Beautiful Desire

Blossom Beach #3

by A. James, Ashley James

When I find out I could lose my bookstore, I make a deal with the devil to save it, not realizing I would end up in bed with the last person I ever thought I’d be hot and sweaty with…

Fletcher St. James



Even at twenty-four, he’s a spoiled brat. He believes the whole world owes him something, and he really needs to be put in his place.

When his wealthy, power-hunger father propositions me with something I desperately need in exchange for teaching his son a little responsibility, it’s an offer I can’t refuse.

After all, there’s nothing I enjoy more than humbling an arrogant man and bringing him to his knees.

This should be a piece of cake.



But one thing I didn’t expect was how much Fletcher would enjoy it… Or how much that would turn me on. The tension quickly boils over, and before I know it, we’re giving in to our illicit desires, consequences be damned.



I crave the feeling of his body against mine, and the needy sounds he makes right before he begs.

But more than that, I can’t get enough of the little things, like the way the golden sun looks reflecting off his green eyes in the morning, or how beautiful his vulnerability is.

And when his touch becomes my safe space, bringing out a softer side of me I’ve kept locked away for too long, it’s impossible to remember why this is wrong.



When the secrets come out about the lascivious things we indulge in behind closed doors, will it be worth it, or will this deal end up costing me everything?

Genres: Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, He Falls First, Audiobook, Contemporary, Workplace

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

A. James is a pseudonym for the romance author Ashley James.

Reviews

[Jamie]

Note to self:
Not for me, he hooks up with someone else and then the h and H have a sort of oral threesome with her bff

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Beautiful Desire is the 3rd book in the Blossom Beach series and my absolute favorite. This was such a spicy and fun reverse age gap with the additional taboo element of a stepbrother romance.

Georgia makes a deal with Alden to keep an eye on his son Fletcher while he is finishing his MBA in order to keep her bookstore. Fletcher is her spoiled, bratty 24-year-old stepbrother, and Georgia is not happy when he has to move in with her.

Fletcher's father has cut him off financially to push him into being more responsible before he can take his place in the company. Georgia forces him to work at her bookstore to contribute and show him his place. She didn't expect to have such a strong attraction to her stepbrother, and their chemistry was off the charts.

I loved how Georgia was the dominant one, even though Fletcher was also an alpha. He was surprised by how much he loved her dominating him and calling him a "good boy." They start to explore a sexual relationship, but it leads to a deeper emotional connection as they get to know each other. They both had amazing character arcs, and I loved seeing Fletcher grow up and find his worth when dealing with his father.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Duet narration by Sebastian York & Muffy Newton

I flew through this audiobook in one day and couldn't put it down. Let me tell you, Sebastian York & Muffy Newton definitely bring the heat in this one. Muffy did a great job showing Georgia's dominant side, and Sebastian is always amazing. I highly recommend the audio.

Kinks: Female Dom, threesome (FFM), butt play, pegging, period play, praise, toys

Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ALC.

[Kari Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author Agency and Ashley James for the ALC.

Holy smokes! This was my first A. James book and won't be my last.

I struggled a little getting into the story, but once past around 20%, I was all in. Georgia and Fletcher are step siblings, so definitely read the trigger warnings before reading. They absolutely hate each other, or so we are led to believe at the beginning. The chemistry between these two is off the charts HOT.

Georgia is trying to save her bookstore. Fletcher is trying to finish an MBA so he can get part of his dad's company. They both have some emotional baggage they are carrying around and need each other to work through it.

The spice is really good👍. 🔥🔥🥵

The banter is hysterical and kept me laughing and kicking my feet on my trip to see my sister.

The duet narration fromfrom Erin Mallon and Sebastian York was perfection. They had some really great lines.

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

Wowza was this a spicy meatball!

Georgia was so much fun! Just sassy and snarky and take no sh!t from anyone. She’s worked hard and overcome but also she’s so closed off to avoid being taken advantage of and hurt again.

Fletcher….I have to say, I really didn’t care for him at first. It took a while for me to come around on him, but once I did, I was all in. He went from major red flags all over to nothing but green flags as far as the eye can see.

I really don’t want to give away too much because this has so many wonderful moments, but the family (blood, step, and found) was so good! The banter between all characters had me smiling hard and the only critique I have is that they kept saying “stepbrother/sister” too much for me. It is 100% a me thing and while I adore step siblings, I just felt the word(s) were overused a little.

Muffy and Sebastian did phenomenal jobs! The slight drawl that Muffy had was perfect (and made me swoon).

Thank you, Ashley, and the author agency for the ALC!

[Dara Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Thank you to A James and The Author Agency for sending me an advanced copy of Beautiful Desire.

I LOVED this book! The spice was immaculate, and it didn’t overtake the plot. This was low drama and low angst, and I loved the characters. The forbidden aspect was done perfectly, and it wasn’t too drawn out.

I’ve read reverse age gap books before, and I’ve enjoyed them. This book was no different. However, this was my first book where the woman is more dominant, and I found that I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. I really liked Georgia’s character. She’s child-free by choice, and she doesn’t pull any punches. The evolution of her relationship with Fletcher was my favorite part of the book. Georgia built up walls around her heart, and Fletcher knocked them down brick by Brick. I loved her weekly check-ins with Alden. Her character development was so good!

Fletcher, in the beginning, comes off as a spoiled rich boy, and he is. However, his circumstances forced him to work a regular job, and budgeting really gives him a reality check. I loved the bonding over roller skating just as an excuse to be around Georgia. Fletcher is such a thoughtful character. The sexual exploration aspect of this book was something I really enjoyed. The end of this book was just perfect. Fletcher has earned a spot on my list of favorite book boyfriends.

[JL]

DNF at 26%

I tried going back to this a few times but I’m just not feeling it. For whatever reason, neither main character is doing it for me.

[Danielle Beckham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Blossom Beach series and I really loved it! Georgie is basically blackmailed into keeping her younger step brother on task and in line so he graduates with his MBA, a step brother she can barely stand and thinks is just a spoiled rotten rich kid.
I was really put off at first with how mean Georgie is to him in the beginning. But I do love how the relationship formed and grew. I loved how Fletcher’s character really stepped into his own. It was a great book and of course with Erin Mallon and Sebastian York narrating, I mean come on, you know it’s gonna be a treat for your ears!!!

[drea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author Agency and Ashley James for the ALC!

3.75 stars

The audiobooks in this series have been some of my favorite audiobooks that I've listened to all year. They are all duet style and narrated by such talented narrators. Beautiful Desire was narrated by Muffy Newton and Sebastian York and phew, they were so good together omg what a treat!!

Beautiful Desire is a tension filled, taboo romance with explosive chemistry between our main characters, Fletcher and Georgia. If step-sibling romances are not your thing, definitely skip this one. They tend to lean in to that and really ramp up the taboo aspect of this book, which I thought was really fun and unhinged, but I know it won't be for everyone. There's also a 15 year age gap between them with Georgia being the older one. So many fun tropes in this that made this a wild (and enjoyable) listen!!

I'll be honest, with the way Georgia and Fletcher hated each other in the beginning, it was hard to imagine them moving towards anything amiable, and even less something romantic?? HOWEVER I loved getting to witness their relationship change and develop into something more. I specifically really enjoyed seeing Fletcher's character development. He was without a doubt a spoiled brat at the start, but I was really proud of the man he grew into thanks to Georgia's influence. Georgia was a top tier bad bitch. I also would have done anything she said if I were Fletcher lmao. But it was also really sweet to see a softer side to her and how she let herself be vulnerable with Fletcher. It took some time, but I think the wait was worth it.

You know, I always think there's no way Ashley James can top the spice with each new book and every time, I'm proved wrong. My jaw was on the floor with some of these scenes!! The dynamic between Georgia and Fletcher was one of my favorite parts. I loved that Georgia was the dominant one and holy shit, she was hot as hell. I don't think readers are prepared for the spice in this lmao I certainly wasn't but it was so much fun!!

Another hit from Ashley James, she does not disappoint. Highly recommend picking this one up on release day! Especially the audio.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god!!! Ashley James, you are a genius! This book was one of my most anticipated reads for the fall and I was definitely not disappointed!

