Along with Jessie and Zach trying to find their place with each other, in each other’s lives, Melanie sure throws us into a myriad of emotions, with family support, and heart to heart talks. When Zach’s past comes punching into their lives, loved the way it was handled with sense and sensibility.
This is one knockout of a story and you can’t but help fall in love with Zach and Jessie.
http://alimalivzletlivz.wordpress.com/
August 5, 2016
Fun and hot!! Two words that come to mind first after reading this story.
But it was also so much more. True romance story of two people working it out. They are total opposite in every way, one of them don't even believe in love, the other have always wanted it. They have to have a fake relationship to get the rental home, but the instant lust, attraction, appeal, interest is there and they are honest about it - even with each other! They get to know each other, fall in love, and work it out. And it is hot, heat level is high, but the way it is written, it fits as a part of the story, and don't make it 'smut'. Perfect escape, fun reading on a rainy day like today.
But it was also so much more. True romance story of two people working it out. They are total opposite in every way, one of them don't even believe in love, the other have always wanted it. They have to have a fake relationship to get the rental home, but the instant lust, attraction, appeal, interest is there and they are honest about it - even with each other! They get to know each other, fall in love, and work it out. And it is hot, heat level is high, but the way it is written, it fits as a part of the story, and don't make it 'smut'. Perfect escape, fun reading on a rainy day like today.
July 3, 2014
This entire series and the couples in it are all amazing, but Jessie and Zach stole my heart from the scene in the basement and they would give it back. The storyline was so cute and the way the two of them both went into the relationship oblivious to the fact it was in fact a relationship was wonderful. I loved how there was understanding and communication between them always; no unnecessary drama because they couldn't talk. It fit them perfectly. I want to see them have babies. Another huge win for Melanie Shawn!
July 19, 2014
This book was totally opposites attract and it was done perfectly. After reading all the Sloan books Jessie wasn't one of my favorite characters. I guess because she's so type A personality, it drove me crazy. As the book went on I warmed up to her. I must admit that I'm not a fan of boxers but I'm a fan of Zach. Even though he has the bad boy exterior inside he's a sweetheart. I loved that he called Jessie his "Uptown Girl" just love that Billy Joel reference. I can't wait for the next Sloan book about Becca.
June 24, 2014
Jesse is a very private person and PR exec. Zach is a well known boxer. They come together by chance becasue they are both looking at the same place to rent and the landlord only wants to rent to couples. What starts out as just platonic -- sizzles into something more and both find exactly what they have been missing in their lives! Also great catchup on the other characters in the series!!
July 17, 2014
Another magical book by Melanie Shawn.
I am absolutely in love with Zach!! He is so adorably cute and sexy and manly and OMG where can I find me one of these!?
No wonder Jessie get´s all hot and bothered around him - apart from all that, he´s also a gentleman which *swoon* is just out of this world!
The M & M girls are so cute and so much smarter than they are given credit for - I love how they just invite themselves into Jessie and Zach´s life...
A total must read!
I am absolutely in love with Zach!! He is so adorably cute and sexy and manly and OMG where can I find me one of these!?
No wonder Jessie get´s all hot and bothered around him - apart from all that, he´s also a gentleman which *swoon* is just out of this world!
The M & M girls are so cute and so much smarter than they are given credit for - I love how they just invite themselves into Jessie and Zach´s life...
A total must read!
July 6, 2014
Another fun love story
they knocked it out of the park once again with this steamy, lovey, fun, hot, sexy novel. Kept me laughing, swooning, and wishing I was the main character to experience the touch of this song sexy man. Beautiful character development, beautiful story. love love love it and highly recommend it!:)
they knocked it out of the park once again with this steamy, lovey, fun, hot, sexy novel. Kept me laughing, swooning, and wishing I was the main character to experience the touch of this song sexy man. Beautiful character development, beautiful story. love love love it and highly recommend it!:)
November 13, 2014
What do I think? I think I have an addiction. I have read nine books in a week. Ya don't see me do that with the historical fictions! Holy hot! I don't even care that the formula is the same all the way through the series. The characters all have such unique personalities, the couples are all fun in their own hot ways. I want to be family.
October 28, 2016
Yet another cute book in the Crossroads series. Was glad to see they moved on from HC but still kept the main group together. Would have liked more of her family in the book but also having Maxi and Billy in this one more just set up their book even better. Can't wait to see what's next for everyone.
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June 21, 2014One of the best series!!!!
I have read every book in this series and Actually Love is my favorite!! You must read this one you will not be disappointed. Can't wait to read Becca's story. Melanie & Shawna you two are awesome :)
I have read every book in this series and Actually Love is my favorite!! You must read this one you will not be disappointed. Can't wait to read Becca's story. Melanie & Shawna you two are awesome :)
June 19, 2014
Another great book!! Looking forward to the next!! I just love this series :)
June 17, 2014
Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! as always.
Another brilliant edition to a series that is a must read for every romance lover. Can't wait for the next one :D
Another brilliant edition to a series that is a must read for every romance lover. Can't wait for the next one :D
June 26, 2014
"She was afraid of blood, and he was a boxer." Just lovely!
