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The Flirty Fashionistas #1
Romancing the Fashionista
When fate offers a second chance, only a fool waits for the other shoe to drop.
The Flirty Fashionistas, Book 1
Manhattan fashion maven and magazine editor Melinda Mitchell shuns the social media spotlight. That is, until a tipsy girl’s night out ends with her first Facebook account and a friend request from none other than her secret high school crush, Nolan Parker.
When Nolan lost his chance at the big leagues, he signed on with Doctors Without Borders and never looked back. Now he’s back home to help out his ailing father. Running into Mel at his fifteen-year high school reunion rekindles old feelings he thought he’d buried for good.
Intrigued by Nolan’s irresistibly sexy profile, Melinda heads to the reunion with her best friend to see if the picture matches up to the man. Their instant attraction flares brighter than the Manhattan skyline.
Although the tough fashionista and accomplished ex-jock rub each other the very right way, a few stumbling blocks will decide if the heat between them is a symptom of forever love, or a past that should be left where it belongs.
Contains a tough, no-nonsense, Big-Apple businesswoman who likes to call her own shots, and a hot doctor who can turn her on with surgical precision.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2016
60 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Jackson
26 books485 followersUSA Today bestselling author and native New Yorker Kwana Jackson aka K.M Jackson spent her formative years on the A train where she had two dreams: (1) to be a fashion designer and (2) to be a writer. After spending more than ten years designing women’s sportswear for various fashion houses, Kwana took a leap of faith and decided to pursue her other dream of being a writer. A longtime advocate of equality and diversity in romance (#WeNeedDiverseRomance), Kwana is the mother of twins and currently lives in a suburb of New York with her husband. When not writing she can be found on Twitter @kwanawrites, on Facebook at facebook.com/KmJacksonAuthor, and on her website at www.kmjackson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 25, 2017
I think this novella would've benefited from being full-length. There was a lot of potential here, but the length restricted the exploration of most things, imo.
There were a lot of things I liked. For one, I'm a sucker for second chance romances, so this book was right up my alley. Both these characters were friends in high school but they never acted on it at the time. In the years since, both have had healthy relationships and sex lives, though they have had their ups and downs. I loved the authors decision to not make the heroine be some pining virgin. So, all good things. However, the negative here was that I didn't understand why they didn't explore anything before. They were friends and both liked one another, but it's never mentioned why Nolan didn't express this to Mel before. She had a crush on him, but he was with someone else, so I understood why she didn't pursue him. When Nolan reveals partway through that he'd liked her in high school too, Mel doesn't have much of a reaction, other than split-second moment of shock. We don't get her thoughts because this happens during Nolan's POV, but once we return to hers, there's no reaction to it either.
When it came to the conflict, I understood her hesitance in exploring a relationship, which would put her in a vulnerable position. She was played years earlier when she was in a relationship with a man (a professor), who then turned out to be married, which she hadn't known. She was pregnant at the time, so it made her even more vulnerable. She kept the child, but her trust in men was broken. So, I understood her feelings. What I didn't get, or like, was that, when dealing with Nolan, she has reactions and makes choices that irritated me. After she slept with Nolan at their HS reunion, she slipped out of his bed the next morning and ran for it back home. He sent her multiple Facebook messages afterwards, but she didn't respond to them. When she sees him again, it's at a red carpet event and he's with another woman (who Mel is not a fan of). I disliked her shocked and angry reaction here because what's it to her? I disliked how her reaction here was that Nolan had proven himself to be untrustworthy, just like other men. She pretty much relinquished any and all claim to him when she ghosted on him, so she needs to take several seats.
Also, when it came to Nolan, I felt she was too indecisive. While they're apart after sleeping together, she expresses why she can't/won't contact him at the end of one chapter. Next chapter, she regrets it and wants to reconnect. She sees him again soon after and realizes she made the right decision in avoiding him.
This book also features an eleventh hour crisis, which is one plot device I'm not a fan of and find pretty lazy. I dislike them and rarely find that they add anything positive to a book. In this novella, they seemed to be coming together anyway, so it seemed pretty unnecessary and overly dramatic. I would've preferred for her to overcome her lack of trust for men on her own rather than turning to Nolan because he was there for her in a time of need.
There were a lot of things I liked. For one, I'm a sucker for second chance romances, so this book was right up my alley. Both these characters were friends in high school but they never acted on it at the time. In the years since, both have had healthy relationships and sex lives, though they have had their ups and downs. I loved the authors decision to not make the heroine be some pining virgin. So, all good things. However, the negative here was that I didn't understand why they didn't explore anything before. They were friends and both liked one another, but it's never mentioned why Nolan didn't express this to Mel before. She had a crush on him, but he was with someone else, so I understood why she didn't pursue him. When Nolan reveals partway through that he'd liked her in high school too, Mel doesn't have much of a reaction, other than split-second moment of shock. We don't get her thoughts because this happens during Nolan's POV, but once we return to hers, there's no reaction to it either.
When it came to the conflict, I understood her hesitance in exploring a relationship, which would put her in a vulnerable position. She was played years earlier when she was in a relationship with a man (a professor), who then turned out to be married, which she hadn't known. She was pregnant at the time, so it made her even more vulnerable. She kept the child, but her trust in men was broken. So, I understood her feelings. What I didn't get, or like, was that, when dealing with Nolan, she has reactions and makes choices that irritated me. After she slept with Nolan at their HS reunion, she slipped out of his bed the next morning and ran for it back home. He sent her multiple Facebook messages afterwards, but she didn't respond to them. When she sees him again, it's at a red carpet event and he's with another woman (who Mel is not a fan of). I disliked her shocked and angry reaction here because what's it to her? I disliked how her reaction here was that Nolan had proven himself to be untrustworthy, just like other men. She pretty much relinquished any and all claim to him when she ghosted on him, so she needs to take several seats.
Also, when it came to Nolan, I felt she was too indecisive. While they're apart after sleeping together, she expresses why she can't/won't contact him at the end of one chapter. Next chapter, she regrets it and wants to reconnect. She sees him again soon after and realizes she made the right decision in avoiding him.
This book also features an eleventh hour crisis, which is one plot device I'm not a fan of and find pretty lazy. I dislike them and rarely find that they add anything positive to a book. In this novella, they seemed to be coming together anyway, so it seemed pretty unnecessary and overly dramatic. I would've preferred for her to overcome her lack of trust for men on her own rather than turning to Nolan because he was there for her in a time of need.
August 20, 2020
This is my first time reading this author, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. This story packs a lot of intense emotions, desire, strength, self worth and a very self confidant woman into this novella . Mel was sharp, strong, beautiful and true to herself.
Want to read
May 5, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/5/2020)! 🎁
May 26, 2016
A light, cute contemporary about a heroine who joins FB and then regrets all of the pictures people tag her in - but it reunites her with an old high school crush. They meet again at their fifteen year high school reunion...and fall in love.
Didn't connect so much with the heroine and her fashion maven status...she didn't come across to me as famous as I think she is.
Cute and light though.
Didn't connect so much with the heroine and her fashion maven status...she didn't come across to me as famous as I think she is.
Cute and light though.
March 7, 2016
Nolan has a great way with words, “woman, you’re going to kill me. I’m trying my best to play it cool here but you’re not even out of your dress and I may just come in my pants from the excitement.” I liked this book I loved Nolan.
May 10, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a fun read - which starts with a big mistake, joining Facebook, but ends up just where every good romance should! It was a light, easy story, which was perfect for a break between chores with a coffee and a cake. It has a message about multiracialism within the story which at times deflected from the romance, but those reminders of high school politics were spot on.
Look forward to reading more of this series.
This is a fun read - which starts with a big mistake, joining Facebook, but ends up just where every good romance should! It was a light, easy story, which was perfect for a break between chores with a coffee and a cake. It has a message about multiracialism within the story which at times deflected from the romance, but those reminders of high school politics were spot on.
Look forward to reading more of this series.
March 3, 2016
Who doesn't love a second chance at love...having known each other in high school, Melinda and Nolan meet up again at they're fifteen year high school reunion, two VERY different people...the metaphorical sparks fly and the story just takes off. Of course there'll be a few obstacles along the way, but this is a fun read which I recommend to those readers looking for a HEA.
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review.
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review.
October 11, 2016
A cute, light read and a nice novella for those readers who love reunion themes. Did feel the heroine bordered on unreasonable at the end, and an incident with her daughter felt out of place - but I liked these characters and enjoyed the set-up to the series. Looking forward to next in the series.
July 16, 2016
I loved this book. Mark this one as a keeper to re-read over and over. I love the idea of getting another shot with your high school crush at the reunion. I could totally relate to the Mel and Lexie’s antics with their HS school rivals. I LOL’d the whole time I was reading.
December 31, 2021
Rather funny
Ahh, the super strong I've-been-burned-and-I-don't-need-love-anymore character.
What I liked was the humor right off the bat. I was pleasantly surprised that the story was as funny as it was, dialogue-wise; this book had been in my Kindle for months and I guess I thought it would be super-dramatic (though still good), and I hadn't been in the mood for that recently, so I kept putting it off. But it wasn't like that and it made for a much smoother read, and I was engaged right off the bat. Which certainly doesn't happen that much; usually it's several chapters before I get to the can't-put-it-down portion.
I will say that, for me, the story felt a tad rushed towards the end. After the reunion, it seemed to glide over the water before getting to the wave. I just kept feeling like something was missing...a little more story meat. It was like I got hooked on seafood and gelato at first and then was given soup and salad....my hunger was still satisfied but it wasn't as yummy getting there as it could've been.
Still though, I enjoyed the story overall. It was good to read how Nolan pursued Mel but still called her out on her attitude. It was a great balance. The end was all right... didn't love or hate it. Still, glad I finally read this one.
Ahh, the super strong I've-been-burned-and-I-don't-need-love-anymore character.
What I liked was the humor right off the bat. I was pleasantly surprised that the story was as funny as it was, dialogue-wise; this book had been in my Kindle for months and I guess I thought it would be super-dramatic (though still good), and I hadn't been in the mood for that recently, so I kept putting it off. But it wasn't like that and it made for a much smoother read, and I was engaged right off the bat. Which certainly doesn't happen that much; usually it's several chapters before I get to the can't-put-it-down portion.
I will say that, for me, the story felt a tad rushed towards the end. After the reunion, it seemed to glide over the water before getting to the wave. I just kept feeling like something was missing...a little more story meat. It was like I got hooked on seafood and gelato at first and then was given soup and salad....my hunger was still satisfied but it wasn't as yummy getting there as it could've been.
Still though, I enjoyed the story overall. It was good to read how Nolan pursued Mel but still called her out on her attitude. It was a great balance. The end was all right... didn't love or hate it. Still, glad I finally read this one.
January 31, 2021
A cute but also rather poignant story about how racism can affect teens, and how jocks can be misunderstood and how sometimes we survive our teenage angst by the skin of our teeth and it takes growing to be an adult to come to terms with all those feelings. If you are lucky you just may get your happily ever after. It takes a lot of just letting go to get there!
March 30, 2024
Nice read
The hard as nails fm lead falls for the gorgeous safe space male lead. This novel works on so many levels! Just the right amount of spice to keep it flirty without overkill.
The hard as nails fm lead falls for the gorgeous safe space male lead. This novel works on so many levels! Just the right amount of spice to keep it flirty without overkill.
November 15, 2017
A fun, quick read. The heroine nearly got out of hand with standing in her own way of happiness, but she managed to pull it back. Nolan was lovely!
May 18, 2018
It's Hard to Let Go
Holding on to the past throws a roadblock in your future. Nolan works hard to move Mel forward to love.
Holding on to the past throws a roadblock in your future. Nolan works hard to move Mel forward to love.
August 3, 2019
I just wasn't really into this one. It all felt too forced between Mel and Nolan. The last minute problem to put them together was just too...hail Mary.
If you want a quick read, it'll do.
If you want a quick read, it'll do.
July 3, 2020
I LOVED this novella! It had a second-chance romance mixed with some serious issues. Just a great read!
November 15, 2023
Cute Quick Read
This was a cute quick read. A second chance for a first time at love. Short, sweet, and to the point.
This was a cute quick read. A second chance for a first time at love. Short, sweet, and to the point.
June 28, 2018
This story was a fun and quick read. I liked both Mel and Nolan as main characters and found myself cheering them on. (Plus, I like the high school reunion / second chances trope, anyway).
This was the first book by K.M. Jackson I have read, but it won't be the last. :)
This was the first book by K.M. Jackson I have read, but it won't be the last. :)
April 17, 2016
When I started to read Fashionista I was in the mood for a quick and light read, that is just what I got. Chick lit at his best. It is one of these stories that I can’t get enough of. Even though we know from the start how it will be ending, it is a pleasure to read it. I had no expectations at all when I started it since I had never heard of this author. I really like K.M. Jackson writing style, it is opening the way for new discoveries.
I always love stories that are set in the fashion industry because it is giving a touch of glamor to the storyline. Add some high school reunion to the mix and it can only make an interesting story. Mel and Lexi are friends since High School, Mel started her own fashion magazine and is a trend setter in NYC. On a night out, Lexi was able to convince Mel to go to their High School reunion and to loose up a little. When they arrive at the hotel for their reunion, Mel sees Nolan, her high school crush and it is the start of an entertaining ride.
Mel has closed her heart to men a long time ago. She has been hurt in the past and she has no intention to go through this again. Her focus is on her daughter, Bailey, and her work. It is all work and no play. Lexi is trying to help her friend to get out of her shell and to live again. Let me tell you that Mel is not happy about it, she prefers her golden cage that she built carefully. We are definitely getting a fashionista vibe from Mel and it is not stereotypical at all. The author was able to show Mel vulnerability and it was well done. Lexi is fun and a little crazy, everything that a character needs to be to give us a great story. I really liked her attitude and all the actions she took to drive Mel crazy.
Nolan knows what he wants and he is doing all that he can to get it. He is not coming across as aggressive or a player, he is just plain stubborn and it is entertaining. Respect to him is what really matters. He is a doctor, not a superficial one, one who deeply cares about people. He is trying to be on his A game to win Mel, but he is facing a big challenge.
Overall, I really enjoy this story, if you are looking for a quick read and humor and romance, then it will be a perfect match!
* I was gifted this ebook by JeepDiva in exchange of my honest opinion.
I always love stories that are set in the fashion industry because it is giving a touch of glamor to the storyline. Add some high school reunion to the mix and it can only make an interesting story. Mel and Lexi are friends since High School, Mel started her own fashion magazine and is a trend setter in NYC. On a night out, Lexi was able to convince Mel to go to their High School reunion and to loose up a little. When they arrive at the hotel for their reunion, Mel sees Nolan, her high school crush and it is the start of an entertaining ride.
Mel has closed her heart to men a long time ago. She has been hurt in the past and she has no intention to go through this again. Her focus is on her daughter, Bailey, and her work. It is all work and no play. Lexi is trying to help her friend to get out of her shell and to live again. Let me tell you that Mel is not happy about it, she prefers her golden cage that she built carefully. We are definitely getting a fashionista vibe from Mel and it is not stereotypical at all. The author was able to show Mel vulnerability and it was well done. Lexi is fun and a little crazy, everything that a character needs to be to give us a great story. I really liked her attitude and all the actions she took to drive Mel crazy.
Nolan knows what he wants and he is doing all that he can to get it. He is not coming across as aggressive or a player, he is just plain stubborn and it is entertaining. Respect to him is what really matters. He is a doctor, not a superficial one, one who deeply cares about people. He is trying to be on his A game to win Mel, but he is facing a big challenge.
Overall, I really enjoy this story, if you are looking for a quick read and humor and romance, then it will be a perfect match!
* I was gifted this ebook by JeepDiva in exchange of my honest opinion.
March 26, 2016
Samhain publishings latest book Romancing the Fashionista kept me turning the pages as I read about Melinda Mitchell and Nolan Parker. The first sentence of the book said it all, we've all uttered the words or variations of 'Screw you Facebook' when we have been tagged when we aren't looking our best on pictures by friends that you barely see anymore. So as you can guess this book is based about a highschool reunion mean girls and the one that got away.
Nolan is finally coming home after 15 years as a Doctor in the Doctors without borders program will his high school reunion be the chance for this player to finally make a connection with his high school crush? Melinda has come along way from high school she's a high powered fashion guru that lives for 2 things her magazine and her daughter Bailey, Romance is the last thing on her mind.
I can't wait to read more about the Fashionistas and I am hoping that some of the other characters we meet at the reunion will be getting their own stories too. With a sassy heroine and hunky hero I loved reading this book and I am sure you will too. This could easily be a 5star book for me but it seemed to end a little suddenly, although with this being the first in the flirty fashionistas series I am sure to meet up with Melinda and Nolan in the future and I can't wait.
B2B Heather
Nolan is finally coming home after 15 years as a Doctor in the Doctors without borders program will his high school reunion be the chance for this player to finally make a connection with his high school crush? Melinda has come along way from high school she's a high powered fashion guru that lives for 2 things her magazine and her daughter Bailey, Romance is the last thing on her mind.
I can't wait to read more about the Fashionistas and I am hoping that some of the other characters we meet at the reunion will be getting their own stories too. With a sassy heroine and hunky hero I loved reading this book and I am sure you will too. This could easily be a 5star book for me but it seemed to end a little suddenly, although with this being the first in the flirty fashionistas series I am sure to meet up with Melinda and Nolan in the future and I can't wait.
B2B Heather
July 30, 2016
3.25 STARS
I am a fan of KM Jackson. I bought this book even though I am far from someone who would connect with a "fashionista" heroine (my fault lol I know), but I liked the premise of this romance and love the concept.
It's a light, quick, cute contemporary about a heroine who joins FB and then regrets it after she gets tagged in a bunch of stuff (who can't relate to that!!!???!!!), but it leads to a reunion with her old high school crush. Who doesn't love a reunion and/or second chance romance?
Cute, right?
Well written and good premise, but didn't connect with heroine or hero, perhaps since it's more of a novella. Recommend for a light, quick, swoony read.
I'm on the lookout for more from K. M. Jackson in future.
I am a fan of KM Jackson. I bought this book even though I am far from someone who would connect with a "fashionista" heroine (my fault lol I know), but I liked the premise of this romance and love the concept.
It's a light, quick, cute contemporary about a heroine who joins FB and then regrets it after she gets tagged in a bunch of stuff (who can't relate to that!!!???!!!), but it leads to a reunion with her old high school crush. Who doesn't love a reunion and/or second chance romance?
Cute, right?
Well written and good premise, but didn't connect with heroine or hero, perhaps since it's more of a novella. Recommend for a light, quick, swoony read.
I'm on the lookout for more from K. M. Jackson in future.
August 25, 2016
This was a short and good enough story. I liked the two lead characters, they had good chemistry and an history that made the romance organic and believable. Melinda had good reasons to be guarded, Nolan didn't act too much llike an ass or anything and Lexie was fun.
November 15, 2016
Loved this story! Although short, I found it well fleshed out for a novella. I loved Mel and Nolan, and the chemistry they had together. Sometimes a high school crush isn't just puppy love. I would have gobbled up many more pages of their story!
August 15, 2016
There's no need for a long drawn out review for this book. It was cute and predictable as some romance books are. If you're looking for a light, entertaining read them I recommend this book!
March 31, 2017
Interesting read. The same as another reviewer, I couldn't connect with the heroine, nor the hero. The story was sweet and well told. It was slower than what I was expecting. Overall a 4.0 story for content..
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November 14, 2017 Currently FREE (11/14) http://amzn.to/2AKDgf4
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews