What do you think?
Rate this book
Prude
Prudence Clearwater is a young adult writer facing the many changes of the industry and of the literary genre she's known for years. As she parts ways with her publishing company she tries to rebuild her career with the help of Ben, a charming literary agent who might be looking for more than just a commission. As their friendship blooms, will Prudence accept to work with Ben, and will she be able to resist his charm?
272 pages, ebook
First published January 13, 2015
31 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Hilaria Alexander
17 books205 followersHilaria Alexander never thought she'd be a writer one day. Reader? Yes. Book hoarder? You betcha. Then, she started reading romance - that's when she felt the need to write a story. Unfortunately, she didn't listen to her gut, and talked herself out of it A MILLION TIMES. She finally gave up a few years ago, when the urge to write was stronger than self-doubt. She loves funny, sexy romances wrapped with a huge happily-ever-after bow at the end. Her inbox is always open if you want to chat about one of her books.
For upcoming teasers, samples, and all things new-release-related, sign-up for her newsletter at www.hilariaalexander.com
For upcoming teasers, samples, and all things new-release-related, sign-up for her newsletter at www.hilariaalexander.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 30, 2015
The newly re-edited version of this delightful debut novel is now LIVE on Amazon.
Would you recommend this book to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, absolutely.
Why? Well because Prude totally lived up to the story’s premise in a genuinely charming manner. I know that not all readers are so willing to overlook the mistakes. However, I was so engaged in the story that I continued to do so.
What other book might you compare Prude to and why?
I would compare it to Tempting the Player by Jennifer L. Armentrout because both novels surprised me. I never feel quite as eager to read contemporary novels every since I got burned out on them years ago. So it takes a lot for one to impress me and both novels did so by charming me into caring about the characters and their not-as-typical-as-I-expected romance.
Which scene was your favorite?
When Ben explains how he feels about Prudence by using a book metaphor.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Don’t let the title fool you because there’s nothing prudish about this love story.
Additional comments
I loved, loved, LOVED the fact that Prudence was a YA romance author and that Ben was a book agent. It was really cool learning about Prudence’s experiences as a she transitioned from writing Young Adult romances to Contemporary fiction. Through her experiences, we learn a little bit about the world of traditional and independent publishing and also how authors can incorporate music as part of a multi-media platform for their novels and a musician’s CD.
And I am also completely in love with the cover image. It's simply gorgeous!
Would you recommend this book to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, absolutely.
Why? Well because Prude totally lived up to the story’s premise in a genuinely charming manner. I know that not all readers are so willing to overlook the mistakes. However, I was so engaged in the story that I continued to do so.
What other book might you compare Prude to and why?
I would compare it to Tempting the Player by Jennifer L. Armentrout because both novels surprised me. I never feel quite as eager to read contemporary novels every since I got burned out on them years ago. So it takes a lot for one to impress me and both novels did so by charming me into caring about the characters and their not-as-typical-as-I-expected romance.
Which scene was your favorite?
When Ben explains how he feels about Prudence by using a book metaphor.
“You know how sometimes you have to read a whole book before you can figure out if you really like the story or even if you like the main character or not, but then, some other times, it doesn’t really matter, all it takes is one chapter,” he says holding up a finger, “and you know you’re already completely in love with the protagonist and where the story is going?”
I nod. I know exactly what he’s talking about. I have been there, many, many times. That’s one of the things I love most about reading. Sometimes one chapter is all it takes to fall in love with a book, no matter where it takes you.
“That’s the way I feel about you,” he says, taking my hand in his again. “I don’t need a week, or a month, or whatever amount of time might be considered appropriate, before I can tell you how I feel. I knew how I felt about you after reading the first chapter.”
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Don’t let the title fool you because there’s nothing prudish about this love story.
Additional comments
I loved, loved, LOVED the fact that Prudence was a YA romance author and that Ben was a book agent. It was really cool learning about Prudence’s experiences as a she transitioned from writing Young Adult romances to Contemporary fiction. Through her experiences, we learn a little bit about the world of traditional and independent publishing and also how authors can incorporate music as part of a multi-media platform for their novels and a musician’s CD.
And I am also completely in love with the cover image. It's simply gorgeous!
August 23, 2017
Não é um romance avassalador. Não é cheio de plot twist caótico. Não tem diálogos memoráveis. Não tem um vilão.
Tem casal legal. Heroína teimosa. Herói simpático. Uma reviravolta não muito imprevisível. Tem final feliz
Tem casal legal. Heroína teimosa. Herói simpático. Uma reviravolta não muito imprevisível. Tem final feliz
July 20, 2018
My friend had me read this, otherwise I wouldn’t have chosen it. From the title to the synopsis, I thought it would be too cheesy. Surprisingly, it was not nearly as cheesy as I predicted.
It was very interesting to read about an author’s life - trials and struggles of the business side to writing as well as the creative process itself. I quite enjoyed that part.
As for the main character, she was better than I expected, given the title. I had been afraid that she was a virgin and I was ready to yawn. She was a little awkward, in my opinion, but it was somewhat endearing. I liked how she gave Ben a hard time when he first asked her out. I only wished she had played hard to get.
Ben seemed a little underdeveloped and wasn’t swoon worthy. I liked that he was Swedish. 🇸🇪 and I liked his backstory of not knowing his father and looking for him and the emotional stress of being kept a secret. I wish this had been more of a focus. But that’s out of personal interests. In terms of romance, I hated that he knew her since college and flat out told her he hadn’t been attracted to her until recently. (My ego would have been insulted.) and I hated that when she broke up with him, he didn’t fight for her or pursue her. I enjoy men doing some groveling! Had it not been for the death of his grandfather I don’t think they would have gotten back together.
And his proposal..... signing a book deal, then proposing? I mean, once married she wouldn’t need a contract anymore, right? So what’s the point?
Not very romantic. 3 Stars because it had interesting parts, had a Swede and touched on him finding long lost family.
It was very interesting to read about an author’s life - trials and struggles of the business side to writing as well as the creative process itself. I quite enjoyed that part.
As for the main character, she was better than I expected, given the title. I had been afraid that she was a virgin and I was ready to yawn. She was a little awkward, in my opinion, but it was somewhat endearing. I liked how she gave Ben a hard time when he first asked her out. I only wished she had played hard to get.
Ben seemed a little underdeveloped and wasn’t swoon worthy. I liked that he was Swedish. 🇸🇪 and I liked his backstory of not knowing his father and looking for him and the emotional stress of being kept a secret. I wish this had been more of a focus. But that’s out of personal interests. In terms of romance, I hated that he knew her since college and flat out told her he hadn’t been attracted to her until recently. (My ego would have been insulted.) and I hated that when she broke up with him, he didn’t fight for her or pursue her. I enjoy men doing some groveling! Had it not been for the death of his grandfather I don’t think they would have gotten back together.
And his proposal..... signing a book deal, then proposing? I mean, once married she wouldn’t need a contract anymore, right? So what’s the point?
Not very romantic. 3 Stars because it had interesting parts, had a Swede and touched on him finding long lost family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2016
Sweet romance, enjoyed Ben and Prudence's story but have to say it didn't live up to my expectations after reading Hilaria Alexander's other book FU Cancer(maybe I just loved the story better). Having said that I still liked the idea of a book writer whom wants to be true to herself and a sexy surfer/literary agent with secrets.
March 30, 2015
Steamy bed scenes and an adorable romance. It was cute, but the same as any other romance novel.
September 2, 2017
Plot twist de novela mexicana.
August 17, 2017
It was a fun reading, but it didn't have anything special.
April 11, 2016
I really liked this one! Smart, witty, sexy.
This is a standalone story, with an HEA and the only drama in this story is relationship based. And despite the title, there is lot of sex in this book. Whew.
Prudence is an author who is forced to second guess herself after her editor tells her that the work she's been doing in the young adult category doesn't have enough heat (aka sex). She's flabbergasted, but sticks to her guns and cuts ties with her publisher. Ben is a literary agent who Pru knew in college (and had a crush on) who wants to sign Pru and get her a better deal. This story is about the relationship between Ben and Pru and how she navigates her career without a publisher and with an agent who she's also dating.
I loved that this was about adults in what felt like a relatively typical relationship dealing with issues that anyone could end up facing (insecurities, love, death, etc.). I loved the banter between B and P in their texting.
So winner winner chicken dinner, right? Eh. Not quite. I can't put my finger on it yet, but I can't give this five stars. I kept feeling like something was missing. More growth/complexity from Prudence? More fight and/or groveling from Ben? Not sure. There were parts where I felt there was too much writing and others where I thought there wasn't enough, so I wonder if that's what I felt was missing or what kept me from completely engaging with the characters. Or maybe it was because it reminded me of Colleen Hoover and Maybe Someday which sort of bothered me, only to find in the acknowledgements that CoHo is mentioned?? Not sure.
This is a standalone story, with an HEA and the only drama in this story is relationship based. And despite the title, there is lot of sex in this book. Whew.
Prudence is an author who is forced to second guess herself after her editor tells her that the work she's been doing in the young adult category doesn't have enough heat (aka sex). She's flabbergasted, but sticks to her guns and cuts ties with her publisher. Ben is a literary agent who Pru knew in college (and had a crush on) who wants to sign Pru and get her a better deal. This story is about the relationship between Ben and Pru and how she navigates her career without a publisher and with an agent who she's also dating.
I loved that this was about adults in what felt like a relatively typical relationship dealing with issues that anyone could end up facing (insecurities, love, death, etc.). I loved the banter between B and P in their texting.
So winner winner chicken dinner, right? Eh. Not quite. I can't put my finger on it yet, but I can't give this five stars. I kept feeling like something was missing. More growth/complexity from Prudence? More fight and/or groveling from Ben? Not sure. There were parts where I felt there was too much writing and others where I thought there wasn't enough, so I wonder if that's what I felt was missing or what kept me from completely engaging with the characters. Or maybe it was because it reminded me of Colleen Hoover and Maybe Someday which sort of bothered me, only to find in the acknowledgements that CoHo is mentioned?? Not sure.
June 1, 2015
I first want to say how amazing the writing in this book was. I was blown away. I loved the story, I loved the humor, I loved the romance and I feel in love with Ben and Prudence. I mean how could you not.
Prudence and Ben's love story was refreshing and real and enduring. I loved how you saw Ben just fall head over heals for her. I loved that he completely took over her life and didn't make an excuse to just hang out with Prudence. OH Ben, he was down right perfect. (Man Bun) Just sent this book to the top of my list. But seriously..How could he say things like..
“I don’t need to read the whole book, Prudence, to know how I feel about it. I knew you were the one ever since I read the first chapter..” and not have me swooning...
But Prudence I think was the jewel of this story. Hilaria wrote her character so well. She was smart and witty and so funny..I completely loved her bluntness, and how she could not stop her filter. I loved the way things just fell out of her mouth. I loved her passions, her stubbornness and just by reading you could tell her insides were just as amazing as what she looked like on the outside.
Great book... Definitely a must read:) Can I say one more time how much I loved her writing.
Prudence and Ben's love story was refreshing and real and enduring. I loved how you saw Ben just fall head over heals for her. I loved that he completely took over her life and didn't make an excuse to just hang out with Prudence. OH Ben, he was down right perfect. (Man Bun) Just sent this book to the top of my list. But seriously..How could he say things like..
“I don’t need to read the whole book, Prudence, to know how I feel about it. I knew you were the one ever since I read the first chapter..” and not have me swooning...
But Prudence I think was the jewel of this story. Hilaria wrote her character so well. She was smart and witty and so funny..I completely loved her bluntness, and how she could not stop her filter. I loved the way things just fell out of her mouth. I loved her passions, her stubbornness and just by reading you could tell her insides were just as amazing as what she looked like on the outside.
Great book... Definitely a must read:) Can I say one more time how much I loved her writing.
March 4, 2016
I loved this story. It was so much more than what I had expected. Lots of witty banter! I loved the text exchanges......
"Every time I type a message, I erase it. He must be seeing those three dots appear every few seconds and think I’m writing a poem."
I loved the romance with a bit of instant attraction.......
"I don't need a week, or a month, or whatever amount of time might be considered appropriate, before I can tell you how I feel. I knew how I felt about you after reading the first chapter.”
But it was also a touching story of Prudence learning to believe in herself. And a bit of Ben struggling with who he is and finding himself.
"Every time I type a message, I erase it. He must be seeing those three dots appear every few seconds and think I’m writing a poem."
I loved the romance with a bit of instant attraction.......
"I don't need a week, or a month, or whatever amount of time might be considered appropriate, before I can tell you how I feel. I knew how I felt about you after reading the first chapter.”
But it was also a touching story of Prudence learning to believe in herself. And a bit of Ben struggling with who he is and finding himself.
January 27, 2015
This is terrific first book! I got really lost in the characters and their struggles, and their own love of books. I really like when characters have a love of books--and when they're hot. Hot nerds! I feel like they're mythical creatures like unicorns, so reading about them being normal people with their own insecurities was great. I'm recommending it for all the people I know.
June 9, 2015
Prude is really a nice and enjoyable story.I liked all the characters.Ben is so cool and swoon worthy and Prudence is so real I could feel all her struggle to become a satisfied and successful writer...and the sex scenes are so so hot.
This is Hilaria Alexander debut novel but I'm sure a lot more will come.
June 3, 2015
I did not want to put this book down! I did not want to go to work....I just wanted to stay home and read. I totally fell in love with Ben and Prudence. Loved their banter. They were perfect!! Can't wait until her next book comes out.
