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Jetty Beach #1
Must Be Love: Nicole and Ryan
Some wounds only love can heal
I never thought Nicole Prescott would walk back into my life—adorably drunk and dropping things, no less. But here she is, more beautiful than I remember.
She’s been hurt, and I understand pain all too well. But I shouldn’t be the guy to help her through it. I came home to get my own life together. I can’t pick up the pieces of hers.
Ryan Jacobsen and I were kids together, but he’s all man, now. Sexy and sweet, with brooding green eyes that hide a universe of secrets.
His stubbly jaw, delicious abs, and artistic soul make him irresistible. (And have I mentioned the things he can do with his tongue?) My heart—and my body—want more. They want everything.
Although the gravity between us is inescapable, he tries to push me away. The pain behind his eyes holds him back, and it just might tear us apart.
Behind His Eyes was previously titled Must Be Love
I never thought Nicole Prescott would walk back into my life—adorably drunk and dropping things, no less. But here she is, more beautiful than I remember.
She’s been hurt, and I understand pain all too well. But I shouldn’t be the guy to help her through it. I came home to get my own life together. I can’t pick up the pieces of hers.
Ryan Jacobsen and I were kids together, but he’s all man, now. Sexy and sweet, with brooding green eyes that hide a universe of secrets.
His stubbly jaw, delicious abs, and artistic soul make him irresistible. (And have I mentioned the things he can do with his tongue?) My heart—and my body—want more. They want everything.
Although the gravity between us is inescapable, he tries to push me away. The pain behind his eyes holds him back, and it just might tear us apart.
Behind His Eyes was previously titled Must Be Love
226 pages, ebook
First published July 14, 2016
3537 people are currently reading
3385 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kingsley
81 books12.3k followersClaire Kingsley is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
October 30, 2016
4 Fabulous Stars
Well color me surprised!
It's not often a new to me author, completely off my radar, manages to entertain me the way Claire Kingsley did with Must Be Love. Was it jaw droopingly original? No, but that's not what I was looking for when I stumbled across this freebie on my kindle. I wanted a little break from the monotonous book I'd been reading and this book worked beautifully.
Well color me surprised!
It's not often a new to me author, completely off my radar, manages to entertain me the way Claire Kingsley did with Must Be Love. Was it jaw droopingly original? No, but that's not what I was looking for when I stumbled across this freebie on my kindle. I wanted a little break from the monotonous book I'd been reading and this book worked beautifully.
February 1, 2022
This was, what's the word? Lame? Yeah, that one. Nicole is coming off of a betrayal that she should have seen coming and is acting way more hurt than she really is. Ryan is a bit cagey about what his deal is, even in his own head, because that's how authors build tension. So seeing them get closer was a little yawn-inducing and with a lot of elements that don't really hold together very well. Spoilers ahead because I'm finding it hard to care more for a thing than the author did in writing it.
And I can't figure out which was worse, the self-destructive idiocy that produced the dark moment or the whole laying it off on clinical depression that is so shallow you could drain it with a thimble. I mean, the author did some research because the therapy side of it was more-or-less reasonable. But the PoV character living it felt a bit like a morality play performed by two year-olds.
Okay, it probably wasn't that bad. But it wasn't good either. So it's a one-star read that I'm still not sure why I finished.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes and lots and lots of talk of sex and sensuality putting this on the high end of my steam tolerance. The main characters pretty much bond over sex and Ryan's l337 skillz. So yeah, lame.
And I can't figure out which was worse, the self-destructive idiocy that produced the dark moment or the whole laying it off on clinical depression that is so shallow you could drain it with a thimble. I mean, the author did some research because the therapy side of it was more-or-less reasonable. But the PoV character living it felt a bit like a morality play performed by two year-olds.
Okay, it probably wasn't that bad. But it wasn't good either. So it's a one-star read that I'm still not sure why I finished.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes and lots and lots of talk of sex and sensuality putting this on the high end of my steam tolerance. The main characters pretty much bond over sex and Ryan's l337 skillz. So yeah, lame.
February 12, 2021
Not Miss Kingsley finest work. Behind His Eyes have all that promise of second chance romance. Miss Kingsley then running out of idea how to put a twist into the story.
The last twist about Ryan mental health is like a last minute brush to keep the story interesting. It would be interesting if Miss Kingsley can build up the tension from beginning about Ryan.
So without all that, the story sounds vanilla. Just a lot of insta lust but no bite.
Overall this book is OK read for vanilla romance.
3 stars
The last twist about Ryan mental health is like a last minute brush to keep the story interesting. It would be interesting if Miss Kingsley can build up the tension from beginning about Ryan.
So without all that, the story sounds vanilla. Just a lot of insta lust but no bite.
Overall this book is OK read for vanilla romance.
3 stars
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June 3, 2018💝FREE on iBooks today (6/3/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Introducing Must Be Love, a full-length, standalone contemporary romance, with a HEA.
My life was perfect—from the outside, at least. Until I came home to find another woman straddling my long-time boyfriend. On my brand new bedding.
Now I’m back in Jetty Beach, the small town on the coast where I grew up, crashing at my parent’s place. And life is looking pretty bleak.
Except…
Ryan Jacobsen.
We knew each other as kids, but he did not look like this. Tousled dark hair, a body that sparks thoughts that make me blush, and intense green eyes hiding a sadness I want to kiss away. He’s back in town too, and I can’t seem to get him out of my mind.
Or stay out of his bed.
He makes me feel things I never imagined (and the things he can do with his tongue!). But his sweet, sad eyes are hiding a secret—one that could tear us apart.
Ryan comes into my life at precisely the wrong time. It’s either a huge mistake … or it must be love.
Blurb:
Introducing Must Be Love, a full-length, standalone contemporary romance, with a HEA.
My life was perfect—from the outside, at least. Until I came home to find another woman straddling my long-time boyfriend. On my brand new bedding.
Now I’m back in Jetty Beach, the small town on the coast where I grew up, crashing at my parent’s place. And life is looking pretty bleak.
Except…
Ryan Jacobsen.
We knew each other as kids, but he did not look like this. Tousled dark hair, a body that sparks thoughts that make me blush, and intense green eyes hiding a sadness I want to kiss away. He’s back in town too, and I can’t seem to get him out of my mind.
Or stay out of his bed.
He makes me feel things I never imagined (and the things he can do with his tongue!). But his sweet, sad eyes are hiding a secret—one that could tear us apart.
Ryan comes into my life at precisely the wrong time. It’s either a huge mistake … or it must be love.
Read
September 4, 2019
READ AN EXCERPT OF BEHIND HIS EYES:
I pour the champagne into a fluted glass, leaving room for a splash of orange juice, and let out a deep breath. Get yourself together, Nicole. You need to be professional. I'm nervous about helping on his shoot-I wasn't kidding when I said I have no idea what I'm doing. Ryan said he'd tell me what to do. Son of a bitch, why did those words make my panties wet?
I add a splash of orange juice and put the glass on a little silver tray he has sitting on the counter. There's a bowl of washed strawberries next to the sink, so I cut the stems off a few, add them to a little plate, and put everything on the tray. Champagne and strawberries are such a decadent touch. I notice he has a box of fancy chocolates sitting out as well. Wow, this guy thinks of everything.
Ryan is adjusting the lights in the studio when I come out. He moves one, then steps back, tilting his head to the side to study the composition. Soft music plays in the background-something classical, and just loud enough to give the room a soothing ambiance. Joanna is behind a large folding screen, so I wait nearby, holding the tray like a waitress. She emerges in a flowing beige gown with a deep neckline. It looks fabulous on her, but I can tell by her body language that she's unsure of herself.
"Here," I say, holding out the tray. She gives me a grateful smile and takes the champagne flute.
"Thanks," she says. "I think I'll need this."
"You don't have anything to be nervous about," I say. My eyes flick to Ryan. "You're in great hands."
He gives me his lopsided grin and a tingle runs down my spine.
"Okay, Joanna, take your time," Ryan says. "When you're ready, we'll do a few test shots. There's no pressure, I'm just going to be sure of the lighting."
Joanna takes a quick breath and hands me her half-empty glass. Ryan positions her on the white couch, laying her across it horizontally, her back propped up with pillows. She fusses with her dress while Ryan gets his camera.
"Just sit back and relax," he says. "I'll even delete these. Don't worry about posing or smiling or anything."
He takes a few shots, bringing his camera down to look at the screen in between. He adjusts a few lights and takes another. Joanna lays on the couch, looking a bit stiff, and plucks at the gown.
"All right," he says. "This looks really good. Now, we'll start slow. I don't want you to worry about anything. Take a few deep breaths, maybe another sip of champagne."
I dart in and give her the drink. She takes a long swallow and sets it back on the tray.
"Perfect. You look lovely," Ryan says. His voice has gone soft and low, sending shivers through me. "This is going to sound strange, but clench your hands into fists for a second. Good. Now let them go, relax your fingers. Perfect. Do the same with your shoulders. Scrunch them up, hold there. Now release."
Ryan walks around a light and regards her with that head tilt again. He hasn't taken any pictures other than the first shots to test his lighting. "Next, close your eyes. Just soft, don't squeeze them shut. Now, I'm going to come near you and you're going to feel me touch your hair a little." Joanna's eyes drift closed and Ryan moves in. He adjusts her hair, running his fingers through it and teasing it out, messing it up a little. He lifts her chin with a finger and smooths the folds of her dress.
"You're doing beautifully, Joanna," he says. "Don't do it yet, but when I give you the word, you're going to open your eyes. Slowly. You're relaxed and happy. Satisfied. Your body feels warm. The couch is soft beneath you, your dress whispers across your skin. Open."
Joanna's eyes flutter open and her lips part. Ryan snaps a few pictures.
"Beautiful," Ryan says, absolute sincerity in his tone. "Let your head move to the right ever so slightly. Good. Now, stay relaxed. Trust me. These look incredible already, but I think we can do better. Go deeper."
Deeper sends a jolt through me.
"All right," Joanna says.
"Move your hips just a little," Ryan says.
"Ryan, I don't know-"
"Shh," he says, putting a finger to his lips. "No talking for a few minutes. In fact, you're not allowed to talk right now."
Oh, damn.
Joanna squeaks out a short reply but Ryan smiles at her, ridiculous dimples and all, and she goes silent. I stand, transfixed, and almost drop the tray. It bobbles in my hand, but I recover before anything falls. Instead of inviting disaster, I set it down on a side table.
"Move your hips, Joanna. Rock them back and forth a tiny bit. Don't be afraid. You can trust me. Now open your knees a bit. Not too much yet. Good. Take your hands and run them up and down your thighs. Lightly, just to relax your legs. Good. Now let your left leg drop open. Yes, your foot can dangle down to the floor, that's perfect."
He talks to her in his velvety voice, easing her into slight variations of her position. Her eyes follow him as he moves around her. He takes pictures from different angles, consulting the screen on the back of his camera in between shots. His steady stream of encouragement and commands goes on.
Dropping to one knee, he shoots another picture. "This is amazing, Joanna. Let's do something else. What does your husband like? What part of you is his favorite?"
"Oh gosh, I don't know," she says.
"Come on, Joanna," Ryan says, coaxing her. "Breasts, ass?"
"I can't believe I'm doing this," she says. "Um, ass, I guess."
"That's what I would have guessed," Ryan says. "Sit up and we're going to have you get on your knees with your hands on the back of the couch. Perfect."
He grabs a white sheet from a nearby table and hands it to me. I take it and he leans in close, speaking low into my ear. "I want to get her undressed for this next bit, but I think she'll do it for you rather than me. I want the sheet draped around her, and she can hold the front up over her chest. I'll come in and adjust it."
I nod and gently shake the sheet open.
"Okay, Joanna, you're doing amazing. Stay with me. Nicole's going to come over with a sheet. She'll help you slip off the gown and you can hold the sheet around yourself."
"I-"
"I said no talking, remember?"
I dart in and put the sheet on the couch, then lift her gown over her head. She lets me undress her without a hint of protest. She's wearing a lacy thong and pretty matching bra. I glance back at Ryan.
He mouths, Bra off.
I try to mimic Ryan's soothing tone. "Okay, Joanna, I'm going to unhook your bra, but you can hold this sheet up."
She holds still while I take off her bra, slipping the straps off her shoulders. I drape the sheet over her, giving her the edge to hold up over her breasts. Her breath comes fast but she complies, and I adjust the sheet around her, leaving it to cascade down the side of her leg. Her ass is bare, save for the strip of thong; the lighting glints off her skin.
I move out of the way and Ryan takes a couple shots without saying anything. Joanna holds still, her posture rigid.
"Look at me," Ryan says, a sharp note of command in his voice. My eyes immediately dart to him. Joanna turns her neck and he snaps a few more pictures.
"Imagine a hand sliding up your back," Ryan says. He moves while he talks, finding a new angle. "It's strong and warm. It runs up to your neck, fingers brushing through your hair." Joanna's head drifts back. "The hand runs down, caressing your silky soft skin. The fingers trail down your backside and slip between your thighs."
I swallow hard, heat building between my legs. Joanna sucks in a breath and arches her back. Something in her posture changes. Her shoulders relax and her ass tilts back, giving her a sensual silhouette.
Ryan has a look of triumph on his face. "Take your hand and run it up and down your body. Perfect. Lean your head back and let your hair cascade down your back. Two hands are on you now. They grip your hips. You want this. You want him to come in behind you and press himself against you. Look at me. Fingers tease between your thighs, running between the soft folds. Gentle pressure in just the right spot. It sends a thrill through you, a burst of pleasure."
Oh my god.
He moves in again and adjusts the sheet, then backs away a few steps. He talks faster. "Run your hand down your stomach. Stop. Look at me. You do what I say, you hear me, Joanna?"
She gives a feeble nod.
"Let the sheet drop and hold your breasts. They feel good in your hands. His hands are on you too, touching, caressing. Your skin tingles everywhere. He slips his fingers inside you. He knows how to touch you, moving in and out, circling, curling. He rubs his thumb on your clit and you can barely stand it. You want more. You want him inside you."
Fucking hell. My heart races and my skin is on fire.
"This is amazing, Joanna," he says. "Look at me over your other shoulder. You're beautiful like this."
She is. The mousy, anxious woman is gone and in her place is a gorgeous, sexual being. She doesn't have a model's body, but Ryan seems to know how to get her to move to accent every curve and show her from the best angle. Her body is relaxed, yet alive. Ryan continues shooting, moving in to adjust a detail, then moving out again to take more photos.
He stands and looks down at his camera again. "These are incredible. I think we have everything we need."
Joanna seems to melt. She looks around for the sheet, as if she suddenly realizes she's almost naked. I rush in and help her pull the sheet around her.
She blinks, as if coming out of a trance. Her lips turn up in a slow smile. "I did it?"
Ryan comes closer. "You were unbelievable, Joanna."
He catches my eye and holds my gaze. My panties are drenched, my pussy so hot I can hardly stand it. The memory of his words washes over me.
Joanna stands, holding the sheet around herself. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."
"There's no need to apologize," Ryan says. "This was absolutely perfect."
She goes back behind the screen to change. I keep my eyes on the ground. I don't dare look up at Ryan. The back of my neck burns with his gaze, but I know if I meet his eyes, I won't be able to control myself. I've never felt anything like this in my entire life-this burning need. It consumes me.
"Wait here," Ryan says, in that same soft, soothing voice he's been using. I don't dream of disobeying him. His voice is my world, my reality. I wait, breathing hard.
October 29, 2024
2 / 5 ⭐⭐
2,5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 8, 13, 14, 18
Ryan (MMC) and Nicole (FMC)
Dual POV narration 👏🏻
After having read most of Claire Kingsley's books, I'm happy to say that her style of writing has clearly grown and improved so much over the years, and her storytelling has come so far from this book, wich wasn’t great unfortunately 📖
About the story: To me, this book was more an insta lust than a love story. There's a lot of physical attraction amongst the two MC's, but I didn't feel their emotional connection, especially because Ryan hid his depression from Nicole until the last chapter...
At 1/3rd in, I loved the fact that both MC's used to be childhood friends who found each other in adulthood and reconnected back in their hometown after living away for a number of years.
About Ryan: At the start of the story, I didn't like the fact that he used to be a p*rn photographer 📸 , which evolved into him taking exclusively women's boudoir pics. It sounds pretty sleazy and dubious to me, and I wouldn't want to be with a man who takes almost naked pics of women, especially after being cheated on my ex, like it was Nicole's case 🙄😩.
I didn't like the MMC tbh. At one point, he says that he loves taking photos of women who aren't models as in: "normal everyday women with their folds, wrinkles and curves in the wrong places." EXCUSE ME SIR!! I'm going to stop you right there. There are NO wrong places for a woman to have folds, wrinkles, and/or curves. How dare you OBJECTIFY us like that, especially as a professional photographer? 😤😡🤬.
And it would 100% make me feel uncomfortable (and jealous/mad if I'm being honest) if the guy I was interested in, was taking sexy pics for other women half naked, directing them on what to do and even commanding them to not talk and literally dirty talking to them with a sensual voice, giving them instructions on how to appear more sexy, aroused, etc... I mean, c'mon 😩🙄🤦🏼♀️.
