Dash Oliver and Willow Dane both shared the same philosophy.
That is, until a merger of sorts. Thrown together by fate or serendipity, was their connection... their chemistry... their compatibility enough to convince them that their rules were made to be broken and that they belonged together?
Fifi Flowers, an internationally known artist turn author from the Los Angeles area of California, writes romance novels and paints fantasies with a Parisian flair while daydreaming of her time spent sipping cafe crème in the cafes of Paris
She penned her love of Paris and romance to the pages of her first novel, A Window To Love, published in 2013, when she sat down, and instead of putting paint to paper, put her pen to paper and began her first novel. Since that first novel, Fifi has self-published several contemporary romances and has many more in the works.
Fate happens when you least expect it 4.5 gold stars
*An ARC was provided for honest review for Wicked Women Book Blog*
My first encounter with Fifi Flowers and I am totally in love with her storytelling. Just a Number is a light, fun and sexy read with a touch of hidden depths to it that left me smiling, swooning and even crying at certain points.
The story starts off with Willow getting ready for work. She’s a manager at a PR company and is totally into her work. She’s smart sassy, incredibly beautiful and strong. She receives two surprising emails on that day, one from her mother, which a big shock since Willow had no idea her mother, Marian, had even knew how to operate a computer and the 2nd from her boss informing her of a merger that has been given the green light.
Then we meet Dash, oh my god, this man is totally swoony and to die for and I may have wanted to throw myself at him at every given moment because! He’s just that good. He’s smart, funny, is a rockstar-yoga-guru and he’s perfect. Initially it wasn’t clear what Dash did other than his yoga but we find out later on what his day job is. But for the moment he see him traipsing all across the country to give yoga lessons to holiday goers in various known hotels.
Both Willow and Dash have one thing in common, they don’t do commitment. They are opposed to it for various reasons, reasons which when I learned about made my heart stumble. Both of them had to walk away from a painful past. A past that has shaped them into who they were today.
As Fate would have it, Dash meets Willow accidentally when he’s over for a short visit and all his senses enhanced by yoga goes into overdrive. He cannot believe the instant attraction he feels for a young woman he just meet for a few minutes. Sadly he doesn’t have any way of finding her. Or does he? Well this thing called Fate is what bring Willow back into his life again when he finds her at a resort that he’s giving yoga lessons at. And sparks fly, souls mesh, and these two perfect for each other couple get to know each other on every level but personal. That’s the one rule Willow has not to ask personal questions and Dash never oversteps his bounds.
Dash tries hard to fight this connection that leaves him wanting more, more than he’s ever dreamed of wanting, more than he knows Willow wants. But they continue with their fun affair and slowly gives more of each other and falls deeper into each other’s spell.
While their souls are meshing on a different level, Willow continues to receive emails from her mother which gives her insight into her mother’s life and also into the dark and archaic thoughts of her father. She learns that he’s kept snippets of her professional success, and she learns things that makes her open up to a side to herself that she’s always kept switched off. She also learns more about her company merger and wonders what role she would have to play.
When Fate has decided on the outcome no matter how much you fight it, you can’t run from it. Willow and Dash finds themselves in each other company yet again and in this case it also involves their friends. But the final stumbling block comes when they both find out that they work for the same company. What happens next is something I didn't think would happen. To find out Willow and Dash's fate, 1-click this beauty as soon as possible.
Just a Number wasn’t just a story about two people fight against love. It was two beautiful souls who were right for each other maybe finding their way back to each other. Along the way we met their incredibly friends. There was Thumablina and Hazel and Mr. Simon, I gave a little bit of my heart to all three. And then there was Rex, Leo and Trey, these boy had me laughing, their comfortable camaraderie made me miss my own friends. Just a Number was exactly what I needed, a beautiful blend of fun and sexy with a heavy touch of swoon.
If you’re looking to fall in love with characters and leave feeling refreshed. If you want to laugh, giggle, smile, swoon, get hot and bothered, then I totally recommend Fifi Flowers Just a Number for you.
We’re just a number, that’s it. No details, no questions. NADA! Willow and Dash believe in the same thing, just sex no questions, no feelings. It’s all fun and games until….
We meet Willow in the beginning, she’s your everyday go getter. Daily routine’s nothing out of the usual. Work, work and more work. She’s strong, open minded and determined. Nothing can get in her way, that is until now. One too many drinks may be her undoing.
We then meet Dash, the “rockstar-yoga-guru”. He is also a go getter, always determined to go above and beyond for his clients. Unlike his friends he’s looking for nothing serious, just a quick “roll in bed”. Everything seems to be ok, that is until that one night at the bar. His “corporate girl with those icy blue eyes” she haunts him everywhere he goes, he thinks it’s just his imagination until……the waves spit her out of the sea!
Yes, that exactly! The waves spit her out. It is then that Dash “finds” his corporate girl, the one who has been haunting him for the past weeks. Coincidence? I think not, more like fate. Can they overcome their rules and be together? What if it doesn’t work out? What if he wants more than just sex? Does she feel the same way? These are all questions both Willow and Dash think of constantly. They are too worried that they may not “mix” well but in reality they need each other more than they think. Will it be a good reason to break their rules?
Just a Number is a great story, we all deserve a shot at finding true love. Sometimes we may think we don’t want anything to do with the “L” word, when in reality deep down, we do want it. This story was full of awesome quotes! My favorite being “Does anything remove that red lipstick from your mouth?” I smiled thinking of a few things that might. “It’s magical. Guaranteed not to smear or come off during kissing. It’s completely kissable.”“Is that so?” His blue eyes held my longing gaze. “Maybe you should test it.”
Whoa! Talk about steamy!!! I want to go buy red lipstick and hope someone asks me the same, preferably a “rockstar-yoga-guru”.
Just a number is how many take life by the horns. People come and go and may not make a difference. Willow has her friend Thomasina "thumbelina", but then there are others who don't mean much to her in her life. She is not wanting to settle down and lives life to the fullest as she wants.
Dash "rockstar-yoga-guru" seems like he is the same as Willow. He is a businessman and teaches yoga. He has his set of friends that are a variety of single, taken, wild, and settled down.
Sometimes you just need to clear your head. What is so great things happen when you least expect it. When life gives you lemons make lemonade. Things are changing in both of their lives and they are doing what they can to go with it and keep on living. A break is what they both need.
I liked the book signing and the guys point of view. I remember going to one and it was exactly like that with the men there at the signing. This is where things start to change and new beginnings for friends happen. I am glad that Willow started to communicate with her mom. I can definitely relate to some of my family members learning new technology and taking their responses for what it is, a person learning new things. I think it is similar to the story of how they learn new things about themselves and having new perspectives. I wish we could see more in the future of some of the other characters.
I was asked to read and reviewe Just A Number, by Fifi Flowers. Wow, can I just say, "WOW"!!! I am so glad I was asked to review this one! The release date for this book is March 14th, but you can add it to your Goodreads shelf now. See link below. Dash Oliver and Willow Dane share the same outlook on relationships. 1. No details 2. No love 3. Simple Flings 4. Fun only 5. Forever is not an option 6. Everyone is just a number 7. Do not break the rules
Willow is a career driven woman, working in a man's world. Her only goal is to be successful. Dash is a laid back yoga instructor, although there's more there than meets the eye, who is just looking for fun.
Character development - 10 Story - 10 Sexiness (Sex scenes/hotness) - 10 Overall rating - 10
I doubt I will be handing out very many perfect scores, but this is one of them. Just after I finished the book, I felt compelled to message the author and let her know the book was fabulous! This is one that I will definitely recommend and will be adding this author to my favorites list. Please let her know if you read the book and whether you enjoy it or not.
I love Fifi's writing . She has an amazing ability to pull you in and want to love and know the characters. Willow and Dash are an unlikely couple. Their only common bond is that neither is interested in commitment. Willow is a PR whirlwind . She is smart, sexy, sassy and independent. Dash is our hot Yoga master , he also dabbles in other interests and has a keen business sense. Willow and Dash have amazing chemisty and appeal. It may start as lust and physical attraction but neither of them are prepared for what fate has in store for them. Is it possible that these two non-comittement phobics can even attempt a relationship ? Anything can happen with a little bit of love, faith and chance !! Do yourself a favor and take the rife with WIllow and Dash!
I was gifted this book for an honest review . ~~Michele McMullen ~~
Willow was a great character because besides being independant and beautiful she was hardworking too. She is such an honest woman and regardless of what others expect she strives to be the best at what she does.
Dash is good god sexy!!! He was full of surprises and never ceases to turn you on at every turn. I enjoyed his character because he never gives up on what he wants and that is hawt!!
Tomasina was freakin hilarious and made for an even more fun read.
Fifi will always keep you smiling with her books. She has such a great sense of humor and her hormones help to make for a super hawt read!!! I love her work and always look forward to her work.
I liked this story of two people who aren’t into long term relationships. They keep getting thrown together. In this big world what are the chances of running into the same person more than once? I like to think fate is trying to tell them something. They just need to quit fighting it and listen.
Dash Oliver and Willow Dane have a strong connection they can’t fight. Even with their pull to each other they insist on following rules and boundaries they have set up for themselves. When does it become more than just a number? This doesn’t have your normal happy ever after, but for Dash and Willow it works great.
*I received an ARC of this book for an honest review*
Well Dash makes me want to start yoga classes. I mean I would love for him to bend my body however he see's fit......lol. Willow was a strong willed business women who was not looking for anything serious let alone to fall in love. When these two run into each other it's like an instant connection. They are both head strong people who happen to love yoga and love their jobs. This was a great read and I can't wait to see what come next from Fifi Flowers.
This book was a fun and sexy, quick read. The main characters, Dash Oliver and Willow Dane, are both currently content in their normal routine- work, exercise, hang out with friends, and the occassional hook up. Neither are interested in a committed relationship, until fate intervines and puts these two together on more than one occasion. Three random encounters, two in different states, but the chemistry is undeniable. See what happens when they decide to break all the rules.
Just A Number is absolutely delicious! Fifi Flowers has created a towering cake of cleverly crafted layers; laugh out loud humor, smart and witty dialogue, and sizzling sex that will satisfy your book cravings in a big way. It's also a poignant tale of two people’s jaded views and deep disappointment surrounding relationships of the heart as well as family.
Willow Dane and Dash Oliver (I just love those names!) top the chemistry chart at dangerously combustible. Willow doesn’t remember propositioning Dash at a Los Angeles bar a few weeks ago. Imbibing in one too many “martoonies” will do that to you. In her defense, she’d just received some rather shocking news at work. In any case, good friend Tomasina, aka Thumbelina, put the kibosh on any embarrassing morning afters. It’s all merely a drunken haze. At least, until she runs into Dash leading a sunrise yoga session on the beach in Hawaii.
Dash is overjoyed that Fate, or whoever, has dropped the gorgeous brunette smack onto his yoga mat. He’s been dreaming about her ever since her bold but tipsy proposition in that LA bar. Surely this a sign. A sign they both jump on and take advantage of, spending the week in a bubble of bliss.
We had chemistry in and out of naked intimacy. It felt as if I knew him always, yet we knew nothing personally about each other. Hokey or not, we had a Zen-like connection. And, no connection. We said our final goodbyes; no chance of seeing each other again. No exchange of contact information. We followed the rules… my rules. No details. Simply resort sex. We were just numbers to each other.
But, were they? Rules, schmules. Dash wants more. Unfortunately, he has no way of contacting Willow, nor does he know if she even lives in LA where he first saw her. Truth be told, Willow wouldn’t mind getting bendy with the hot yoga instructor again. It would be easy for her to track him down. Even though she’d resisted taking one of Dash’s brochures touting his yoga-guru-heartthrob status, she might, maybe, could contact the hotel for his info. After much deliberation, Willow decides their wonderfully hot time together would most likely end in broken hearts and hard feelings. Best to stick to her rules. No contact! So is Fate pointing out the obvious when they run into each other yet again, this time at a writer’s convention in Chicago? But does Willow finally cave and toss her rules? Uh, no. We, women, can be stubborn. Apparently, Fate has had it up to here with the nonsense. She steps up her game, big time. Oh, what fun it is!
I love how Ms. Flowers slowly reveals both characters, alternating chapters in Willow, then Dash’s voice. Together, they are perfect for each other. The romance is dreamy, the sex is hot, and best of all, they have a great friendship. The secondary characters that pop in and out and are often hilarious, always interesting, and serve to enlighten us about why these two have such disdain for commitment. I thoroughly enjoyed Just A Number! I’m hoping for another book, this time starring Willow’s BFF, Tomasina and Dash’s hunky friend Rex, who just happens to write romance novels! **** Reviewed for Xtreme Delusions ****
Just A Number by author Fifi Flowers is by far my favorite book written by her so far. I absolutely love how Ms.Flowers can pull me into a story so completely that I lose track of time. This was a fun book with the perfect mix of attraction, humor and just the right amount of steamy romance. Just A Number is now my favorite book written by this amazing author.
What to say about Dash Oliver the Yoga guru? Hot! Hot! Hot! This man is sexy to say the least. He is cocky, self assured and even though he is head over heels attracted to Willow Dane, he is fighting it tooth and nail. Dash lives a certain way. No commitments. No ties. No strings. Ever! Well, until now. In walks Willow Dane and she just might be the one to hook him. I don't know though... Willow has her own list when it comes to the “no no’s” in relationships. These two strong willed, stubborn people, for some reason accidentally keep bumping into each other. It seems like maybe fate has plans for them.
Just A Number is the full package. We get wonderful characters that are layered and the story rounds out beautifully. There are also some secondary characters that you will love. Of course I absolutely love DJ Suze and Tomasina will crack you up! Tomasina is Willows best friend and partner in crime. I was on one heck of an emotional roller coaster while reading the story. The author did a superb job of pulling out all kinds of emotions in me. From laughing out loud, then to swooning over Dash, and even wanting to smack both Dash and Willow to get them to wake up. There is also a certain part in the story that will have you holding your heart.
Will Dash and Willow give in to their attraction and find love? Do they get the perfect happily ever after? You will have to read it for yourself to find out!
I LOVED this story and highly recommend it to everyone!
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
Marriage, Who Needs it? Not Dash or Willow.
Just a Number by Fifi Flowers is a standalone novel, with two very lovable characters.
Dash Oliver is a Rock star-yoga-guru who is a head strong business man. He seemed to be a quiet, private man with a bit of history with his family. He feels strongly for things and believes in the love 'em and leave 'em philosophy .. nothing long term or messy.
Willow Dane is a Corporate-girl with a 50's style upbringing. She was taught from a young age that women didn't belong in the corporate world, but at home. When she left her past behind her, she had one goal and that was to make a name for herself in the Corporate world. In complete contrast to her upbringing, she thought more like a man than a proper young lady, in all aspects of her life.
What happens when two people who are so alike find each other?
When they meet there is instant chemistry. One night was all it took .. for Willow and Dash to be put into a path that neither of them thought they wanted or cared about. Fate kept pulling them together and they both realized after awhile that they wanted the same things out of life with each other. They came to a "merger".
I read this book in one sitting. It was a fun read with little to no angst. The characters and supporting characters were awesome and in their own ways helped Willow and Dash to see what was right in front of them.
You will be laughing out loud one minute and swooning the next and at times wanting to slap Willow and Dash. But in the end, you are back to loving them again.
I gave this book 4 stars for showing us there is more than one type of HEA.
This was a great sexy read with fantastic characters.
Willow Dane doesn't do relationships, only fun simple flings and forever is not an option. She strives for success in the corporate world despite what she has been brought up to believe.
Dash Oliver. Oh how I love the yoga guru who also has a no relationship policy. No Happily-ever-after. No relationship No details of personal life. That was until one fateful night out with the guys and a very intoxicated Willow puts her mark in his world.
Just a Number is a quick, enjoyable read. I found myself giggling on several occasions. I really loved the secondary character. I adored Thumbelina. The development of this story was great, flowed smoothly. Duel point of view which is always a plus for me.
I won this arc. And I loved it pulled me right in from the start. I loved willow and dash. And loved the fight of them being together since they both don't do the commitment thing. Dash was refreshing he was so different from other leading men in books and willow was independent and head strong. Loved seeing this. What a great story. And now stalking fifi Flowers for more.
5 stars in total love! I need more. Story flowed beautifully. Characters suck you in and hold you till the very end when you looking like really, it can't end here. No I need more, however you have ran out of pages. Must read!
The story is with no doubt very articulate. Both characters are alike. Willow is a sexy corporate woman trying to make it into a world ruled by men. Dash, on the other hand, is also a business man with the hobby of yoga that is actually his second profession. An encounter destined to a sparkling relationship. Fate represents, in this case, the main fulcrum of the story because it is thanks to fate that both characters continuously run into each other. This is story in which Dash and Willow will grow accustomed to one another and realize that both are meant to be together . A bubbly adventure in which the reader notices that what surrounds the characters seems to develop and progress. In this case it makes me think about her mother who writes emails to Willow trying to make up with her daughter owing to past issues. This book was a pleasant discovery of how life can pull us tricks but on the positive side. A smooth and great read .
Willow is determined to prove to her father and herself that she can be as successful as a man in the business world and doesn’t need all the trimmings of love and a family.That is why the men she uses to sate her lust are just a number and nothing more. That is, until she meets Dash. Dash leaves Willow craving more than just one night, but the rules they put in place make it seem unlikely that they will ever cross paths again. However, sometimes fate has other ideas.
Iva's Review:
Fifi Flowers’ novel, Just a Number, is an enjoyable read and really shows Fifi’s ability to see with an artistic eye things that the majority of us would fail to acknowledge.
Written in a dual point of view format, the romantic story is good, but it is the deeper elements that really make it work.
Willow’s relationship with her father has driven her to become independent and successful, but her mother’s emails give her an insight on why her relationship with her parents was difficult. Through the emails and Willow’s responses to them, the author allows her readers to see how Willow is awakened to a new perspective, and, although her ambitions and choices remain the same, she is not as rigid in her focus and suddenly sees a different side to life and people. Dash, in comparison, is also very business driven, and has used his yoga enhanced love muscle to his libidos content, but his past has given him a wider outlook on life as well as the patience to allow others to sort through their difficulties and to give support when it is needed. As characters I think they are well balanced and realistic and I found myself very impatient to see them finally unite and admit the feelings they had.
Fifi’s writing style has an artistic edge to it. She uses words that enhance the story for the reader and is able to build the characters so they are multifaceted. I found that I was frustrated by the lack of dialogue in the earlier parts of Dash and Willow’s relationship, but believe the author was using this to demonstrate the resistance of the main characters to develop a bond with each other. However, it did make some parts feel a little forced to me, as though they were added to have some time away from the bedroom and up the word count. It took me a bit of time to appreciate the author’s inventive idea of limiting their dialogue. Just A Number is a book worth reading if you want a different type of romance, but still want the naughty bits. There are some wonderfully sexy yoga scenes that will make even the most exercise resistant person want to find a yoga partner to “practice with.”
It is easy to read and the subtle story of Willows mother and father is very well thought out and gives the story that little bit more.
REVIEW: I do NOT do yoga; in fact, I know next to nothing about yoga. I'm a really flexible woman, but I'm more of a boxing, mixed martial arts chick. Why am I saying this? Just A Number is a contemporary romance novel that talks about love, family, acceptance, forgiveness, professionalism, realism, equality, tranquility, and YOGA. I kid you not, I feel like yoga is the major theme in this book. This is a big deal to me because I can't understand or picture all the yoga references the author mentioned in this book, and that made connecting with the characters somewhat hard. This form of "exercise" helped develop Dane and Willow's love story, so not being able to relate to that part makes me feel 40% disconnected with them both ... Like I'm not, and can't be, part of something this important in their lives.
However, the storyline and real-life issues Dane and Willow, especially Willow, go through are so relatable and realistic that I was drawn to it again after being cynical about whether or not I will like it.
The back story of these two people are amazing, and their reasons for pushing hard to succeed in their careers are so realistic it can be what gets some people going and fighting. I'm not even going to deny that I agreed on a lot of points the author made in the book about how the society perceive men and women. Example: Why is that when a man says he doesn't want children, it's okay, but when a woman claims the same thing, she's either not thinking clearly or there's something wrong with her. I'm not a feminist, okay? I am, however, all for gender equality. And sorry Emma Watson, I still love you, but I disagree with what you said that when you want gender equality, you're automatically a feminist. A big NOPE to that.
The chemistry between Willow and Dane is phenomenal; the love scenes aren't that detailed--in fact I found it too poetic and cheesy--but it does the job. I liked how they didn't force each other to stay or become too attached too quickly during their tropical getaway; they tried so hard to deny that there's something more going on, and I found it brave and again, realistic. The ending though ... Hmmm ... Yeah ...
SUMMARY: Just A Number is a good read that deserves 4 stars, and will be an enjoyable read for others, that's for sure. If I didn't get an ARC of this book, I will most likely buy it on Amazon still. Get a copy of this awesome work you guys, It'll be worth it.
Just a Number by Fifi Flowers focuses on the old age battle of career versus love. So when you’ve spent your whole life determined to break out of the mold and make a name for yourself, you have rules. You make sure that there is no way anybody will stop you from what you want to achieve. And that sentiment is exactly what Flowers has flowing throughout the book. Especially when it comes to love.
1. No details 2. No love 3. Simple Flings
Starting off with a heavy feminist message we meet Willow Dane. Focused on her career and determined to not be the step-ford wife her father wanted her to be. Willow is goal orientated and persistent. Her high-end career is everything she has ever wanted and she is hell bent on believing a long-term relationship will put all this in jeopardy.
Dash Oliver is successful in his own right and has never felt the need to have a long-term relationship. With his fingers in many business pies, he has taken to yoga teaching de-stress from his corporate life. Focused on his work away from work Dash sets off for a relaxing retreat, allowing him to indulge in the serenity.
Both of Fifi’s main characters are focused on their career with no time or thought given to a long-term relationship. Told in dual points of view readers become familiar with their train of thoughts and notice the massive change when both their worlds collide. Trying to deny their chemistry and their need for more. As we get taken on their journey of self-discovery and conflict – readers will be hoping they see the beauty on a long-term relationship.
Fifi Flowers endeavors to embody the seriousness felt by these characters in regards to their commitment to their job and their commitment to their rules. Appreciating that Flowers pays attention to detail and inner monologue, I would’ve loved to see their connection become deeper through more dialogue. This included their relationships with secondary characters that would’ve heightened the complexity of their lives and their situation.
All in all, Just a Number engages the readers and definitely has you wanting to know the outcome. Highlighting the seriousness and commonality of love versus career, Flowers does a great job in delivering the emotions felt when in this situation. Through Dash and Willow, Fifi Flowers has brought to life a gorgeous couple whose happy ever after may just be the push that others need.
Just a Number is about two professionals, living for their jobs, having sex on the side. No details. No entanglements. Fifi Flowers did an excellent job developing these characters. We are let into each of their worlds, learning about their professions, friendships, childhoods, family interactions, and passions. I love how we get to see this road to happily ever after from both points of view. You really see the growth of their relationship from sexy hook-up, to a melding of the minds, and then their spiritual connection.
"Sex wasn't just sex. For the first time in my life, I actually felt something I had never felt before. It wasn't just for pleasure. And, very pleasurable it was. It was a hello to a deeply confusing feeling and it was a sad goodbye to it."
I didn't instantly respond to Dash like I did Fifi's other male leads. It was hard for me to get into his yoga side. I kept picturing some hippie, free-loving guy with a man bun. In the end, I really liked him. And the inspirational pictures Fifi shared with me helped immensely! After that, I couldn't stop thinking about him and his gorgeous lips. Willow mentions them so much that I wanted to name them like another character in the book. Oh what I wouldn't give to bite those full, kissable lips!
Willow is a strong, vibrant, beautiful woman. I loved her from the start! She's ambitious and aggressive in both work and play. She has no trouble expressing herself nor makes apologies for the woman that she is. And that woman finally finds the man of her dreams, the "Rockstar-yoga-guru" that falls for the "Corporate-girl."
I need to mention the subplot that is Willow's relationship with her parents. I love the emails from her mom and the growth that they both experience because of this new connection. It was heartbreaking to hear about her relationship with her family because of her dad. Fifi did a fantastic job of bringing this contentious situation to a close and communicating their depth of love and understanding by the end of the story.
I also loved Hazel and the peculiar cat, Mr. Simon.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I've read other works by this author and appreciated the way she created chemistry between the main characters. That was flawless, and she again succeeded with Just A Number. Willow and Dash definitely sizzled when together. They understood each other even without knowing much about each other -- the connection was definitely sigh-worthy. I loved when the time came for him to say "Your rules!" and the well-written reaction that immediately followed.
Unfortunately and surprisingly, I wasn't as impressed with the flow of this story line. At about 25% in, I was still wondering where the plot was going and when would it get there. Maybe I was just being impatient, right? Nope. At the oddest points, Ms. Flowers chose to slow down the wonderfully written relationship with long explanations of what the characters were thinking or to delve into details about the supporting cast -- many of whom were simply not relevant enough to the love story for them to deserve so much attention. Certain elements of the plot that seemed to be included to add mystery about Dash's identity only distracted me. I'm also still wondering the purpose for Willow's entire relationship with her mother because, at the end of the day, it added nothing to the story line.
I really hate to write negative reviews, and I promise that this book was much more good than it was bad. If you can get through the odd pacing and interruptions, you'll enjoy the basic story. You will fall in love with Willow and Dash and smile at the way their relationship comes together. I especially love the fact that their happy ending wasn't traditional; that was refreshing and consistent with the personalities Ms. Flowers had created from the beginning. I've always enjoyed her characters, and this book is no exception.
From the cool cover that shows the couples yoga done by Willow and Dash to the sexy fling that the they tried to keep casual, I enjoyed this story. I really liked that Dash is a "yoga guru", in demand for his yoga skills. Willow is a focused PR career woman, "corporate princess", who only wants casual sex, no commitment. They clicked, despite both being 'just a number' to each other. There are sexy scenes throughout the story.
Willow has been negatively affected by her father's disdain for women who work as well as her mother's choice to be a housewife. Her rebellion has helped do extremely well in the PR field. She is smart, savvy, and everything her mother is not... until her mother reaches out to her by email. Then both mother and daughter begin to build a relationship and things are revealed about her father. That gave the story poignancy and depth.
Dash has three friends that created an interesting product with. His friends do fun things. As for Willow's friends / colleagues, DJ Suze was fun as was Tomasina who had a hand in Willow and Dash meeting. I like when secondary characters add to the storyline and are interesting on their own merit. Also, there were some fun locations on the island and downtown Los Angeles.
I really liked 'meeting' Dash's friend, Rex Holden, who I think is a character I want to read more about. His advice is amusing and pretty good. Then there is 'Thumbelina' AKA TomKat AKA Tomasina, who I thought was pretty great. I'd love to read their story, which I hope will be the next in the series.
Then there was a twist that I could have lived without because I liked Dash as he was. I thought he was more interesting without it.
Note: I received an ARC for review. This is my honest review. I liked enough that I 1-clicked it when it was on sale. I would like to read more in this series, especially about Rex and TomKat.
"Just a Number" is the first book of Fifi Flowers author who i had the privilege to read and I can say without a doubt that it will not be the last. This book is told through the perspectives of Willow and Dash. Fifi Flowers has a fluid speech, giving much importance to detail and the smallest details, which makes us live each scene as if we were part of it. Every page I read the heat and desire increase and by reading chapter after chapter this story promises, oh it promises… Life cannot be made up only of rules, it has to be lived, felt and exploited to the fullest as if it were our last day. It was good to be able to escape from reality, being happy and dating a complete stranger without attachments, but when we came back to reality what awaits us? We can forget everything and pretend it was a very good dream or reality comes knocking at the door? Will a few days spend in a great company being able to break the walls that formed around our heart? I can surely say that I identify a lot with Willow, because like me, she is forced to prove her worth, when who should support despises. Will two hard heads admit their feelings for each other or will pride get the better? I really loved "Just a Number" because it made me see that there are things in life for which it is worth fighting. It made me see that when we really want something or when we want to prove our worth we have to fight every day with our head held high. Fifi Flowers this was your first book I read and will not be the last, I can promise you that.
This was my first book by Fifi that I have read and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed. Fifi did a great job writing a story that was entertaining and the characters kept you engaged in the story. The "relationship" that Dash and Willow have will have you rooting for them to finally get over their rules and to find happiness with each other.
Dash is a very popular yoga instructor that travels all around making guest appearances as a must have instructor. We know that he struck it big in college and that he has a business but we don't know what that is until later on when things start to get revealed about him. Per Willow's rules she doesn't want to know details about him. That isn't the type of thing she is into, it reeks too much of a relationship. Willow is a business woman that is extremely successful. She is driven to succeed and isn't willing to let anything get in the way of her career especially a man. The more that Dash sees of Willow the more he wants but he knows she is dead set against anything that hints at a relationship.
What happens when Willow and Dash's life ends up getting more entwined than either of them imagined? Will Dash get Willow to see that what they have could be great?
Don't miss out on this entertaining read. You will enjoy it immensely.
Just A Number was my second book by Fifi Flowers and I can only say, she did not disappoint. The book is a flirty, fun, light read and I just fell in love with these characters, Dash and WIllow.
Willow and Dash are both, in their own way asolutely carrier-oriented and not interested in love, only seeking out temporary flings, in which their partner is then "just a number" rather than an actual person with a detailed story. In fact, this is exactly what Willow tells Dash once their fling unfolds, that she wants "no details”. Sticking to their plan, the two part soon after, knowing next to nothing about one another and having nowhere to start finding one another. Due to fate or circumstance the “corporate girl” and her “rockstar-yoga-guru” meet again and the way to their HEA is plastered with many a hurdle, difficult to overcome.
Fifi Flowers delivers a great, light, fun, and very, very sexy vacation read. The characters journey surprised me not only in the way they handled themselves but also their individual paths which were all but conventional. And no, they are not just two successful people out for a quick roll in the bed, though they started out that way, both reveal much more depths than I had expected. Definitely recommend!
How can you say no to a cover like this? Read the blurb and not clicking is impossible. You definitely want to partake in this 5 star yummiesness. I have read every word by this author. There is always an attachment of pure romance and hope for a HEA when you see her name. This is a little different spin to boy meets girl. What happens when both individuals are trying to play hard to get? Rules and stipulations are placed to form a barrier so that the L word can't penetrate their hearts. Let's keep it casual. No commitment just a good time. Another number to a list. I am laughing out loud - you can't stop that L word. I loved the abstract relationship journey. The knowing what you expect but getting the unexpected. The discovery that HEA can be found in the most unique circumstances. Entertaining storyline filled with amazing characters. Each one written perfectly. I hope to see some of the secondary roles again. So much passion. Easy to get lost in the emotions. Easy to continue on and on with the positives. I highly recommend. AndreaGAH (Arc for review of my opinion)
I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this story so much! Willow Dane's a beautiful and highly driven woman. She feels she has to prove that women can rock the business world, and she has no time nor desire for a relationship. "No Details" is her motto, but her world is changed the day she meets Dash, although she refuses to see it. Dash Oliver lives by "They were all just a number," in his love life. When he comes face to face with Willow, there's something about her that he can't get out of his head. It doesn't help any that fate keeps throwing them together strengthening the connection they have. Will they throw their rules out the window, and realize they belong together?
Just A Number is a fantastic story of love. The character development is great, especially the emails from Willow's mother giving glimpses to her past, that shows why she is like she is. A fun, original, and well written storyline flows effortlessly. FiFi Flowers mixes love and humor brilliantly which captivated me cover to cover. The simmering chemistry had me on the edge of my seat, and cheering out loud everytime they sealed the deal. Beautiful story that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This is my first book from Fifi Flowers and I absolutely loved it. Willow is a corporate girl with a chip on her corporate shoulder. All she ever wanted was for her family to love and accept her for who she was, and to welcome her into the family business. Not for them to treat her as less than important because she's a woman. The dilemma is the root of many of the issues in Willow's life. Dash, on the other hand, has always been pretty laid back in his sexy, rockstar-yoga-guru lifestyle. He also has another side of himself that only a few know about. Dash has always been somewhat of a nomad in his adult life moving from yoga retreat to yoga retreat all around the country. When one drunken night in a club, Willow unknowingly falls into Dash. She leaves quite the impression on him despite the brush departure. When they later reconnect, unknowingly to Willow, they agree to just have fun...no sharing of names or private infirmation. For each other they'd be just a number, nothing more, nothing less. When it all gets to be too real do they suck it up and play or run with their tails tucked? Let's just say that it all makes perfect sense when it all unfolds.