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Max
She put me in the friend-zone. I want out.
Rule #1: Never hook up with a woman who is looking for a relationship.
Rule #2: Always do breakups in a public space.
I have a reputation.
I’m a player. Three dates and I’m out.
I don’t do commitment. My idea of a romantic evening involves making a woman cry out in toe-curling, window-shattering pleasure.
Until I meet Charlie.
She’s beautiful. She’s funny and she’s feisty.
And she’s put me straight in the friend-zone.
I shouldn’t care, but with Charlie? I’m playing for keeps.
MAX is a standalone book with a guaranteed HEA and no cheating. For a limited time, this edition includes a bonus novella - Boyfriend by the Hour.
Rule #1: Never hook up with a woman who is looking for a relationship.
Rule #2: Always do breakups in a public space.
I have a reputation.
I’m a player. Three dates and I’m out.
I don’t do commitment. My idea of a romantic evening involves making a woman cry out in toe-curling, window-shattering pleasure.
Until I meet Charlie.
She’s beautiful. She’s funny and she’s feisty.
And she’s put me straight in the friend-zone.
I shouldn’t care, but with Charlie? I’m playing for keeps.
MAX is a standalone book with a guaranteed HEA and no cheating. For a limited time, this edition includes a bonus novella - Boyfriend by the Hour.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2016
88 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Tara Crescent
116 books1,081 followersTara Crescent writes steamy contemporary romances for readers who like hot, dominant heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
When she's not writing, she can be found curled up on a couch with a good book, often with a cat on her lap.
She lives in Toronto.
When she's not writing, she can be found curled up on a couch with a good book, often with a cat on her lap.
She lives in Toronto.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 5, 2017
This one was totally my fault. I jumped in for a quickie, forgetting one simple universal truth - quicky is only good when you know the person you're doing it with, and know all your buttons would be pushed. Otherwise you're left bitchy and unsatisfied. This was like that. I didn't know the author and I doubt I will be coming bak for a repeat performance. I guess I like my books long and meaningful after all. Oh well...
Over and out
Over and out
December 5, 2016
If you're looking for a good romance story that is funny, has sizzling-hot chemistry, a great story-line, characters that you can't help but love, and some naughty thrown in to keep you turning the pages, then Max by Tara Crescent is the book for you.
I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.
June 27, 2018
Hot, and sweet just the way I like it. Can’t wait to read more of these books.
January 31, 2017
Short and cute.
August 5, 2016
Max & Charlie are both regulars at Joe's Bar and they are more alike than either of them know. One evening Charlie is seated at the table next to Max and she overhears him breaking up with his date. While she finds it amusing Charlie finds herself doing the exact same thing shortly after. They each have a three date rule, it seems that neither of them can carry on a relationship longer than that. They start to form a friendship at the bar and there is a definite attraction between the two of them. But can they ever have a relationship without jeopardizing their friendship? And if they don't make it what would happen to their regular status at the bar...who would get custody of Joe's bar? As with all of Tara Crescent's books this was quick steamy read!
July 25, 2016
Review for Max by Tara Crescent
I laughed out loud several times while reading Max. The characters are crazy funny, sweet, and have off the charts hot chemistry. I was hooked from page one and didn't put the book down until I finished.
Tara Crescent never disappoints, another book boyfriend to covet. Mine, ladies. Five Stars and Four Wet Panties.
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore
I laughed out loud several times while reading Max. The characters are crazy funny, sweet, and have off the charts hot chemistry. I was hooked from page one and didn't put the book down until I finished.
Tara Crescent never disappoints, another book boyfriend to covet. Mine, ladies. Five Stars and Four Wet Panties.
ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy's a Book Whore
January 10, 2022
Max is a 3 dates and your gone kind of guy, he is to busy
for a clingy permanent relationship. He is upfront & is clear to the start. Max has two important rules; Rule #1: Never hook up with a woman who is looking for a relationship. Rule #2: Always do breakups in a public space; his number one rule is always let them down easy in public, which he does at the Rabbit a neighborhood bar owned by his best Joe. That’s where he meets the female version of himself Charlie; and that’s day they both were in denial. Can they remain friends without self-destructing. This is the first book I’ve read by Tara Crescent; I found her through a 12 days of Christmas event. Max is a likable player, & I love the banter that goes on between Charlie & himself. If you are looking for something new to read & need a light hearted friends to lovers, look no further.
for a clingy permanent relationship. He is upfront & is clear to the start. Max has two important rules; Rule #1: Never hook up with a woman who is looking for a relationship. Rule #2: Always do breakups in a public space; his number one rule is always let them down easy in public, which he does at the Rabbit a neighborhood bar owned by his best Joe. That’s where he meets the female version of himself Charlie; and that’s day they both were in denial. Can they remain friends without self-destructing. This is the first book I’ve read by Tara Crescent; I found her through a 12 days of Christmas event. Max is a likable player, & I love the banter that goes on between Charlie & himself. If you are looking for something new to read & need a light hearted friends to lovers, look no further.
May 17, 2022
Hot and sexy can describe most of Tara Crescent's books but this one takes it up a notch with the entertaining wit and banter between Charlie and Max.
Max's main focus is getting his baking career off the ground and he does not have time to get involved in a relationship. So Max has an absolute rule of only three dates. And he always breaks up in a public location. But when a blond woman starts up with snarky comments during his break up he is intrigued by her candor.
Charlie finds it hilarious to listen to Max as he's letting down his latest fling and offers her own hilarious observations. It seems she's met her match when it comes to the three date rule. Someone that finally understands.
But what happens when both Max and Charlie become just friends and then realize they both want more?
Max's main focus is getting his baking career off the ground and he does not have time to get involved in a relationship. So Max has an absolute rule of only three dates. And he always breaks up in a public location. But when a blond woman starts up with snarky comments during his break up he is intrigued by her candor.
Charlie finds it hilarious to listen to Max as he's letting down his latest fling and offers her own hilarious observations. It seems she's met her match when it comes to the three date rule. Someone that finally understands.
But what happens when both Max and Charlie become just friends and then realize they both want more?
January 9, 2017
Cute
4 stars
This was a nice book though questions remain in my head. Also this story has been done before and I have read similar versions but not by this author she brings a new spin on this story which I really did appreciate so giving this story 4 stars was the best I could do.
Kudos to the author
Also when one makes lemonade make it with your heart
Happy Sexy Reading
4 stars
This was a nice book though questions remain in my head. Also this story has been done before and I have read similar versions but not by this author she brings a new spin on this story which I really did appreciate so giving this story 4 stars was the best I could do.
Kudos to the author
Also when one makes lemonade make it with your heart
Happy Sexy Reading
August 12, 2017
Short, sweet, and sexy
This is story is short, sweet, and sexy. Max and Charlie are both relationship shy. They become good friends but have a hard time resisting not only their attraction to one another but their genuine desire to be together as more than friends, and more than lovers.
This is story is short, sweet, and sexy. Max and Charlie are both relationship shy. They become good friends but have a hard time resisting not only their attraction to one another but their genuine desire to be together as more than friends, and more than lovers.
September 17, 2018
Max
Sometimes people can't get out of their own way. That happen this time with Max and Charlie. I finally figured out what they wanted , and the journey along the way was sweet and funny . Charlie is a lawyer , overworked and underpaid. She is sweet and funny. Max is a baker trying to get his own business off the ground. He's pretty gregarious himself.
Sometimes people can't get out of their own way. That happen this time with Max and Charlie. I finally figured out what they wanted , and the journey along the way was sweet and funny . Charlie is a lawyer , overworked and underpaid. She is sweet and funny. Max is a baker trying to get his own business off the ground. He's pretty gregarious himself.
May 4, 2017
Cute short read
This is a cute, short, friends-to-lovers story with some misunderstandings and your usual insecurities plaguing the main characters. It ends about 51% of the way through and the other half is Boyfriend By The Hour, another feel good story with HEA
This is a cute, short, friends-to-lovers story with some misunderstandings and your usual insecurities plaguing the main characters. It ends about 51% of the way through and the other half is Boyfriend By The Hour, another feel good story with HEA
July 26, 2020
Love this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I always enjoy the way friends never know at first how they feel. Romance is my favorite storyline and Tara Crescent is a favorite author of mine.I would recommend this book to anyone.
I really enjoyed this book. I always enjoy the way friends never know at first how they feel. Romance is my favorite storyline and Tara Crescent is a favorite author of mine.I would recommend this book to anyone.
August 24, 2020
A hot Romance
The story is good. It didn't capture me like most of Tara Crescent books do, but the last part picked up really well. I must admit I really want one of those burgers with extra mushrooms at their favourite bar.
The story is good. It didn't capture me like most of Tara Crescent books do, but the last part picked up really well. I must admit I really want one of those burgers with extra mushrooms at their favourite bar.
June 2, 2022
Very cute but I'm sad there wasn't at least some kind of epilogue. Also, it's clear that I'm a sucker for the obsessive insta love. This one was sweet as heck, but no obsession and I missed it 😂😂 I got issues.
February 26, 2023
3.5 stars.
This is just a romance that is well written. Nothing new, but did keep my attention. Never read this author and probably will read more of her work in the future. One thing I enjoyed- this about regular people, no billionaire’s in sight!
This is just a romance that is well written. Nothing new, but did keep my attention. Never read this author and probably will read more of her work in the future. One thing I enjoyed- this about regular people, no billionaire’s in sight!
February 5, 2024
Max, by Tara Crescent @authortaracrescent.
This was a fantastic novella about Max & Charlie. Both commitment-phobic. Both fall for the other & then the other hasn't. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
This was a fantastic novella about Max & Charlie. Both commitment-phobic. Both fall for the other & then the other hasn't. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
December 23, 2016
Nice Read
This is a cute friends to lovers story. It is not over the top with drama and the modicum of drama in the book is not drawn out.
This is a cute friends to lovers story. It is not over the top with drama and the modicum of drama in the book is not drawn out.
July 10, 2020
Great book
I absolutely adored max and Charlie. They were super cute together and i loved seeing how their relationship developed and how they both overcame their habits and fears.
I absolutely adored max and Charlie. They were super cute together and i loved seeing how their relationship developed and how they both overcame their habits and fears.
February 22, 2021
Short and sweet but also just right! Loved the way Max and Charlie formed their relationship and their sex was hot!!!
May 17, 2022
❤❤❤❤❤
June 19, 2022
a quick fun story
November 7, 2017
Great funny read
This was a great funny read with some interesting characters. It's well written and I laughed out loud in some parts.
This was a great funny read with some interesting characters. It's well written and I laughed out loud in some parts.
August 3, 2016
The Ladies Love Max's Buns! So Does Charlie!
Max is a baker. He left his previous job and is starting up his own business. Max sells his baked goods like buns in the farmer's market. He also is a singer in a band. Max is a player, and the women love him. When he dates, Max has rules that he follows. There is a 3 date maximum.
Charlie Campbell is a lawyer, public defender. She is a smart, strong and independent woman. Charlie is very feisty, but has a vulnerable side. She has rules when it comes to dating as well, due to commitment issues.
They both like Joe's Bar and that is where they met. Charlie and Max use it as their location to break up/end their relationships. They both are afraid of getting hurt and put up walls to protect themselves. So Charlie and Max decide to become friends. Their feelings slowing start to grow. The sexual chemistry is there from the moment that they lay eyes on each other. The sexual tension develops until they can't resist any longer. Max makes Charlie feel cared for and taken care of. Max has a sweet side, but has a dominate side as well (ie. the soft paddle, fur covered handcuffs, and deep voice).
One of my favorite quotes / lines:
"It's not my cake they come for, honey." I wink at her. "It's my buns they're interested in."
I appreciate that the characters didn't have the typical jobs that we would expect a man or a woman to have. I like that they both had commitment or relationship issues, that they needed to work through / deal with in order to find love. I appreciate that is was not just the woman who was scared or had fears. I loved the sexual chemistry and the steamy scenes with Max and Charlie. The author allowed each character to be vulnerable and show that to the other character. Also the author allow each character to have their own strength(es) (ie. Charlie in the courthouse, Max in the bedroom). I was given this arc in exchange for an unbiased review. This review is my own thoughts and opinions (unbiased). I highly recommend this book to others.
5 Sizzling Bun Stars!
Max is a baker. He left his previous job and is starting up his own business. Max sells his baked goods like buns in the farmer's market. He also is a singer in a band. Max is a player, and the women love him. When he dates, Max has rules that he follows. There is a 3 date maximum.
Charlie Campbell is a lawyer, public defender. She is a smart, strong and independent woman. Charlie is very feisty, but has a vulnerable side. She has rules when it comes to dating as well, due to commitment issues.
They both like Joe's Bar and that is where they met. Charlie and Max use it as their location to break up/end their relationships. They both are afraid of getting hurt and put up walls to protect themselves. So Charlie and Max decide to become friends. Their feelings slowing start to grow. The sexual chemistry is there from the moment that they lay eyes on each other. The sexual tension develops until they can't resist any longer. Max makes Charlie feel cared for and taken care of. Max has a sweet side, but has a dominate side as well (ie. the soft paddle, fur covered handcuffs, and deep voice).
One of my favorite quotes / lines:
"It's not my cake they come for, honey." I wink at her. "It's my buns they're interested in."
I appreciate that the characters didn't have the typical jobs that we would expect a man or a woman to have. I like that they both had commitment or relationship issues, that they needed to work through / deal with in order to find love. I appreciate that is was not just the woman who was scared or had fears. I loved the sexual chemistry and the steamy scenes with Max and Charlie. The author allowed each character to be vulnerable and show that to the other character. Also the author allow each character to have their own strength(es) (ie. Charlie in the courthouse, Max in the bedroom). I was given this arc in exchange for an unbiased review. This review is my own thoughts and opinions (unbiased). I highly recommend this book to others.
5 Sizzling Bun Stars!
August 8, 2016
Sexy and sweet. Describes both Max and Charlie. They meet at a bar where Max is breaking up with a woman and not doing a good job of it. Charlie tells Max his break up skills need a lot of work and that she hopes he has other talents. Damn, girl! She's feisty and funny, and in that instant Max knew he was in for it. Three weeks later, Charlie is at the same bar on a date and ends up having to break up with her date because he's a serious d-bag, and her date doesn't take it well. Max comes to her rescue and afterward he flirts gently with her. Charlie puts the kibosh on it, though, because she knows that neither of them does relationships, so they agree to friends only. They develop a really amazing friendship and one day they take that friendship one step further when they can't help themselves.
About the only complaint I had about Max is that I wish it were a little longer, I wanted more of Max and Charlie!
Max is just the perfect read, not too heavy, but not fluff either, filled with sexy times, and most of all, heart.
Merged review:
Sexy and sweet. Describes both Max and Charlie. They meet at a bar where Max is breaking up with a woman and not doing a good job of it. Charlie tells Max his break up skills need a lot of work and that she hopes he has other talents. Damn, girl! She's feisty and funny, and in that instant Max knew he was in for it. Three weeks later, Charlie is at the same bar on a date and ends up having to break up with her date because he's a serious d-bag, and her date doesn't take it well. Max comes to her rescue and afterward he flirts gently with her. Charlie puts the kibosh on it, though, because she knows that neither of them does relationships, so they agree to friends only. They develop a really amazing friendship and one day they take that friendship one step further when they can't help themselves.
About the only complaint I had about Max is that I wish it were a little longer, I wanted more of Max and Charlie!
Max is just the perfect read, not too heavy, but not fluff either, filled with sexy times, and most of all, heart.
About the only complaint I had about Max is that I wish it were a little longer, I wanted more of Max and Charlie!
Max is just the perfect read, not too heavy, but not fluff either, filled with sexy times, and most of all, heart.
Merged review:
Sexy and sweet. Describes both Max and Charlie. They meet at a bar where Max is breaking up with a woman and not doing a good job of it. Charlie tells Max his break up skills need a lot of work and that she hopes he has other talents. Damn, girl! She's feisty and funny, and in that instant Max knew he was in for it. Three weeks later, Charlie is at the same bar on a date and ends up having to break up with her date because he's a serious d-bag, and her date doesn't take it well. Max comes to her rescue and afterward he flirts gently with her. Charlie puts the kibosh on it, though, because she knows that neither of them does relationships, so they agree to friends only. They develop a really amazing friendship and one day they take that friendship one step further when they can't help themselves.
About the only complaint I had about Max is that I wish it were a little longer, I wanted more of Max and Charlie!
Max is just the perfect read, not too heavy, but not fluff either, filled with sexy times, and most of all, heart.
September 19, 2016
Hot Max!!
Awesome read!!! Max is definitely an alpha with romance mixed in. Loved the characters and story line..Great read!! I look forward to reading more by this author!!
Awesome read!!! Max is definitely an alpha with romance mixed in. Loved the characters and story line..Great read!! I look forward to reading more by this author!!
August 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Max has been going to his friend Joe's bar for years. It's the place where he goes to break up with the women who become to clingy. Women that know he doesn't do relationships from the get go.
Charlie has a favorite bar, Joe's. It's the place she comes to dump the men she has a few dates with and then loses interest. It's her favorite bar in the world and she loves being at Joe's.
What happens when two people who don't do relationships meet at Joe's.?
I loved this story of Max and Charlie. They both are so afraid and/or to busy to do relationships and they stick to their guns about it. I really liked getting to see the genuine friendship develop between Max and Charlie. They are so sweet and funny together. This is a well written, steamy, friends to lovers story that y'all are just going to love.
Tara Crescent has written a story that you can't put down. I could have stayed in Max and Charlie's world for a lot longer.
Max has been going to his friend Joe's bar for years. It's the place where he goes to break up with the women who become to clingy. Women that know he doesn't do relationships from the get go.
Charlie has a favorite bar, Joe's. It's the place she comes to dump the men she has a few dates with and then loses interest. It's her favorite bar in the world and she loves being at Joe's.
What happens when two people who don't do relationships meet at Joe's.?
I loved this story of Max and Charlie. They both are so afraid and/or to busy to do relationships and they stick to their guns about it. I really liked getting to see the genuine friendship develop between Max and Charlie. They are so sweet and funny together. This is a well written, steamy, friends to lovers story that y'all are just going to love.
Tara Crescent has written a story that you can't put down. I could have stayed in Max and Charlie's world for a lot longer.
August 1, 2016
I love anything by Tara Crescent. She offered me this book to give my honest opinion. Max is a baker trying to open his own shop. He is also a singer in a band plus he's a bit of a player with a rule -- 3 dates and it's over. Charlie is a public defender who also has commitment issues. They meet at a local watering hole: Joe's Bar. Max went to school with Joe and is comfortable in the bar. Charlie, too, is comfortable at Joe's and has been a regular there for 18 months. So they both use the bar as a place to publicly breakup with the various people they have been going out with. Charlie is attracted to Max. He's ripped, tattooed, and oh so charming. Max finds it hard to keep his hands off Charlie's blonde curls and curvy body. I don't give spoilers, so buy this book to see just how much heat Max and Charlie will generate. This a a HEA with no cliffhanger. Another great job by Tara Crescent!
August 3, 2016
I received this book as part of an ARC group for my honest opinion.
Oh my god! I love this story. Tara Crescent never disappoints me with her ability to write a real heart-in-your-mouth love story. Although it is one of her shorter pieces, it's still an Amazing read.
The writing is done very well and very realistic. Charlie and Max's story is one that will pull you in right at the beginning and keep you turning the page until the very end. I personally couldn't put this book down what so ever.
This story of two people, with more in common than they realize, find their HEA together. Their story is a definite must for those that are looking for a romance that's a quick read and is full love, passion and discovering that people can change for their perfect one.
5 out of 5 star rating
Oh my god! I love this story. Tara Crescent never disappoints me with her ability to write a real heart-in-your-mouth love story. Although it is one of her shorter pieces, it's still an Amazing read.
The writing is done very well and very realistic. Charlie and Max's story is one that will pull you in right at the beginning and keep you turning the page until the very end. I personally couldn't put this book down what so ever.
This story of two people, with more in common than they realize, find their HEA together. Their story is a definite must for those that are looking for a romance that's a quick read and is full love, passion and discovering that people can change for their perfect one.
5 out of 5 star rating
August 4, 2016
Break-ups in a public place are the norm for Max and Charlie, and these usually happen at Joe’s Bar; three dates and that’s their limit. Joe is a friend to both Max and Charlie: Max has known him since high school and Charlie thinks of the bar has a place of sanctuary. One night the two meet when Max rescues Charlie from an unpleasant break-up; he starts flirting with her and even though she finds him irresistible, she resists him, but they agree to become friends. As their attraction to one another increases, and they get to know each other better, has the time come for them to finally confess their feelings and take a chance on love? I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews