Almost Romance

Clover Park Charmers #5

by Kylie Gilmore

Physicist Kate Lewis is shocked when the man she left behind travels one thousand miles to crash the physics department’s holiday party and ask for a second chance. Kate doesn’t do long-distance relationships. But she does do Ian. Multiple times. Small problem—she has a boyfriend. Too bad love isn’t a science.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Second Chance

130 pages, ebook

First published November 11, 2015

About the author

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***THE SEXY PART is out now!***

Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty humorous contemporary romances. Her series include Happy Endings in Clover Park, Unleashed Romance, the Rourkes, the Happy Endings Book Club, Clover Park, and Clover Park Charmers. With more than three million downloads of her books, readers all over the world love escaping into her hilarious feel-good romances featuring strong bonds with family, friends, and community.

Kylie lives in New York with her family, a demanding cat, and a nutso dog. When she's not writing, reading hot romance, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her happily crafting what will surely be future family heirlooms.

Join the Gilmore Goddesses Readers Group to chat about Kylie's books in a non-spoilerly way. Also, man candy. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gilmo...

Find out more about Kylie and upcoming books at www.kyliegilmore.com. Sign up for Kylie’s newsletter at https://www.kyliegilmore.com/newsletter

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KYLIE’S BOOKS

HAPPY ENDINGS IN CLOVER PARK
The Kissing Part (Book 1)
The Sexy Part (Book 2)

UNLEASHED ROMANCE
Fetching (Book 1)
Dashing (Book 2)
Sporting (Book 3)
Toying (Book 4)
Blazing (Book 5)
Chasing (Book 6)
Daring (Book 7)
Leading (Book 8)
Racing (Book 9)
Loving (Book 10)

THE ROURKES
Royal Catch (Book 1)
Royal Hottie (Book 2)
Royal Darling (Book 3)
Royal Charmer (Book 4)
Royal Player (Book 5)
Royal Shark (Book 6)
Rogue Prince (Book 7)
Rogue Gentleman (Book 8)
Rogue Rascal (Book 9)
Rogue Angel (Book 10)
Rogue Devil (Book 11)
Rogue Beast (Book 12)

HAPPY ENDINGS BOOK CLUB
Hidden Hollywood (Book 1)
Inviting Trouble (Book 2)
So Revealing (Book 3)
Formal Arrangement (Book 4)
Bad Boy Done Wrong (Book 5)
Mess With Me (Book 6)
Resisting Fate (Book 7)
Chance of Romance (Book 8)
Wicked Flirt (Book 9)
An Inconvenient Plan (Book 10) 
A Happy Endings Wedding (Book 11)

CLOVER PARK SERIES
The Opposite of Wild (Book 1)
Daisy Does It All (Book 2)
Bad Taste in Men (Book 3)
Kissing Santa (Book 4)
Restless Harmony (Book 5)
Not My Romeo (Book 6)
Rev Me Up (Book 7)
An Ambitious Engagement (Book 8)
Clutch Player (Book 9)
A Tempting Friendship (Book 10)
Clover Park Bride: Nico and Lily’s Wedding
A Valentine’s Day Gift (Book 11)
Maggie Meets Her Match (Book 12)

CLOVER PARK CHARMERS
Almost Over It (Book 1)
Almost Married (Book 2)
Almost Fate (Book 3)
Almost in Love (Book 4)
Almost Romance (Book 5)
Almost Hitched (Book 6)

Reviews

[Deborah Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie is attending a work holiday party counting the minutes until she can escape and return to her research. As a physicist, she has more important things to do than socialize. She is startled to hear a familiar voice from her past. What in the world is Ian doing here. Ian hooked up with Katie years ago. His feelings for her run deep but he knew she wasn't ready for a relationship at that time. Finishing her education meant everything to her so he backed away and waited. Katie views the world analytically. Ian makes her feel things she doesn't understand. She is a scientist. These out of control feelings are not logical. She also has a boyfriend she has a comfortable relationship with even though he doesn't get always get her. Almost Romance is a fun story of how a determined man can make a quirky scientist believe in the magic of love.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Kate and Ian. Kate is a brilliant 25 yr old, knowledgeable in physics, but not so much in emotions and relationships. Ian is a computer genius, who is not only bright but has no problems with relationships. He has been in love with Kate for years, unbeknownst to her. Though she is attracted to him.
I have to say the first 1/2 of the story made me a tad impatient with Kate due to her immaturity . Likely because of her upbringing , unemotional parents who expected her to always excel in academics.
Ian brings her the balance she needs. we are left with them saying goodbye at the airport with promises of a long distance relationship. So we will just have to wait till ALMOST HITCHED is published next year. Keep your fingers crossed for their happy ever after.

