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The Original Heartbreakers #0.5
The One You Want
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers—about sexy bad boys each meeting their match—with a special prequel novella!
In small-town Oklahoma, reputation is everything, and Kenna Starr will do anything to overcome hers. The supposed bad girl is determined to walk the straight and narrow, a seemingly impossible task when Tall, Dark and Sexy shows up…
Rich and powerful, Dane Michaelson is every woman’s dream. When he returns to Strawberry Valley after a sixteen-year absence, he is unprepared for the redheaded girl he’s never been able to forget. She’s all woman now—and he’s never wanted anyone more. But to have her, he’ll have to break through her defenses…and surrender his own.
Look for the next books in the Original Heartbreakers—The Closer You Come, The Hotter You Burn and The Harder You Fall.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2014
191 people are currently reading
2727 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
263 books27.9k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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July 28, 2015
The One You Want is book #0.5 in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter. Perhaps it is because I read these out of order and had already met Kenna and gotten to know her, or maybe just because this series is so awesome, I loved this book.
Kenna Starr’s mother has been having an affair with Dane Michaelson’s father for years. The affair is why the Michaelson’s left Strawberry Valley. But now Dane’s father has finally gotten a divorce and has moved back to Strawberry Valley to be with the love of his life. Kenna hasn’t seen Dane since they were kids. And boy oh boy did he grow up, in the best of ways.
Dane Michaelson has taken over his father’s company, making him a very rich man. That in combination with his hotness factor makes him a hot commodity with the women. But Dane doesn’t do relationships, at all. He does owe Kenna a long overdue apology. The last time they saw each other when they were kids, he was rude. He’ll just apologize and be done with it, right? But he soon realizes that he will never have enough of Kenna Starr. She is a mom, though. Dane doesn’t date moms even more than he doesn’t do relationships.
“I’ve never desired anyone the way I desire you. You are all I can think about, all I care about.”
Kenna is a single mother, and that alone makes her reputation questionable in the small community of Strawberry Valley. Let alone the reasons she is a single mom. She has always felt the weight of the judgement of the town. But she loves her daughter more than anything. They are a package deal. When Dane shows interest in her, he makes it clear he is uncomfortable around children. When he’s alone with Kenna, she couldn’t ask for a more wonderful man, but when her daughter is around, he is stiff and uncomfortable. If he can’t accept them both, how can she keep him in her life?
"I know we said we’d take things slow, but I thought we could negotiate and speed things up.”
“I agree. Like I said, let’s go. We’ll do our negotiating in private.”
Don’t you love it when you find a book or series that makes your heart pound a little harder, perhaps makes you swoon a little bit? This series does all of that and more. Kenna is quick to care, quick to forgive, and easy to love. And Dane is total hotness in a suit. I fell in love with both of them from the start. I hated the way that some of the town’s people looked down their noses at Kenna. I loved her friendship with Brook Lynn and their crazy bucket list of fun things to do. Both this book and series will make you laugh, sigh, swoon, and perhaps fan yourself. I’m so excited for the release of book two tomorrow. If you haven’t started the series yet, now’s your chance. It is better to read them in order so you can get to know the characters and their own stories in the order they are introduced. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Kenna Starr’s mother has been having an affair with Dane Michaelson’s father for years. The affair is why the Michaelson’s left Strawberry Valley. But now Dane’s father has finally gotten a divorce and has moved back to Strawberry Valley to be with the love of his life. Kenna hasn’t seen Dane since they were kids. And boy oh boy did he grow up, in the best of ways.
Dane Michaelson has taken over his father’s company, making him a very rich man. That in combination with his hotness factor makes him a hot commodity with the women. But Dane doesn’t do relationships, at all. He does owe Kenna a long overdue apology. The last time they saw each other when they were kids, he was rude. He’ll just apologize and be done with it, right? But he soon realizes that he will never have enough of Kenna Starr. She is a mom, though. Dane doesn’t date moms even more than he doesn’t do relationships.
“I’ve never desired anyone the way I desire you. You are all I can think about, all I care about.”
Kenna is a single mother, and that alone makes her reputation questionable in the small community of Strawberry Valley. Let alone the reasons she is a single mom. She has always felt the weight of the judgement of the town. But she loves her daughter more than anything. They are a package deal. When Dane shows interest in her, he makes it clear he is uncomfortable around children. When he’s alone with Kenna, she couldn’t ask for a more wonderful man, but when her daughter is around, he is stiff and uncomfortable. If he can’t accept them both, how can she keep him in her life?
"I know we said we’d take things slow, but I thought we could negotiate and speed things up.”
“I agree. Like I said, let’s go. We’ll do our negotiating in private.”
Don’t you love it when you find a book or series that makes your heart pound a little harder, perhaps makes you swoon a little bit? This series does all of that and more. Kenna is quick to care, quick to forgive, and easy to love. And Dane is total hotness in a suit. I fell in love with both of them from the start. I hated the way that some of the town’s people looked down their noses at Kenna. I loved her friendship with Brook Lynn and their crazy bucket list of fun things to do. Both this book and series will make you laugh, sigh, swoon, and perhaps fan yourself. I’m so excited for the release of book two tomorrow. If you haven’t started the series yet, now’s your chance. It is better to read them in order so you can get to know the characters and their own stories in the order they are introduced. I hope you love them as much as I do.
October 23, 2020
The One You Want by Gena Showalter
Prequel to the Heartbreaker series. Contemporary new adult romance. Second chance troupe.
Kenna has had to grow up supporting herself and her daughter. Living in a small town, her history is never forgotten.
Dane returns to the small Oklahoma town after a long absence and is immediately entranced by Kenna. Again.
The two haves numbers of issues to overcome but the chemistry is too much to ignore.
A good introduction to the contemporary series. Strong values and hot encounters.
Prequel to the Heartbreaker series. Contemporary new adult romance. Second chance troupe.
Kenna has had to grow up supporting herself and her daughter. Living in a small town, her history is never forgotten.
Dane returns to the small Oklahoma town after a long absence and is immediately entranced by Kenna. Again.
The two haves numbers of issues to overcome but the chemistry is too much to ignore.
A good introduction to the contemporary series. Strong values and hot encounters.
June 24, 2020
Gena Showalter introduces us to Strawberry Valley,a town in Oklahoma where everyone knows about each other.In the proluge novella "The One You Want" we meet single mum Kenna Starr who becomes the step-sister of the rich tycoon Dane Michaelson.Both are still hurt from their parents betrayal to their families,which makes it harder for them to see the blossoming love between each other.
Kenna Starr is a admirable heroine.She refused to dwell on past mistakes and was ready to move on and find happiness.Her daughter Norrie was so smart and cute,she charmed everyone around her.Dane Michaelson starts of as a cold cynic who could be very ruthless,but damn what a goner he was for Kenna.He wanted her to take a chance on him and he did everything to become the man she deserves.
I am much intrigued by the other characters that will have their own stories later on:West,Jase and Beck sounds like delicious heartbreakers and i really look forward to reading their books.Gena Showalter is a wonderful romance writer,and this was my first contemporary romance by her!
Kenna Starr is a admirable heroine.She refused to dwell on past mistakes and was ready to move on and find happiness.Her daughter Norrie was so smart and cute,she charmed everyone around her.Dane Michaelson starts of as a cold cynic who could be very ruthless,but damn what a goner he was for Kenna.He wanted her to take a chance on him and he did everything to become the man she deserves.
I am much intrigued by the other characters that will have their own stories later on:West,Jase and Beck sounds like delicious heartbreakers and i really look forward to reading their books.Gena Showalter is a wonderful romance writer,and this was my first contemporary romance by her!
September 29, 2017
The new contemporary series from Gena Showalter kicks off with this little novella. Kenna Starr and Dane Michaelson has a complicated history. The last time they saw each other sixteen years ago thirteen year old Dane had spewed some pretty hateful things to seven year old Kenna when it became knowledge that their very married parents were having an affair with one another. And now after all these years they are tying the knot which means Kenna and Dane will be step siblings.
Both have changed a lot over the years, Kenna earning the very undeserved title of bad girl and trying to put it behind her, trying to build a good life for her daughter and Dane had become a very successful businessman. Their lives are very different but there’s no denying the sparks that fly between them now. Kenna is determined to keep her distance and Dane just wants her despite the fact that Kenna is all about commitment and Dane doesn’t do that at all.
“Would my past make me any less of a person with feelings capable of being hurt now?”
I liked both Kenna and Dane although it took a while for me to warm up to him. Kenna was amazing and how hard she worked and how much she loved her daughter. Dane was a real ass in the beginning, judging Kenna without knowing the truth only believing the rumours about her, luckily he did realise what he was doing and apologised and he got definitely improved as the story progressed.
He was ice, and nothing could melt him.
Except Kenna.
As for the romance I really liked how hard Dane pursued Kenna but his attitude towards her daughter, how he tried to keep his distance from her irritated me and the fact that Kenna had to be confronted by so many of his ex-flings were unnecessary
This was an entertaining novella and I can’t wait to read the next books.
March 2, 2015
Al parecer la moda últimamente es que las escritoras cambien de género y TODAS decidan escribir New Adult. Mi reacción: WTF?! O.o… Queridas escritoras, dejen de intentar canalizar a su E.L. James interior, por favor. Y si deciden cambiar de género (que no entiendo la moda), al menos intenten hacerlo bien o terminarán escribiendo horrores como éste.
He leído a Gena Showalter unas pocas veces y hasta ahora todo lo que había leído de ella me había gustado. Entonces me enteré que iba a escribir una serie romántica adulta (que más bien termina siendo New Adult, no se dejen engañar) y dije: Por qué no? Y aquí estoy. Leyendo el libro con TODOS los clichés del New Adult que tanto odio.
1. La protagonista es idiota y está buenísima (pero obvio ella lo ignora), y además, aunque TODOS en su pequeño pueblo
2. El protagonista está OH-POR-DIOS-TAN-ROTO! Y obvio es guapísimo y está buenísimo y todas quieren con él. Duh! Es el protagonista! Pero está tan, tan, tan roto (sí, son necesarios los tres “tan”). Y obvio es un mujeriego. I mean, si todas quieren con él, él no puede ser un santo, no? Y lo más mágico (como siempre), es que cuando él conoce a la protagonista es lujuria, amor y fidelidad a primera vista. Obvio lo de ellos es amor, entonces a ti como lectora no te debe importar que el protagonista haya jugado con muchas mujeres antes. Obvio no, sólo importa que ahora esté enamorado de nuestra dulce
#KillMeNow.
Ni siquiera voy a mentir. He leído y he disfrutado VARIOS libros donde los dos protagonistas son así. El problema es que cuando lees esa clase de argumento muchas veces todo empieza a parecer demasiado repetitivo. Estoy tan cansada de estos libros donde los protagonistas son unos HDP y las chicas son tontas que están buenísimas, donde todo se resuelve por la fuerza del amor, donde ni siquiera hay un argumento o una buena caracterización de los protagonistas y donde el drama es básicamente el mismo.
>
Amo los libros románticos y no voy a dejar de leerlos, pero de verdad necesito mejores historias, mejores personajes y que las escritoras dejen de creer que todas queremos leer sobre un
March 3, 2015
Did not finish, very disappointed.
Essential elements of the story don't make sense. Main character is hated by small town citizens due to her mother's bad behavior and her own sexual assault in high school. This hatred does not effect her ability to collect tips working as a waitress, or her hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Rich playboy who moved out of small town is universally loved for being rich despite not investing in hometown, moving back, or treating local citizens like adults.
There appear to be unprecedented numbers of rich, handsome playboys moving into this small town just in time to match up with lonely, broke girls with two first names. Characters are only introduced as a lure to read more of the series -- they have nothing to do with the action.
As none of the characters were particularly appealing I stopped reading in the middle of the lurid and unlikely sex at a festival scene. No redeeming features here -- and I know this author can do so much better.
Essential elements of the story don't make sense. Main character is hated by small town citizens due to her mother's bad behavior and her own sexual assault in high school. This hatred does not effect her ability to collect tips working as a waitress, or her hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Rich playboy who moved out of small town is universally loved for being rich despite not investing in hometown, moving back, or treating local citizens like adults.
There appear to be unprecedented numbers of rich, handsome playboys moving into this small town just in time to match up with lonely, broke girls with two first names. Characters are only introduced as a lure to read more of the series -- they have nothing to do with the action.
As none of the characters were particularly appealing I stopped reading in the middle of the lurid and unlikely sex at a festival scene. No redeeming features here -- and I know this author can do so much better.
August 29, 2024
The One You Want is a novella in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter. It introduces us to Strawberry Valley and several of the townsfolk and new residences.
I really enjoyed this novella more then I expected too. I can’t wait to continue into the series.
Kenna is a hard working single mother who has had to deal with town gossip and labels that aren’t true.
Dane used to live in Strawberry Valley, but his family left and now he’s back and boy has he grown up, in all the best ways.
Dane and Kenna both have issues and things in their past that they haven’t dealt with. I fell in love with both Dane and Kenna at the start. Kenna held her ground throughout the book. I liked the friendship Kenna has with Brook Lynn and that crazy silly bucket list was just too much fun. And, Kenna’s daughter was just wonderful. She has no filter and with kids it’s so true. They say anything and everything.
The setting and characters were so reminiscent of what people go through when they think they know your past, what you’ve done, and how you’e acted.
I adored this novella, I loved the setting, and I loved the characters.
Audio Review: This is my first experience with Savannah Richards. She brought this novella to life. Everything felt more real and intense. I thoroughly enjoyed all the voices. They came across clear, crisp, and well defined. The audio was pleasant and comfortable to listen too. I plan to continue the series in this formate.
Rated: 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this novella more then I expected too. I can’t wait to continue into the series.
Kenna is a hard working single mother who has had to deal with town gossip and labels that aren’t true.
Dane used to live in Strawberry Valley, but his family left and now he’s back and boy has he grown up, in all the best ways.
Dane and Kenna both have issues and things in their past that they haven’t dealt with. I fell in love with both Dane and Kenna at the start. Kenna held her ground throughout the book. I liked the friendship Kenna has with Brook Lynn and that crazy silly bucket list was just too much fun. And, Kenna’s daughter was just wonderful. She has no filter and with kids it’s so true. They say anything and everything.
The setting and characters were so reminiscent of what people go through when they think they know your past, what you’ve done, and how you’e acted.
I adored this novella, I loved the setting, and I loved the characters.
Audio Review: This is my first experience with Savannah Richards. She brought this novella to life. Everything felt more real and intense. I thoroughly enjoyed all the voices. They came across clear, crisp, and well defined. The audio was pleasant and comfortable to listen too. I plan to continue the series in this formate.
Rated: 4 Stars
September 26, 2015
I love Gena Showalter. I love her so much guys. She's an amazing author and just an awesome person. THE ORIGINAL HEARTBREAKERS is her first contemporary series, something new for her and, as always, she owned it!
THE ONE YOU WANT is a novella, a prequel to the first book of the series. I really liked it, it's short so don't expect something deep and profound because the romance happens very fast but, still, it was a very nice novella and it did its job: now I definitely want to read the rest of the series!
"Suddenly I'm feeling very hungry for something else."Kenna is a twenty-three year old mother, she has a bad reputation because she had her daughter very young but also because of her mother (her mother was the mistress of Dane's father for over sixteen years and now they're finally getting married). She's actually a very decent person, who's trying very hard to regain a good reputation and have a normal and good life for her daughter.
"Oh, yeah? For what, exactly?"
"Sundae à la Dane."
Dane is a twenty-nine year old very wealthy business man who left Strawberry Valley sixteen years ago and now he's back because his father is getting married to Kenna's mother. He knew Kenna back then, he was rude to her before he left and now he wants to apologize. Just apologize, nothing else, because he isn't a man who does relationship and he does not get involved with mothers. But the moment he sees her, everything changes.
I don't always read novellas because short books aren't my thing but I wanted to read this series in its entirety so I gave this one a shot, and I do not regret it! First of all, it gave me an idea of what I can expect of this series and we get to meet the three hot guys who are going to feature in the next three books and two of the women as well. Second of all, I just loved it! It was a sweet, steamy and funny story and it put a big smile of my face.
Kenna and Dane were both great characters and super funny. Like I said, everything happens very quickly because it's a short book but it didn't feel like it was forced or sudden, Gena knows what she's doing.
It's a bit cheesy at times but, well, still cute. Dane pissed me off at some point, Kenna too if I'm being honest. I think it was actually because of the length of the book, Gena couldn't develop the characters as she normally does and, so, some of their reactions seemed weird and unexpected but I'm hoping it won't be like that in the full novels.
The secondary characters were interesting, we don't learn a lot about them since the book is really focused on Kenna and Dane but we still get to meet them and Gena leaves us wanting for more. Norrie though, this adorable little girl is the best!
Overall, THE ONE YOU WANT, is a great prequel novella. It's funny, sexy, interesting and after reading it, you'll want to buy the next installment.
A quote I really liked:
"What'd she do to win a wild man like you?"
"She breathed."
March 26, 2015
|3.5 stars|
It's for free... http://www.amazon.com/One-You-Want-Or...
Blurb:
In small-town Oklahoma, reputation is everything, and Kenna Starr will do anything to overcome hers. The supposed bad girl is determined to walk the straight and narrow, a seemingly impossible task when Tall, Dark and Sexy shows up…
Rich and powerful, Dane Michaelson is every woman's dream. When he returns to Strawberry Valley after a sixteen-year absence, he is unprepared for the redheaded girl he's never been able to forget. She's all woman now—and he's never wanted anyone more. But to have her, he'll have to break through her defenses… and surrender his own.
Almost as adorable as this puppy!
This was a short story about two people letting the past go and I have to say I absolutely loved Kenna. She was strong, capable, a good mom and she knows how to get things done. Having a six years old child (the most adorable little girl ever) at 23 isn't the easiest task and she does it pretty great.
I liked that she put her daughter first, like it's supposed to be, and she wasn't afraid of doing any job in order to get food on the table. That speaks a lot of her. So, as a character she was quite completed and I was very happy with her.
Plus, her friends were the shit.
I didn't like her mom and I personally think all those people in town who were mean little shits should just go ahead and eat cow's crap. But that's just in my humble opinion.
And then we got Dane who's haunted by the lost of his little brother and then the big affair that eneded his parents marriage and he doesn't do relationships. Long story short, bad boy with a good heart.
I usually don't mind insta-love so I was okay with lust but this book did lose some points because of Dane. I liked him well enough but I didn't love him. Not the way I loved Kenna, anyways.
He was hot as fuck and sweet as heaven and I liked how he was with Kenna but he needed some development. The last chapter didn't help him that much since it was all rushed but I can forgive that.
I love Gena, so there you have.
So, this was a cute sexy story and I'm looking forward to this new series and I hope West is part of it.
September 29, 2018
Almost the entire plot of this book is ranted about below so avoid because SPOILERS abound!!!!!!!!!
This was my first time reading this book though I met Dane,Kenna and Norrie in book 1 and adored their relationship.... I should've read forward and not back .This is a novella so the length of the book contributed to my hatred(too harsh????) my slight dislike of it because really some things needed fleshing out and this author just threw in a bunch of stuff that contributed to the hotmessiness of this book!.
Dane and Kenna knew each other as children,when everyone found out their parents were having an affair he said some harsh things to her and he and his mom moved.
Fast forward to his return and from the very first look he's captivated by Kenna,even goes so far as to warn West away....they part with her angry at him and he leaves with OW 1
Round 2 they meet at dinner and he's with OW 2
Round 3 he goes to her work with OW 3 to prove to Kenna that even though they almost kissed he will never commit.
Now these women are women he's had sex with previously, while there's no mention of him having sex with them again there is also no mention of him not!
Right so moving on......
They get to know each other she goes to his home with him and whoops there's a naked woman waiting at home for him.... I think it's OW 2 they're blurring together at this point so I can't be sure...... anyways Kenna trusts him so she waits while he escorts OW out.....then they have unprotected sex because even though he's an extramanwhoreordinaire (yes these guys need new words to describe their he sluttyness) he's never gone without a condom and he's clean( Kenna love, you deserved an STD)
Moving on........
Though they're now seeing each other he avoids spending time with Norrie because of what tragically happened to his brother so he doesn't want kids. Kenna FINALLY kicks him to the curb because he doesn't want to be around her daughter and the fact that he's leaving on a 2 week trip with his assistant who he of course slept with 🤦
MOVING ON!!!!!.............😤
While away he gets an epiphany,comes back apologizes to Norrie, begs Kenna for another chance, they exchange ILY.......the end!
Kenna had her ok moments but she was mostly weak. Her mother treated her like crap and she never stood up for herself, she saw all these OW with him and she never even asks a question. Kenna had Norrie when at 16 she got drunk and woke up in bed with not 1 or 2 but 3 guys meaning she had no idea who Norrie's father was! Why was this necessary????Why couldn't she have had a simple ONS 😞 because of this and her mother's actions she's had a bad rep.
The bright side to this was the cuteness of Norrie so 1 star for her, everyone else f**k all Y'all!!!!!!!
I need a break from this series( finally my brain has relented)though I'm sure I'll unfortunately return to finish the series as I already own the books.....in different versions 🤦🤷
This was my first time reading this book though I met Dane,Kenna and Norrie in book 1 and adored their relationship.... I should've read forward and not back .This is a novella so the length of the book contributed to my hatred(too harsh????) my slight dislike of it because really some things needed fleshing out and this author just threw in a bunch of stuff that contributed to the hotmessiness of this book!.
Dane and Kenna knew each other as children,when everyone found out their parents were having an affair he said some harsh things to her and he and his mom moved.
Fast forward to his return and from the very first look he's captivated by Kenna,even goes so far as to warn West away....they part with her angry at him and he leaves with OW 1
Round 2 they meet at dinner and he's with OW 2
Round 3 he goes to her work with OW 3 to prove to Kenna that even though they almost kissed he will never commit.
Now these women are women he's had sex with previously, while there's no mention of him having sex with them again there is also no mention of him not!
Right so moving on......
They get to know each other she goes to his home with him and whoops there's a naked woman waiting at home for him.... I think it's OW 2 they're blurring together at this point so I can't be sure...... anyways Kenna trusts him so she waits while he escorts OW out.....then they have unprotected sex because even though he's an extramanwhoreordinaire (yes these guys need new words to describe their he sluttyness) he's never gone without a condom and he's clean( Kenna love, you deserved an STD)
Moving on........
Though they're now seeing each other he avoids spending time with Norrie because of what tragically happened to his brother so he doesn't want kids. Kenna FINALLY kicks him to the curb because he doesn't want to be around her daughter and the fact that he's leaving on a 2 week trip with his assistant who he of course slept with 🤦
MOVING ON!!!!!.............😤
While away he gets an epiphany,comes back apologizes to Norrie, begs Kenna for another chance, they exchange ILY.......the end!
Kenna had her ok moments but she was mostly weak. Her mother treated her like crap and she never stood up for herself, she saw all these OW with him and she never even asks a question. Kenna had Norrie when at 16 she got drunk and woke up in bed with not 1 or 2 but 3 guys meaning she had no idea who Norrie's father was! Why was this necessary????Why couldn't she have had a simple ONS 😞 because of this and her mother's actions she's had a bad rep.
The bright side to this was the cuteness of Norrie so 1 star for her, everyone else f**k all Y'all!!!!!!!
I need a break from this series( finally my brain has relented)though I'm sure I'll unfortunately return to finish the series as I already own the books.....in different versions 🤦🤷
own-need-to-read
August 20, 2015Kindle Freebie! The One You Want (Original Heartbreakers) by Gena Showalter http://amzn.to/1IsSbbP
Blurb....
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers—beginning with a ruthless businessman about to break his own rules—in this special prequel novella!
Rich, powerful and utterly untamable, Dane Michaelson is every woman's darkest fantasy. When he returns to his hometown to witness his father's upcoming nuptials, he is unprepared for the redheaded beauty soon to become his stepsister. He's never wanted anyone more.
Kenna Starr has no desire to join the long list of women on rotation in Dane's bedroom. The single mom learned the hard way—bad boys do bad things, and someone always gets hurt. But Dane isn't fighting fair. With every heated look, stolen kiss and illicit caress, he melts her defenses.
Soon, the girl with the rep and the man who claims to be heartless are locked in a passionate affair. But when trouble arises, will they stand together or fall apart?
Look for the next books in the Original Heartbreakers—The Closer You Come, The Hotter You Burn and The Harder You Fall—from HQN Books!
Blurb....
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers—beginning with a ruthless businessman about to break his own rules—in this special prequel novella!
Rich, powerful and utterly untamable, Dane Michaelson is every woman's darkest fantasy. When he returns to his hometown to witness his father's upcoming nuptials, he is unprepared for the redheaded beauty soon to become his stepsister. He's never wanted anyone more.
Kenna Starr has no desire to join the long list of women on rotation in Dane's bedroom. The single mom learned the hard way—bad boys do bad things, and someone always gets hurt. But Dane isn't fighting fair. With every heated look, stolen kiss and illicit caress, he melts her defenses.
Soon, the girl with the rep and the man who claims to be heartless are locked in a passionate affair. But when trouble arises, will they stand together or fall apart?
Look for the next books in the Original Heartbreakers—The Closer You Come, The Hotter You Burn and The Harder You Fall—from HQN Books!
August 2, 2015
The One you Want by Gena Showalter is a 2015 Harlequin publication.
I snapped this one up for free in the kindle store without even reading the synopsis. I couldn't believe there was a book by this mega popular author for free!
Well, it would seem this is a novella, one of those prequels which is designed to launch a new series. I was curious since this is most definitely not the genre most people know this author from. No paranormal elements here. This is contemporary romance featuring rich bad boy Dane and struggling single mom, Kenna.
Dane and Kenna knew each other as children but were put in a most awkward position when it came to light Kenna's mom was having an affair with Dane's father. Harsh words were spoken, but the two never crossed paths again... until now.
We all know this author from her paranormal series and so when an author tries on a different hat it may meet with mixed results or feelings. I'm sure she will receive a few harsh critiques , but she is brave for taking the risk anyway.
The thing with this novella is that perhaps it was just too ambitious. There were too many big issues at play and not enough time to address them all fully. But, I did appreciate the effort being made to bring attention to the plight of young women who found themselves raising children alone, the stigma they are still met with, the difficulty involved in trying to better oneself with work and education, and if the single mom wants to date... well, there are many men who are not keen on dating women who have children.
Although, the story is uneven at times, there were several things that really impressed me about it.
“Sex had to mean something, not just to her but to the man she was trusting with her body and her reputation. And okay, yes, that made her an oddity in today's society, but she didn't care.”
Yes... this! This is what I wish more romance novels would create with their characters. Too often these days romance novels feel more like 'hook up' novels to me with no emotions, feelings. or self respect on either side, and I loathe that HFN ending.
With all the issues on Kenna's plate, it's Dane's issues that the couple will have to overcome so his character is the one we see develop the most. He is angry, feels enormous guilt, and is terrified of commitment.
Naturally, Kenna has to be the mature party, standing up for herself and making the hard choices, which in turn forces Dane to make some hard choices too. But, what I liked about this was not just that Kenna did the right thing, no matter how painful it was, but it gave our hero the wake up call he needed and he manned up. He got his crap together and went after his woman and showed her what he was made of. I loved that!! And.... there was a HEA!
I snapped this one up for free in the kindle store without even reading the synopsis. I couldn't believe there was a book by this mega popular author for free!
Well, it would seem this is a novella, one of those prequels which is designed to launch a new series. I was curious since this is most definitely not the genre most people know this author from. No paranormal elements here. This is contemporary romance featuring rich bad boy Dane and struggling single mom, Kenna.
Dane and Kenna knew each other as children but were put in a most awkward position when it came to light Kenna's mom was having an affair with Dane's father. Harsh words were spoken, but the two never crossed paths again... until now.
We all know this author from her paranormal series and so when an author tries on a different hat it may meet with mixed results or feelings. I'm sure she will receive a few harsh critiques , but she is brave for taking the risk anyway.
The thing with this novella is that perhaps it was just too ambitious. There were too many big issues at play and not enough time to address them all fully. But, I did appreciate the effort being made to bring attention to the plight of young women who found themselves raising children alone, the stigma they are still met with, the difficulty involved in trying to better oneself with work and education, and if the single mom wants to date... well, there are many men who are not keen on dating women who have children.
Although, the story is uneven at times, there were several things that really impressed me about it.
“Sex had to mean something, not just to her but to the man she was trusting with her body and her reputation. And okay, yes, that made her an oddity in today's society, but she didn't care.”
Yes... this! This is what I wish more romance novels would create with their characters. Too often these days romance novels feel more like 'hook up' novels to me with no emotions, feelings. or self respect on either side, and I loathe that HFN ending.
With all the issues on Kenna's plate, it's Dane's issues that the couple will have to overcome so his character is the one we see develop the most. He is angry, feels enormous guilt, and is terrified of commitment.
Naturally, Kenna has to be the mature party, standing up for herself and making the hard choices, which in turn forces Dane to make some hard choices too. But, what I liked about this was not just that Kenna did the right thing, no matter how painful it was, but it gave our hero the wake up call he needed and he manned up. He got his crap together and went after his woman and showed her what he was made of. I loved that!! And.... there was a HEA!
March 21, 2016
I was excited about a bad girl trying to walk the straight and narrow, but Kenna turned out to be a small-town girl who made a mistake and is just trying to make the best of it. Of course, in a small-town she is indeed classified as the bad girl, after all she got pregnant as a teen and had a child. Kenna is a working hard as a waitress to provide for her daughter and barely making ends meet. I liked her. She is putting herself through school and keeping her head down.
This is a second chance romance that begins when Dane Michaelson, “Mister, Talk, Dark and Sexy” *rolls eyes * returns to town sixteen years later. He always had a crush on Kenna but they had a falling out. Seeing her again awakens those feelings. Of course, he has rules about dating and he does not date woman with children. However, he seems to forget that every time she is around.
Sounds sweet right? I liked Kenna, but Dane to be blunt was an ass. Every time he opened his mouth, I thought Kenna should have punched him and she does resist him somewhat, but eventually a slow-building romance develops with plenty of heat. They are further thrown together because her Mom and his father are marrying. Did I doubt Dane’s feeling for Kenna? Nope and I even appreciated his growth but couldn’t swallow the fact that Kenna who is working so hard to clear up her tarnished name would have allowed anything to happen.
We do meet some secondary characters in The One You Want who will be in the series, and I really like West. Now why couldn’t Kenna like him? Kenna’s roommates and daughter were lovely and for a novella, this was fully developed. I just found it over the top at times and not wholly believable.
Savannah Richards handled the narration well, but the way it was written with characters saying one thing and then holding inner dialogue was a tad confusing at times on audio.
The One You Want was a cute and predictable romance that I am sure would offer the perfect evening escape for some. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
This is a second chance romance that begins when Dane Michaelson, “Mister, Talk, Dark and Sexy” *rolls eyes * returns to town sixteen years later. He always had a crush on Kenna but they had a falling out. Seeing her again awakens those feelings. Of course, he has rules about dating and he does not date woman with children. However, he seems to forget that every time she is around.
Sounds sweet right? I liked Kenna, but Dane to be blunt was an ass. Every time he opened his mouth, I thought Kenna should have punched him and she does resist him somewhat, but eventually a slow-building romance develops with plenty of heat. They are further thrown together because her Mom and his father are marrying. Did I doubt Dane’s feeling for Kenna? Nope and I even appreciated his growth but couldn’t swallow the fact that Kenna who is working so hard to clear up her tarnished name would have allowed anything to happen.
We do meet some secondary characters in The One You Want who will be in the series, and I really like West. Now why couldn’t Kenna like him? Kenna’s roommates and daughter were lovely and for a novella, this was fully developed. I just found it over the top at times and not wholly believable.
Savannah Richards handled the narration well, but the way it was written with characters saying one thing and then holding inner dialogue was a tad confusing at times on audio.
The One You Want was a cute and predictable romance that I am sure would offer the perfect evening escape for some. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
February 13, 2017
...I want you back in my arms...
December 2, 2015
I liked it.... but it was all a bit meh.
2.5 stars
This the prequel to The Original Heartbreakers series, a short, sweet and sexy story about a struggling country girl with a selfish bitch of a mother, great friends, a sassy attitude and an underserved bad reputation. Kenna Starr (yes, I kid you not, that is her name) has no real life to speak of, but she is swept off her feet by the return to town of gorgeous, wealthy, highly successful, “I don’t do relationships” manwhore, Dane.
There’s a lot of animosity between these two in the past, and their family situations don’t provide the best set up for a relationship, but they can’t resist the pull between them. There are some funny moments, some sweet moments, and the sexy time is hot, but everything snowballed too quickly for me to get really invested.
Yes, I know this is a novella and there’s not a lot of time for in depth character and romantic development, but I’ve definitely seen it done better. The romance is incredibly fast-moving, Kenna forgives/glosses over a whole lot of stuff I wouldn't have, and in the end the character growth is so miraculous it’s almost a partial personality transplant. Because of that it all felt very unrealistic, leaving me feeling detached from the story and rolling my eyes at the romantic declarations that make up the sappy HEA.
But I did get some laughs, I appreciated the dual POV, and the set up is there for the rest of the series. The characters from the forthcoming books are all introduced in one way or another, and I’m interested enough to continue on to see what the author does with a full-length book.
Disappointed, but still hopeful – 2.5 stars.
2.5 stars
This the prequel to The Original Heartbreakers series, a short, sweet and sexy story about a struggling country girl with a selfish bitch of a mother, great friends, a sassy attitude and an underserved bad reputation. Kenna Starr (yes, I kid you not, that is her name) has no real life to speak of, but she is swept off her feet by the return to town of gorgeous, wealthy, highly successful, “I don’t do relationships” manwhore, Dane.
There’s a lot of animosity between these two in the past, and their family situations don’t provide the best set up for a relationship, but they can’t resist the pull between them. There are some funny moments, some sweet moments, and the sexy time is hot, but everything snowballed too quickly for me to get really invested.
Yes, I know this is a novella and there’s not a lot of time for in depth character and romantic development, but I’ve definitely seen it done better. The romance is incredibly fast-moving, Kenna forgives/glosses over a whole lot of stuff I wouldn't have, and in the end the character growth is so miraculous it’s almost a partial personality transplant. Because of that it all felt very unrealistic, leaving me feeling detached from the story and rolling my eyes at the romantic declarations that make up the sappy HEA.
But I did get some laughs, I appreciated the dual POV, and the set up is there for the rest of the series. The characters from the forthcoming books are all introduced in one way or another, and I’m interested enough to continue on to see what the author does with a full-length book.
Disappointed, but still hopeful – 2.5 stars.
July 6, 2025
The One You Want by Gena Showalter
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
2.75 Stars
A sweet, funny, little romance.
Even though that is not really my 'Cup of Tea', I did enjoy it.
It's a very quick read. There were some editing problems & the end seemed a bit rushed & gooey to me.
But all in all, if you like sweet romances with some definite humor & the prince saving the day kind of thing....
This is the book for you.
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
2.75 Stars
A sweet, funny, little romance.
Even though that is not really my 'Cup of Tea', I did enjoy it.
It's a very quick read. There were some editing problems & the end seemed a bit rushed & gooey to me.
But all in all, if you like sweet romances with some definite humor & the prince saving the day kind of thing....
This is the book for you.
March 9, 2015
2.5 Stars
Sweet, a bit disjointed, somewhat cheesie and kinda all over the place. Left feeling.... meh.
Sweet, a bit disjointed, somewhat cheesie and kinda all over the place. Left feeling.... meh.
December 20, 2015
Take one playboy with money, a hot body and a revolving door to his bedroom with a strong dislike of children and add one single mother and you have a troubled romance. it gets more twisted, his father had an affair with her mother breaking his parents marriage and now they are all together for their marriage, so they'll be step sister and brother. Yippeee. LOL
This was a great little romance. The woman was not a weak little woman she was opinionated, independent , and not willing to drop her expectations even for Mr. Dreamy. He was a playboy, a jerk, and a total asshat, with some great moves. He also had a fabulous friend West, I'm a team West and want more on him. So they go back and forth, they heat up and chill it way down and in the end... read the book
This was a great little romance. The woman was not a weak little woman she was opinionated, independent , and not willing to drop her expectations even for Mr. Dreamy. He was a playboy, a jerk, and a total asshat, with some great moves. He also had a fabulous friend West, I'm a team West and want more on him. So they go back and forth, they heat up and chill it way down and in the end... read the book
March 2, 2015
I usually love Gena Showalter books but this one I thought it was over the top and slightly ridiculous. It kinda seems that someone else wrote it.
I know that I won’t be continuing with the series.
I know that I won’t be continuing with the series.
April 3, 2015
5 Solid Stars!!!
This is a wonderful romance short story.
Sweet. Cute. Lovely. Oh, I loved it!
เรื่องนี้น่ารักมาก หวานแหวว อ่านง่ายๆ แต่สนุก (ถ้าไม่คิดมากเรื่องความไม่สมเหตุสมผลหลายๆ อย่างนะ)
This is a wonderful romance short story.
Sweet. Cute. Lovely. Oh, I loved it!
เรื่องนี้น่ารักมาก หวานแหวว อ่านง่ายๆ แต่สนุก (ถ้าไม่คิดมากเรื่องความไม่สมเหตุสมผลหลายๆ อย่างนะ)
March 29, 2015
2.5 stars
I was quite intrigued with the upcoming start of "The Original Heartbreaker" series from Gena Showalter. Since my only experience with her was almost 5 years ago (and I only gave that book 2-stars rating) I thought maybe I should give this novella a try because 1) it was a Kindle freebie and 2) it seems to be the prequel. Now, this being a novella I'm quite ready to be bombarded with instant-attraction or instant-love -- mainly because novella-length limitation. I've been known to still like stories with those as long as I can enjoy the plot and care about the characters.
But OMG the characters here were HORRIBLE!! I tried to find something decent to say about the main hero and heroine -- and I truly couldn't find one.
The hero is a rich playboy with constant string of 'bitchy and mean type' of women on his side, who apparently has issues because his father has been cheating on his mom for years, with the mother of the heroine no less. Then suddenly he sees this new step-sister of her growing up (because his father decides to divorce his mother after all, and then marries his mistress after his mistress's husband died -- GAH!) and he suddenly feels lust and caveman around her. But he's also a dick to her and her innocent child, because you know, tragedy in his childhood with his real brother. Then the resolution is so quick -- I'll buy you house, and puppy for your daughter, and I bring you carriage because you're my princess *vomit*. I want to tenderize him like a steak meat.
Although the heroine is NO better!! You know, she is the misunderstood girl, people always sees her as the daughter of her adulteress mother. She has a six year old daughter, a result of one night she was drunk and ended up in bed with three guys. But she is so forgiving and she wants to keep her image as a good girl and she learns to be an elementary teacher. She is attracted to this rich boy because her heart is the gentlest kind and she sees him more than just a playboy. But she doesn't want to be just another notch on her bed post. But she really is attracted to him. AND because "I'm the good girl, but I'm attracted to you, let's start our first sex without a condom because I'm clean and I'm on a pill" ... and URGH! I need to stop. I couldn't feel connected to her, so many freakin' contradictions!! Not to mention that her inner musing using hashtag Twitter was SO ANNOYING.
Don't let me get started with their supposedly romance too. It was uninspiring in an over-the-top drama kind of thing.
I didn't give out rating below 2* rating as principle (only those books I truly hate got those). I didn't hate this, but I didn't like it as well. I did finish this book and I didn't exactly skimming it (I often did that with my 2* rating). In addition, there was one light at the end of the tunnel. I was quite intrigued with one of the secondary characters, the best friend of the hero, and he's the reason for my extra 0.5*. Unfortunately, his book is not until #3. So I'm rather ambivalent about continuing. I guess for now, I'll take that title off my TBR and just wait for more thoughts pouring in.
I was quite intrigued with the upcoming start of "The Original Heartbreaker" series from Gena Showalter. Since my only experience with her was almost 5 years ago (and I only gave that book 2-stars rating) I thought maybe I should give this novella a try because 1) it was a Kindle freebie and 2) it seems to be the prequel. Now, this being a novella I'm quite ready to be bombarded with instant-attraction or instant-love -- mainly because novella-length limitation. I've been known to still like stories with those as long as I can enjoy the plot and care about the characters.
But OMG the characters here were HORRIBLE!! I tried to find something decent to say about the main hero and heroine -- and I truly couldn't find one.
The hero is a rich playboy with constant string of 'bitchy and mean type' of women on his side, who apparently has issues because his father has been cheating on his mom for years, with the mother of the heroine no less. Then suddenly he sees this new step-sister of her growing up (because his father decides to divorce his mother after all, and then marries his mistress after his mistress's husband died -- GAH!) and he suddenly feels lust and caveman around her. But he's also a dick to her and her innocent child, because you know, tragedy in his childhood with his real brother. Then the resolution is so quick -- I'll buy you house, and puppy for your daughter, and I bring you carriage because you're my princess *vomit*. I want to tenderize him like a steak meat.
Although the heroine is NO better!! You know, she is the misunderstood girl, people always sees her as the daughter of her adulteress mother. She has a six year old daughter, a result of one night she was drunk and ended up in bed with three guys. But she is so forgiving and she wants to keep her image as a good girl and she learns to be an elementary teacher. She is attracted to this rich boy because her heart is the gentlest kind and she sees him more than just a playboy. But she doesn't want to be just another notch on her bed post. But she really is attracted to him. AND because "I'm the good girl, but I'm attracted to you, let's start our first sex without a condom because I'm clean and I'm on a pill" ... and URGH! I need to stop. I couldn't feel connected to her, so many freakin' contradictions!! Not to mention that her inner musing using hashtag Twitter was SO ANNOYING.
Don't let me get started with their supposedly romance too. It was uninspiring in an over-the-top drama kind of thing.
I didn't give out rating below 2* rating as principle (only those books I truly hate got those). I didn't hate this, but I didn't like it as well. I did finish this book and I didn't exactly skimming it (I often did that with my 2* rating). In addition, there was one light at the end of the tunnel. I was quite intrigued with one of the secondary characters, the best friend of the hero, and he's the reason for my extra 0.5*. Unfortunately, his book is not until #3. So I'm rather ambivalent about continuing. I guess for now, I'll take that title off my TBR and just wait for more thoughts pouring in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2015
The One You Want is a prequel to Gena's new contemporary series, The Heartbreakers. I have to say that I'm more of a PNR girl but since it's a Gena Showalter story, I of course, HAD to read it! And I'm so glad that I did!
This was an amazing story! It's a story of love, hope and forgiveness. Kenna Starr has been paying for her mother's affair with a married man since she was a child. Between that and getting pregnant at a young age the townspeople were convinced that she would grow up to be just like her mother. And for most of her life, the people of Strawberry Valley have looked down their noses at her, thinking she is nothing but trash.
I love how much strength of character that Kenna has. She has been trying to walk the straight and narrow, always careful of her reputation, not wanting to give people more reason to gossip about her. And through all the snubs and sideways looks, she always keeps her chin up, never letting anyone see how much it hurts her. And despite the fact that she is treated like crap she still tries to see the best in everyone and make the best out of her situation.
Dane's family was broken up from his father's affair with Kenna's mom. He has never been able to forgive his father for it. He has commitment issues and has turned into a bit of player, never letting his revolving door of women get close to him. He reluctantly returns to Strawberry Valley for his father and Kenna's mother's engagement party and the sparks fly when he sees Kenna again. The chemistry between the two is intense and Dane is confused by his desperate need to be with Kenna. It scares him, but like a moth to a flame, he can't help but be drawn to her. I loved watching Dane grow emotionally in this story, he struggles with his feelings for Kenna and did and said stupid things to her at times. Dane was the one that got to me the most. Watching him come to terms with the past and realizing what he needed to do to get Kenna back...OMG, the ending... *sniffles* All I will say is have some tissues nearby.
I just love books that put you through the emotional wringer and Gena has never disappointed! With an entertaining storyline, amazing characters, and witty dialogue, The One You Want is a wonderful story that will tug on your heartstrings and has become one of my new favorites of hers. I can't wait for the next book to come out in the series!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was an amazing story! It's a story of love, hope and forgiveness. Kenna Starr has been paying for her mother's affair with a married man since she was a child. Between that and getting pregnant at a young age the townspeople were convinced that she would grow up to be just like her mother. And for most of her life, the people of Strawberry Valley have looked down their noses at her, thinking she is nothing but trash.
I love how much strength of character that Kenna has. She has been trying to walk the straight and narrow, always careful of her reputation, not wanting to give people more reason to gossip about her. And through all the snubs and sideways looks, she always keeps her chin up, never letting anyone see how much it hurts her. And despite the fact that she is treated like crap she still tries to see the best in everyone and make the best out of her situation.
Dane's family was broken up from his father's affair with Kenna's mom. He has never been able to forgive his father for it. He has commitment issues and has turned into a bit of player, never letting his revolving door of women get close to him. He reluctantly returns to Strawberry Valley for his father and Kenna's mother's engagement party and the sparks fly when he sees Kenna again. The chemistry between the two is intense and Dane is confused by his desperate need to be with Kenna. It scares him, but like a moth to a flame, he can't help but be drawn to her. I loved watching Dane grow emotionally in this story, he struggles with his feelings for Kenna and did and said stupid things to her at times. Dane was the one that got to me the most. Watching him come to terms with the past and realizing what he needed to do to get Kenna back...OMG, the ending... *sniffles* All I will say is have some tissues nearby.
I just love books that put you through the emotional wringer and Gena has never disappointed! With an entertaining storyline, amazing characters, and witty dialogue, The One You Want is a wonderful story that will tug on your heartstrings and has become one of my new favorites of hers. I can't wait for the next book to come out in the series!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2015
Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Gena Showalter always represented erotic paranormal to me. She introduced me to that genre and always held me captive. A Mainstream Romance? OK, I'll bite and see what she has to offer. Well, I guess I will jump on the band wagon and just say that Gena Showalter can just write … paranormal, mainstream romance, probably anything she wants.
Characters that have backbone, a little sass, pride and lots of love to share. A woman with character that is trying, desperately, to live down the legacy of her mother. A man who doesn't have a heart and doesn't want one. They are to easily broken and there is no way that he'll open himself up to that.
Yes, the billionaire playboy and the small-town girl that steals his heart. But, this is a little different from that scenario. They've known each other forever and each of them have their reasons for staying away. Kenna has Norrie. Dane has a deep-seeded hatred for what her mother did to his family. Rumors, woman, a beautiful little girl keeps them apart until there is no way for him to stay away from her. Now, for him to overcome his prejudices and open his heart.
I loved this story … there was so much more to it than the billionaire and the small-town girl. The setting and characters were so reminiscent of what everyone goes through when people think they know your past, what you've done and how you've acted. When people put a label on you because of what others had done. Assumption and snobs go hand-in-hand. But, Gena Showalter brought them through it all ….. opened Dane up and made him into a man any father would be proud of. As for Kenna, she held her ground throughout the book. Yes, she had her pride and she put it on the line that she was a package deal … you get her and Norrie and there was no negotiation on that.
I loved the characters, I loved the setting, I loved the book. I'm looking forward to the “The Closer You Come” to see how everyone in Strawberry Valley, OK takes to Jase.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Gena Showalter always represented erotic paranormal to me. She introduced me to that genre and always held me captive. A Mainstream Romance? OK, I'll bite and see what she has to offer. Well, I guess I will jump on the band wagon and just say that Gena Showalter can just write … paranormal, mainstream romance, probably anything she wants.
Characters that have backbone, a little sass, pride and lots of love to share. A woman with character that is trying, desperately, to live down the legacy of her mother. A man who doesn't have a heart and doesn't want one. They are to easily broken and there is no way that he'll open himself up to that.
Yes, the billionaire playboy and the small-town girl that steals his heart. But, this is a little different from that scenario. They've known each other forever and each of them have their reasons for staying away. Kenna has Norrie. Dane has a deep-seeded hatred for what her mother did to his family. Rumors, woman, a beautiful little girl keeps them apart until there is no way for him to stay away from her. Now, for him to overcome his prejudices and open his heart.
I loved this story … there was so much more to it than the billionaire and the small-town girl. The setting and characters were so reminiscent of what everyone goes through when people think they know your past, what you've done and how you've acted. When people put a label on you because of what others had done. Assumption and snobs go hand-in-hand. But, Gena Showalter brought them through it all ….. opened Dane up and made him into a man any father would be proud of. As for Kenna, she held her ground throughout the book. Yes, she had her pride and she put it on the line that she was a package deal … you get her and Norrie and there was no negotiation on that.
I loved the characters, I loved the setting, I loved the book. I'm looking forward to the “The Closer You Come” to see how everyone in Strawberry Valley, OK takes to Jase.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 3, 2015
#4.5stars
#promisingstarttoanewseries
#manwhorecomingbackhometodowhatsright
#manwhorehasissues
#heroineisnowallflower
#didntlikethewayitendedbutdontletthatstopyoufromreadingit
#oneclickthebitch
#ifyoureadthestorythenyouknowwhatthesehashtagsarefor
*#FreeonAmazon*
#promisingstarttoanewseries
#manwhorecomingbackhometodowhatsright
#manwhorehasissues
#heroineisnowallflower
#didntlikethewayitendedbutdontletthatstopyoufromreadingit
#oneclickthebitch
#ifyoureadthestorythenyouknowwhatthesehashtagsarefor
*#FreeonAmazon*
Want to read
March 2, 2015FREE!!
Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/muh7uo4
Nook: http://tinyurl.com/pdsqygp
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/p8urhay
Audible: http://tinyurl.com/qduk5ox
Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/muh7uo4
Nook: http://tinyurl.com/pdsqygp
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/p8urhay
Audible: http://tinyurl.com/qduk5ox
June 6, 2017
3.75 stars.
Cute, fun, some good banter. Annoying family members, crazy roommates. Dane knows how to woo a woman once he sets his mind to it!!
Cute, fun, some good banter. Annoying family members, crazy roommates. Dane knows how to woo a woman once he sets his mind to it!!
October 1, 2020
Kenna and Dane's bittersweet childhood history together made for an interesting reunion 15 years later. Some of the nitty-gritty details impressed me because they were so unique to this story.
I liked Kenna a lot, and felt like her character was the stronger of the two. Dane's character was all over the place for me. I know he had his reasons for feeling the way he did, on paper. But I don't think there was enough time to fully unpack his character, making his motivations more physical than emotional, and ultimately, making me doubt the super-fast wrap up at the end.
Having said that, I do plan to check out the next book in the series. It is a full-length novel about characters that we bond with in this novella, so I look forward to seeing what happens next.
I liked Kenna a lot, and felt like her character was the stronger of the two. Dane's character was all over the place for me. I know he had his reasons for feeling the way he did, on paper. But I don't think there was enough time to fully unpack his character, making his motivations more physical than emotional, and ultimately, making me doubt the super-fast wrap up at the end.
Having said that, I do plan to check out the next book in the series. It is a full-length novel about characters that we bond with in this novella, so I look forward to seeing what happens next.
July 23, 2015
Debo decir que no me gustó, nada DE NADA. Y Gena Showalter es una autora que suelo tener normalmente en cuenta.
*SPOILERS*
No soporto la típica historia del: "siempre te amé, siempre te deseé..." (desde que se conocieron en el pasado), para luego leer malas caras y celos de si anduvieron con unos u otros (¡pero ellos sentían mucho desde siempre!)
Tampoco soporto que me vendan al típico playboy que de la noche a la mañana,por obra y milagro del niño Jesús, ve amor, ponys y arcoiris por todos lados nada más reencontrarse con ella. De repente, ya se vuelve el hombre más cariñoso y fiel del mundo, cuando hasta hacía un día era todo lo contrario. No vemos una evolución, sino un salto moooortal de 360º xD
Pero el remate se lo lleva lo siguiente: el episodio de Kenna cuando se queda embarazada... me pareció innecesario. Poner que a los 16 años se fue a una fiesta loca de Universitarios y se acostó con 3 tipos y, por ende, ni sabía quién es el padre de su hija... Okey que leemos que ella se emborrachó, pero también leemos como ella estaba dispuesta a hacerlo... Y luego a lamentarse toda la puttana novelita. No sé, me resultó desagradable e innecesario. Bien podía haber sido madre soltera sin recurrir a esto...
Es solo mi humilde opinión.
*SPOILERS*
No soporto la típica historia del: "siempre te amé, siempre te deseé..." (desde que se conocieron en el pasado), para luego leer malas caras y celos de si anduvieron con unos u otros (¡pero ellos sentían mucho desde siempre!)
Tampoco soporto que me vendan al típico playboy que de la noche a la mañana,por obra y milagro del niño Jesús, ve amor, ponys y arcoiris por todos lados nada más reencontrarse con ella. De repente, ya se vuelve el hombre más cariñoso y fiel del mundo, cuando hasta hacía un día era todo lo contrario. No vemos una evolución, sino un salto moooortal de 360º xD
Pero el remate se lo lleva lo siguiente: el episodio de Kenna cuando se queda embarazada... me pareció innecesario. Poner que a los 16 años se fue a una fiesta loca de Universitarios y se acostó con 3 tipos y, por ende, ni sabía quién es el padre de su hija... Okey que leemos que ella se emborrachó, pero también leemos como ella estaba dispuesta a hacerlo... Y luego a lamentarse toda la puttana novelita. No sé, me resultó desagradable e innecesario. Bien podía haber sido madre soltera sin recurrir a esto...
Es solo mi humilde opinión.
December 28, 2015
The One You Want es una especie de novela-precuela para la saga The Original Heartbreakers de Gena Showalter, ademas de ser mi primera lectura de la autora.
Lei la historia porque la describian como una lectura ligera y entretenida y eso era lo que estaba buscando, fue muy rapida leer y la trama aunque en ocasiones un poco cliche, fue muy agradable.
Cumple su funcion de entretener ademas de ser una buena historia que nos adentra en el mundo de esta nueva serie y nos presenta a los futuros protagonistas de los siguientes libros.
3 Estrellas!
February 13, 2016
It really devastates me to give this book 2 Stars. I love, love, love Gena Showalter but this book almost seemed to be written by someone else. I love Norrie and West but was ambivalent about everyone else. I thought that Dane was a total ass who didn't deserve anyone! That said, because I love Showalter, I will attempt the next book in the series. I really hope the characters are more developed and interesting.
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