Georgia Astor is a bookstore owner in Blossom Beach. She finds out that St. James Properties has bought her building with the intention of tearing it down and she doesn’t know what to do. Her bookstore is her baby and she really needs to work something out to save it. She goes to St. James Properties and demands to speak with Alden St. James and he makes her a deal. If she can help his son Fletcher stay focused, get his life together, and graduate on time; she will own her building. She finally agrees to the terms because she doesn’t know what to do and she is desperate to save her bookstore.

Fletcher St. James moves to town a few weeks later. Georgia knew he was going to be an entitled brat but the situation ends up so much worse when plans fall through and he has to come live with her too. Fletcher is an entitled little brat and Georgia doesn’t know how she is going to survive this. Did I mention that Fletcher is also her stepbrother that has always had a ‘crush’ on her growing up? She puts him in his place and tells him what to do and he likes it. Does that turn Georgia on? Probably… no she can not go there with her step brother... or can she?

Let me tell you, I thought the banter between Grace and Conway was good, but it did not even compare to the banter between Georgia and Fletcher! Georgia’s bossiness was amazing and the chemistry was off the charts. Georgia being a DOM and Fletcher being bratty to her was a 10/10 for me and you really can’t top that banter. I absolutely ate it up.

Would I recommend this book to others? One hundred percent without a doubt I would! This is one of my favorite books by Ashley James thus far, and I will most definitely be re-reading it again. I loved every second of it and couldn’t stop reading it once I started because it was that good. To be honest, I would have read the entire thing in one sitting if I was able to.

I want to thank Ashley James and The Author Agency for the eARC for this book. I really appreciate the opportunity to ARC read another book from one of my favorite authors.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really liking this author’s style! This is only my second “experience” with her writing but my gut is telling me she’s gonna be one of those “good-time” authors that I can turn to whenever I need a well written story with both comedic relief and a dose of #feels! She delivered just that with Beautiful Desire and I can’t wait to dig into her backlist for more!

I had the opportunity to both read and listen to advance copies for this release, but I honestly only had the time to listen, so I won’t be able to speculate on which might be more “fun” LOL! What I can tell you is that I really enjoyed the story itself and everything it represented and 🎤Muffy Newton & Sebastian York🎤 narrating in DUET (#swoon) is never NOT gonna be a good time!

There’s always something really satisfying about reading (listening) to a story that tackles societal issues while not drowning in the drama of it all and also providing a beautiful romance journey. *sigh* These are the best types of romance fiction books! With this book, we got the added pleasure of some 🔥🔥serious sizzle🔥🔥 between our main characters that honestly started from almost the beginning. Even when they weren’t “together yet”, it was absolute fire between these two and I was here for EVERY SINGLE SCENE! I love how the story built and was fueled on chemistry but also a lot of “discovery” for both MCs. I also adored that secondary characters played a big part in the story and a lot of the “discovery”. (you’ll have to read the story to get more on that!)

What I’ve learned about this author in just two reads is fantastic and it very much matches what I love to get lost in when I read/listen! She delivers on story building, chemistry, character development and all kinds of other nuggets I love to see in my reads! We are a perfect match so far! :)

[Kaelea Babner · Rating 4 out of 5]

After loving the first two books in this series, I had high hopes for this one!! I was a bit apprehensive with some of the tropes, but if anyone can make me enjoy a taboo trope, it’s Ashley James.

Georgie is the oldest daughter of the family, she’s the no nonsense, stands up for what she believes in, and takes what she wants kinda girl, Fletcher had no chance in hell 🤣🤣

Fletcher is her step brother she never had a relationship with. She’s much older, and finds him to be a “rich boy”. Their back and forth at the beginning was comical. It added to the tension. I felt like the relationship arc was done well with their animosity towards each other, to when they finally stopped resisting.

There were some SPICY moments. If you’ve read her books, this shouldn’t be surprised. I definitely enjoyed this reverse age gap. But what I loved best was the relationship with her sisters and her best friend. Their wine nights were always so so funny. It gave me the found family vibes I loved in this series so much. You also get to see characters from previous books which I always love!

If you love taboo romances, a reverse age gap, spicy moments, and comedy, I highly recommend this series! I was able to listen to the audio of this book. The narrators did an amazing job and adding to the story for me. Their emotion and pacing was perfect. I loved it!

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age gap
Step siblings
Small town
Pegging
Close proximity

Duet narration - Sebastian York & Erin Mallon
Great narration.

Georgia is faced with losing her building where her bookstore but has a chance to save it when her building owner gives her an ultimatum to help his son who is her sexy younger step brother Fletcher graduate with his masters degree or to loose the building.

Fletcher is a rich kid that’s been promised a part of his father’s business since he was a kid. When he turns 25 he gets a cut but another stipulation is to get his Masters degree for which he is in his last semester and procrastinating an important project.

It wasn’t part of the original arrangement that Fletcher would live with Georgia but it works out that way. These two have fun banter and major sexual tension. Things get interesting.

This was a good listen I enjoyed the story and the characters. If you like a good step sibling trope this one’s good.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia + Fletcher

-small town romance
-stepbrother
-curvy + bi fmc
-forced proximity
-boy obsessed
-age gap
-pegging

wow oh wow oh wowwwwww!! this was a WILDDDDD freeing ride!!! like you mean to tell me ashley wrote her fmc hooking up with her bestie as a visual example to show her stepbrother who to eat 🐱 & then just casually GOES OFFFF about toxic masculinity by men liking a little prostate play not being synonymous with their sexual orientation?? POP OFF QUEEN!! she NEVER disappoints!!

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Desire
Blossom beach novel book 4
Ashley James

Georgia & Fletcher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Pegging
Strong FMC
Forced proximity
Small town
Step brother
Age gap (she's older)
Spicy lessons

This was great

These two at the beginning were like oil and water lol but all that angst and tension and hate leads to some pretty fun scenes eventually lol

“I’ve had a crush on you since my mom first married your dad. A crush I never saw going anywhere. When my father sent me here, I thought my life was over.”

Fletcher was sent to his step sister to get his act together in his last year of school

Georgia is only helping Fletch so she can save her business

He has always had a crush on her. She did not see him that way until recently.

Through their forced proximity She sees him differently and realizes there is more to him than his rich boy himbo status.

He also matures too with her. To be in Georgia's presence is to act right simply lol

“Your body is a masterpiece, Georgia. You are beautiful, and stunning, and goddamn breathtaking, inside and out, all at once. When I’m around you, all I can think about is how I can get closer.”

I enjoyed they they grew on each other and the relationship developed. I loved how she supported him with school and his father.

I also adored how he saw her. He paid attention and did little things for her

“Georgia Astor was once just a beautiful desire, something I never saw myself having, but now she’s a beautiful life I can’t wait to continue living.”

They were also hot like fire. Shoot. This was fun and spicy.

A really great book

Looking forward to the next

So thankful for this arc

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia and Fletcher were fantastic together. Their chemistry and magnetism was felt on every page. Georgia and Fletcher are step siblings but have never been close until he needs to stay with her to finish his MBA per his father's rule. The push and pull between them was so good. Fletcher was all in from the beginning but Georgia had her past to get through and with Fletcher's support she did.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this book, because a reverse age gap is not usually my thing, but I was wrong. I enjoyed this so much! Georgia and Fletcher started off a bit weird and rocky with that family dynamic, but they made it work. Plus, this was the sexiest book of the series. Those two burnt up the pages and when lust turned to love it was magic.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro lo tiene todo y más; el final se me hizo un poco cuesta arriba y por eso no le doy la nota máxima; pero me gustó pila

[The.SmuttyBookClub · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Please note that this review is mainly for my benefit as it is more of a summary of the book and may contain spoilers.***