January 28, 2015
A great first book! Fun, tender, hot and engaging. I can't wait to read more from Hilaria!
August 17, 2017
That was a fun reading, I liked the characters and it just flows, but it didn't have anything that made the story special.
September 27, 2016
3.5 stars
“Sometimes one chapter is all it takes to fall in love with a book, no matter where it takes you…I knew how I felt about you after reading the first chapter.”
Prudence is a successful YA author. However, when her friend and editor tells her that she needs to branch out and make her books racier, it leads Prudence to break ties with her publishing company. Ben, an acquaintance she knew at college and in the book industry, gets wind of her departure and persuades her to take him on as her agent.
What starts out as a business dinner, turns into a pseudo date. From there, their relationship gradually evolves and the underlying attraction between them blossoms into a full-blown relationship in a very short time. However, Ben is keeping secrets and when they are revealed, Prudence can’t help but feel betrayed.
Overall, this novel was a good read. I really liked Prudence and Ben as a couple. Ben’s desire for Prudence was hot and sweet, and I enjoyed the flirtation between them, especially their text messages, which were humorous. Prudence is sweet, nerdy, and often direct. I loved the ending!
“Sometimes one chapter is all it takes to fall in love with a book, no matter where it takes you…I knew how I felt about you after reading the first chapter.”
Prudence is a successful YA author. However, when her friend and editor tells her that she needs to branch out and make her books racier, it leads Prudence to break ties with her publishing company. Ben, an acquaintance she knew at college and in the book industry, gets wind of her departure and persuades her to take him on as her agent.
What starts out as a business dinner, turns into a pseudo date. From there, their relationship gradually evolves and the underlying attraction between them blossoms into a full-blown relationship in a very short time. However, Ben is keeping secrets and when they are revealed, Prudence can’t help but feel betrayed.
Overall, this novel was a good read. I really liked Prudence and Ben as a couple. Ben’s desire for Prudence was hot and sweet, and I enjoyed the flirtation between them, especially their text messages, which were humorous. Prudence is sweet, nerdy, and often direct. I loved the ending!
October 1, 2016
3.5 stars. A pleasant, low key romantic read about a "Young Adult" book writer whose publisher wants her to start spicing up her stories more. She and the publisher come to a parting of the ways and then our author meets up with a new book agent, coincidentally a guy she admired from afar in college but never took any steps to have a relationship with. As the book agent and the author get to know each other better, they find they have much in common and sparks start to fly. She's hesitant to become involved with someone she's working with and he has some not shared secrets that affect her publishing life. When the secret is revealed the author has her heart crushed.
As I said this is fairly low key. Yes some heartache and angst are involved, but mostly its just the two main characters growing together and finding love. Also, our author finds out that it really isn't more spice her books needed, but more finding a story that really interested her and then putting her emotions and heart into her words. I wish more authors out there took that advice.
As I said this is fairly low key. Yes some heartache and angst are involved, but mostly its just the two main characters growing together and finding love. Also, our author finds out that it really isn't more spice her books needed, but more finding a story that really interested her and then putting her emotions and heart into her words. I wish more authors out there took that advice.
September 23, 2015
3.5
Es un libro bastante liviano, pero bueno. Se aleja de lo típico que se está escribiendo ahora: chico malo que se acuesta con todas , pero no se compromete. En cambio, el protagonista masculino es bastante amable, simpático y seguro de lo que quiere. La protagonista femenina es confiada, es escritora y sabe lo que quiere.
Tiene una escritura muy fluida, se lee con facilidad y rapidez y en ningún momento me aburrí. Entonces, por qué las 3.5? porque no hubo drama. Lo sé, me encanta el drama, y faltó en este libro. Sí, hubo momento de clímax, pero no fue suficiente para mí. Era bastante obvio qué iba a pasar y eso le quitó suspenso e intriga.
Creo que seguiré leyendo a la autora, ya que me gustó su forma de escribir y su enfoque de trama.
Es un libro bastante liviano, pero bueno. Se aleja de lo típico que se está escribiendo ahora: chico malo que se acuesta con todas , pero no se compromete. En cambio, el protagonista masculino es bastante amable, simpático y seguro de lo que quiere. La protagonista femenina es confiada, es escritora y sabe lo que quiere.
Tiene una escritura muy fluida, se lee con facilidad y rapidez y en ningún momento me aburrí. Entonces, por qué las 3.5? porque no hubo drama. Lo sé, me encanta el drama, y faltó en este libro. Sí, hubo momento de clímax, pero no fue suficiente para mí. Era bastante obvio qué iba a pasar y eso le quitó suspenso e intriga.
Creo que seguiré leyendo a la autora, ya que me gustó su forma de escribir y su enfoque de trama.
October 2, 2015
So last week, I was having a major book hangover. This wonderful story came riding in on it's white steed to save the day.
Prudence is an author of young adult novels and has been reasonably successful. In walks hot to trot literary agent Ben and he is ohh so hot.
Hilaria hit the ball out of the park with this one. Ben with his man bun still makes me weak in the knees, lol. I felt like this story is something that could happen in real life. I was able to relate to the characters; they are witty, clever, and charming!
If you want a light read that will keep a smile on your face, this is the book to read!
http://reviewsbyred.blogspot.com/2015...
Prudence is an author of young adult novels and has been reasonably successful. In walks hot to trot literary agent Ben and he is ohh so hot.
Hilaria hit the ball out of the park with this one. Ben with his man bun still makes me weak in the knees, lol. I felt like this story is something that could happen in real life. I was able to relate to the characters; they are witty, clever, and charming!
If you want a light read that will keep a smile on your face, this is the book to read!
http://reviewsbyred.blogspot.com/2015...
August 10, 2015
I LOVED it!!! I am traditionally a crime/horror/mystery reader. I was very much out of my element, but the simple cover and title grabbed my attention. I IMMEDIATELY fell in love with the genuineness of Prudence and the surprising depth of Ben. The author does SUCH a wonderful job with the verbal imagery of love scenes between them! The tension, the uncertainty then finally...gratification. After finishing this story I was left with such a feeling of love and hope, not in a corny way, but a deep sense of happiness for the characters. I want an invite to the wedding!!! hahaha
#Chapter10
#Chapter10
July 3, 2015
5 STARS FOR PRUDE !
The boyfriend in this story is Prudence's book agent turned publisher. He's also a sexy surfer dude with model good looks and a manbun! Yup, he's hot and he reads- a total dream guy. Also , through this book ( and I haven't really given much thought of this before, 'coz I just read), I got a realistic insight of the daily grind and struggles of a "current" author , and I now have more respect and admiration for all literary writers, especially my favorites, including the author of this book!
It was an absolute delight to read PRUDE!
The boyfriend in this story is Prudence's book agent turned publisher. He's also a sexy surfer dude with model good looks and a manbun! Yup, he's hot and he reads- a total dream guy. Also , through this book ( and I haven't really given much thought of this before, 'coz I just read), I got a realistic insight of the daily grind and struggles of a "current" author , and I now have more respect and admiration for all literary writers, especially my favorites, including the author of this book!
It was an absolute delight to read PRUDE!
January 26, 2016
What do you get when you cross a writer struggling to be true to herself and a hot literary agent - a steamy HEA that will have you cheering them on until the end. This story hooked me early on with a When Harry Met Sally reference and just got better from there. I loved how much music played a part in Prudence's writing process. Ben was a sweetheart and you wanted him to succeed in getting the love he deserved. This was my first time reading a book by Ms. Alexander, but it certainly won't be my last.
July 25, 2015
I won a copy of Prude from Goodreads Giveaways. It's a quick and fun read. I enjoyed the interesting insight into the world of publishing. I thought the author captured the mania of artistic inspiration perfectly. Her writing style is very down to earth and real. You feel like you are riding right alongside Prudence on her metamorphosis. Lastly, this book supplied an 'aha' moment. No wonder I love romance books. My name is Heather and I'm a dopamine addict.....
Read
May 4, 2015Hot, sexy and romantic!
I loved all the characters. It was a surprised cute story with a steamy plot. I really enjoyed all the relationships and witty banter. A strong female is hard to find and I just simply adored Prudence.
I loved all the characters. It was a surprised cute story with a steamy plot. I really enjoyed all the relationships and witty banter. A strong female is hard to find and I just simply adored Prudence.
June 15, 2015
I enjoyed everything about this book. The somewhat unique back story of author and book agent, their cuteness between them with the flirting and build up to a relationship. If this is a debut novel, kudos! 5+++++ stars!!!!
November 30, 2015
Prude, is a really lovely story, I fell in love with the characters and I found it effortless to read. A feel good book that I think everyone will enjoy.
A solid 4* can't wait to read more from this author xxx
A solid 4* can't wait to read more from this author xxx
January 23, 2015
I couldn't put this down! Excellent!
July 1, 2015
Review to come. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and #oneclick it.
December 6, 2015
A fun read. Yet it was kind of slow around half way in. Sorry, but I try to be brutally honest here.
April 5, 2015
Really enjoyable, sweet, entertaining romance.
Loved how it incorporated the book world :)
Loved how it incorporated the book world :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews