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The Good Guys #1
Trucker
ANGEL
I know what you're whispering in the car as you pass me by.
Hitchhiker.
When you see me walking along the side of the road with my thumb out, you'll probably keep driving without giving me a second glance. You probably think I'm foolish. Naïve.
You might assume I've made some bad decisions.
You might think I'm too young to be on my own.
You might be right.
TRAVIS
I love my job, but driving an eighteen-wheeler comes with a certain stereotype. When you hear I’m a trucker, a specific image might come to mind. Uneducated. Dirty. Perverted. Rough around the edges and a little bit dangerous.
But the truth is, I’m not any of those things. In fact, I’m pretty far from it.
You’d be surprised to find out I’m one of the good guys.
*EXCERPT from Trucker*
I’d only been driving for about a mile when I saw someone walking along the side of the road in the distance.
As I got closer I saw the backpack and blonde hair. She turned toward my semi before sticking her thumb out.
“Shit,” I whispered, recognizing her right away. Even from a distance, I could see the hopeful expression on her face, and I felt something twist in my chest.
What the hell did she think she was doing? Hitchhiking was dangerous.
For a split second, I thought about not stopping. I could just keep on driving and forget I ever saw her.
But just as fast, all the possible scenarios played out in my mind. All the things that could happen to her. All the sick, depraved people who could be the ones to pull over and lure her into their vehicle with the promise of a safe ride.
I’d never picked up a hitchhiker before.
Had never planned on it.
But there was no way I could leave this girl out there on her own.
Trucker is a standalone novel. Due to language and sexual content, this book is intended for readers 18 and older.
I know what you're whispering in the car as you pass me by.
Hitchhiker.
When you see me walking along the side of the road with my thumb out, you'll probably keep driving without giving me a second glance. You probably think I'm foolish. Naïve.
You might assume I've made some bad decisions.
You might think I'm too young to be on my own.
You might be right.
TRAVIS
I love my job, but driving an eighteen-wheeler comes with a certain stereotype. When you hear I’m a trucker, a specific image might come to mind. Uneducated. Dirty. Perverted. Rough around the edges and a little bit dangerous.
But the truth is, I’m not any of those things. In fact, I’m pretty far from it.
You’d be surprised to find out I’m one of the good guys.
*EXCERPT from Trucker*
I’d only been driving for about a mile when I saw someone walking along the side of the road in the distance.
As I got closer I saw the backpack and blonde hair. She turned toward my semi before sticking her thumb out.
“Shit,” I whispered, recognizing her right away. Even from a distance, I could see the hopeful expression on her face, and I felt something twist in my chest.
What the hell did she think she was doing? Hitchhiking was dangerous.
For a split second, I thought about not stopping. I could just keep on driving and forget I ever saw her.
But just as fast, all the possible scenarios played out in my mind. All the things that could happen to her. All the sick, depraved people who could be the ones to pull over and lure her into their vehicle with the promise of a safe ride.
I’d never picked up a hitchhiker before.
Had never planned on it.
But there was no way I could leave this girl out there on her own.
Trucker is a standalone novel. Due to language and sexual content, this book is intended for readers 18 and older.
286 pages, ebook
First published July 18, 2016
1170 people are currently reading
2996 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Schlosser
27 books1,561 followersJamie Schlosser writes new adult romance, romantic comedy, and fantasy/paranormal romance. When she isn't creating perfect book boyfriends, she's a stay-at-home mom to her two wonderful kids. She believes reading is a great escape, otters are the best animal, and nothing is more satisfying than a happily-ever-after ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 576 reviews
December 8, 2016
MILD SPOILERS AHEAD.
DO NOT READ IF YOU DO NOT WANT THE BOOKS SPOILED IN ANY WAY.
CAUTION UNPOPULAR OPINION AHEAD
Okay, now don't all get mad at me all at once here. But this book for me was very very vanilla.
It's safe as safe as it can be without condoms it was still safe! From cheating from ow/OM from sex (she was on the injection cause hey that's how runaway work) and the best was they were both virgins.
Yes, I should be doing a flucking happy dance here but sadly I can't because it was just all very blah to me.
I did somewhat like the heroine, but I loved the hero way more cause he is a truly gentle soul and happy guy.
The heroine was my main problem here. She was just so naive it was painful to watch. I have to say my 10-year-old daughter has more street smarts than her!
Now, I honestly don't hate this book but for me, it was not worth the money I paid to download it.
Also, when Colton's book comes out I will be reading reviews for clues about the heroine first before I buy!
It's hard for me to love a book when I don't like or respect the heroine.
Sex was very boring when it happened like 80% into the book.
That really pissed me off.
And after all the bed crap, really the truck!?
The 3 stars are all for the hero here!
To me, this is like a failed teen book with two or three sex scenes added for some sprinkles on a vanilla sundae with not toppings.
This was how I saw it, you can agree or disagree but these are my thoughts.
DO NOT READ IF YOU DO NOT WANT THE BOOKS SPOILED IN ANY WAY.
CAUTION UNPOPULAR OPINION AHEAD
Okay, now don't all get mad at me all at once here. But this book for me was very very vanilla.
It's safe as safe as it can be without condoms it was still safe! From cheating from ow/OM from sex (she was on the injection cause hey that's how runaway work) and the best was they were both virgins.
Yes, I should be doing a flucking happy dance here but sadly I can't because it was just all very blah to me.
I did somewhat like the heroine, but I loved the hero way more cause he is a truly gentle soul and happy guy.
The heroine was my main problem here. She was just so naive it was painful to watch. I have to say my 10-year-old daughter has more street smarts than her!
Now, I honestly don't hate this book but for me, it was not worth the money I paid to download it.
Also, when Colton's book comes out I will be reading reviews for clues about the heroine first before I buy!
It's hard for me to love a book when I don't like or respect the heroine.
Sex was very boring when it happened like 80% into the book.
That really pissed me off.
And after all the bed crap, really the truck!?
The 3 stars are all for the hero here!
To me, this is like a failed teen book with two or three sex scenes added for some sprinkles on a vanilla sundae with not toppings.
This was how I saw it, you can agree or disagree but these are my thoughts.
December 31, 2022
So, I kept imagining that the hero looked like this: green/ hazel eyes with long eyelashes...
Skipped pretty much all the "normal" parts and got to the "good stuff." Writing was easy. Sex was good. Likeable characters for the most part. Nothing too deep or involved.
Skipped pretty much all the "normal" parts and got to the "good stuff." Writing was easy. Sex was good. Likeable characters for the most part. Nothing too deep or involved.
February 9, 2017
*swoons forever*
August 13, 2024
+++3.5 stars+++
So this was me pretty much during this book.
Still cant believe how much i enjoyed it, and that it was authors first book.
This is story of Angel and Travis. Travis is trucker (lol, i know right? didnt read that one before) and they met when he sees Angel hitchhiking which is how it all begins.
What i loved about this book?
1. Travis...
He is PERFECT! He is kind, sweet, possessive, caring and so much more.
2. Writing. It had me hooked immediately. It was real and no flowery bull which is what i was actually expecting. It is insta love but still handled well.
3. Secondary characters. They were amazing, i loved Beverly but Colton especially, its so rare to have heroes best friend who is not manwhore and you can stand him.
I had some problems with Angel, thats true, she was just too trusting and naive for my liking when i take in mind that she had really hard childhood. But she was still great heroine, i loved that she says things how they are and her honesty with Travis. They were just perfect togother.
Could also go without that all OW drama.
This was sweet and funny story. Definitely easy read but very enjoyable <3 And SAFE
SAFETY:
So this was me pretty much during this book.
Still cant believe how much i enjoyed it, and that it was authors first book.
This is story of Angel and Travis. Travis is trucker (lol, i know right? didnt read that one before) and they met when he sees Angel hitchhiking which is how it all begins.
What i loved about this book?
1. Travis...
He is PERFECT! He is kind, sweet, possessive, caring and so much more.
2. Writing. It had me hooked immediately. It was real and no flowery bull which is what i was actually expecting. It is insta love but still handled well.
3. Secondary characters. They were amazing, i loved Beverly but Colton especially, its so rare to have heroes best friend who is not manwhore and you can stand him.
I had some problems with Angel, thats true, she was just too trusting and naive for my liking when i take in mind that she had really hard childhood. But she was still great heroine, i loved that she says things how they are and her honesty with Travis. They were just perfect togother.
Could also go without that all OW drama.
This was sweet and funny story. Definitely easy read but very enjoyable <3 And SAFE
SAFETY:
July 23, 2016
is it wrong that it bothers me that hero let his date from hell sleep at his place on his bed because she couldn't go home drunk and because he is such a sweet guy?lol hmmm I'm too damn picky.
3.75 stars. So after my complaint up there^^lol I ended up enjoying this. The hero Travis was the sweetest guy:) He was just a really good guy! Sweet, cute and a bit steamy read! Heroine I thought was cute. She made me laugh . She was a bit too naïve but I think it was understandable. That Beverly was hilarious. Love her. I also liked Colton and Hank! Epilogue was cute but not enough . of course I wanted more:) I am interested in Colton's book but I'm not sure I will read it.I'm intrigued because the little sample we get is kind of funny and he is a sweet guy too but I'm a bit worried about him and not using condoms in his last relationship. I'm not sure he did. Also he did have a gf in this book but she wasn't that big of an issue so if it's confirmed he did use condoms then I will give it a try:) lol just my personal preference. I say author did a good job with this :) Aside from the mild OW drama hero and heroine being each others first and last perfect☺
safety :
both virgins
both been kissed before
I think hero fooled around a bit more than heroine but nothing major. I don't think he even ever had a bj! I hope he didn't .lol
Mild OW drama I could of done without.
He went out on a date with her (before heroine) but nothing happened . not even kissing or holding hands. He kind of was pushed into going out with her but he knew he had no feelings whatsoever for her. She ends up getting really drunk and tells him she doesn't want t to go home like that because she didn't want her parents to see her that way. So being the very nice sweet dumb guy he tells her she can crash at his house. ugh I hated that. He even tells her she can have his bed and he will take the couch blah! really dude ! lol I didn't like that and of course when we see the bed again when heroine goes there I was thinking about that lol But hero is just such a great guy I eventually got over it:)
That OW does try and make trouble a few times and even though I wanted hero to tell her off at first he was great about it . He eventually gets more Alpha and tells the skank off!:) Obviously I could of done without that OW drama!
Besides that I thought this was a really good refreshing read! I hope we get more of them and hopefully more virgin heroes and heroine's:)
3.75 stars. So after my complaint up there^^lol I ended up enjoying this. The hero Travis was the sweetest guy:) He was just a really good guy! Sweet, cute and a bit steamy read! Heroine I thought was cute. She made me laugh . She was a bit too naïve but I think it was understandable. That Beverly was hilarious. Love her. I also liked Colton and Hank! Epilogue was cute but not enough . of course I wanted more:) I am interested in Colton's book but I'm not sure I will read it.I'm intrigued because the little sample we get is kind of funny and he is a sweet guy too but I'm a bit worried about him and not using condoms in his last relationship. I'm not sure he did. Also he did have a gf in this book but she wasn't that big of an issue so if it's confirmed he did use condoms then I will give it a try:) lol just my personal preference. I say author did a good job with this :) Aside from the mild OW drama hero and heroine being each others first and last perfect☺
safety :
both virgins
both been kissed before
I think hero fooled around a bit more than heroine but nothing major. I don't think he even ever had a bj! I hope he didn't .lol
Mild OW drama I could of done without.
He went out on a date with her (before heroine) but nothing happened . not even kissing or holding hands. He kind of was pushed into going out with her but he knew he had no feelings whatsoever for her. She ends up getting really drunk and tells him she doesn't want t to go home like that because she didn't want her parents to see her that way. So being the very nice sweet dumb guy he tells her she can crash at his house. ugh I hated that. He even tells her she can have his bed and he will take the couch blah! really dude ! lol I didn't like that and of course when we see the bed again when heroine goes there I was thinking about that lol But hero is just such a great guy I eventually got over it:)
That OW does try and make trouble a few times and even though I wanted hero to tell her off at first he was great about it . He eventually gets more Alpha and tells the skank off!:) Obviously I could of done without that OW drama!
Besides that I thought this was a really good refreshing read! I hope we get more of them and hopefully more virgin heroes and heroine's:)
December 6, 2016
I was looking for low angst and sweetness and this delivered! Travis and Angel were a great couple. Both were virgins. Slight OW drama from a girl that Travis had gone on a date with. She wanted to date him more, he wanted nothing to do with her.
~sweet sexy virgin hero (he was 21)
~strong and brave virgin heroine (she was 17 and turned 18 right after meeting him. They did not have sex until she was 18)
~no pushing away - even though she knew she planned to go to California, she still was on board with Travis
~OM drama - none
~OW drama - see above
~got together and stayed together
~There was a 5 month jump in the story at the end. I was disappointed that there was not an epilogue. I hope there is more for this couple in the next book, this was just HFN.
I know there is a Christmas novella out about them.
●the next book is about Travis' best friend Colton. He is NOT a virgin but he was not portrayed as a manwhore in this story. For the majority of it he had a girlfriend but he didn't seem too into her. He was happy for Travis and even envious. I hope he gets his HEA
~sweet sexy virgin hero (he was 21)
~strong and brave virgin heroine (she was 17 and turned 18 right after meeting him. They did not have sex until she was 18)
~no pushing away - even though she knew she planned to go to California, she still was on board with Travis
~OM drama - none
~OW drama - see above
~got together and stayed together
~There was a 5 month jump in the story at the end. I was disappointed that there was not an epilogue. I hope there is more for this couple in the next book, this was just HFN.
I know there is a Christmas novella out about them.
●the next book is about Travis' best friend Colton. He is NOT a virgin but he was not portrayed as a manwhore in this story. For the majority of it he had a girlfriend but he didn't seem too into her. He was happy for Travis and even envious. I hope he gets his HEA
July 18, 2017
I went into this book with a serious book hangover. As you may know, it’s often difficult to find something that satisfies when in this condition. Trucker may have not felt like the best fit in the beginning but I never wanted to set it aside. Before I knew it I was totally invested in this couple, where they were going and how it would all end.
Angel has run away from her foster home and is headed for California to connect with her mother who she hasn’t seen in years. Her only form of affordable transportation is hitchhiking. Travis caught sight of her in a store and when he sees her again with her thumb in the air, he can’t help but to stop. Due to Angel’s gregarious outlook at life there was no awkwardness but instead this relationship shot from zero to sixty in no time at all.
I enjoyed both of these characters as well as the secondary characters that frame their life. I was a little put out with some of the other woman drama (Travis is a virgin so this woman is just wacko) but I’m a forgiving kind of reader and brushed the annoyance away. The story felt real, the situations reasonable and the transition of Angel and Travis’ relationship believable.
I will certainly be looking into more from this author.
Dual POV
Safe – although that ow will make you wanna hit something
No Apparent Triggers
Angel has run away from her foster home and is headed for California to connect with her mother who she hasn’t seen in years. Her only form of affordable transportation is hitchhiking. Travis caught sight of her in a store and when he sees her again with her thumb in the air, he can’t help but to stop. Due to Angel’s gregarious outlook at life there was no awkwardness but instead this relationship shot from zero to sixty in no time at all.
I enjoyed both of these characters as well as the secondary characters that frame their life. I was a little put out with some of the other woman drama (Travis is a virgin so this woman is just wacko) but I’m a forgiving kind of reader and brushed the annoyance away. The story felt real, the situations reasonable and the transition of Angel and Travis’ relationship believable.
I will certainly be looking into more from this author.
Dual POV
Safe – although that ow will make you wanna hit something
No Apparent Triggers
July 19, 2017
BOTM Low Angst Love Re-read and still a sweet read. One I think is a perfect palate cleanser to more intense reads or when you just want a nice story with little crazy angst or drama.
This was a sweet surprise. I am not a New Adult fan but this is going to be one of the few I really enjoyed.
This is the story of Angel who is a 17 year old runaway. She lost her Aunt and was now on her own. She begins hitchhiking to try to find her mother that abandoned her in California. While walking the hero named Travis who is a young trucker picks her up. Travis who is only 21 lives in a really small town and feels protective of Angel since she is young and feels she could be in danger traveling this way. He offers her a place to stay and help with getting to her destination. They feel attraction to each other and begin a relationship even though Angel still wants to try a relationship with her mom and won't be staying long.
This was a really sweet relationship development. It was quick and insta love for sure but it was nice to see them get to know each other. I like the town and the side characters. It was small town life and these are people who are fine where they are. Travis is a really sweet hero with alpha moments and the heroine was sweet and extremely likable. They were both virgins and there is some other girl drama because of a girl the hero went with once. But the drama was kept to a minimum. I liked that the hero and heroine had shortcomings but acknowledge them and tried to make the best decisions but they also knew when they could have made better ones too. I liked that even though they had immature moments never did it feel OTT. I could deal with them because they didn't wallow and they weren't done for the plot to added drama or angst thank goodness.
So I would recommend again and read again too.
This was a sweet surprise. I am not a New Adult fan but this is going to be one of the few I really enjoyed.
This is the story of Angel who is a 17 year old runaway. She lost her Aunt and was now on her own. She begins hitchhiking to try to find her mother that abandoned her in California. While walking the hero named Travis who is a young trucker picks her up. Travis who is only 21 lives in a really small town and feels protective of Angel since she is young and feels she could be in danger traveling this way. He offers her a place to stay and help with getting to her destination. They feel attraction to each other and begin a relationship even though Angel still wants to try a relationship with her mom and won't be staying long.
This was a really sweet relationship development. It was quick and insta love for sure but it was nice to see them get to know each other. I like the town and the side characters. It was small town life and these are people who are fine where they are. Travis is a really sweet hero with alpha moments and the heroine was sweet and extremely likable. They were both virgins and there is some other girl drama because of a girl the hero went with once. But the drama was kept to a minimum. I liked that the hero and heroine had shortcomings but acknowledge them and tried to make the best decisions but they also knew when they could have made better ones too. I liked that even though they had immature moments never did it feel OTT. I could deal with them because they didn't wallow and they weren't done for the plot to added drama or angst thank goodness.
So I would recommend again and read again too.
December 12, 2016
4.5 'One and Only' Stars
This debut novel was fantastic, and took Jamie Schlosser directly to my 'auto-read-author' list! That's how good it was!
Yes, NA us not my fav genre, but this one was developed beautifully! I loved the couple, but Travis stole the show and my heart with it! Adored his confidence in himself and what he wanted, specially given he was a virgin, and most of all how he loved and never gave put on Angel!
Can't wait to read more from this author!!! <3
This debut novel was fantastic, and took Jamie Schlosser directly to my 'auto-read-author' list! That's how good it was!
Yes, NA us not my fav genre, but this one was developed beautifully! I loved the couple, but Travis stole the show and my heart with it! Adored his confidence in himself and what he wanted, specially given he was a virgin, and most of all how he loved and never gave put on Angel!
Can't wait to read more from this author!!! <3
September 20, 2016
4 stars!
So this was definitely not what I was expecting and I mean that in a good way.
"Trucker" is book one of (the good guys series) and is the story of Travis and Angel. They meet when Angel is on her way to California to find her mom and so she finds herself hitchhiking. Travis is a semi truck driver sees, Angel on the side of the road and regardless of his "no picking up hitchhikers" can't help but pick her up. Travis offers to take her to Cali when he has a load to take there but she has to wait a couple of weeks. So he takes her to his hometown and so they begin their relationship.
This couple were adorable they have an insta connection and start a relationship soon after. Travis, he was such a well grounded guy, for being twenty-one he had his life in order. Tall with muscles a hard worker, didn't even have a lot of experiences with women and I thought that was refreshing. Angel was a sweet girl whose had a bad life with her parents but she didn't come out as a helpless victim. The relationship between this two was sweet, especially when they would go in their dates. They had a couple of small roadblocks but they were easily resolved.
Overall this was a sweet and sexy, light on angst read that it's great to read between heavier books. Can't wait for Colton's story! <3
So this was definitely not what I was expecting and I mean that in a good way.
"Trucker" is book one of (the good guys series) and is the story of Travis and Angel. They meet when Angel is on her way to California to find her mom and so she finds herself hitchhiking. Travis is a semi truck driver sees, Angel on the side of the road and regardless of his "no picking up hitchhikers" can't help but pick her up. Travis offers to take her to Cali when he has a load to take there but she has to wait a couple of weeks. So he takes her to his hometown and so they begin their relationship.
This couple were adorable they have an insta connection and start a relationship soon after. Travis, he was such a well grounded guy, for being twenty-one he had his life in order. Tall with muscles a hard worker, didn't even have a lot of experiences with women and I thought that was refreshing. Angel was a sweet girl whose had a bad life with her parents but she didn't come out as a helpless victim. The relationship between this two was sweet, especially when they would go in their dates. They had a couple of small roadblocks but they were easily resolved.
Overall this was a sweet and sexy, light on angst read that it's great to read between heavier books. Can't wait for Colton's story! <3
March 13, 2018
This new-to-me author gave me a real feel good book. I loved it. If I didn’t already know that good guys exist (though they do seem to be rare, right?), this book would be enough to convince me. Travis was just so freaking sweet. He was honest, endearing, wasn’t afraid of being vulnerable, oh and bonus… he was a virgin. I think it worked well with the cute as all heck heroine, Angel, who was also a virgin. Her life wasn’t so easy and hitch hiking wasn’t the smartest decision she ever made, but it did lead her to her happily ever after, so I’m not really complaining ;)
As sweet as this story was it did have a little bit of drama. An ex who wasn’t really ever an ex liked to stir the pot and caused some trouble for our young lovers. You know the one, the girl who wanted the guy who never really wanted her and then he meets the girl he wants and the stalker girl doesn’t like it. Luckily their newfound love was strong enough to endure her immaturity. With a complete cast of incredible side characters that I can’t wait to really meet, this was a cute yet steamy romance with a little kick to it. Now I’m off to read Colton’s story and find out more about his impotence!
Release: 07.18.2016 | Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance | POV: Dual - 1st person | Heat: 3 | Standalone - The Good Guys #1
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As sweet as this story was it did have a little bit of drama. An ex who wasn’t really ever an ex liked to stir the pot and caused some trouble for our young lovers. You know the one, the girl who wanted the guy who never really wanted her and then he meets the girl he wants and the stalker girl doesn’t like it. Luckily their newfound love was strong enough to endure her immaturity. With a complete cast of incredible side characters that I can’t wait to really meet, this was a cute yet steamy romance with a little kick to it. Now I’m off to read Colton’s story and find out more about his impotence!
Release: 07.18.2016 | Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance | POV: Dual - 1st person | Heat: 3 | Standalone - The Good Guys #1
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September 5, 2016
Sweet, low angst read! I loved Angel and Travis! They were adorable together! I wish it would have been longer!
July 29, 2017
This book deserves way more than five stars!!!! I love every single bit of it, and wouldn't have changed even a comma.
Definitely one of my favorites this year!
If you love sweet, caring, yet sexy heroes, bubbly heroines, and almost non-existent angst, then this book is perfect for you.
This book deserves way more than five stars!!!! I love every single bit of it, and wouldn't have changed even a comma.
Definitely one of my favorites this year!
If you love sweet, caring, yet sexy heroes, bubbly heroines, and almost non-existent angst, then this book is perfect for you.
It's been a while since I couldn't find myself able to rip my eyes off a book and found every excuse to sneak away with my kindle. But from the very start, this was the case. From the Dedication, I knew this was going to be good.
To all the romance addicts out there who love to read about a good guy - this one is for you!
Right at this moment I was already gone. Line, hook and sinker.
Now, let's start the dissection. Why was this book amazing?
- Low angst . You know I can't stand my heart to be shredded or pushed and pulled here and there. In this book, there was some externally caused drama, but the relationship between the MC was strong from the very beginning. And apart from a few bumps in the road, it was mostly smooth sailing. Sometimes I complain about books getting boring because there's nothing really to spice them up, but in this case, I simply devoured it. There were enough things going on, even normal things, to keep me glued to the pages, as well as enough emotions. It wasn't just happy happy happy. There were a few moments in which my heart was breaking at their situation.
Theirs is a "first love" kind of story, which could have worked with teenagers too, but I liked how they were both older because the life-changing decisions they made about each other, about Angel's future etc were way more fitting to their age. Still, the feeling that I got was that of two young people discovering the colors of love for the first time.
- The HERO!!!! OMG, Travis is one hell of a book boyfriend. He should be nominated for "good guy of the year". He's truly the sweetest, most thoughtful and simply amazing guy ever. Still, his masculinity and sexyness isn't hindered. His profession being at odds with his personality, but also dispelling certain sterotypes regarding the job. He's a virgin, a gentleman, and one "fine piece of ass" as eighty-year-old Beverly keeps saying. He's never had a serious girlfriend and what he feels for Angel takes him by surprise, as well as the sudden spurts of jealousy when other guys, even his best friend, compliment her or give signs of appreciation. It was endearing. He honestly doesn't know how to approach this thing starting between them, but is sure that he wants to see how it plays out. This is one of the things I loved the most. Even though they know their time together is limited, they still dive in, exploring their feelings and, simply, falling in love.
- Angel . She's a unique characeter. Maybe too naive? Maybe. I liked how quirky she was, even if a bit surreal, because it made for a perfect match for Travis. Seriously, these two together are like a little ball of happiness. They're their own universe, but without ever crossing the sickeningly sweet line. I loved Angel's past story and also how forgiving she was towards he mother.
- The Side Characters . It's rare for me to love side characters as much at the MC. It happened in this case. Colton, the MC of the second book in the series, is a loyal friend who will make you laugh as well as give you sound advice, Travis' mother and Colton's father are 3D characters certainly not devoid of flaws. Then Beverly, the potty mouther retiree and Earnie, her high school sweetheart, who's loved her for his whole life even though they took different paths. Seriously, I rooted for Earnie and Beverly as hard as I did the main couple.
Angel to Earnie.
Also brownie points to the author for writing hot as hell scenes in a book which I'd consider mostly sweet. Both characters are virgins and I was a bit afraid of a fade to black or very ungraphic scenes. But no, we got the hot and dirty and what hot and dirty.
So, if you, like me, love low-angst stories that will make you not only feel good, but downright swoon. If you want to read about different characters, maybe a bit naive, but over-the-moon in love. If you want to fall for the hot trucker who's one hell of a book boyfriend and laugh out loud at the hilarious and sweet flirt/banter between the two of them, then this book is your next read.
Definitely one of my favorites this year!
If you love sweet, caring, yet sexy heroes, bubbly heroines, and almost non-existent angst, then this book is perfect for you.
This book deserves way more than five stars!!!! I love every single bit of it, and wouldn't have changed even a comma.
Definitely one of my favorites this year!
If you love sweet, caring, yet sexy heroes, bubbly heroines, and almost non-existent angst, then this book is perfect for you.
It's been a while since I couldn't find myself able to rip my eyes off a book and found every excuse to sneak away with my kindle. But from the very start, this was the case. From the Dedication, I knew this was going to be good.
To all the romance addicts out there who love to read about a good guy - this one is for you!
Right at this moment I was already gone. Line, hook and sinker.
Now, let's start the dissection. Why was this book amazing?
- Low angst . You know I can't stand my heart to be shredded or pushed and pulled here and there. In this book, there was some externally caused drama, but the relationship between the MC was strong from the very beginning. And apart from a few bumps in the road, it was mostly smooth sailing. Sometimes I complain about books getting boring because there's nothing really to spice them up, but in this case, I simply devoured it. There were enough things going on, even normal things, to keep me glued to the pages, as well as enough emotions. It wasn't just happy happy happy. There were a few moments in which my heart was breaking at their situation.
"I mean, we can make this work. The distance doesn't matter," he said, looking down at me. "I might be here, but I still belong to you." Swoon.
Theirs is a "first love" kind of story, which could have worked with teenagers too, but I liked how they were both older because the life-changing decisions they made about each other, about Angel's future etc were way more fitting to their age. Still, the feeling that I got was that of two young people discovering the colors of love for the first time.
"Sexy truckers like Pinterest, too. But don't tell anyone. It's kind of a secret."
- The HERO!!!! OMG, Travis is one hell of a book boyfriend. He should be nominated for "good guy of the year". He's truly the sweetest, most thoughtful and simply amazing guy ever. Still, his masculinity and sexyness isn't hindered. His profession being at odds with his personality, but also dispelling certain sterotypes regarding the job. He's a virgin, a gentleman, and one "fine piece of ass" as eighty-year-old Beverly keeps saying. He's never had a serious girlfriend and what he feels for Angel takes him by surprise, as well as the sudden spurts of jealousy when other guys, even his best friend, compliment her or give signs of appreciation. It was endearing. He honestly doesn't know how to approach this thing starting between them, but is sure that he wants to see how it plays out. This is one of the things I loved the most. Even though they know their time together is limited, they still dive in, exploring their feelings and, simply, falling in love.
"You really don't have to do that, you know. Not only can I get into a truck by myself, I can get out, too." She smiled cheekily.
"I know," I told her. "But I want to do things right tonight."
"Is this a date?" she asked candidly, her head cocked to the side.
"Yes," I said without esidation.
"Oh."
- Angel . She's a unique characeter. Maybe too naive? Maybe. I liked how quirky she was, even if a bit surreal, because it made for a perfect match for Travis. Seriously, these two together are like a little ball of happiness. They're their own universe, but without ever crossing the sickeningly sweet line. I loved Angel's past story and also how forgiving she was towards he mother.
Watching Angel eat was its owwn form of entertainment. She wasn't shy about how much she ate -- which I loved -- and more often than not, food ended up somewhere on her face because she was messy as hell. She also talked with her mouth full.
It was endearing. It was adorable. And it made me want to kiss the fuck out of her.
- The Side Characters . It's rare for me to love side characters as much at the MC. It happened in this case. Colton, the MC of the second book in the series, is a loyal friend who will make you laugh as well as give you sound advice, Travis' mother and Colton's father are 3D characters certainly not devoid of flaws. Then Beverly, the potty mouther retiree and Earnie, her high school sweetheart, who's loved her for his whole life even though they took different paths. Seriously, I rooted for Earnie and Beverly as hard as I did the main couple.
Angel to Earnie.
"You know she's totally single, right?" I asked, pointing at the house next door. "You should do something about that."
Also brownie points to the author for writing hot as hell scenes in a book which I'd consider mostly sweet. Both characters are virgins and I was a bit afraid of a fade to black or very ungraphic scenes. But no, we got the hot and dirty and what hot and dirty.
"Oh." Angel looked relieved, but also a bit embarrassed over the whole conversation. "Well, that makes me feel a little better about it then. I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions. And like I said, it's none of my business who you've slept with."
"Yes, it is your business," I said, and she looked surprised. "You like me. And I like you. There's something here between us and I want to figure out what it is."
So, if you, like me, love low-angst stories that will make you not only feel good, but downright swoon. If you want to read about different characters, maybe a bit naive, but over-the-moon in love. If you want to fall for the hot trucker who's one hell of a book boyfriend and laugh out loud at the hilarious and sweet flirt/banter between the two of them, then this book is your next read.
"And I'll even let you honk my horn." I smirked and waggled my eyebrows.
"Oh, I'll honk your horn so hard," she said, her tone completely seriously.
I grunter, trying not to laugh.
"Baby, I love it when you talk trucker to me."
October 19, 2020
I am a fan actually with this series. I love Outcast and Dancer. Sadly, I am not a fan with Trucker. I can not really make connection with both Travis and Angel. They both cliche.
Hence the story feels flat for me. The closure between Angel and her mom is executed badly.
Just because I love this series, I tolerate it with 3 stars.
3 stars
Hence the story feels flat for me. The closure between Angel and her mom is executed badly.
Just because I love this series, I tolerate it with 3 stars.
3 stars
December 5, 2016
Sweet steamy #SafeRead with one romantic virgin hero that will make your ovaries explode. He's just so perfect and sweet. I usually find some moments that bother me in new adult but this one is just too sweet to have problems with it. Loved that it had zero of my unsafe issues.
December 18, 2016
Super duper sweet - YA to NA book. 3.5 stars
When I read a KU book, most of the time, I expect them to be pretty short and underdeveloped. This book was not that at all.
The heroine is 17 when they meet. They do not have sex until she is 18, which was only a couple of weeks away. I was not skeeved out at all. They were both virgins so it was not like either was taking advantage of the other. They also took time to get to know each other.
This book was sugary sweet. I really liked Travis and was only moderately frustrated with Angel. Since I usually do not like NA I was pleasantly surprised that Angel did not annoy the hell out of me. She did a little, but only when she was stupidly naïve.
The ow drama was really not an issue since she was someone he went on one date with (it was miserable) and he never even kissed her. The side characters were great.
Overall, this was a really sweet book.
I look forward to reading Colton's book!
When I read a KU book, most of the time, I expect them to be pretty short and underdeveloped. This book was not that at all.
The heroine is 17 when they meet. They do not have sex until she is 18, which was only a couple of weeks away. I was not skeeved out at all. They were both virgins so it was not like either was taking advantage of the other. They also took time to get to know each other.
This book was sugary sweet. I really liked Travis and was only moderately frustrated with Angel. Since I usually do not like NA I was pleasantly surprised that Angel did not annoy the hell out of me. She did a little, but only when she was stupidly naïve.
The ow drama was really not an issue since she was someone he went on one date with (it was miserable) and he never even kissed her. The side characters were great.
Overall, this was a really sweet book.
I look forward to reading Colton's book!
July 21, 2016
This was a low angst super sweet love story. Travis is a trucker on the road when he spots Angel at a truck stop. Angel is a runaway about to turn 18 heading to see her mom that disappeared from her life years ago. Angel decides that hitchhiking is a good way to get to California and is lucky that Travis was the one to pick her up.
Travis is so kind, possessive, and nurturing to Angel. All he wants is to see her happy even if in the long run he may end up unhappy. He took her in when she needed someone and did everything he could to make her comfortable and keep her safe.
Angel has lost everyone and is trying to get to the only family she has left in the world. She is also very sweet and truly appreciates everything that Travis does for her. Poor Angel is very naïve which I couldn't really blame her for. The poor girl has lost so much in her short life. She is so amazed every time someone shows her a kindness.
Add in some great secondary characters with a little bit of drama and this is an easy afternoon read. This was a great debut novel by Jamie Schlosser. I will definitely be reading the next in this series which will be Colton's story. I read the sneak peek and I can tell it's going to be great plus we will get more of Travis and Angel.
Travis is so kind, possessive, and nurturing to Angel. All he wants is to see her happy even if in the long run he may end up unhappy. He took her in when she needed someone and did everything he could to make her comfortable and keep her safe.
Angel has lost everyone and is trying to get to the only family she has left in the world. She is also very sweet and truly appreciates everything that Travis does for her. Poor Angel is very naïve which I couldn't really blame her for. The poor girl has lost so much in her short life. She is so amazed every time someone shows her a kindness.