🌶🌶🌶🌶
[v] Abduction
[v] Actor M
[v] Addiction (M
[v] Adopted Siblings
[v] Adoption of neice
[v] Adult breastfeeding
[v] Age Gap (23 F & 31 M)
[v] Age play
[v] Airplane Sex
[v] Alien M
[v] Alpha/Bega/Omega (omega F, 3 Alpha Ms)
[v] Amnesia
[ ] Anal
[v] F to F anal
[ ] F to M anal
[v] M to F anal
[v] M to M anal
[v] Anal Beads
[v] Anal Felching
[v] Anal Fisting
[v] F to F anal fisting
[v] M to F anal fisting
[v] M to M anal fisting
[v] Anal Gaping
[v] Anal Hook
[v] Anal Knotting
[ ] Anal Play
[v] F to F anal play
[ ] F to M anal play
[v] M to F anal play
[v] M to M anal play
[v] Anal Rimming
[v] F to F anal rimming
[v] F to M anal rimming
[v] M to F anal rimming
[v] M to M anal rimming
[v] Anthology
[v] Anxiety Attacks
[v] Arranged Marriage (marriage contract)
[v] Arrangement
[v] Artist M ( artist)
[v] Assault
[v] Auction
[v] Auralism Kink (sounds and voices)
[v] Author F
[ ] "Baby Boy"
[v] "Baby Girl "
[v] Bar Sex
[v] Baseball/MLB, former MLB player
[ ] Bath Sex
[v] Bathroom Sex
[ ] Begging
[v] Ben Wa Balls
[v] Belt
[v] Best Friend's Brother
[v] Best Friend's Dad
[v] Best Friend's Daughter
[v] Best Friend's Mom
[v] Best Friend's Son
[v] Bi-Awakening
[v] Billionaire M
[v] Birth Control Tampering
[ ] Biting
[v] Blackmail
[v] Blood Kink
[v] Blood-Play
[v] Blue Collar (cop M
[v] Body Guard
[v] Boat sex
[v] Bookstore Sex
[v] Branding (Forced tattoo)
[v] Brat
[v] Breast Binding
[ ] Breath-Play
[v] Breeding Bench
[v] Breeding Kink
[v] Brother's Best Friend
[v] Bully to Lover
[ ] Butt Plug
[v] CSA (Child Sexual Assault) mentions of it off page, not to main characters
[v] Cage
[v] Candaulism Kink (desire to show off one's partner)
[v] Cane
[v] Car Sex
[v] Carriage sex
[v] Cat of Nine Tails
[v] Chastity Cage
[v] Cheating (she cheats on her boyfriend then fiance with MMC. boyfriend/fiance is a POS)
[v] Chef M
[v] Child Abuse (in M's past, off page
[v] Childbirth (on page)
[v] Childhood Friends
[ ] Choking
[v] Christmas
[v] Church Sex
[v] Classroom sex
[v] Claws
[v] Clit Clamp
[v] Closet Sex
[v] Cock and Balls Harness
[v] Cock Piercing(s)
[v] Cock Ring
[v] Cock Sleeve
[v] Cock Warming
[v] CNC (Consensual Non-Consent)
[v] Collar
[v] College Romance
[v] Communication Barrier
[v] Cousins (not blood related)
[v] Cowboy M
[v] Cozy
[v] "Crawl to Me"
[v] Crime (hit woman
[v] Cuckhold
[v] Cult (she escaped religious cult
[v] Cum Kink
[ ] Cumming in his pants
[v] "Daddy "
[v] Dad's Best Friend
[v] DADVP (Double Anal and Double Vaginal Penetration)
[v] DAVP (Double Anal and Vaginal Penetration) with fist (P) and anal hook and cock (A)
[v] Dark Romance
[v] Daughter's Boyfriend
[v] Death of a Child (in M's past, off page)
[v] Death of a Parent (F, off page)
[v] Death of a Sibling
[v] Death of a Spouse (F's fiance in past, off page)
[v] Degradation
[v] Demisexual M
[v] Dentist F
[ ] Dildo
[v] Dining Room Sex
[v] Disability (M, cant feel pain due to nervous system damage
[v] Dissociation
[v] Divorced M
[v] Doctor M
[v] Dom and Sub
[v] Dom and Subs
[v] Doms and Sub
[v] Doms and Subs
[v] Domme and Sub
[v] Domme and Subs
[v] Dommes and Sub
[v] Dommes and Subs
[v] Domestic Voilence (F's exhusband)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and tentacle (A)
[v] DP (Double Penetration) with cock (P) and vibrator (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with vibrator (P) and finger (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and butt plug (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and finger (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with two cocks
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and anal beads (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and anal beads (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with vibrator (P) and cock (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and butt plug (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and finger (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and cock (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fist (P) and anal hook (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with dildo (P) and cock (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with champagne bottle (P) and fingers (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with tongue (P) and tentacle (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with fingers (P) and Tail (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with tail (P) and fingers (A)
[v] DP (double penetration) with cock (P) and bed footboard spindle (A)
[v] Drinking Blood
[v] Drug Use (weed)
[v] Drugging
[v] DUBCON (Dubious Consent)
[v] DVAP (Double Vainal and Anal Penetration) with cock and Vibrating bulb (P) and butt plug (A)
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with cock and fingers
[v] DVP (Double vaginal penetration) with vibrator and fingers
[v] DVP (Double vaginal penetration) with vibrator and cock
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with cock and dildo
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with two cocks
[v] DVP (Double Vaginal Penetration) with fingers and tentacle
[v] Eating Disorder
[ ] Edging
[v] Electrical Stimulation
[v] Elevator Sex
[v] Enemies to Lovers
[v] Ex's Dad
[v] Ex's Uncle
[v] Ex-Convict
[v] Exhibitionism
[ ] F Masturbation
[v] F Virgin
[ ] FF
[ ] F to F oral
[v] FFF
[ ] FFM
[v] FMF
[v] FFFF
[v] FFFM
[v] FFMF
[v] FFMM
[v] FMFM
[v] FMMF
[v] FMMM
[v] FFMMM
[v] FMMMM
[v] Face Fucking
[v] FaceTime Sex
[v] Fairy
[v] Fairytale Retelling (Cinderella)
[v] Fake dating
[v] Fall/Autumn
[v] Fangs
[v] Fantasy
[v] Fated Mates
[v] Feet Fucking
[v] Flogger
[v] Food Play
[v] Foot Fetish
[v] Football/NFL NFL player
[v] Forced Marriage
[v] Forced Orgasms
[v] Forced Proximity
[v] Four cocks
[v] Free Use
[v] Friends-to-Lovers
[v] Friends with Benefits
[v] Frotting (Jacking off two dicks together with one hand)
[v] Fucking machine
[v] G-Spot Stimulator
[v] Garage Sex
[v] Gaslighting
[v] Glory Hole
[v] "Goddess"
[v] Gods (Dragon shifter god M)
[v] Golden retriever M
[v] Golden Shower (peeing on someone)
[v] Grumpy and Sunshine
[v] Gun-Play
[v] Gym Sex
[v] Hair-Pulling
[v] Halloween
[v] Harness
[v] He didnt know she was a virgin
[v] He falls first
[v] Heat/Rut
[v] Hidden Cameras
[v] Hidden Identity
[v] Hockey/NHL retired NHL player & college player
[v] Hood
[v] Horns
[v] Horror
[v] Hospital Sex
[v] Hot Tub Sex
[ ] Hotel Sex
[v] Humiliation
[v] Imprisonment
[v] Incest
[v] Infertility
[v] Interracial (Asian M, 2 black M's & white F)
[v] Jacob's Ladder Piercings
[v] Kendo Sticks
[v] Kinging (face-sitting)
[v] Kitchen Sex
[v] Knife-Play (cutting, vaginal penetration with knife hilt
[v] Knot
[v] Labia Clamps
[v] Lactation Kink
[v] Lake Sex
[v] Laundry Room Sex
[v] Lawyer M
[v] Leash
[v] Library Sex
[v] Limo Sex
[v] Lip Piercing
[v] "Little Girl"
[v] Locker Room Sex
[v] Love triangle
[ ] M Masturbation
[v] M Virgin (inexperienced)
[ ] MF
[ ] F to M oral
[ ] M to F oral
[v] MM
[v] M to M oral
[v] MFM
[v] MMF
[v] MMM
[v] MFFM
[v] MFMM
[v] MMMF
[v] MMMM
[v] Make-a-Baby Arrangement
[v] Marriage of Convenience
[v] Married Couple
[v] "Madame"
[v] "Master"
[v] Mask
[v] Mating Mark
[v] Medical experiments
[v] Medical play
[v] Mental illness (agoraphobia F
[v] Military (veteran M
[v] Milking Machine
[v] Miscarriage (off page)
[v] "Mistress"
[v] Mistaken identity
[v] "Mommy"
[v] Monster (minotaur M
[v] Motel Sex
[v] Motorcycle Club
[v] Mouth Gag (
[v] Murder
[v] Mutual Masturbation
[v] Muzzle
[v] Nanny
[v] NBF
[v] F to NB oral
[v] NB to F oral
[v] NBM
[v] M to NB oral
[v] NB to M oral
[v] NBFM
[v] Necrophilia kink
[v] Needle Play
[v] Neighbors
[v] Neurodivergent M, can't process or name emotions
[v] Nipple Clamps
[v] Nipple Enlargers
[ ] Nipple Piercing(s) F
[v] No Happily Ever After
[v] Non-Binary (NB)
[v] NC (non-consent)
[v] Novella
[v] Nurse F
[ ] Office Sex
[v] One Night Stand
[v] Orgy
[v] Outdoor Sex
[v] Overdose
[v] Paddle
[v] Panic attack(s)
[v] Paralytic Poison
[ ] Pegging
[ ] Period Sex
[v] "Pet"
[v] Pet Play
[v] Phone Sex
[v] Piercing
[v] Pillory
[v] Pleasure Dom
[ ] Plus Sized FMC
[v] Plus Sized MMC
[v] Pocket Pussy
[v] Police Officer F
[v] Politics (president M, first lady F, and vice president M)
[v] Polyamory
[v] Pool Sex
[v] Postapolyptic
[ ] Praise
[v] Pregnancy (Epilogue)
[v] Pregnancy Sex
[v] Prehensile Cock
[v] Prehensile Tail
[v] Priest M
[v] Primal Play/Kink
[v] Prince Albert Piercing
[v] Professor M & Graduate student F
[v] Prostate Massager
[v] Psychosis
[v] PTSD F
[v] Public Bathroom Sex
[ ] Public Sex (on sidewalk, at night
[v] Punishment
[v] "Pup"
[v] Pussy Pump
[v] "Queen"
[ ] Queening (face sitting)
[v] Reincarnation
[v] Remote Controlled Vibrator
[v] Restaurant Sex
[v] Restraints (handcuffs
[ ] Reverse Age Gap (24 M & 39 F)
[v] Reverse Harem (1 F & 3 M's)
[v] Riding Crop
[v] Rock Star M
[v] Role Playing
[v] Roommates
[v] Rose Toy
[v] Royalty (princess & prince
[v] SA (Sexual Assault) in F's past, off page
[v] Saw Horse
[v] Schizophrenia
[v] Scissoring
[v] Scratching
[v] Second Chance Romance
[v] Secret baby
[v] Secret Society
[v] Selective Mutism
[v] Self harm (in F's past)
[v] Sentient Object(s)
[v] Serial Killer F
[v] Sex Club
[v] Sex in a Corm Maze
[v] Sex in the Woods
[v] Sex lessons
[v] Sex on a Carousel
[v] Sex on a Motorcycle
[v] Sex on a Piano
[v] Sex Swing
[v] Sex Tape
[v] Sex trafficking (in F's past
[v] Sex Worker (stripper & prostitute M
[ ] Sexting
[v] Shape-Shifting
[v] Shibari
[v] Shock Collar
[v] Shower Sex
[v] Single Dad
[v] Single Mom
[v] "Sir"
[v] Sissy Man
[v] Size Difference
[ ] Slapping (face
[v] Slit
[v] Slow burn
[v] Small Town
[ ] Snowballing (passing cum from one mouth to another)
[v] Soccer (pro team owner)
[v] Social Media Influencer
[v] Somnophilia
[v] Sounding
[v] Spanking
[v] Spanking Bench
[v] Spitting
[v] Spreader Bar
[v] Squirting
[v] St. Andrew's Cross
[v] Stalking
[v] Stepdad
[ ] Strap-On Dildo
[v] Step Cousins
[ ] Step Siblings
[v] Stepbrothers
[v] Stepsisters
[v] Stockade
[v] Suicide (not a main character)
[v] Suicide Attempt (in F's past, off page)
[v] Suspension
[v] Swingers
[v] Tail
[v] Tangy Dinger (giving blow job after doing anal)
[v] Tattoo Artist
[v] Teacher F
[v] Teenagers
[v] Temperature Play (ice in her pussy and ass, hot wax
[v] Tentacles
[v] Terminal Illness
[v] Thanksgiving
[v] Therapist
[v] Titty Fucking
[v] Tongue Ring M
[v] Torture
[v] TVP (Triple Vaginal Penetration) with three tentacles
[v] Two Cocks
[v] Unplanned Pregnancy
[v] Vaccuum Play
[v] Vaginal Felching
[v] Vaginal Fisting
[v] Vaginal Gaping
[v] Vaginal Knotting
[v] Vaginal penetration with tequila bottle
[ ] Vaginal Piercings (clit hood
[v] Vanilla
[v] Vibrating bullet
[v] Vibrating cock
[v] Vibrating egg
[v] Vibrating Tongue
[v] Vibrating Wand
[ ] Vibrator
[v] Vision Deprivation (blindfold
[v] Voyeurism
[v] War
[v] Watching Porn
[v] Wedding (off page)
[v] Wet Dreams
[v] Whip
[v] Why choose
[v] Widow
[v] Wings
[v] Workplace Romance
[v] Yacht

1 F
1 M
3 FF
21 MF
2 FFM

[Willie Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Beautiful Desire✨
Book 3 of the Blossom Beach series 💕

Georgia’s bookstore is on the line, and to save it, she strikes a deal with the devil himself—Fletcher’s wealthy, power-hungry father. All she has to do? Teach Fletcher St. James a little responsibility. Easy, right? 👀

Wrong. Because the last place she expected to end up was tangled in the sheets with her sexy stepbrother. 🔥

Fletcher’s always planned to inherit a slice of his father’s empire, but now—with the deadline looming—his dad is throwing another obstacle in his way!

Cue tension, banter, and heat that’s impossible to ignore.

🎧 Audiobook lovers: Erin Mallon + Sebastian York = absolute perfection. Chef’s kiss.

Things to know
Age gap (24M/39F) • Small town • Stepbrother • FFM scene • Bisexual FMC • Plus size FMC • Spicy lessons • Pegging • Light OW drama • Cum play • Sex toys • Closed proximity • Father issues • “good boy”

[Nahal TC · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC/ALC Review
Narrate by Sebastian York and Erin Mallon

After absolutely loving the first two books in the Blossom Beach series, I went into Beautiful Desire with high hopes—especially because it promised some of my favorite tropes: forced proximity, forbidden relationship, and reverse age gap.
This book centers on Georgia, the eldest sister, and Fletcher, their stepbrother. While I usually enjoy A. James’ heroines, I really struggled to connect with Georgia here. Up to about 40% of the book, she was overly hostile and aggressive toward Fletcher, and it felt unnecessary. Her intensity just came across too strong for my taste, and paired with the dynamic of a dominant heroine/submissive hero, it wasn’t the type of chemistry I personally enjoy.

Fletcher, on the other hand, is a decent character—sweet and kind—but he didn’t blow me away either. Together, their connection didn’t grip me in the same way the couples in the first two books did. The storyline itself was okay, but overall felt a bit mediocre compared to the earlier installments.

Another aspect I missed was the strong sense of family that was present in the first two books. The dynamic between the step-siblings felt weaker here, and I would have loved more cameos or tie-ins with past characters to strengthen that continuity.

That said, the narration was a definite highlight. Erin Mallon and Sebastian York are always a treat, and they brought depth and emotion to the story that kept me listening even when I wasn’t fully invested in the characters.

All in all, Beautiful Desire was a nice read but not a standout for me. The first two books remain my favorites in the series, and while I’ll continue reading A. James because I’ve loved so many of her stories (most of them 4-5 stars for me), this one just didn’t capture the same magic.

thank you to author and the agency for providing the ARC and ALC.

[Erin Under_Covers_Smut_Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Narrators: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

I'm kind of starting backward in this series, starting with this book first. I love a good step-siblings romance, and this one was great. It had that twist, with the FMC being the dominant in the relationship, and she had the whole strong and take no bull personality. I fell in love with her character.

Tropes:
- Small Town Coastal
- Reverse Age-Gap (She's 39, He's 24)
- Step Siblings Romance
- Roomates
- Boy Obsessed
- Plus-Size Curvy FMC
- Spicy Lessons
- Forced Proximity
- Good Boy
- She's More Dominant
- Begging
- Pegging

So we started this book off with Georgia learning her bookstore was bought out by the one and only Alden St. James, her stepbrother's father. This man was a huge pain and a no nonsense business man. Georgia just blows into his office, giving him a piece of her mind. I was every bit, "You go, girl. "

Alden ended up making a deal with Georgia. Help make sure his son, her stepbrother, pass his master degree classes, and learn some responsibility. Basically a babysitter for the spoiled rich boy she's never been able to stand. If she does this, then Alden will sign over the deed of her bookshop to her. Piece of cake, she could watch out for him.

What she wasn't expecting was for him to move in with her and be in her space constantly. She also wasn't expecting him to be cut off from his trust fund and be broke.

On a note here about Fletcher having to move in with Georgia, that was a messed up situation. His mother called Fletcher to let him know he would be staying with Georgia, but she nor her father ever called Georgia to let her know. That was a big thing for them to offer up and have to interrupt her life. I would not have been so nice about it to my parents and caving. I would be livid with my family. You just don't forget to mention something like that to the other party involved.

Fletcher was the spoiled rich boy that his father cut off until he graduated with his master's. He was living the single life as a rich 24 year old man. Not to say he wasn't working hard because he did work for his father's company while still going to school to get his MBA.

Fletcher had so much pressure out on him by his father. At the age of 25, he's supposed to become co-owner of his father's business. This job never required him to have an MBA or perfect grades, but his father made him do this. If he had anything below a B in his classes, his father took it as failing. Fletcher had pressure on him by his dad, Alden. All while being cut off and made to go live with his much older stepsister.

Georgia hated Fletcher and everything he had been given in life. She had no problem telling him off, but she also rewarded him with "Good Boy," when he did right. She gave him a job in her bookstore and made him responsible around the house.

This whole time, Fletcher was getting turned on by how Georgia treated him. He didn't understand his bodies reaction to this dominant woman. He was invested in trying to figure out out though. He's always been the dominant one in his hookups, so this left him confused and curious.

Fletcher had always been attractive to his older stepsister ever since he met her at the age of 14. That attraction never went away. One day, he decided to tell Georgia what she does to him when she gets dominant. This left Georgia confused because she wasn't expecting him to say that.

After she accidentally sent Fletcher a picture text that was meant for someone she met on a dating site, things get me heated. He sends her a picture back, and let's just say that Georgia couldn't get it out of her mind and pleasured herself loudly to it.

The tension between these two was off the charts. Even the girls' group she had saw how she put Fletcher in his place and knocked him down a peg, all while turning him on. After a lot of drinks one night with her best friend Charlotte, let's just say things turn hot after Fletcher comes home between the 3 of them 🥵🔥

As much as Georgia wanted to hate Fletcher, he wasn't as bad as she thought. She started to learn more about him and his life with his father. All Fletcher wanted to do was make his father proud and could never accomplish that, it seemed. Georgia took it upon herself to start telling Fletcher how proud she was of him. Fletcher did love her being proud of him. Not only her, but his other stepsister's told him as well.

Fletcher grew so much in this book with Georgia by his side helping him. He got her to let down her walls some and figured out why she was so single and wouldn't let others in. Fletcher loved Georgia, but she was scared of those feelings and the future. She ultimately makes some bad decisions while saying she knew what was best for Fletcher without him getting a say.

I loved the weekly emails between Georgia and Alden. She couldn't stand that man. The way she signed the ending where most people would put sincerely or love, she'd put mean things in their place like the worst, or my personal favorite, live laugh and have a toaster bath. I died laughing. She also started sending Fletcher praises to his father and telling Alden what a bad father he was and how he messed up. She was such a strong FMC.

Yes, Georgia was the more dominant one in their relationship, but it wasn't constantly I felt. Fletcher could be dominant as well and often was with Georgia. It was like a 50/50 between the 2. When Georgia was in charge, but did she take it to the back door play with him fast. Those parts were hot and steamy, too.

In all, I really enjoyed this book. Honestly, I didn't know how I would feel reading this. I am the dominant one in my relationship, and I also love doing some of the bedroom things with my partner. I don't really read books where the woman is in charge because they are poorly written sometimes. Not this book, it was written quite well. Some things I didn't care for, but that didn't make the book any less enjoyable. Now, I just bought the first book in Audible, and plan on diving into this series.

The narrators were amazing. This is a duet narration, and I love those. Sebastian York is always great. I love him voice and could listen to him all day.
Muffy Newton did a fantastic job as well. Her voice sounds so familiar, but I can't figure out if I've listened to get before. I'll have to go back and check.

These two narrators were explosive together. The hot and steamy times were narrated so well. I almost felt like I was there watching it happen. If one groaned or grunted, moaned, or was breathless, these two made their voice match those sounds while talking. I really could listen to these 2 read books to me all day.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC & ALC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

When this series started, I thought A. James wouldn't give me Georgia's story, so I didn't expect ALL she gave me in her story with Fletcher: I really liked where the author took the plot, the dynamic of this couple, and the growth they both, especially Fletcher, experienced throughout the story.

Georgia is the oldest of the Astor siblings, and since the series began, I've loved her bold, experienced personality, who always speaks her mind and knows how and when to put Fletcher in his place. I really liked that the author showed us her past wounds, how her love of reading emerged, and much more about the things she loves to do in her free time, I also liked that she showed that vulnerable and sensitive side that Georgia always tries to hide from others.

Fletcher is a guy who plays the role of a spoiled, petty, and capricious very well, but for that reason, his growth and maturity throughout the book is much more evident, and I really liked that. I also loved reading him discovering a different side of life in Blossom Beach and finding himself, although I would have liked the author to show us a little more of the bond he formed with the other boys whenever he went out with them.

Georgia and Fletcher have an interesting path: they are stepbrothers and she is older, so their story has a forbidden element that always makes everything more interesting. They have to live together even though neither of them wants to and they can't stand each other. I have to say that I loved reading Georgia setting boundaries, messing with Fletcher whenever she could. What I didn't expect was to read Fletcher so comfortable with her so quickly, growing alongside her and finding with her the motivation he'd lost to achieve his dreams.

Audiobook Review

🎧Narrators: Muffy Newton & Sebastian York
🩵Duet Narration
📚Narration: 5/5

The audiobook was incredible!

I loved listening to Sebastian York as Fletcher because he portrayed his tantrums and attitude perfectly. It was a little strange because I'd heard him portrayed with much more serious and mature characters, but I loved him in this story.

Muffy Newton as Georgia was everything I imagined while reading this character, and I loved that she brought to life all those moments where this character shows her strongest, bravest, and most vulnerable side.

📚Fletcher: 4/5
📚Georgia: 4/5
📚Plot: 5/5
📚Love Story: 4/5
📚Secondary characters: 3/5
📚Universe: 5/5
📚Cover: 4/5
🥵: 2/5

ARC & ALC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Cuando esta serie empezó pensé que A. James no me daría la historia de Georgia, así que no esperaba TODO lo que me dio en su historia con Fletcher: me gustó mucho por dónde llevó la autora la trama, la dinámica de esta pareja y el crecimiento que ambos, especialmente Fletcher, tuvieron a lo largo de la historia.

Georgia es la mayor de los hermanos Astor y desde que la serie empezó me encantó su personalidad atrevida, experimentada, que siempre dice lo que piensa y que sabe como y cuando poner en su lugar a Fletcher. Me gustó mucho que la autora nos mostrara sus heridas del pasado, como surgió su amor por la lectura y mucho más de las cosas que ama hacer en su tiempo libre, y también que mostrara ese lado vulnerable y sensible que Georgia siempre intenta esconder de los demás.

Fletcher es un chico que hace muy bien el papel de malcriado, banal y caprichoso, pero por esa razón es que su crecimiento y madurez a lo largo del libro es mucho más evidente, y eso me gustó mucho. También me encantó leerlo descubriendo un lado diferente de la vida en Blossom Beach y encontrándose a si mismo, aunque si me hubiera gustado que la autora nos mostrara un poco más del vinculo que formó con los otros chicos cada vez que salía con ellos.

Georgia & Fletcher tienen un camino interesante: son hermanastros y ella es mayor así que su historia tiene un elemento prohibido que siempre hace todo más interesante, tienen que vivir juntos a pesar de que ninguno de los dos quiere y de que no se soportan, y tengo que decir que me encantó leer a Georgia poniendo limites, metiéndose con Fletcher siempre que podía. Lo que no me esperaba era leer a Fletcher tan cómodo con ella tan rápido, creciendo a su lado y encontrando junto a ella la motivación que había perdido para conseguir sus sueños.

🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧

🎧Narradores: Muffy Newton & Sebastian York
🩵Narración en dueto
📚Narración: 5/5

El audiolibro fue increible!

Me encantó escuchar a Sebastian York como Fletcher porque interpretó sus berrinches y su actitud a la perfección, y fue un poco extraño porque lo había escuchado con personajes mucho más serios y maduros, pero me encantó en esta historia.

Muffy Newton como Georigia fue todo lo que imagine mientras leía este personaje y amé que trajera a la vida todos eso momentos en los que este personaje demuestra su lado más fuerte, valiente y también vulnerable.

📚Fletcher: 4/5
📚Georgia: 4/5
📚Trama: 5/5
📚Historia de amor: 4/5
📚Personajes secundarios: 3/5
📚Universo: 5/5
📚Portadas: 4/5
🥵: 2/5

[Chey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Beautiful Desire is the third book in A. James’ Blossom Beach series, which can be read in any order. I love when an author can pull this off as it’s the least distracting way for me to read a book and not feel like I’m missing something. Georgia is a single almost 40 woman with three younger siblings and a stepbrother, Fletcher. She is big sister energy personified. Strong, stubborn, and self-motivated, Georgia is happy with the life she has built for herself. Until her stepbrother is thrust upon her life by her parents. She has to keep Fletcher in line until he graduates from grad school or risk losing her bookstore.

These two bounce off each other like opposing magnets. Georgia’s kept her distance since her dad and his mom got married, and wants nothing to do with who she describes as a “spoiled rich kid”. They say there’s a fine line between love and hate - well these two found it and blew it right up. Although physical in nature at first, their relationship slowly blooms into romance.

Many thanks to The Author Agency for my very first ALC. I had a great time listening to this one in tandem with reading the ebook. In my opinion, the male narrator was a tad too old-sounding for this role. He did not sound like a 24 year old grad student, but more like a mid to late thirties, early forties cowboy/rancher. I could not get the image of Fletcher in denim wearing a cowboy hat out of my head. For the female narrator, I thought she was more age appropriate. She reminded me of Uma Thurman in Red, White, & Royal Blue (not a bad thing) because their accents are quite similar. It was chucklesome to me and made me smile on more than one occasion. I thought the narrators performed very well and delivered the material.

Unfortunately, I once again find myself with this note: there were one, or maybe even two too many spicy scenes in this book. The first half was wonderful and built the tension deliciously that most certainly delivered once they gave in to their attraction to one another. But at some point in the last half, the emotional growth between our two main characters plateaus, and shifts to a more physical in nature relationship. The “grand gesture” that Fletcher is suggested to make was predictable and unsatisfying. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I guess I was just expecting to see something more wild or out of character for him to prove to Georgia that he’s grown and can handle her. I don’t think Fletcher really changed or grew that much as a person, he just started basing his entire life around Georgia.

The intimate scenes were well written, however. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike these scenes, and I knew what I was signing up for. In romance, I expect personal growth on an individual basis that can feed the development of a romantic relationship between two people. Some intimate scenes play well into the story and assist in the flow. These books can toe the line into smut and have additional intimate scenes as appropriate for the storyline. The first half of this was romance, the last half pushed the boundary into smut for smut’s sake. I was excited during the p-gging scene to see Georgia explain aftercare to Fletcher, but then she just lets the conversation die. It was a great opportunity to see a couple have a realistic conversation about their preferences and ended up being a let down. Also, Fletcher’s administrations while Georgia was having her monthly didn’t seem like something I’d expect from a 24 year old in a non-committed situationship. Even if it were expected, there was no talk about the clean up afterward - a scene that could have been funny in nature while bringing them closer. In these scenes that push the boundaries for certain readers, I expect to see a glimpse of the reality of them to make an appearance. In the case of her period and the p-gging, both left me wanting more.

I had a lot to say about this one, and although it might not seem like it, I did quite enjoy it. I think Miss James is finding her groove in the MF scene, and has a natural ability to get readers invested in the outcome of her stories. I am no exception to this. While not my favorite out of the series, it is definitely a strong contender. I am veryyyy excited for Graham’s story. The excerpt at the end already has me sucked in and ready to keep reading. Many thanks to the Author Agency and A. James for the advanced copy - this has been my honest review.

[Ashley | adhdandread · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL DESIRE by Ashley James, writing as A. James⁣
⁣Blossom Beach #3⁣
Length: 315 pages, 8h44m
Source: The Author Agency eARC and ALC
Publication date: September 15, 2025

4.5 ⭐ ⁣⁣
5 🌶️ ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓 ⁣⁣
🩵 Small town⁣⁣
📚 Stepbrother⁣⁣
🩵 Age gap (she's older)⁣⁣
📚 Boy obsessed⁣
🩵 Forced proximity⁣⁣
📚 She's more dominant⁣⁣
🩵 Curvy + bisexual FMC⁣
📚 Spicy lessons⁣⁣
🩵 Pegging⁣⁣
⁣⁣
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐁
When I find out I could lose my bookstore, I make a deal with the devil to save it, not realizing I would end up in bed with the last person I ever thought I’d be hot and sweaty with: Fletcher St. James.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Even at 24, he’s a spoiled brat. He believes the whole world owes him something, and he really needs to be put in his place. When his wealthy, power-hungry father propositions me with something I desperately need in exchange for teaching his son a little responsibility, it’s an offer I can’t refuse.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
After all, there’s nothing I enjoy more than humbling an arrogant man and bringing him to his knees. This should be a piece of cake.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
But one thing I didn’t expect was how much Fletcher would enjoy it… or how much that would turn me on. The tension quickly boils over, and before I know it, we’re giving in to our illicit desires, consequences be damned.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I crave the feeling of his body against mine, and the needy sounds he makes right before he begs. But more than that, I can’t get enough of the little things, like the way the golden sun looks reflecting off his green eyes in the morning or how beautiful his vulnerability is. And when his touch becomes my safe space, bringing out a softer side of me I’ve kept locked away for too long, it’s impossible to remember why this is wrong.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
When the secrets come out about the lascivious things we indulge in behind closed doors, will it be worth it, or will this deal end up costing me everything?⁣⁣
⁣
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
I don't read much MF romance anymore, after reading it since my early teens (hey there, Danielle Steel and Jackie Collins!). MM and queer romance has had my heart for the last few years now, though, for multiple reasons. So, for me to pick up an MF romance and enjoy it, have it somehow resonate with me, is rare. Ashley James can make that happen, though. ⁣
⁣
Just like with the previous books in this series, Beautiful Desire has strong character development, steam, and humor. It's definitely tied up in the idea of "Don't judge a book by its cover." (Even if those covers are really, really... I mean, REALLY, sexy.) I very much like that both Georgia and Fletcher show some growth here. It's not all on her to soften herself (as the older, dominant FMC) or all on him to capitulate (as the younger guy). They both figure out how to change to be together. ⁣
⁣
What has drawn me into this series, especially this book, is that James' MCs aren't flawless. Georgia and Fletcher aren't these weird idealized versions of themselves in the slightest; they're bitchy sometimes and whiny other times and can be unreasonable at the drop of a hat. They can be prickly and impulsive and stubborn. So, they're human. But their love story doesn't consist of them being completely f*cking miserable on the way to their HEA. They mess up, but they keep going. They get pissed, but they keep trying. It feels real without being agonizingly painful. I already can't wait for the next book.
⁣
ALC: Duet audio from Muffy Newton and Sebastian York... holy f*ck, it's steamy. Having ADHD makes it hard (read: impossible) to visualize things in my head, but listening to these two, I felt like I was able to see Georgia and Fletcher in all their f*cking, fighting, and falling in love. I thoroughly enjoyed how both of these voice actors interpreted their characters and made me feel what the MCs were feeling in the moment. For me, the sign of a great audio is when I reach the end of the book and it feels like I've been listening for mere moments, not hours. These two narrators made me feel completely immersed in this world, and the time flew. If you're able to read this one immersively, I'd do it.⁣
— A ⁣⁣⁣⁣

Thanks to The Author Agency and Ashley James for an eARC and ALC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, Fable, and Goodreads.

[Ashley's Novel Idea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ⓖⓔⓞⓡⓖⓘⓐ ⓐⓝⓓ Ⓕⓛⓔⓣⓒⓗⓔⓡ
ALC Review:
Duet Narration by Erin Mallon and Sebastian York
Length: 8 hours 44 mins on 1.2x

This story had me hooked from start to finish—another knockout from Ashley James. If you love bold romance, layered characters, and audiobooks so captivating they leave you frozen mid-laundry, clutching a shirt you forgot you were folding... grab this one on release day. Especially the audio. It’s that good.

In fact, all of the audiobooks from Blossom Beach have been standout listens for me this year, and Beautiful Desire might just be my favorite yet. This series consistently delivers top-tier duet narration, and Erin Mallon and Sebastian York? Unreal chemistry. Their voices together were pure magic—like, actual goosebumps. They nailed some of these really *ahem active* scenes.

Georgia’s beloved bookstore is on the line, and the only way to save it is to help her sexy, younger stepbrother Fletcher finish his master’s degree—per a wild ultimatum from Fletcher's dad and Georgia's building owner.

This book dives headfirst into taboo territory with a tension-filled romance between Fletcher and Georgia. Step-sibling dynamic? Check. A 15-year age gap with Georgia as the dominant older woman? Double check.

Chapter 21.

░"░Y░o░u░ ░w░a░n░t░ ░m░e░ ░t░o░ ░u░s░e░ ░t░h░i░s░ ░o░n░ ░y░o░u░ ░P░e░a░c░h░?░"░

"𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦... 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶."

"░O░h░ ░S░h░i░t░.░.░.░.░"

Georgia and Fletcher hated each other so intensely that watching their dynamic shift was one of the most satisfying parts of the story. Fletcher starts off as a spoiled, cocky brat, and I loved seeing him evolve into someone worthy of Georgia’s trust. And Georgia? The typical eldest daughter. Hardworking, devoted to her family and is down to make you second guess your place in the world if you don't take a seat. I would’ve followed her into battle—or the bedroom. She’s fierce, commanding, and still manages to show vulnerability in a way that felt earned and tender.

And let’s talk spice. The heat in this book? Off the charts for your normal contemporary romance book. There are quite a few taboo bits in this book, so if you're unsure, refer to the authors website. Georgia’s dominance was chef’s kiss— and Fletcher was so eager to please her. It was intense and made me blush in public. Which I never do.

The relationship between the heroine, her sisters, and her best friend was pure gold. Their wine nights? Hilarious, chaotic, and so full of love. I found myself grinning through those scenes like I was part of the group chat. It gave me major found family vibes, which is one of my favorite elements in this series. The banter, the support, the way they show up for each other—it added so much warmth and authenticity to the story.
And yes, we get cameos from characters in previous books, which always feels like a little reunion. I love when authors build out a world that feels interconnected and lived-in, and Ashley James does that so well. It’s like getting a bonus epilogue for couples you already adore while falling for a new one.

Another win for Ashley James. If you love bold romance, layered characters, and audiobooks that absolutely slap, grab this one on release day. Especially the audio—you won’t regret it.

Age gap
Step siblings
Small town
Pegging
Forced proximity
Deal with the Devil

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Desire is book 3 in the Blossom Beach series and follows Georgia and Fletcher as they traverse a relationship fraught with questionable decisions.

Georgia is a bookstore owner in Blossom Beach. She has worked hard over the years to make it a success. Now, her store is being threatened since the owner of the building wants to sell it. She makes a deal with the devil in order to keep her store. But will this deal be her undoing?

Fletcher is an only child. He has been promised to become a partner in the family business since he was young. His father continually reminds him he must complete his MBA before he can become a partner. But when daddy dearest forces him to move to Blossom Beach with only his clothes and car, he is supremely upset. Will the poor little, rich boy be able to survive without any money or clue how to be an adult?

When Georgia is forced to provide room and board for Fletcher she is furious. That was never part of the deal. Then when she finds out his dad cut him off financially, she is beyond furious. Now, not only is she his mentor, he is now living with her and working for her. Everywhere she turns, he is there. There is no escape from him.

Fletcher has been in lust with Georgia since his mom married her dad. He is not thrilled with being banished to Blossom Beach and financially cut off by his dad. At first he is resentful. Towards his dad and Georgia. She expects him to work for his money. She expects him to go to the grocery store and pick up things they need, and pay for them. But she does cook very well and she shares with him, so this is a bonus.

But things start to thaw between these two when they start spending time together outside of the house and work. They start opening up with each other and talking about their pasts.

There is heartbreak in her past that she does not discuss. EVER!!! He has never done basic childhood activities, like rollerblading. Georgia knew his father was a hard core businessman, but she had no idea how little time he spent with Fletcher when he was growing up and how much he demands from Fletcher every day.

Fletcher struggles with the reading assignments. He can do the work in practice, but reading about it and taking tests on it are harder for him. He has been struggling with his capstone project because of this. When Georgia finds out, she helps him. They create an outline for him to work his way through. It becomes the key to his future business plan.

These two have similar ideas on relationships. Georgia was burned years ago and Fletcher is not ready to settle down. But when one touch ignites a fire between these two, Hades will freeze over. Especially when it is in a public place.

These two will share some kinks that neither wants anyone else to know about. A little much for my taste, but it was an interesting read. To see the woman as the dominant is unusual. But Georgia owns it and takes care of her sub.

This story covers some interesting topics. Georgia being put in a position of having to do something to save her business. Fletcher, a spoiled little rich kid, being cut off and banished. The learning disability that is not really discussed in depth. The lack of a male role model for Fletcher. The young adult heartbreak. The kink. The step sibling relationship. And so much more.

Two scenes were key for me. The first one was when they had been at the beach and she starts having issues and leaves to walk home. Little does Fletcher know the true cause of the pain. And when she finally tells him in a not so nice tone, what he does next shows how much he has grown during his time with Georgia.

The second scene was when her sisters found out about Georgia and Fletcher and Grace is so embarrassed she cannot even spit the words out. I never laughed so hard at her trying to find the words. Leave it to Gemma to just blurt it out. God I love these girls. Sisters forever, through thick and thin.

It has been forever since I have listened to a book narrated by Sebastian York. He is the unicorn for a reason. He never fails to deliver with that sinful voice of his. Muffy Newton is always a pleasure to listen to. She brings every book to life when she narrates.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Gemma and Grace are strong, successful, sexy women. But their sister Georgia? She’s in a category all by herself. Yes, she is strong, successful, and sexy, too. Georgia is also loyal, independent, assertive, aggressive, dominant. After a confidence-shattering experience years ago, Georgia decided to suck it up and behave as if she’s always in control, and to make sure she always gets what she wants. And what Georgia wants more than anything right now is to keep the bookstore in Blossom Beach that means so much to her. She’ll do anything not to lose her store, even make a deal with the devil.

For about two seconds I was hopelessly confused by “deal with the devil” and thought that since Alden is the devil he was going to be the new man in Georgia’s life. How would that ever be possible and who would ever want it to be? Fortunately, I woke up and realized that Alden’s condition for allowing Georgia to keep her store was to make her responsible for the successful completion of his son Fletcher’s MBA. No doubt about it, Alden is the devil, because (complicated family history here) Fletcher is Georgia’s 15-years-younger stepbrother, spoiled, entitled, reckless, poster child for party frat boy. When they all became steps, none of Georgia’s siblings could stand snotty little 14-year-old rich boy Fletcher, and they doubt he’s changed much, if at all, in the past ten years. He was always promised to be made a full partner in the business with his father when he turned 25, but suddenly Alden has become harder, colder, and more demanding of Fletcher. If that’s even possible. Boots Fletcher out of the house, cuts off his funds and ships him off to Blossom Beach to nail that MBA or else. And do it under the watchful eye of reluctant Georgia who doesn’t want anything to do with this baby boy she couldn’t stand as a child. Except her business depends on it. This cannot turn out well, can it? Well, just you wait and see.

What starts out as almost war between a grumpy nearly-40-year-old woman and a defiant, resistant, resentful 24-year-old man-child becomes one of the sweetest stories you’ll ever read. Fletcher is a devastatingly handsome man on the outside and a whiny, bratty child on the inside. Georgia is beyond herself worried about losing the bookstore and doesn’t have an ounce of patience for Fletcher and his antics. Until things start to change. There’s an undeniable attraction between them; he’s had a crush on her since the day he met her. She’s not against cougars in theory, and horrible and hot are not mutually exclusive. Except slowly it becomes more than this. The physical attraction is still there and growing stronger by the day. But so are some other realizations: Fletcher may be the self-indulgent party boy, but he is intelligent, well-educated, has completed difficult projects successfully – and this partnership with his father is something he’s dreamed of his entire life. Not to mention his mature, caring, protective side that peeps out every now and then. And Grace has her own soft side, with a big heart and dedication for those she cares about, and a lot of painful memories she has kept buried – until Fletcher.

Beautiful Desire is the third book in the Blossom Beach series by author Ashley James, writing as A. James. We already knew we loved Blossom Beach and this family and Beautiful Desire gives us even more reason to stay here. It’s tender, sweet, swoony, scorching, surprising and totally satisfying. I received an advance copy of Beautiful Desire. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎙️AUDIO REVIEW🎙️


📚 Bookstore Owner
💼 Deal with the Devil
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
💞 Age Gap
🏖️ Small Town Romance
💋 Forced Proximity
💖 HEA

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Narrators: Muffy Newton | Sebastain York


Beautiful Desire by Ashley James is a scorching, emotional, and surprisingly tender romance that takes the classic “deal with the devil” trope and spins it into something layered and addictive. As the third book in the Blossom Beach series, it delivers everything fans love—small-town charm, sizzling chemistry, and characters who feel real and flawed in the best way.


The story follows a fiercely independent Georgia who is desperate to save her beloved bookstore. When Fletcher St. James’s powerful father offers her a deal—teach his spoiled, entitled son responsibility in exchange for the financial help she needs—she reluctantly agrees. Her plan? Humble Fletcher and bring him down a peg or two. What she doesn’t expect is how much she’ll enjoy the challenge… or how much Fletcher will enjoy being pushed.


From the start, the tension between them crackles. Fletcher is arrogant, infuriating, and used to getting his way, but beneath the bravado is a man who’s never truly been seen for who he is. Watching him evolve from a cocky, privileged playboy into someone vulnerable and deeply human is one of the most satisfying parts of the book. Georgia, on the other hand, is strong, witty, and determined, but as the story unfolds, we see her softer side emerge—especially in the quiet, intimate moments that contrast beautifully with their fiery clashes.


The chemistry here is off the charts. Ashley James writes steam with purpose—every heated glance, every stolen touch feels earned and adds to the emotional stakes. But what really makes this book shine are the small, tender details: the way she notices the sunlight in Fletcher’s green eyes, the comfort she finds in his touch, and the vulnerability he shows when he lets his walls down. These moments make their connection feel authentic and deeply romantic, even as the physical tension sizzles.


Of course, the stakes are high. Their relationship is built on a secret arrangement, and when the truth threatens to come out, the fallout feels real and intense. Will their love survive the exposure, or will this deal cost them everything? That question keeps the pages turning until the very end.


Ashley James balances the heat with heart, delivering a story that’s as emotional as it is sexy. If you love age-gap romance with enemies-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, and a hero who transforms from arrogant to absolutely swoon-worthy, Beautiful Desire is a must-read. It’s passionate, heartfelt, and full of those moments that make you believe love can bloom in the most unexpected places.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Engaging & Heartfelt!

Beautiful Desire
Blossom Beach Book 3
By: A. James
Narrated by: Muffy Newton, Sebastian York

Ashley James pens another fabulous novel, a small-town romance set in Blossum Beach, one of my favorite places to visit and spend time in. This third book in the series is Georgia and Fletcher St. James’ story, and what a story it is! When he was a teenager, Fletcher had a big crush on his older stepsister, Georgia, but was off doing her own thing back then, so he never saw much of her. An adult Fletcher is not as amused when his father forces him out of his comfort zone and his luxurious life to slum it with no funds and to live with Georgia. Georgia, a bookstore owner, learns an investor has plans for the building her store is in, plans that are a threat to her business. She goes straight to the source, Alden St. James, and she strikes a deal with him to save her business, she is to become a mentor to his son, Fletcher, and set him on the right track to become a partner in the family business. Fletcher’s father had little faith in him, thought he was just a spoiled, irresponsible kid, though he was no longer a kid and finishing up with his degree. She did not sign up for his son to freeload off of her and live at her place, but she deals with it the best way she knows how, by putting him to work and being his boss. I thought we were going to have an enemies-to-lovers thing going on here, but nope, it turns out differently and to be so much more. There were great dynamics between these two, and while they may have bonked heads at first, Georgia took control of the situation. The chemistry between them was electric, and the witty back-and-forth dialogue was like foreplay for what was to come. Georgia sees there is more to Fletcher that meets the eye, and she brings out the best in him, in more ways than one. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, witty humor, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Ashley James, thank you for another fantastic story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Muffy Newton and Sebastian York were a perfect pairing, with voices and talent that complemented one another and a captivating performance that kept you hooked to the story. Their complete embodiment of their character’s personality was fantastic, and they were believable in every role and nailed it in the two lead roles, Newton as Georgia and York as Fletcher. They conveyed all their characters’ emotions in their performance and had you feeling each one. These two are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story that breaks all the molds and Beautiful Desire flipped roles and reversed the norm on so many tropes that I loved every single moment of it!

Fletcher and Georgia are both wickedly naughty. I mean talk about two people who are made for each other, but start off this book with absolute sizzling scorn for each other. 😍 It's hot in all the best ways and I couldn't wait until they each broke and gave in to all that built up tension.

Georgia ends up making a deal to help watch over her stepbrother while he finishes up his last semester of his MBA, in exchange for the building where her business resides. She truly hemmed and hawed over putting up with Fletcher even knowing that the building would be hers free and clear at the end of said deal. She dislikes the spoiled, rich boy that much. Obviously, in the end she concedes...the business is her baby after all and as much as Fletcher gets under her skin, the small thrill of putting him in his place, over and over, is also a victory in and of itself. Don't worry...Fletcher enjoys getting put there too.😏

These two are so wonderfully naughty 😏 and Fletcher is such a good boy for his stepsister. He's had a small crush on her since his teen years when their parents married. Georgia was already out of the house, so they actually never lived together since she's quite a bit older, but when she'd visit of course his teenage hormones went wild and seemed to have never quit. Even though he's a bit of a brat, Georgia is just the woman to wrangle him in. She's also there to give him the guidance which he hasn't really had in his life🥰 and that is when the emotions start kicking in, which is super sweet.

Once Fletcher and Georgia move past their snark and animosity towards one another and see that there is a good human under the masks they wear, they make a great couple, not to mention a really hot one too! Truly, these two raised the bar on burning up the sheets in Blossom Beach🔥and have come out as one of my favorites.