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian has become my favorite Geek Stud. His surprise visit to finally claim the woman who changed him more than he changed her was sweet and down right erotic.

Ian provided Kate with a feeling no other have been able to match when she went into the world with the notion to soar her wild oats. After getting a nice surprise at her Christmas party she got the friend who not only understood her also the man who will give her the love that is all consuming.

Kylie hit the romance full-tilt bogie in this one.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Romance

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love the Clover Park STUDS! This is the story of Ian and Kate. Ian and Kate have run into one another before and Ian's player attitude made it a one time encounter. Ian did not count on his attraction to Kate and his desire to want more. Their timing never seems to work out with Ian in a long term relationship and Kate with a current boyfriend. But Ian shows up at her work, out of his relationship, and wanting to be in a serious relationship with Kate. Kate must look at how she really feels about her current relationship and what she wants in a future life. This is especially difficult for Kate because she does not deal well or understand how to face emotions.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Romance by Kylie Gilmore is another great book. Ian is a hot smart guy that had lots of girls until he meet Kate and oh how she changed him. Kate is a beautiful smart girl who only cares about her work and does no how to show love. Ian goes to find Kate he loves her and wants her to be his girlfriend. I do not like to give spoilers in my reviews, so to find out if Ian gets his girl you must buy it. Kate and Ian were introduced in Almost in Love, to get the whole story you should read both books, or you can read this one as a standalone.

Kylie Gilmore hit it out of the park with this fun sexy read.

I was given this ARC, for my honest review.

[Nikki Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kylie is evil. That is all. I mean that with all the love in the world. Can't wait for more Ian and Kate! <3

[SusanL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic prelude to their forever story!

Ian and Kate. I adored these two. Ian, so kind, patient and loving. Kate, so serious and literal. You’d think there’s no way these two people could have a future, let alone a relationship beyond friendship. But they work!

Kate, so wrapped up in her career goals, logic ruling her life, short circuits around Ian. She doesn’t understand why Ian is the only one who affects her this way. It was fun to follow her straightforward thinking and then she sees Ian, mental chaos attacks her brain and boom! Short circuit.

Ian, who’s had girlfriends, even long-term relationships, can’t forget Kate. They were friends and quite suddenly more when Kate gave him her virginity. Kate was always there, embedded into his soul.

How to make Kate believe a long distance relationship could work between them? How could a relationship work with Ian when he’s so far away?

Ian, in his kind, patient, loving way, and with the help of a blizzard, teaches Kate that love can endure even when apart.

Wonderful story and, wow, the sex was a 10+.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate runs into Ian, whom she’s had an on-again/off-again thing for years. Neither one of them can forget that night.

Kate is a cute, dorky physicist and Ian brings out her sensual side. In fact, he’s the only one that can short-circuit her brain. An MIT graduate, Kate is a very smart cookie, and she seems to lose all sense when it comes to Ian. She is very honest and scientific and, because of that, she doesn’t know the first thing about relationships. She’s like the female Sheldon, which made her a lovable character. As for Ian, well, “brains and manliness made him the total package.” Yeah!

A sensual, geeky romance!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great second chance romance with characters who we have met and fallen in love with in earlier books in this series. Kate is Amber's very serious sister and Ian is Bare's younger brother. These two are a great couple but Ian has to work hard to convince Kate that they should be together. This story is funny and sexy and just plain good.

[Lytelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real page turner

Really liked the entire story actually read it while I was at work, in its entirety. I laughed and thought she really had to be clueless to get feelings, it's funny because I can actually tell the difference in men's eyes to what they want from me.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

I thought this was cute.. The serious & literal woman With a hot guy who brings out the naughty in her and makes her loosen up and not think about everything too much.. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Sharon Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book. Kate' s first was Ian & he has just crash her Christmas works party, she hasn't seen him since she was at her sister's for Christmas. She has a boyfriend but Ian wants her for a relationship!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

I’m fairly new to this author. There was a little language and a lot of sex, but the story was nice, with some humor thrown in the mix.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian was a charmer! Kate was wonderfully nerdy. I wish this had been a full story, but it was a fun prequel.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate and Ian are so cute!

[Iluvbooks44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kylie's books and this one doesn't disappoint.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Romance is a HFN second chance romance short story that can be read as a standalone.

Almost Romance is the HFN (Happy For Now) short story of Ian and Kate, two very lovable geeks/nerds, who we first met in Almost in Love. However, you don’t need to have read that book to read this book as this picks up a couple of years later. The book edges on a second chance romance with this couple having previously never found the right time to truly make a go of a romance, despite their undeniable chemistry.

Ian and Kate have a sweet connection that was formed after their siblings got together and based on their shared intellectual interests. However, these are two slightly awkward and unique characters whose sexual chemistry is off the charts. Told through dual perspectives, we get to truly know these two characters who we only glimpsed in the first book and find that there is so much more to both of them, especially Kate who has had an unconventional and lonely upbringing, even if it wasn’t the worst.

As always, the book is well written, with a witty style of writing that really works for these two characters. While this can be read as a standalone with a HFN that rounds off enough of Ian and Kate’s story, it will definitely leave you desperate to read the conclusion to their story in Almost Hitched. For those who have read Almost in Love, it was nice to get another brief look into Amber and Barry’s life too, adding that extra bit of familiarity and enjoyment.

Definitely recommend you give this book a read!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Lauren :) (Romance Novel Giveaways) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok...now I HAVE to know what happens!

While this story doesn't involve a cliffhanger and is nicely concluded with a "Happy For Now," I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting the release of the full-length novel featuring Kate and Ian, Almost Hitched.

We were introduced to Kate and Ian in an earlier book in this series, but this book does an excellent job of recapping their history for those who haven't read the previous book.

I liked reading Kate because she was very direct. A little socially-challenged, when she needed to tell Ian something or needed to know something, she said so, no beating around the bush. I really liked that about her, and found that quality made the story progress quite nicely.

Ian was absolutely adorable. He TRULY loved Kate, and Kylie did an excellent job of bringing that emotion off of the pages and making me FEEL how much he loved Kate.

I read the whole book in one sitting, and did I mention that I CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE OF KATE AND IAN'S STORY?!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

They’re back! When I first read about Kate and Ian back in book one of the Stud series (Almost In Love) I just knew I’d be seeing them again. It’s four years later and Ian is ready to take their relationship to the next level. Kate, however, is hurtling full speed ahead on the career track and won’t let anything derail her from her goals. Much as she’d love to spend more time with the ultra-hot Ian, he’s just too much of a distraction.

In this prequel to their main story, the author creates a delightful romance filled with realistic characters and scenarios. Kate is representative of every woman who longs to have it all – a top-notch career and a loving family life. Ian has no intentions of derailing her career, but he, like most men, wants a bigger piece of her attention.

Set in snowy Chicago around the holidays, Almost Romance is a quick and terrific read to kick off your holiday season. And I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what else Ms. Gilmore comes up with for this charming couple in Almost Hitched.

[Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After what seems like forever the story of Kate and Ian (which you started to see in Almost In Love) is being told! So this is a great way to get caught up on what they have been up to since then.... so lets recap... Kate was 21 and ready to get rid of her V-card. Ian was a player and happily took it right off her hands. This experience changed him. But Kate was not ready to get serious with anyone. So she went back to school. When she graduated Ian thought this would be their time, he was wrong. Kate was off to Chicago and didn't think that a long distance relationship would work. Eventually Ian went after her to show her that they should be together. Kate doesn't really know how to have relationships with other people. Ian seems to be the most understanding man on the planet. I absolutely love his determination to be with her and not let her push him away, and how he drags her out of her perfect comfort zone. So with some convincing they give the long distance relationship a try. I am quite excited to read the rest of their story to see how they work it all out.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Lewis is a Physicist whose whole life has been centered around academia. She is somewhat emotionally and relationship stunted due to parents who did not show affection and who always pushed her in her academic studies.

Ian Farnukle is a computer genius and a definite player.

Four years ago, as they both spent the summer at their respective siblings' apartments across the hall from each other, Kate gave Ian her virginity.

Kate has a very strong attraction to Ian and Ian has been in love with Kate all these years.

Now, Ian crashes Kate's Physics Department Christmas Party wanting a relationship. Only problem is......Kate has a boyfriend. Will Ian get his Christmas wish and convince Kate her attraction is love?

This is another great addition to Kylie's STUD series. This book definitely stands alone as Kylie does a great job giving background information on the characters, but you will want to read all the other books in the series. Don't miss out!!!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twist to the Clover Park Studs series! Ian and Katie have met before and Ian fell in love with her. However, he knew her education was the most important thing to her so he backed off, watched & waited for the right time. Katie is now a physicist & views everything through a scientist mind. She really doesn't like to socialize. She doesn't even realize that Ian is in love with her until her sister tells her.

I say a twist because to me, Katie is the geeky nerd of this book. Ian forces her to feel things she isn't comfortable with and tries to ignore. Kylie has Ian's character pull her out of her shell to face him and his feelings. LOVED this one! Kylie has done an excellent job of developing these characters & forcing Katie to face the real world. The plot & characters pull you in from the beginning and keep you interested until the end. You won't be sorry for reading any of Kylie's books!

[Candace Mantyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Romance, by Kylie Gilmore, is Ian and Kate’s novella in the Clover Park STUDS series. We were introduced to Ian and Kate back in Almost In Love, book one of the STUDS series.

Ian and Kate met a few years back when they were each staying with their sibling for the summer. They became “close” friends, but at the end of summer they left to return to college with no strings attached. Now that they have both graduated and started their careers, Ian wants a commitment from Kate. Unfortunately, Kate is convinced that she will just end up hurting Ian.

Almost Romance is a quick enjoyable read. It’s a continuation of a romance that blossomed in the background of another book, but it is a stand-alone read. It was fun to catch up with Ian and Kate and some of the other characters from the STUDS series.

[IrishdaisylovesRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, funny read. I loved Kate even though she was a total geek and unfamiliar with social settings that just made the story that bit more fun and easy to read. Ian is also a geek but is well able for any social setting, he has a big soft spot for Kate as she is the only one who totally gets him and vice-versa. As these two try to move around sleeping together all those years ago it really makes for an interesting read and I read it in one sitting, I was hooked on this couple right from the start. You don't need to read Almost Romance before Almost Hitched but I did as it gave a more detailed background on Ian and Kate.
I really loved it!!! #GeekGirlsRule definitely a must read to be added to your TBR #HEARomance

[Marilyn Jang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for an honest review.

What a great romance. It was so nice for Ian to come and see his love, Kate. She didn't even know that he was totally in love with her. She had to find out from her sister.

Anyways, I am so glad I got a chance to read this book. I love Christmas and it is one of the holidays I feel that anyone can come together. Glad that Kate finally realizes that Ian has always been there for her and despite the distance, he made sure that he will continue to be there and follow the path to wherever it takes her.

Thanks Kylie for a wonderful story. I cannot wait to read the rest of the stories you have written.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Fell for Ian in The prequel to the clover park studs before it became a part of book one. My nerdy heart has always and will always have a soft spot for nerdy hero types but my all time favorite is a Nerdy Alpha Male which is exactly as I see Ian.

He has a complete Alpha swagger dispute being a complete nerd. I love this glimpse of the way that a completely Nerdy and innocent Kate can completely change his hound dog ways with out even trying. I so love Kate and her hipper rational ways. Excitedly looking forward to the next step in this amazing couples journey.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Romance is a hilarious look at the science of love. Well written, sexy gift for the holiday season. Kylie Gilmore took the most common emotion in the world (LOVE) and examined not just the emotion but the dynamics behind what makes it all worthwhile. Short, sweet and to the point with somewhat awkward yet endearing characters Almost Romance let me fall in love with this feel good story. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Connie Davé · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I love Kate and Ian!! Loved reading about them in Almost in Love where Kate's sister and Ian's brother get together but also where Ian and Kate meet for the first time. This novella of course is short but it is hot! Ian and Kate have some chemistry and steam but more than that Kate is just so adorable in her quirks. This is definitely a great beginning/bridge to Ian and Kate's HEA!

[Lena Dublin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we get the skinny on Kate and Ian. I wasn't sure what happened to them after meeting them in Barry and Amber's story "Almost in Love". I knew their first time had very different effects on both of them. Ian seemed more lost and she just seemed annoyed. I'm glad they found their way. I can't wait to read more of their story in Almost Hitched.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good prequel! Kate was so serious and everything had to be so thought out. Ian was more laid back and relaxed. When Ian shows up to visit Kate it throws her into a tailspin. There were some really funny laugh out loud moments and some really HOT moments!! I am really enjoying the Clover Park series!