Add in some great secondary characters with a little bit of drama and this is an easy afternoon read. This was a great debut novel by Jamie Schlosser. I will definitely be reading the next in this series which will be Colton's story. I read the sneak peek and I can tell it's going to be great plus we will get more of Travis and Angel.
May 7, 2017
Low Angst - check
Hot alpa - check
Sweet heroine - check
Hot alpa - check
Sweet heroine - check
September 8, 2016
4.25 Stars
Travis Hawkins, 21, is a truck driver. But park you trucker stereotypes and misconceptions at the door. He isn’t crude, rude, or a perv. He’s sweet, sexy, and a total book boyfriend.
“‘Sexy truckers like Pinterest, too.’”
Angel Thomas, 17/18, is basically an orphan, a runaway, and a hitchhiker. Oh, and definitely a bit naïve. But before she runs into any real trouble, fate intervenes causing these two to meet on a stretch of highway and everything that they’ve been missing in life becomes available to them. But that doesn’t mean the road is always easy.
“‘Oh, I’ll honk your horn so hard…’ –Angel
‘…Baby, I love I when you talk trucker to me.’” –Travis
Angel wants to make it to California to start a new chapter in life for both her and her convict mother, and when things start to develop between her and Travis, their time together faces an expiration date. Meanwhile, Travis is a coveted bachelor in a small town and while Angel makes some new friends, not all of the locals are happy to meet Angel.
Told via Angel and Travis’s alternating first person point of view, the story is largely low angst, light-hearted, and feel good with positive messages and examples of love. There are no stupid, strung out misunderstandings here. The couple is young, but they know how to communicate. I give the story major points for taking a typical clichéd ‘OW misinforms the heroine’ troupe and showing how a mature person handles it—with a private conversation that avoids unnecessary further drama. This scene alone helped make both Angel and Travis very likable and levelheaded. We need more role models like this in romance!
What was also refreshing was the virgin status of both the heroine and the hero and, most importantly, the way it was handled. Travis doesn’t go all caveman about Angel’s purity. His response depicts a real man respectful of women and secure in his own sexuality:
“It didn’t really matter to me if she was or not.”
Furthermore, their first time isn’t treated as a means of possession. It’s beautifully done, very sexy, and captures the emotions of the experience. And once it happens, there’s no shortage of steam in the story. :)
“She licked her lips and my body suddenly felt electrified, like a soda can after it got shaken up, ready to combust.”
All in all, in a contemporary romance market often polluted with manwhores and sexist pigs, I wish more authors would take a chance with this scenario and these type of good guy heroes.
Trucker is the first book in The Good Guys standalone series. Dancer is next featuring Travis’s roommate Colton.
Travis Hawkins, 21, is a truck driver. But park you trucker stereotypes and misconceptions at the door. He isn’t crude, rude, or a perv. He’s sweet, sexy, and a total book boyfriend.
“‘Sexy truckers like Pinterest, too.’”
Angel Thomas, 17/18, is basically an orphan, a runaway, and a hitchhiker. Oh, and definitely a bit naïve. But before she runs into any real trouble, fate intervenes causing these two to meet on a stretch of highway and everything that they’ve been missing in life becomes available to them. But that doesn’t mean the road is always easy.
“‘Oh, I’ll honk your horn so hard…’ –Angel
‘…Baby, I love I when you talk trucker to me.’” –Travis
Angel wants to make it to California to start a new chapter in life for both her and her convict mother, and when things start to develop between her and Travis, their time together faces an expiration date. Meanwhile, Travis is a coveted bachelor in a small town and while Angel makes some new friends, not all of the locals are happy to meet Angel.
Told via Angel and Travis’s alternating first person point of view, the story is largely low angst, light-hearted, and feel good with positive messages and examples of love. There are no stupid, strung out misunderstandings here. The couple is young, but they know how to communicate. I give the story major points for taking a typical clichéd ‘OW misinforms the heroine’ troupe and showing how a mature person handles it—with a private conversation that avoids unnecessary further drama. This scene alone helped make both Angel and Travis very likable and levelheaded. We need more role models like this in romance!
What was also refreshing was the virgin status of both the heroine and the hero and, most importantly, the way it was handled. Travis doesn’t go all caveman about Angel’s purity. His response depicts a real man respectful of women and secure in his own sexuality:
“It didn’t really matter to me if she was or not.”
Furthermore, their first time isn’t treated as a means of possession. It’s beautifully done, very sexy, and captures the emotions of the experience. And once it happens, there’s no shortage of steam in the story. :)
“She licked her lips and my body suddenly felt electrified, like a soda can after it got shaken up, ready to combust.”
All in all, in a contemporary romance market often polluted with manwhores and sexist pigs, I wish more authors would take a chance with this scenario and these type of good guy heroes.
Trucker is the first book in The Good Guys standalone series. Dancer is next featuring Travis’s roommate Colton.
March 19, 2020
A very good first time effort by author Jamie Schlosser. It's a simple, straightforward and moving story of finding your soul mate. Quite engaging, I could not put it down. There were a number of the usual tropes but everything flowed nicely and it all clicked.
Angel had some hard knocks growing up. In the system at graduation she decided to hitch to California to find her mother, who is in jail, and hopefully reconnect. It's a sad and all too real story.
She meets Travis on the way, he gives her a lift. Travis is a down to earth, kind young man who immediately feels a connection with Angel. The rest you'll have to read for yourself.
This story reminded me a lot of another book with a similar story of a young woman who had to grow up far too soon. Finding a home, friendships, family and ultimately love. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. An excellent read also.
Simple doesn't mean boring. My only complaint is that it was perhaps a little too long.
Now, about the sex stuff. Our two MC's are young virgins when they meet. Travis is 21 and Angel is turning 18 within a couple of weeks. They are not virgins for any religious or other 'I must save myself' reason. It simply worked out that way. Fate if you will. I liked that. They simply hadn't met anyone before that they wanted to go all the way with. Their foreplay leading up to the big event was sweet, sensual and at times very erotic. The big event was big but not over-the-top. I liked the realism.
Friends and family play a major role. All are well thought out and interesting characters.
All in all a fine, enjoyable, engaging story. Not so innocent either, but real.
4.5 stars.
Angel had some hard knocks growing up. In the system at graduation she decided to hitch to California to find her mother, who is in jail, and hopefully reconnect. It's a sad and all too real story.
She meets Travis on the way, he gives her a lift. Travis is a down to earth, kind young man who immediately feels a connection with Angel. The rest you'll have to read for yourself.
This story reminded me a lot of another book with a similar story of a young woman who had to grow up far too soon. Finding a home, friendships, family and ultimately love. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. An excellent read also.
Simple doesn't mean boring. My only complaint is that it was perhaps a little too long.
Now, about the sex stuff. Our two MC's are young virgins when they meet. Travis is 21 and Angel is turning 18 within a couple of weeks. They are not virgins for any religious or other 'I must save myself' reason. It simply worked out that way. Fate if you will. I liked that. They simply hadn't met anyone before that they wanted to go all the way with. Their foreplay leading up to the big event was sweet, sensual and at times very erotic. The big event was big but not over-the-top. I liked the realism.
Friends and family play a major role. All are well thought out and interesting characters.
All in all a fine, enjoyable, engaging story. Not so innocent either, but real.
4.5 stars.
July 23, 2016
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Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Angel): 17/18yrs old – 5/5
Hero (Travis): 21yrs old – 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Grovel: none needed
Cheating: none - virgin hero and heroine
HEA: yes but no babies yet
Triggers: some OW drama
Average score: 4.5/5
Best Line: “Baby, I love it when you talk trucker to me.”
Worst Line: none!
Personal Review:
A cute love story between a virgin trucker (who is such a good guy) and a runaway virgin looking for a home
Random Ramblings:
•Well done on snagging the hot guy on the cover! (author's husband is the cover model)
•I wasn’t expecting the mother to be that harsh
•Loved the oldies!
Overall Feeling:
Pleased I took a chance with this!!
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Angel): 17/18yrs old – 5/5
Hero (Travis): 21yrs old – 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Grovel: none needed
Cheating: none - virgin hero and heroine
HEA: yes but no babies yet
Triggers: some OW drama
Average score: 4.5/5
Best Line: “Baby, I love it when you talk trucker to me.”
Worst Line: none!
Personal Review:
A cute love story between a virgin trucker (who is such a good guy) and a runaway virgin looking for a home
Random Ramblings:
•Well done on snagging the hot guy on the cover! (author's husband is the cover model)
•I wasn’t expecting the mother to be that harsh
•Loved the oldies!
Overall Feeling:
Pleased I took a chance with this!!
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March 23, 2025
RATING: 3 wholesome stars to Trucker ★ ★ ★
I'm taking Schlosser's series title as an honourable celebrant to the understated and misprised male love interests that this genre does not perhaps extol as fondly as it should. A spotlight for the good guy. And in my humble opinion, proffers representation of imperative value next to the commonly fetishised and supercharged caricatures often accepted as passable male leads. Variety is welcomed, and needed, and this story's male love interest exemplifies the buried gems I'd love to see starring as pivotal characters in narratives of love, life and romance. Stories like Trucker hearten and incentivise a much-desired innocence, believability and relatability that does not exhibit the greatest presence in the modern landscape of romance today. While we have a contemporary romance that isn't too deep, demanding nor complex from Jamie Schlosser, Trucker was the equivalent of taking a mild, leisurely stroll and stopping by every once in a while to admire the few small and sweet attractions in wait. I chose this particular read because the premise sounded so interesting and different, and I wanted to shake things up storyline-wise with my recent romance selections. I was admittedly under the impression that Trucker's storyline would follow a serendipitous, roadtrip-style romance for the most part, and although not as elaborate as I expected, and although an alternative avenue this did take to the one I had vaguely imagined, Trucker does establish itself as an easy, simple, sweet and comforting pastime.
Open-hearted, young, hopeful and wanting Angel is Trucker's heroine. When Angel's life unravelled without notice, she prepared herself for a new adventure. Two weeks short of her eighteenth birthday, and freshly out of highschool, she decides now is the time to abandon her foster home on a hope, a postcard and a chance. With no one left to call family, Angel sets on a journey to find the last living relative she has. Trotting off on her own to travel to California in search of her estranged mother in the hopes of re-establishing a connection with her, Angel considers the prospect that she may have embarked on this journey with a premature mindset. Her first time on her own, travelling and living in the present uncertainty of her next meal and where she might lay her head for the night, and she makes the very controversial decision to do the very thing most motorists and highway honchos would avoid at all costs. She decides to hitchhike. What could have been a disastrous case of stranger danger turns into a possibility, an open door, quite literally and figuratively, into the life of a young man and all he may have to offer, besides the comfortable journey hosted by his well-work truck. An avenue that quite swiftly follows suit in this entire spur-of-the-moment series of choices. This handsome stranger may just be destined to be more than a fleeting road companion and short-lived chauffeur when an instant sense of attraction forms in the short time Angel and Travis are enclosed in each other's company.
While Angel does hitchhike her way onto Travis's truck, the remainder of the story takes place in the remote, small town setting of Travis's hometown, Tolston Illinois. Travis loves his profession, he loves being a trucker, and in his opinion, there are few things better than settling in for the long stretch of a long drive. He's the golden-hearted good guy, the stranger without the danger, and person you'd want to intercept should you find yourself on a side road, flagging down automobile assistance with no idea of what or who one may encounter. Travis was endearing, congenial, light-hearted and down to earth with some highly appealing qualities. I appreciated his thoughts, values and desires pertaining to what he wanted in his humble life, from what he wanted in a romantic relationship. While social dictates often hold the sexually inexperienced to chauvinistic and intolerant attitudes, that something so very personal often becomes the consensus of an entire community's judgement, I loved that Travis admits to this; that having waited has resulted in him in no sense of desperation or pressure to remedy his abstinence. He casually admits to a critical crux; that when he does decide to actively participate in a sexual relationship, it will be on his terms and it will matter. Understated, but something worth the highlight when social influence and contemporary attitudes pertaining to celibacy (self-determined or otherwise) are remarkably warped and commonly disparaging. I loved that this personal decision had everything to do with him, and nothing to do with anybody else. We aren't typically on the receiving end of characterisation that carves a life for celibate or virginal male love interests, and for that, I could have clasped my hands together in some from of gratitude for the recognition and the believable rendering. Granted, Travis's inactive sex life isn't for a lack of attempt. I found his disastrous dating history to be rather slice of life, and a nice believable role reversal.
Travis was a sweet heart, a carefree, confident guy, a gentleman to adore, but not at all powerless or impotent of being more than that either. As attracted as Travis is to Angel, his foresight in not willing to hasten things in regards to the element of sexual intimacy was considerate. He's thoughtful and well-judged in regards to the budding relationship, swift as it is, of Angel's needs, and even surprisingly, those of his own. Even some of his thought processes concerning himself were careful and cautious, so very eager in his proclivity in wanting her, but not quite willing to bare himself completely while faced with the possibility of getting hurt, and ultimately I found that so very refreshing and endearing. As the title series tells us, Travis is one of the good guys, and you should definitely expect the profile of the guy going into this read.
As many positives as I took from this read, I did also experience unexpected lulls that encouraged a lack of continued interest. Perhaps believing that the story would outline a solid, more developed growth pattern with some exciting storyline turnabouts, the story does stall and remains committed to the mildness of its tone and progress. As such, the story did lose traction, which was the reason behind my reduced rating. I was additionally anticipating more of a slower burn and a richer relationship build up. What I did experience was much milder and sweeter, and as a result didn't evoke more than a simple appreciation, though not at all discouraging. Neither Travis nor Angel want their brief time spent in the company of each other to end just yet. When Angel finds herself in Travis's stomping ground, Travis showed himself to be a sweet, fun, caring and protective boyfriend, and I was indeed of the mind that both were a rather sweet, young match for the other. Trucker is a sweet, searching and gentle take on new beginnings, unexpected journeys, and the risk and reward of breaching the conduct of personal safety by questionable roadway decorum. Angel takes a trip with uncertainty, experiencing the new and unexpected, something that would not have come to pass had she not set out alone on open road. Homeless at heart and this story's heroine finds one in a small town as she's embraced by some small-town strangers who just as quickly find a place in her life. And her heart. Great risk can lead to a great reward in this sweet, young, early-doors, wholesome story of instant attraction, budding young love and small-town simplicity
Content Warning/Listing : the prologue details the situation of the heroin's aunt in a coma due to brain damage, and the consequent medically induced termination of her life. Grief. Grief of abandonment. Abandonment of a parent. Death of a parent, death of a guardian via stroke. Heroine has been in the foster system for a short while. Mentions drug addiction and alcohol addiction. Past alcoholism. Mentions a side character's death by breast cancer. An attempted assault on the heroine. Some violence. Swearing. Mentions a past miscarriage. Sexual content without condom use (the heroine is said to use a form prophylactic for birth control in spite of being celibate).
Additional content : there is some OW content that aims to pose some threat to Travis's relationship with Angel. Travis had been on one date with this character in question and had no desire to pursue anything further, but this person is very interested in Travis and thus very intent on disturbing the peace.
1) I appreciated that Colton, Travis's best friend, didn't follow in the generalised trend of most fictional best friends either as the oversexed, overcharged opposites to the main character, or equally just as libidinous. Despite having a troubled relationship with his current girlfriend, Colton describes himself as a 'one woman kind of guy'. Both he and Travis have believable relationships and believable lives. It was simply nice to have that earnest representation of the both of them.
I'm taking Schlosser's series title as an honourable celebrant to the understated and misprised male love interests that this genre does not perhaps extol as fondly as it should. A spotlight for the good guy. And in my humble opinion, proffers representation of imperative value next to the commonly fetishised and supercharged caricatures often accepted as passable male leads. Variety is welcomed, and needed, and this story's male love interest exemplifies the buried gems I'd love to see starring as pivotal characters in narratives of love, life and romance. Stories like Trucker hearten and incentivise a much-desired innocence, believability and relatability that does not exhibit the greatest presence in the modern landscape of romance today. While we have a contemporary romance that isn't too deep, demanding nor complex from Jamie Schlosser, Trucker was the equivalent of taking a mild, leisurely stroll and stopping by every once in a while to admire the few small and sweet attractions in wait. I chose this particular read because the premise sounded so interesting and different, and I wanted to shake things up storyline-wise with my recent romance selections. I was admittedly under the impression that Trucker's storyline would follow a serendipitous, roadtrip-style romance for the most part, and although not as elaborate as I expected, and although an alternative avenue this did take to the one I had vaguely imagined, Trucker does establish itself as an easy, simple, sweet and comforting pastime.
Open-hearted, young, hopeful and wanting Angel is Trucker's heroine. When Angel's life unravelled without notice, she prepared herself for a new adventure. Two weeks short of her eighteenth birthday, and freshly out of highschool, she decides now is the time to abandon her foster home on a hope, a postcard and a chance. With no one left to call family, Angel sets on a journey to find the last living relative she has. Trotting off on her own to travel to California in search of her estranged mother in the hopes of re-establishing a connection with her, Angel considers the prospect that she may have embarked on this journey with a premature mindset. Her first time on her own, travelling and living in the present uncertainty of her next meal and where she might lay her head for the night, and she makes the very controversial decision to do the very thing most motorists and highway honchos would avoid at all costs. She decides to hitchhike. What could have been a disastrous case of stranger danger turns into a possibility, an open door, quite literally and figuratively, into the life of a young man and all he may have to offer, besides the comfortable journey hosted by his well-work truck. An avenue that quite swiftly follows suit in this entire spur-of-the-moment series of choices. This handsome stranger may just be destined to be more than a fleeting road companion and short-lived chauffeur when an instant sense of attraction forms in the short time Angel and Travis are enclosed in each other's company.
While Angel does hitchhike her way onto Travis's truck, the remainder of the story takes place in the remote, small town setting of Travis's hometown, Tolston Illinois. Travis loves his profession, he loves being a trucker, and in his opinion, there are few things better than settling in for the long stretch of a long drive. He's the golden-hearted good guy, the stranger without the danger, and person you'd want to intercept should you find yourself on a side road, flagging down automobile assistance with no idea of what or who one may encounter. Travis was endearing, congenial, light-hearted and down to earth with some highly appealing qualities. I appreciated his thoughts, values and desires pertaining to what he wanted in his humble life, from what he wanted in a romantic relationship. While social dictates often hold the sexually inexperienced to chauvinistic and intolerant attitudes, that something so very personal often becomes the consensus of an entire community's judgement, I loved that Travis admits to this; that having waited has resulted in him in no sense of desperation or pressure to remedy his abstinence. He casually admits to a critical crux; that when he does decide to actively participate in a sexual relationship, it will be on his terms and it will matter. Understated, but something worth the highlight when social influence and contemporary attitudes pertaining to celibacy (self-determined or otherwise) are remarkably warped and commonly disparaging. I loved that this personal decision had everything to do with him, and nothing to do with anybody else. We aren't typically on the receiving end of characterisation that carves a life for celibate or virginal male love interests, and for that, I could have clasped my hands together in some from of gratitude for the recognition and the believable rendering. Granted, Travis's inactive sex life isn't for a lack of attempt. I found his disastrous dating history to be rather slice of life, and a nice believable role reversal.
Travis was a sweet heart, a carefree, confident guy, a gentleman to adore, but not at all powerless or impotent of being more than that either. As attracted as Travis is to Angel, his foresight in not willing to hasten things in regards to the element of sexual intimacy was considerate. He's thoughtful and well-judged in regards to the budding relationship, swift as it is, of Angel's needs, and even surprisingly, those of his own. Even some of his thought processes concerning himself were careful and cautious, so very eager in his proclivity in wanting her, but not quite willing to bare himself completely while faced with the possibility of getting hurt, and ultimately I found that so very refreshing and endearing. As the title series tells us, Travis is one of the good guys, and you should definitely expect the profile of the guy going into this read.
As many positives as I took from this read, I did also experience unexpected lulls that encouraged a lack of continued interest. Perhaps believing that the story would outline a solid, more developed growth pattern with some exciting storyline turnabouts, the story does stall and remains committed to the mildness of its tone and progress. As such, the story did lose traction, which was the reason behind my reduced rating. I was additionally anticipating more of a slower burn and a richer relationship build up. What I did experience was much milder and sweeter, and as a result didn't evoke more than a simple appreciation, though not at all discouraging. Neither Travis nor Angel want their brief time spent in the company of each other to end just yet. When Angel finds herself in Travis's stomping ground, Travis showed himself to be a sweet, fun, caring and protective boyfriend, and I was indeed of the mind that both were a rather sweet, young match for the other. Trucker is a sweet, searching and gentle take on new beginnings, unexpected journeys, and the risk and reward of breaching the conduct of personal safety by questionable roadway decorum. Angel takes a trip with uncertainty, experiencing the new and unexpected, something that would not have come to pass had she not set out alone on open road. Homeless at heart and this story's heroine finds one in a small town as she's embraced by some small-town strangers who just as quickly find a place in her life. And her heart. Great risk can lead to a great reward in this sweet, young, early-doors, wholesome story of instant attraction, budding young love and small-town simplicity
Content Warning/Listing : the prologue details the situation of the heroin's aunt in a coma due to brain damage, and the consequent medically induced termination of her life. Grief. Grief of abandonment. Abandonment of a parent. Death of a parent, death of a guardian via stroke. Heroine has been in the foster system for a short while. Mentions drug addiction and alcohol addiction. Past alcoholism. Mentions a side character's death by breast cancer. An attempted assault on the heroine. Some violence. Swearing. Mentions a past miscarriage. Sexual content without condom use (the heroine is said to use a form prophylactic for birth control in spite of being celibate).
Additional content : there is some OW content that aims to pose some threat to Travis's relationship with Angel. Travis had been on one date with this character in question and had no desire to pursue anything further, but this person is very interested in Travis and thus very intent on disturbing the peace.
1) I appreciated that Colton, Travis's best friend, didn't follow in the generalised trend of most fictional best friends either as the oversexed, overcharged opposites to the main character, or equally just as libidinous. Despite having a troubled relationship with his current girlfriend, Colton describes himself as a 'one woman kind of guy'. Both he and Travis have believable relationships and believable lives. It was simply nice to have that earnest representation of the both of them.
February 1, 2019
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 4 stars
This was a really sweet (like so sweet you're going to possibly get cavities) YA/NA romance. The hero, Travis, is truly book boyfriend hall of fame material! He was so considerate, kind, loyal, supportive, protective, and just like the series name - an all around good guy. Throw in the fact that he's a 21 year old virgin and I was SOLD! It's so rare to see that in romance books (a virgin hero) and I really wish more authors would consider it for their books. Most of the time, it is the heroine who is a virgin and the hero has a vast sexual history. In Trucker, we hit the safety jackpot, with both the hero and heroine being virgins. Speaking of the heroine, I did feel that Angel was a little too naive and trusting throughout the story. I understand that she's 17/18 years old, but her entire goal/plan wasn't well thought out and hinged on someone she hadn't seen or heard from in 10 years. Angel was still really sweet though and I loved her and Travis together. Yes, there's instalust/love and even a bit of OW drama that I could have done without, but I loved that the story was low angst and just a feel good romance.
Aiden Snow and Jillian Macie did a great job narrating and bringing this story to life. Both are new to me narrators, but I look forward to listening to more of their performances. Jillian Macie especially was wonderful as Angel. I felt like she captured the energy and enthusiasm of the character really well, though I did have a little trouble differentiating between characters sometimes. I also really enjoyed Aiden Snow's performance and Travis's chapters were definitely my favorite. I do think that his voice was a little too serious, however, and that it didn't completely match with Travis's age and personality.
Overall, Trucker is a book that will put a smile on your face and leave your heart happy. I'm excited to see what happens next in Colton's book!
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 4 stars
This was a really sweet (like so sweet you're going to possibly get cavities) YA/NA romance. The hero, Travis, is truly book boyfriend hall of fame material! He was so considerate, kind, loyal, supportive, protective, and just like the series name - an all around good guy. Throw in the fact that he's a 21 year old virgin and I was SOLD! It's so rare to see that in romance books (a virgin hero) and I really wish more authors would consider it for their books. Most of the time, it is the heroine who is a virgin and the hero has a vast sexual history. In Trucker, we hit the safety jackpot, with both the hero and heroine being virgins. Speaking of the heroine, I did feel that Angel was a little too naive and trusting throughout the story. I understand that she's 17/18 years old, but her entire goal/plan wasn't well thought out and hinged on someone she hadn't seen or heard from in 10 years. Angel was still really sweet though and I loved her and Travis together. Yes, there's instalust/love and even a bit of OW drama that I could have done without, but I loved that the story was low angst and just a feel good romance.
Aiden Snow and Jillian Macie did a great job narrating and bringing this story to life. Both are new to me narrators, but I look forward to listening to more of their performances. Jillian Macie especially was wonderful as Angel. I felt like she captured the energy and enthusiasm of the character really well, though I did have a little trouble differentiating between characters sometimes. I also really enjoyed Aiden Snow's performance and Travis's chapters were definitely my favorite. I do think that his voice was a little too serious, however, and that it didn't completely match with Travis's age and personality.
Overall, Trucker is a book that will put a smile on your face and leave your heart happy. I'm excited to see what happens next in Colton's book!
August 5, 2016
This was an ok NA read. Nothing I haven't read before. Easy breezy read for when you want a break from angsty or violent reads.
December 10, 2016
3.5 stars
Sweet and cute and absolutely safe.
Sweet and cute and absolutely safe.
Read
July 26, 2016Confused how to rate this.
3.75 stars or maybe a bit less :O
Overall i liked it.
Decent read.
Sweet alpha H <3
3.75 stars or maybe a bit less :O
Overall i liked it.
Decent read.
Sweet alpha H <3
December 13, 2016
4.25 sweet stars!
December 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐
This was really cute and not too heavy on the drama. There's nothing too complicated about the plot.
I enjoyed it, but I couldn't give it a higher rating just because there were some physical moments they had done when Angel was 17 and Travis was 21. I really wish they had just waited until she was 18. It was only two weeks away, after all. No big deal with waiting a little, in my opinion.
Aside from my issue, this was actually pretty fun, and I didn’t have to think too much about the story at all. Also, I loooove this even more because of the dual virgin trope! 🤭
Book info:
- Dual V!!! 🩷
- Small town romance
- Stranger to lovers
- Instant attraction
- Loss of a loved one
- Parent abandonment
- Mention of Alcoholism
- No cheating, OMD, separation
- OWD (See note)
- HFN (Engaged)
-
Note:
- OWD me Travis went on one date with the OW; it didn't lead to anything, not even a kiss. The OW caused problems for Angel, and she was hung up on Travis. But he put her in her place time and time again and had no interest in her, not in the past, present, or future.
This was really cute and not too heavy on the drama. There's nothing too complicated about the plot.
I enjoyed it, but I couldn't give it a higher rating just because there were some physical moments they had done when Angel was 17 and Travis was 21. I really wish they had just waited until she was 18. It was only two weeks away, after all. No big deal with waiting a little, in my opinion.
Aside from my issue, this was actually pretty fun, and I didn’t have to think too much about the story at all. Also, I loooove this even more because of the dual virgin trope! 🤭
Book info:
- Dual V!!! 🩷
- Small town romance
- Stranger to lovers
- Instant attraction
- Loss of a loved one
- Parent abandonment
- Mention of Alcoholism
- No cheating, OMD, separation
- OWD (See note)
- HFN (Engaged)
-
Note:
- OWD me Travis went on one date with the OW; it didn't lead to anything, not even a kiss. The OW caused problems for Angel, and she was hung up on Travis. But he put her in her place time and time again and had no interest in her, not in the past, present, or future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2022
4.5 - 4.9 ⭐
First I'm going to mention a possible TW:
Angel (h) is underage and is about 2 weeks away from turning 18 for about 50% of the book. Travis (H) is 21. They don't have sex before she turns 18, though there is some heavy petting. I didn't think her being underage and their age gap was handled in a way that could be triggering at all, putting myself in her shoes didn't at all make me uncomfortable and Travis didn't come off as creepy. This is one of those situations where I believe context and the people involved matters on where the scale tips. Considering she was days away from turning 18 and how boyish (-youthful, rather than a man who's aged before his time) and decent Travis was, I had no issues, however if this is a trigger for you then skip the book.
-
This is such a simple, sweet and comfy read with lovely people - the MCs as well as the side characters. Their story takes place on the road and in a quiet little town.
Angel (h) is so damn loveable for so many reasons. She pulled at my heart strings with her circumstances in the beginning of this book, reading those initial scenes made me wish that I could reach through the book, pluck her out of that scenario and protect her. She's such a transperant, innocent, trusting woman though she's also perceptive in places. There's nothing I love more than discovering that the book I'm reading has a wonderful female lead. Such stories tend to stick for a long time in my mind and I usually feel drawn to do re-reads for them alone. She's best left discovered for yourself.
Travis (H) is a sweet, genuine, earnest cinnamon roll and I'm so glad he's the guy the author created to be paired with Angel ❤️
There's an adorable scene in the beginning of the book where she tells him her name and he LOLs at what had transpired in his mind before that, this sort of sets the tone for his perception of her and his belly-baring behaviour (like dogs do for belly rubs) throughout the book. It's so cute. They're both so good for each other. If they were dogs they would not only be such derpy-dumdum-adorable golden retrievers, but they'd also be wagging the fuck out of their tails at each other throughout the entirety of this book: That's the👌-vibe.
And because these two have hearts that beat for each other right from the get-go, their intimate scenes are so much hotter, I can't even tell you!! (open door btw). There's a good amount of spice peppered throughout the book, amping up properly sometime after the 50% mark.
I want to stress again that this is a pretty simple, straightforward read so the characters have enough complexity (which isn't much, and sometimes that's exactly what the doctor ordered, as they say👌) to move the story along. Journeying through this book made me feel gooey and safe and warm and I loved it and highly recommend especially as a restful in-between read.
(Thank you RLBooks for this sweeeet rec ❤️☺️)
TW: apart from what I've mentioned up top, loss of parental figure, parental abandonment, very little OW drama that H has next to nothing to do with - no cause for worry at all.
First I'm going to mention a possible TW:
Angel (h) is underage and is about 2 weeks away from turning 18 for about 50% of the book. Travis (H) is 21. They don't have sex before she turns 18, though there is some heavy petting. I didn't think her being underage and their age gap was handled in a way that could be triggering at all, putting myself in her shoes didn't at all make me uncomfortable and Travis didn't come off as creepy. This is one of those situations where I believe context and the people involved matters on where the scale tips. Considering she was days away from turning 18 and how boyish (-youthful, rather than a man who's aged before his time) and decent Travis was, I had no issues, however if this is a trigger for you then skip the book.
-
This is such a simple, sweet and comfy read with lovely people - the MCs as well as the side characters. Their story takes place on the road and in a quiet little town.
Angel (h) is so damn loveable for so many reasons. She pulled at my heart strings with her circumstances in the beginning of this book, reading those initial scenes made me wish that I could reach through the book, pluck her out of that scenario and protect her. She's such a transperant, innocent, trusting woman though she's also perceptive in places. There's nothing I love more than discovering that the book I'm reading has a wonderful female lead. Such stories tend to stick for a long time in my mind and I usually feel drawn to do re-reads for them alone. She's best left discovered for yourself.
Travis (H) is a sweet, genuine, earnest cinnamon roll and I'm so glad he's the guy the author created to be paired with Angel ❤️
There's an adorable scene in the beginning of the book where she tells him her name and he LOLs at what had transpired in his mind before that, this sort of sets the tone for his perception of her and his belly-baring behaviour (like dogs do for belly rubs) throughout the book. It's so cute. They're both so good for each other. If they were dogs they would not only be such derpy-dumdum-adorable golden retrievers, but they'd also be wagging the fuck out of their tails at each other throughout the entirety of this book: That's the👌-vibe.
And because these two have hearts that beat for each other right from the get-go, their intimate scenes are so much hotter, I can't even tell you!! (open door btw). There's a good amount of spice peppered throughout the book, amping up properly sometime after the 50% mark.
I want to stress again that this is a pretty simple, straightforward read so the characters have enough complexity (which isn't much, and sometimes that's exactly what the doctor ordered, as they say👌) to move the story along. Journeying through this book made me feel gooey and safe and warm and I loved it and highly recommend especially as a restful in-between read.
(Thank you RLBooks for this sweeeet rec ❤️☺️)
TW: apart from what I've mentioned up top, loss of parental figure, parental abandonment, very little OW drama that H has next to nothing to do with - no cause for worry at all.
March 19, 2020
A very good first time effort by author Jamie Schlosser. It's a simple, straightforward and moving story of finding your soul mate. Quite engaging, I could not put it down. There were a number of the usual tropes but everything flowed nicely and it all clicked.
Angel had some hard knocks growing up. In the system at graduation she decided to hitch to California to find her mother, who is in jail, and hopefully reconnect. It's a sad and all too real story.
She meets Travis on the way, he gives her a lift. Travis is a down to earth, kind young man who immediately feels a connection with Angel. The rest you'll have to read for yourself.
This story reminded me a lot of another book with a similar story of a young woman who had to grow up far too soon. Finding a home, friendships, family and ultimately love. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. An excellent read also.
Simple doesn't mean boring. My only complaint is that it was perhaps a little too long.
Now, about the sex stuff. Our two MC's are young virgins when they meet. Travis is 21 and Angel is turning 18 within a couple of weeks. They are not virgins for any religious or other 'I must save myself' reason. It simply worked out that way. Fate if you will. I liked that. They simply hadn't met anyone before that they wanted to go all the way with. Their foreplay leading up to the big event was sweet, sensual and at times very erotic. The big event was big but not over-the-top. I liked the realism.
Friends and family play a major role. All are well thought out and interesting characters.
All in all a fine, enjoyable, engaging story. Not so innocent either, but real.
4.5 stars.
Angel had some hard knocks growing up. In the system at graduation she decided to hitch to California to find her mother, who is in jail, and hopefully reconnect. It's a sad and all too real story.
She meets Travis on the way, he gives her a lift. Travis is a down to earth, kind young man who immediately feels a connection with Angel. The rest you'll have to read for yourself.
This story reminded me a lot of another book with a similar story of a young woman who had to grow up far too soon. Finding a home, friendships, family and ultimately love. Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. An excellent read also.
Simple doesn't mean boring. My only complaint is that it was perhaps a little too long.
Now, about the sex stuff. Our two MC's are young virgins when they meet. Travis is 21 and Angel is turning 18 within a couple of weeks. They are not virgins for any religious or other 'I must save myself' reason. It simply worked out that way. Fate if you will. I liked that. They simply hadn't met anyone before that they wanted to go all the way with. Their foreplay leading up to the big event was sweet, sensual and at times very erotic. The big event was big but not over-the-top. I liked the realism.
Friends and family play a major role. All are well thought out and interesting characters.
All in all a fine, enjoyable, engaging story. Not so innocent either, but real.
4.5 stars.
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