About Nicole: At the beginning of the book, Nicole was crying over her ex, who cheated on her. Fast forward to the almost end of the book, and there she is, crying again, this time for Ryan. Perhaps this girl needed some time to discover who she is on her own, without the influence of a man. Just saying 🤷🏼♀️
Btw, the two MC's have seen each other like 3 times before they have s*x (after they reunite as adults, I mean) and have barely spoken. Yet, before they have s*x the first time, they use NO protection because "she's still on the pill." Hello STDs, this is a free buffet for ya'll! 🙄🥴🤮
And I'm sorry, but Nicole, what planet did you come from? Her douchebag ex, who she spent over a decade with NEVER, gave her oral pleasure and/or aftercare, and she was totally fine with that? No wonder she's mindblown 🤯 when Ryan does it for her. Any average guy would've been better than her ex in bed. It seems like her standards were as low as the floor. Plus, Nicole literally just got out of a super long relationship yet threw herself (I repeat, without a c*ndom) at another guy and falling for him in like 2 minutes? 😤 They deserve each other, clearly... 🤷🏼♀️
Not to mention that Nicole cries right after having s*x with Ryan for the first time, and of course, men find that super attractive... 🙄😩😅 (please note the sarcasm).
Anyhow, feel free to skip this story. You won't be missing much.
Happy reading! 📚
2,5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 8, 13, 14, 18
Ryan (MMC) and Nicole (FMC)
Dual POV narration 👏🏻
After having read most of Claire Kingsley's books, I'm happy to say that her style of writing has clearly grown and improved so much over the years, and her storytelling has come so far from this book, wich wasn’t great unfortunately 📖
About the story: To me, this book was more an insta lust than a love story. There's a lot of physical attraction amongst the two MC's, but I didn't feel their emotional connection, especially because Ryan hid his depression from Nicole until the last chapter...
At 1/3rd in, I loved the fact that both MC's used to be childhood friends who found each other in adulthood and reconnected back in their hometown after living away for a number of years.
About Ryan: At the start of the story, I didn't like the fact that he used to be a p*rn photographer 📸 , which evolved into him taking exclusively women's boudoir pics. It sounds pretty sleazy and dubious to me, and I wouldn't want to be with a man who takes almost naked pics of women, especially after being cheated on my ex, like it was Nicole's case 🙄😩.
I didn't like the MMC tbh. At one point, he says that he loves taking photos of women who aren't models as in: "normal everyday women with their folds, wrinkles and curves in the wrong places." EXCUSE ME SIR!! I'm going to stop you right there. There are NO wrong places for a woman to have folds, wrinkles, and/or curves. How dare you OBJECTIFY us like that, especially as a professional photographer? 😤😡🤬.
And it would 100% make me feel uncomfortable (and jealous/mad if I'm being honest) if the guy I was interested in, was taking sexy pics for other women half naked, directing them on what to do and even commanding them to not talk and literally dirty talking to them with a sensual voice, giving them instructions on how to appear more sexy, aroused, etc... I mean, c'mon 😩🙄🤦🏼♀️.
About Nicole: At the beginning of the book, Nicole was crying over her ex, who cheated on her. Fast forward to the almost end of the book, and there she is, crying again, this time for Ryan. Perhaps this girl needed some time to discover who she is on her own, without the influence of a man. Just saying 🤷🏼♀️
Btw, the two MC's have seen each other like 3 times before they have s*x (after they reunite as adults, I mean) and have barely spoken. Yet, before they have s*x the first time, they use NO protection because "she's still on the pill." Hello STDs, this is a free buffet for ya'll! 🙄🥴🤮
And I'm sorry, but Nicole, what planet did you come from? Her douchebag ex, who she spent over a decade with NEVER, gave her oral pleasure and/or aftercare, and she was totally fine with that? No wonder she's mindblown 🤯 when Ryan does it for her. Any average guy would've been better than her ex in bed. It seems like her standards were as low as the floor. Plus, Nicole literally just got out of a super long relationship yet threw herself (I repeat, without a c*ndom) at another guy and falling for him in like 2 minutes? 😤 They deserve each other, clearly... 🤷🏼♀️
Not to mention that Nicole cries right after having s*x with Ryan for the first time, and of course, men find that super attractive... 🙄😩😅 (please note the sarcasm).
Anyhow, feel free to skip this story. You won't be missing much.
Happy reading! 📚
June 18, 2024
Nicole and Ryan are such a wonderful couple. They are exactly what the other needs to heal from their past hurts, and it was a treat experiencing their reconnection when Nicole returns to her hometown. Claire wrote both of these characters with so much heart, and that is captured beautifully in this narration from Samantha Brentmoor and Jacob Morgan. Samantha, in particular, is a wonderful Nicole.
Nicole never plan on being drawn in by another guy. She never plan on feeling an attraction to her other childhood friend, Ryan. She feels an intense sexual attraction to Ryan. He's unbelievably sexy and sweet. She's shocked at her body's response to him. She isn't in the market for another relationship, but she's unable to fight her feelings for Ryan. Putting some distance between Ryan and herself seems like a good enough task, but they are still forced to work together on Jetty's Beach annual art festival.
Ryan has always carried a torch for the very beautiful and sexy as sin Nicole. He's surprised to see her back in Jetty Beach.
Chapter 9 waxing 😂😂😂😂😂
**Depression
Highly recommended! Online audiobook 🎶
Nicole never plan on being drawn in by another guy. She never plan on feeling an attraction to her other childhood friend, Ryan. She feels an intense sexual attraction to Ryan. He's unbelievably sexy and sweet. She's shocked at her body's response to him. She isn't in the market for another relationship, but she's unable to fight her feelings for Ryan. Putting some distance between Ryan and herself seems like a good enough task, but they are still forced to work together on Jetty's Beach annual art festival.
Ryan has always carried a torch for the very beautiful and sexy as sin Nicole. He's surprised to see her back in Jetty Beach.
Chapter 9 waxing 😂😂😂😂😂
**Depression
Highly recommended! Online audiobook 🎶
July 31, 2021
Honestly the conflict was SO DUMB LMFAO and everything wrapped up way too quickly.
June 23, 2024
main guy has depression and also does boudoir photo shoots bc they turn him on 😀
September 14, 2020
Another well-written story from this author!
Nicole gets her heart broken and goes back home to Jetty Beach to get away from the pain and humiliation. One night while out drinking, she runs into a childhood friend, Ryan. They met when they were much younger, and lordy, has he grown up.
After they are both put on the same committee to put together the town’s art festival, they reconnect and become closer.
Ryan is kind and caring and super sexy and it was easy to fall for him. He and Nicole are good together, but they needed to work some things out.
This story deals with some sensitive and serious topics, so along with some laughs and steamy scenes, there’s also emotional scenes that pull at the heartstrings.
It’s possible I might’ve enjoyed this more if I had read it instead of listened to it. I still liked it enough to want to read the next book in the series though!
I listened to the audiobook and I thought the narrators did a decent job.
Nicole gets her heart broken and goes back home to Jetty Beach to get away from the pain and humiliation. One night while out drinking, she runs into a childhood friend, Ryan. They met when they were much younger, and lordy, has he grown up.
After they are both put on the same committee to put together the town’s art festival, they reconnect and become closer.
Ryan is kind and caring and super sexy and it was easy to fall for him. He and Nicole are good together, but they needed to work some things out.
This story deals with some sensitive and serious topics, so along with some laughs and steamy scenes, there’s also emotional scenes that pull at the heartstrings.
It’s possible I might’ve enjoyed this more if I had read it instead of listened to it. I still liked it enough to want to read the next book in the series though!
I listened to the audiobook and I thought the narrators did a decent job.
July 2, 2021
3.5 stars
I liked it! I just think it's clear how much Claire Kingsley's writing skill has grown since these early books.
I didn't love the chemistry between Nicole and Ryan as much as I usually do with CK's couples and I didn't think the world-building or romance was as well developed as in some of her more recent series.
But I loved how this book covered depression, and particularly men dealing with depression; it's not something I've seen often in books and I really appreciated the talk of therapy and mental health. It did kind of come out of nowhere and I would have liked a little more buildup, as there was a part of me thinking that it felt a little forced just for the third act breakup, but I think the actual representation of depression was well done.
Overall it was a nice read, but nothing super memorable or spectacular, but I'll definitely be back for the rest of the series!
I liked it! I just think it's clear how much Claire Kingsley's writing skill has grown since these early books.
I didn't love the chemistry between Nicole and Ryan as much as I usually do with CK's couples and I didn't think the world-building or romance was as well developed as in some of her more recent series.
But I loved how this book covered depression, and particularly men dealing with depression; it's not something I've seen often in books and I really appreciated the talk of therapy and mental health. It did kind of come out of nowhere and I would have liked a little more buildup, as there was a part of me thinking that it felt a little forced just for the third act breakup, but I think the actual representation of depression was well done.
Overall it was a nice read, but nothing super memorable or spectacular, but I'll definitely be back for the rest of the series!
December 1, 2019
short, cute, funny, steamy!!
I'm pleasantly surprised!!
I'm pleasantly surprised!!
August 5, 2016
This story is about Ryan Jacobsen and Nicole Prescott. He is a photographer who specializes in lingerie shoots, portfolio for models, and private boudoir pictures. Nicole works in PR for a firm in Seattle.
They have both come home to Jetty Beach to escape their pasts. Nicole caught her boyfriend of ten years cheating on her and as for Ryan we know something happened, but his storyline is more developed as the story goes on.
I was nervous reading this because I had no clue what was going on with Ryan. First we have his unconventional job. Right away I am thinking, maybe I should have not gone into this book blind. He probably sleeps with all the women he takes these sexy pictures of. Happy to report, this was not the case. This was the type of photography he specialized in and he enjoyed making women look and feel beautiful in the pictures he took.
Ryan is dealing with things from his past and he is worried that maybe he shouldn't get involved with Nicole, but they do get together and it is HOT!. They are totally into each other, but Nicole has a job in Seattle that she needs to get back to. They start a long distance relationship. Nicole comes to Jetty Beach every weekend. Ryan has offered to go to her, but she is staying with a friend and tells him she rather come to him.
Ryan slowly starts to unravel. He should be happy because he has such strong feelings for Nicole, but he is not happy, which leads us into what Ryan is actually going thru. My heart hurt for him. Nicole realizes that her dream of her ex Jason, was maybe just that, a dream of a perfect life. She is beginning to understand that she maybe really never loved Jason as her feelings for Ryan are so strong, but she knows something is going on with Ryan. He says he's fine, and everything is fine, so she lets it go.
This was a quick steamy read about two people trying to move on from their pasts and find love and happiness with each other and dealing with real life situations. Even though what happened to Nicole was just horrible; it's hard to imagine all those wasted years with a douchebag, it was Ryan who broke my heart.
This was a new author for me and I truly liked this book
December 18, 2018
2.5 stars
February 27, 2023
Zu viel Geschnaxel. Geht mir auf den Senkel
July 5, 2019
After devouring the Bootleg Springs series and hearing Jonah Bodine Jr was from Jetty Beach, I knew I had to go back and give them a read.
Or listen.
And lucky for me, they are in the romance package so I just downloaded it and dove right in.
This is a sweet story of two people who are thrown back into their hometown and are trying to find their way on this new path life has created for them.
Ryan and Nicole are an unlikely pair, but they just click. They are the couple you cheer for because enough stupid has been thrown at them and they deserve a good, happy life.
If you haven't read a Claire Kingsley book, this is a good one to start with (although her Book Boyfriend series and that Bootleg Springs series are where I got my start).
Go forth and venture to Jetty Beach. I think you'll have a good time.
Or listen.
And lucky for me, they are in the romance package so I just downloaded it and dove right in.
This is a sweet story of two people who are thrown back into their hometown and are trying to find their way on this new path life has created for them.
Ryan and Nicole are an unlikely pair, but they just click. They are the couple you cheer for because enough stupid has been thrown at them and they deserve a good, happy life.
If you haven't read a Claire Kingsley book, this is a good one to start with (although her Book Boyfriend series and that Bootleg Springs series are where I got my start).
Go forth and venture to Jetty Beach. I think you'll have a good time.
July 30, 2019
I was late to the Claire Kingsley bandwagon but I'm glad I'm here. I've read the Miles Family series and the Bootleg Springs series co-written with Lucy Score (my fave author). Now I'm working my way thru the Jetty Beach series because I've become enthralled with her writing. Claire delivers truly human characters with all the feels (including humor). Ryan is an accomplished photographer who is trying to heal. Nicole is doing the same thing but they are impacted by very different circumstances that brought them back to Jetty Beach. Ryan is keeping his pain from Nicole. Will it protect her or cause worse heartache than she's experienced before?
August 12, 2020
They were cute at first but I didn’t end up vibing with this book. Nicole was way too wishy washy and hung up on random stuff that didn’t matter. And I get that Ryan had been through traumatic things and struggles with depression, but I felt a disconnect between their “romance”. I didn’t like the feeling of neglect and the emotional abuse that he inflicted on her whilst behind the excuse of “i’m not good for her”.
I’m typically not a stickler for contemporary romance novels being realistic, but I just couldn’t establish any connection with this story.
I’m typically not a stickler for contemporary romance novels being realistic, but I just couldn’t establish any connection with this story.
September 12, 2021
DNF for the time being.
Normally I love Claire‘s writing, but this was so hard to read for me … I felt nearly no connection to the MCs and the storyline felt rather boring to me. Nicole kinda annoyed me and in one scene Ryan gave me the creeps with his talking. I felt so uncomfortable during that scene, not even the following steam could make up for it.
Canceled it at chapter 15 and I‘m not sure I‘m going back to it in the near future …
Normally I love Claire‘s writing, but this was so hard to read for me … I felt nearly no connection to the MCs and the storyline felt rather boring to me. Nicole kinda annoyed me and in one scene Ryan gave me the creeps with his talking. I felt so uncomfortable during that scene, not even the following steam could make up for it.
Canceled it at chapter 15 and I‘m not sure I‘m going back to it in the near future …
February 12, 2024
Oh my word, Ryan is hot. I loved Ryan and Nicole together. Both were in need of the other, but for completely different reasons. I’m glad Nicole was willing to stand by Ryan, and that he was able to work for a better life. The wax scene was hilarious. The narration of the photo shoot was pure steam. This is a new narration release for this book. I enjoyed both narrators, but the male did edge the female out slightly.
November 1, 2020
World’s creepiest boudoir session caused me to DNF. Ladies, if a guy is basically phone sexing you while taking those kinds of pictures for you and he’s NOT your bf/hub/man meat, RUN. And telling her she wasn’t allowed to talk when she was clearly uncomfortable. NOPE.
Also, if I read one more book where a dude past the age of about 20 gets hard just looking or talking to a fully clothed woman or just having her in his presence, I may throw my kindle across the room.
Also, if I read one more book where a dude past the age of about 20 gets hard just looking or talking to a fully clothed woman or just having her in his presence, I may throw my kindle across the room.
August 1, 2019
Absolutely loved this book!!!
February 16, 2021
German Review
Meine Meinung
In „Behind his Eyes“ geht es um, die Geschichte von Nicole, die nie gedacht hätte wieder nach Jetty Beach zu kommen.
Sie sieht Ryan wieder ihren Sandkastenfreund, der eine besondere Ausstrahlung hat und ahnt nicht welche Dunkelheit ihn umgibt. Ist Ryan vielleicht der richtige Mann für Nicole ?
Nicole ist im Bereich Eventmanagement tätig und braucht nach der Trennung ihres Freundes ein wenig Abstand von allem. Leider kennt in Jetty Beach jeder ihren Ex und die Menschen haben nichts Besseres zu tun, als über sie zu reden...
Ryan ist Fotograf und wieder nach Jetty Beach gezogen, nachdem er sich in der Großstadt nicht mehr wohlgefühlt hat. Er und Nicole waren Sandkastenfreunde bis beide Teenager wurden. Man spürt deutlich, dass er Gefühle für Nicole hat und das Schicksal seine eigenen Wege geht
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und wird im Wechsel aus der Perspektive von Nicole und Ryan erzählt. Der Leser kann sie so beide näher kennenlernen und ihre Gedanken und Gefühle erfahren während der Handlung. Die Nebenfiguren aus dem Umfeld der beiden sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit.
Die Spannung hat mich langsam in die Geschichte von Ryan und Nicole gezogen. Beide kennen sich von früher und waren Sandkastenfreunde. Sie ist nun nach Jetty Beach zurückgekommen und nun wird sie direkt in die Planung des Kunstfestivals mit einbezogen, weil sonst keiner mehr der Stadt helfen kann. Dazu wird auch Ryan mit eingespannt der mit ihr die Planung übernehmen soll. Eigentlich hat sie gerade eine Trennung hinter sich und will nicht noch bei etwas mitwirken. Doch das Schicksal meint es anders mit ihr und sie und Ryan müssen zusammenarbeiten. Dabei spürt man das es nicht eine besondere Anziehung gibt, doch Ryan glaubt nicht der Richtige für Nicole zu sein. Wird das Schicksal ihm das Gegenteil beweisen?
Ich finde, dieser 1 Band hat eine Menge Potenzial und man wird direkt neugierig durch die schöne Kulisse.
Das Cover sieht einfach toll aus ich finde das Paar mit Hintergrund von Sand und Dünen passt perfekt zusammen.
Fazit
Behind his Eyes ist ein fesselnder Auftakt dieser Reihe, der mich neugierig auf die weiteren Teile werden lässt.
Meine Meinung
In „Behind his Eyes“ geht es um, die Geschichte von Nicole, die nie gedacht hätte wieder nach Jetty Beach zu kommen.
Sie sieht Ryan wieder ihren Sandkastenfreund, der eine besondere Ausstrahlung hat und ahnt nicht welche Dunkelheit ihn umgibt. Ist Ryan vielleicht der richtige Mann für Nicole ?
Nicole ist im Bereich Eventmanagement tätig und braucht nach der Trennung ihres Freundes ein wenig Abstand von allem. Leider kennt in Jetty Beach jeder ihren Ex und die Menschen haben nichts Besseres zu tun, als über sie zu reden...
Ryan ist Fotograf und wieder nach Jetty Beach gezogen, nachdem er sich in der Großstadt nicht mehr wohlgefühlt hat. Er und Nicole waren Sandkastenfreunde bis beide Teenager wurden. Man spürt deutlich, dass er Gefühle für Nicole hat und das Schicksal seine eigenen Wege geht
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig und wird im Wechsel aus der Perspektive von Nicole und Ryan erzählt. Der Leser kann sie so beide näher kennenlernen und ihre Gedanken und Gefühle erfahren während der Handlung. Die Nebenfiguren aus dem Umfeld der beiden sind ebenso authentisch und gestalten die Geschichte mit.
Die Spannung hat mich langsam in die Geschichte von Ryan und Nicole gezogen. Beide kennen sich von früher und waren Sandkastenfreunde. Sie ist nun nach Jetty Beach zurückgekommen und nun wird sie direkt in die Planung des Kunstfestivals mit einbezogen, weil sonst keiner mehr der Stadt helfen kann. Dazu wird auch Ryan mit eingespannt der mit ihr die Planung übernehmen soll. Eigentlich hat sie gerade eine Trennung hinter sich und will nicht noch bei etwas mitwirken. Doch das Schicksal meint es anders mit ihr und sie und Ryan müssen zusammenarbeiten. Dabei spürt man das es nicht eine besondere Anziehung gibt, doch Ryan glaubt nicht der Richtige für Nicole zu sein. Wird das Schicksal ihm das Gegenteil beweisen?
Ich finde, dieser 1 Band hat eine Menge Potenzial und man wird direkt neugierig durch die schöne Kulisse.
Das Cover sieht einfach toll aus ich finde das Paar mit Hintergrund von Sand und Dünen passt perfekt zusammen.
Fazit
Behind his Eyes ist ein fesselnder Auftakt dieser Reihe, der mich neugierig auf die weiteren Teile werden lässt.
March 1, 2021
"Behind his eyed" klang nach einem Buch nach genau meinem Geschmack und ich habe das Buch voller Erwartung begonnen.
Das Buch hat mich definitiv nicht enttäuscht und ich wurde richtig gut unterhalten. Mir hat das Setting in Jetty Beach sehr gut gefallen. Die kleine Stadt hat eine wirklich schöne gemütliche Atmosphäre und ich habe mich dort sehr wohl gefühlt.
Nicole und Ryan waren sehr sympathische Charaktere und haben wirklich gut zusammengepasst. Die Chemie zwischen den beiden ist absolut prickelnd und man spürt die Funken sowie die erotische Anziehung. Hier geht ed teilweise wirklich heiß zur Sache. Auch die Hintergrundgeeschichte von Ryan war sehr berührend. Positiv fand ich auch, dass das Drama nicht zu sehr ausgeschlachtet wird.
Man hat bereits einige Personen aus dem Ort kennengelernt und ich bin schon sehr gespannt, ob die alle ihre eigene Geschichte bekommen. Ich freue mich auf die weiteren Teile der Reihe.
Das Buch hat mich definitiv nicht enttäuscht und ich wurde richtig gut unterhalten. Mir hat das Setting in Jetty Beach sehr gut gefallen. Die kleine Stadt hat eine wirklich schöne gemütliche Atmosphäre und ich habe mich dort sehr wohl gefühlt.
Nicole und Ryan waren sehr sympathische Charaktere und haben wirklich gut zusammengepasst. Die Chemie zwischen den beiden ist absolut prickelnd und man spürt die Funken sowie die erotische Anziehung. Hier geht ed teilweise wirklich heiß zur Sache. Auch die Hintergrundgeeschichte von Ryan war sehr berührend. Positiv fand ich auch, dass das Drama nicht zu sehr ausgeschlachtet wird.
Man hat bereits einige Personen aus dem Ort kennengelernt und ich bin schon sehr gespannt, ob die alle ihre eigene Geschichte bekommen. Ich freue mich auf die weiteren Teile der Reihe.
July 3, 2021
an den Büchern von Claire Kingsley komme ich mittlerweile auch nicht mehr vorbei.
Die Geschichte von Nicole und Ryan ist wirklich schön zu lesen und hat einen sehr authentischen Teil. Ich wünschte nur dieser teil wäre ein wenig mehr ausgearbeitet geworden, ich möchte an dieser Stelle nicht zu viel verraten.
Mir haben beide Charakter wirklich gut gefallen und habe gefesselt deren Geschichte verfolgt. Insgesamt wurde schon recht detailreich beschrieben, aber ohne zu sehr abzudriften.
Zwischen den beiden hat es direkt sehr geknistert und das hat sich auch in ihren Liebesspiel gezeigt. Prickelnde Erotik.
Der Schreibstill war angenehm und flüssig so das man irgendwie total schnell am Ende war.
Da man schon nebenbei ein paar andere Charaktere kennenlernen konnte, bin ich gespannt wer noch alles eine eigne Geschichte bekommt und wie diese Verlaufen wird.
Die Geschichte von Nicole und Ryan ist wirklich schön zu lesen und hat einen sehr authentischen Teil. Ich wünschte nur dieser teil wäre ein wenig mehr ausgearbeitet geworden, ich möchte an dieser Stelle nicht zu viel verraten.
Mir haben beide Charakter wirklich gut gefallen und habe gefesselt deren Geschichte verfolgt. Insgesamt wurde schon recht detailreich beschrieben, aber ohne zu sehr abzudriften.
Zwischen den beiden hat es direkt sehr geknistert und das hat sich auch in ihren Liebesspiel gezeigt. Prickelnde Erotik.
Der Schreibstill war angenehm und flüssig so das man irgendwie total schnell am Ende war.
Da man schon nebenbei ein paar andere Charaktere kennenlernen konnte, bin ich gespannt wer noch alles eine eigne Geschichte bekommt und wie diese Verlaufen wird.
August 31, 2019
This book was another short audio book I listened to and was pleasantly surprised. We meet Nicole, who we learn quickly has had her heart broken. So the last thing she is expecting is to fall for her old childhood friend Ryan. But where you would think this would be just a simple happily ever after book, it isnt. Claire Kingsley incorporates the hidden type of illnesses that plague millions of people daily. Depression, suicide and addiction are all included in this book. If those things are a soft spot for you I would suggest consider that information prior to reading. The ending of this book was absolutely adorable to me and I am so happy that it wasnt the traditional love story. Will be reading the next book in this series for sure.
July 10, 2022
This is a great beach read, you know the one where you enjoy it, but it won't stick with you. I liked both Ryan and Nicole, liked that both of them ended up back in their home towns to lick their wounds after life had kicked them. I liked their burgeoning relationship, but hated how Ryan tanked it. It made sense and when he was more clear headed I liked that he owned up to what was going on with Nicole. It was great to see them happy by the end of the book.
August 4, 2017
Nicole feeling down on her luck and betrayed by her boyfriend decides to head back to her home town of Jetty Beach. Jetty Beach is the last place she wants to be, but she has nowhere else to go. She tries to get over a broken heart while reconnecting with her childhood friend, Melissa, but it's a struggle. She's assaulted by memories of her time with her ex-boyfriend, Jason as a lot of those memories were formed in Jetty Beach.
Nicole never plan on being drawn in by another guy. She never plan on feeling an attraction to her other childhood friend, Ryan. She feels an intense sexual attraction to Ryan. He's unbelievably sexy and sweet. She's shocked at her body's response to him. She isn't in the market for another relationship, but she's unable to fight her feelings for Ryan. Putting some distance between Ryan and herself seems like a good enough task, but they are still forced to work together on Jetty's Beach annual art festival.
Ryan has always carried a torch for the very beautiful and sexy as hell Nicole. He's surprised to see her back in Jetty Beach. His body's reaction to her is immediate and extreme. He's wanted her for the longest time, but he knew she never saw him in the same light as he did her. After all, she's always been a bombshell and popular, and he'd been an outsider and a late bloomer.
Ryan never saw what Nicole ever saw in douchebag Jason. He knew she deserved better, way better. He comes back to Jetty Beach to reinvent himself, to start over again and to get away from his old demons. He never counted on his deep desire for Nicole, the girl that got away. He only ever dreamed of being with her, wanting her. Nicole is exactly what he needs.
Like Nicole, Ryan isn't looking for another relationship, but his feelings for her are out of his control. His mind and body seem to be at war when it comes to Nicole, his longtime crush. He can't fight the pull to her, it's inevitable. He and Nicole seem to just click. Everything between them feels natural and full of electricity. Ryan is exactly want Nicole needs.
Claire Kingsley does amazing job writing this book and I loved every second of it. I loved the story and the characters. I fell in love with Ryan and Nicole, loving how they both overcame their differences and having a fresh start. They were the perfect match in my opinion. I also loved how the author used real life experiences to craft together this highly believable story.
Nicole never plan on being drawn in by another guy. She never plan on feeling an attraction to her other childhood friend, Ryan. She feels an intense sexual attraction to Ryan. He's unbelievably sexy and sweet. She's shocked at her body's response to him. She isn't in the market for another relationship, but she's unable to fight her feelings for Ryan. Putting some distance between Ryan and herself seems like a good enough task, but they are still forced to work together on Jetty's Beach annual art festival.
Ryan has always carried a torch for the very beautiful and sexy as hell Nicole. He's surprised to see her back in Jetty Beach. His body's reaction to her is immediate and extreme. He's wanted her for the longest time, but he knew she never saw him in the same light as he did her. After all, she's always been a bombshell and popular, and he'd been an outsider and a late bloomer.
Ryan never saw what Nicole ever saw in douchebag Jason. He knew she deserved better, way better. He comes back to Jetty Beach to reinvent himself, to start over again and to get away from his old demons. He never counted on his deep desire for Nicole, the girl that got away. He only ever dreamed of being with her, wanting her. Nicole is exactly what he needs.
Like Nicole, Ryan isn't looking for another relationship, but his feelings for her are out of his control. His mind and body seem to be at war when it comes to Nicole, his longtime crush. He can't fight the pull to her, it's inevitable. He and Nicole seem to just click. Everything between them feels natural and full of electricity. Ryan is exactly want Nicole needs.
Claire Kingsley does amazing job writing this book and I loved every second of it. I loved the story and the characters. I fell in love with Ryan and Nicole, loving how they both overcame their differences and having a fresh start. They were the perfect match in my opinion. I also loved how the author used real life experiences to craft together this highly believable story.
August 11, 2016
There was a lot of crazed emotions in this book. I loved the concept and the story line behind every part. I really wish things could have gone a little more into, maybe had a bigger climax moment or main event. Ryan seemed to be the prominent character in this book. He had a little bit of history to him that caused some emotional distress. I'm sure a lot of people in this world suffer from similar things but like Ryan are not very public about it. I wish the cause behind his problems would have been more in detail, like show me glimpses of his past and things instead of straight out throwing it all out there in one chapter.
Nicole to me is such a likable girl. She gets screwed over but bounces back like it was nothing. Shes strong and funny. She knows what she wants but at the same time is confused by all the mixed signals. I loved watching their relationship blossom and hit bumps.
Nicole to me is such a likable girl. She gets screwed over but bounces back like it was nothing. Shes strong and funny. She knows what she wants but at the same time is confused by all the mixed signals. I loved watching their relationship blossom and hit bumps.
February 8, 2019
This is a beautiful story! Nicole and Ryan were childhood friends who grew apart. When they meet again the attraction is instant but they both have a lot to deal with from their pasts.
This was a very emotional story! Ryan especially has a painful back story but I loved how it was all presented. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series!!
This was a very emotional story! Ryan especially has a painful back story but I loved how it was all presented. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series!!
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