July 1, 2014
Another great installment in the crossroads series. Absolutely loved, loved, loved Zach Courtland. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Waiting on Brian & Becca's story. I think Bobby deserves his own story too!
June 25, 2014
Amazing! Cannot wait for fairytale love!!
June 29, 2014
Melanie Shawn...always a must read romance for me!!! Amazing chemistry, hot, sexy romance, incredible story!! This writing duo is amazing, never disappointed in their books!!!
August 8, 2014
My absolute favorite in the series. Love Jesse and Zack!!
December 12, 2014
I love this series! Every single book is my favorite!!
July 6, 2018
Ehh
I didn't finish this book. It was just to slow paced for me. I loved the other books in the series though.
I didn't finish this book. It was just to slow paced for me. I loved the other books in the series though.
June 28, 2014
Loved this book!!! Can't wait until the next one is out!!!!
September 17, 2022
When you are part of a large, loud, opinionated, and extensive family, it's hard to find your place. Jessie has always been a very structured woman. As a child, she always saw and felt things differently than her sisters Haley, Krista, Jessie, and Becca. As her dad would call her when he was being his funny self, his favorite daughter #3.
Jessie chooses to speak, only when needed, or wants to make others around her not feel uncomfortable. Not that she doesn't have empathy, it's just her coping skills are limited. She suffers from anxiety, and panic attacks. The overwhelming feeling of no control in her life causes them. She has a fantastic mind so good, that she has been scouted by the top PR firm in Chicago.
Why are her panic attacks, out of control? It is because everyone in her family feels they have the right, to take it upon themselves, to invade her well-thought-out plans like moving. It is maybe them taking a vote if she should stay mum about her living arrangements. Her first attempt at adulting is met with having, to have a seal of approval by, the lot of them.
Does she in the end, appreciate it? Of course, because she deep down loves her family, with everything in her. It's when the family has come, to assess the roommate, Zach she is moving in with, and that she will be pretending, to be a couple. All for them both, to get a great apartment they, desperately need.
Oh right, Zach, he is a professional lightweight, a prizefighter. Not only that, the man is eye candy personified, actually brilliant with the scholastic scores, to prove it. Here is the side people don't notice, because he dresses like a gym rat, as they say. He is also a quiet man, humanitarian, gentlemanly, and thoughtful man. Most of all, he is a man who will do anything, and everything, to get the best care, and still be a caring son. One who has cared for his mom with a heart problem from a young age.
But, meeting, Jessie, and her marshmallow center first, he knew it was something his, uptown girl did reveal, too many. Because to her, it made her feel weak. Which made him, feel like he wanted, to puff out his chest, and say, mine. Which scared the sh-t, out of him. Fight or flight, but he knew he had, to ride this wave. He knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime, ride.
Wow! It was a great joy, to see this couple both emerge, from their cocoons. Zach from his worry for his mother, his one-night, and sixty-day rule before a fight. Now he blew that, out of the water. Jessie is an amazing character. Throughout the series, we see her as a one-dimensional character, with no tools to change, or find growth.
You know she loves, and her family loves her. She just didn't like, their lack of boundaries. Jessie felt the need, to live away from them. All her life, she didn’t want to be lumped into, the “Quad Squad,” more like, I am, Jessie, hear me roar. Hugging is big in her family, and as a rule, she didn't like, to be touched, by anyone. But, on day one, Zach did, and her brain took a sabbatical. Yup! A change for sure.
Jessie chooses to speak, only when needed, or wants to make others around her not feel uncomfortable. Not that she doesn't have empathy, it's just her coping skills are limited. She suffers from anxiety, and panic attacks. The overwhelming feeling of no control in her life causes them. She has a fantastic mind so good, that she has been scouted by the top PR firm in Chicago.
Why are her panic attacks, out of control? It is because everyone in her family feels they have the right, to take it upon themselves, to invade her well-thought-out plans like moving. It is maybe them taking a vote if she should stay mum about her living arrangements. Her first attempt at adulting is met with having, to have a seal of approval by, the lot of them.
Does she in the end, appreciate it? Of course, because she deep down loves her family, with everything in her. It's when the family has come, to assess the roommate, Zach she is moving in with, and that she will be pretending, to be a couple. All for them both, to get a great apartment they, desperately need.
Oh right, Zach, he is a professional lightweight, a prizefighter. Not only that, the man is eye candy personified, actually brilliant with the scholastic scores, to prove it. Here is the side people don't notice, because he dresses like a gym rat, as they say. He is also a quiet man, humanitarian, gentlemanly, and thoughtful man. Most of all, he is a man who will do anything, and everything, to get the best care, and still be a caring son. One who has cared for his mom with a heart problem from a young age.
But, meeting, Jessie, and her marshmallow center first, he knew it was something his, uptown girl did reveal, too many. Because to her, it made her feel weak. Which made him, feel like he wanted, to puff out his chest, and say, mine. Which scared the sh-t, out of him. Fight or flight, but he knew he had, to ride this wave. He knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime, ride.
Wow! It was a great joy, to see this couple both emerge, from their cocoons. Zach from his worry for his mother, his one-night, and sixty-day rule before a fight. Now he blew that, out of the water. Jessie is an amazing character. Throughout the series, we see her as a one-dimensional character, with no tools to change, or find growth.
You know she loves, and her family loves her. She just didn't like, their lack of boundaries. Jessie felt the need, to live away from them. All her life, she didn’t want to be lumped into, the “Quad Squad,” more like, I am, Jessie, hear me roar. Hugging is big in her family, and as a rule, she didn't like, to be touched, by anyone. But, on day one, Zach did, and her brain took a sabbatical. Yup! A change for sure.
June 12, 2018
There was so much I liked about this book even though oddly, I didn't fall in love with the heroine Jessie and as a heterosexual male its always about the heroines for me. I felt some sympathy for her as she obviously had some serious OCD issues going on. I got that she felt misunderstood. But a big part of that was because she rarely opened up to anyone even her own immediate family. Instead she seemed to hold her apartness as a badge of honor of some sort. A source of pride like "look at me, I'm so different, so much better than my siblings and cousins because I don't feel the need to talk about what's going on in my life or head. Thank God for her mom her read her the riot act in a pivotal moment in the story. But I also don't understand why a young woman who is so smart and successful needed her mother to point out the obvious to her? Being a fantasy we also won't question how at 26 just a couple years out of college and not having completed her MBA she so quickly became a VP at a major PR firm. What I really didn't understand was her immediate and on going resistance to her attraction to Zach? I get that Zach was focused on his career and had abandonment issues but why was Jessie so afraid to follow her heart? Zach was a great hero. Of course he like all M.R. heroes set a bar that is impossible for we mere mortal men to live up to. But this is basically a women's fantasy genre so I get it. Loved the landladies M&M. Putting Hallie and Eddie's wedding in this story was a nice touch. All in all an okay story but hardly a 5 star story.
April 10, 2020
This series is just so much fun! Actually Love is Jessie and Zach’s story. Jessie is the third of the Quad Squad and probably the most difficult one. She doesn’t share feelings. What’s the point? She will only tell you something on a need to know basis. She decides if you need to know. She’s been home for several months, living with her sisters, and now it’s time to move out. She’s found the perfect little brownstone that's only two L stops from where she works in Chicago.
Zach needs a place that's a little less expensive, yet still close to his mom and the gym. He had been his mom’s caregiver for years until he could no longer do it. He had to grow up fast and has learned to keep things close to his chest. He doesn’t let anyone in easily. He’s just found the perfect little brownstone…. That’s when the fun starts. Yep, right there in the first chapter!
Zach needs a place that's a little less expensive, yet still close to his mom and the gym. He had been his mom’s caregiver for years until he could no longer do it. He had to grow up fast and has learned to keep things close to his chest. He doesn’t let anyone in easily. He’s just found the perfect little brownstone…. That’s when the fun starts. Yep, right there in the first chapter!
December 15, 2025
'Roommates with Benefits'
...someone had turned up the heat!
Someone is about to get a full-blown lecture about LOVE:
"Love isn't about finding the perfect person. They don't exist. Love is about finding the person who's perfect for you and then being there for each other when life gets messy. Because believe me, it will get messy. And you want to have the person who's perfect for you on your side when it goes."
Now, before Jessie did something that makes that impossible, she needed to think about the fact that it's really easy for her to look down from her high horse when she always had a family, love, support, resources at her disposal. Jessie needs to think about what she would do if she was alone without anyone to help her. What would she do?
Who wouldn't welcome Zach and Anna into their family with open arms?
...someone had turned up the heat!
Someone is about to get a full-blown lecture about LOVE:
"Love isn't about finding the perfect person. They don't exist. Love is about finding the person who's perfect for you and then being there for each other when life gets messy. Because believe me, it will get messy. And you want to have the person who's perfect for you on your side when it goes."
Now, before Jessie did something that makes that impossible, she needed to think about the fact that it's really easy for her to look down from her high horse when she always had a family, love, support, resources at her disposal. Jessie needs to think about what she would do if she was alone without anyone to help her. What would she do?
Who wouldn't welcome Zach and Anna into their family with open arms?
June 12, 2017
I always seeing what the Sloan family is about up to! I love seeing all the cousins come together. This book was no different. I loved that I finally got to know Jessie better. She was exactly the way her sisters said she would be. Once she met Zach I knew things would be different which I loved! Zach brought out the best in her and I loved seeing it. I knew once they met that they were meant to be! Zach is such a sweet and kind guy that I was rooting for him. Zach and Jessie together were perfect together!
December 17, 2017
4.5 Really liked this one, part of a romance bundle on my Kindle. Jessie, VP of PR firm and Zach is a boxing champion. They both want the same brownstone, pretend to be a couple to be able to rent it. Any guesses what happens? Of course the relationship becomes real! Predictable, yes! But I loved the characters, the supporting family characters, M&M Sisters. It was a great romance. I really liked the Sloan family, going to have to go back and read more in this series. I was a little lost with all of them coming in but figured they were in other books.
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