Claiming Her Innocence

His and Hers #2

by Vivian Wood

She’s funny, sweet, and she has a smile that lights up every room. I’m A tall, ripped ex-soldier… and I’m supposed to be her best friend.
My new hobby? I like to imagine how it could be more but I know that the relationship is all in my head. I can’t risk what we have for something intangible… I fantasize about her day and night. She’s a walking, talking fantasy… and she’s only a hair’s breadth away. But one wrong move could take what I value most. And once she looks my way for just a second, I don’t know how I could possibly let her go...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Military Romance

296 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2017

About the author

Vivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees.

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Reviews

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this Advance Reader Copy & am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved Poppy & Ryan's story. Wow! Love these kinds of stories...I got pulled right in. Such a wonderful book!!!

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Angry face.

Gah so disappointed and irritated. Poppy was weak. So so weak. Constantly letting people walk all over her and never standing up for herself. And he was no better. Messing around with her best friend the whole time. But they are suppose to be oh so into each other that he couldn't even keep it in his pants. With her best friend no less. Nope. Sorry. Couldn't do it with this.

[Tiffany Coffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Vivian!

Poppy and Ryan are childhood friends who fight their way through the drama and heart ache of their lives. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read more of Vivian's work.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good but not my favourite. I’m not a huge fan of friends-to-lovers, and I disliked some of the decisions that the characters made. It was also not the light story I was thinking it would be, and it handled topics like domestic abuse a lot. TW for emotional and physical abuse.

[Leslie Ooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay for me, I didn't like it as much as I liked the previous one in this series. The writing was good, but I'm not a fan of cheating no matter how horrible the other person is. If you don't like them, leave them. Poppy was dating Will, but was cheating with Ryan. I do think that her and Ryan belonged together, but the cheating kind of ruined it for me. Poppy was also crappy to Ryan when things got tough. I did enjoy the HEA.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian Wood writes about some of the hottest bad boys out there and the sassy heroines that they love. This is Ryan and Poppy’s story.
Ryan Scott is a gorgeous. Alpha male who recently just retired from the Navy Seals due to a knee injury. He has come home to try and figure out what he will do next in his life. He is also the brother of the President of the United States. When he was younger he was bullied and picked on in school until Poppy Baker came into his life in middle school and took care of those bullies and nasty kids who made fun of him. Ryan and Poppy because good friends which is still strong thru present day.
Poppy is completing her medical internship. Her life is in a runt. She isn’t happy but thinks when she is done with her internship, things will improve. She has a boyfriend named Will but he isn’t very good to Poppy. Ryan has always kept in touch with Poppy and when he comes home this time, things seem to be different between them. There is a feeling, a chemistry that rises between them that didn’t seem to be there before or was there and they didn’t act on until now. Ryan now wants more from his BFF and is ready to act on it. The sexy alpha male Ryan definitely lets lil miss virgin Poppy know he is ready and able to give her what she is missing. But will she let him?
This is one story that I enjoyed and found that Ms. Wood delivers on. The plot is interesting and the best friends to lovers storyline is great. I found the intense build-up in the developing sexual and romantic relationship between the friends to lovers one of the best out there right now. The only thing is the story was a bit slow in the beginning but once the story starts going, it zooms right along.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Jenny Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Poppy Baker and Ryan Scott. Poppy and Ryan met back in middle school. Ryan was being bullied yet again and the new girl stood up for him. He knew at that moment they would be life long friends. Now however it is 19 years later and his friend Poppy is looking more like the woman of his dreams. He wonders though how does he get himself out of the friend-zone and into her bed?

Poppy never saw Ryan other than her good friend but lately she has been having feelings for him. She wonders does he feel the same way or are they destined to be just friends? Also she has a boyfriend and a lot of baggage that she needs to get through. However there is something about Ryan that makes her feel safe and turns her on like no man before him ever has. Can she have it all or is she destined to have just half a life?

This is an amazing book about finding that perfect person for you and being willing to accept them. I want to tell you so much more about this book but don't want to ruin it for anyone. I will say this book will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan has been discharged from the Navy Seals due to a knee injury and moves back home. He is unsure of what he wants to do with his life now that he is out of the military. Ryan knows that he needs his best friend since middle school, Poppy. They have always seen each other when Ryan was in town, but it was just as friends. Poppy has working on completing her medical internship. She has a boyfriend, Will, who is a self centered jerk and she came from an abusive home. When Ryan comes home their feelings started to charge for each other to more than friends. But Poppy has her boyfriend and Ryan has been dating Poppy's friend Sarah. You'll have to read to find what happens to Poppy and Ryan to get their happy ever after.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refer to Amazon.com for my review under Andrea M on 16/07/2017.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

3.5 Stars

This wasn't a bad read. I really could have done without the cheating but otherwise it was a good story. Both characters had been best friends since middle school and have always just thought of each other as friends. That is until Ryan get discharged from the Seal's and starts to see Poppy in a whole new light. Even though Will was a complete jerk Poppy still should have broken things off with him before starting anything with Ryan. I was a little conflicted about Sarah. Even though Poppy gave her permission to start seeing Ryan as her best friend she should have known Poppy had feelings for him and steered clear of him. But again Ryan shouldn't have strung her along knowing he wss having feelings for Poppy. At least he didn't sleep with her. All in all it wasn't a bad read just not my favourite from Vivian Wood!
I voluntarily read an arc copy for my honest review!

[Rhiannon Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read❣
I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down from the very first page it pulled me in and held me there until the last the story flowed smoothly and had my emotions reeling.
I love the fact that Ryan is Ellie's brother from His Best Friends Little Sister I loved his character in that book and I'm so happy I got to read his story.
I truly loved Ryan and Poppy's relationship from the moment they met as kids you could just tell they where going to be friends.
There are a few characters in this book who suffer from domestic abuse and it honestly broke my heart but persevere through it (I won't say why because I don't want to spoil it) all in all I absolutely loved this book❣
all i have left to say is popsicle (read to find out why😜)
I received an arc for an honest review and I'm so happy i did it's an amazing book.

[Hopeless Romantic Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I like that aside from romance, Vivian gave a very loud message about domestic and relationship abuse and violence in this story. Such a good way of shedding light to a serious topic where women and children are mostly victim of such. The actions of the characters in saving Poppy 's mother and seeking justice for them both is an example of courage, hope readers who are victimized by monster like her dad and Will be punished. The wonderful way these two whose friendship turned to love happened and the realization of what real love is about. It took time for Poppy to see it and when she finally did its the sweetest ever. The intimate moments are so hot yet in good taste, Ryan being her first means so much as the act doesnt come out of want but more of need. To find the person for you is like finding the right piece of a puzzle.

[Han Spillane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I try not to do any negative reviews but this one took hours of my life I want back!

I understand complex relationships and a cat and mouse scenario... but this book was exhausting.

will they, won't they, ridiculous internal monologues on both sides. Every time it felt like anything relationship or otherwise was moving on then something else happened and back to the internal monologues we go.

The only good part was last 20% where it felt like an entirely different book was written and read.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

and let me tell you why! a cheater is a cheater. kissing, touching , sleeping is cheating. Both H and h are cheaters. Nice story almost, if you have absolutely no problem with friends kissing your s.o. just read it to see where this is going. I'll try one book from the author to see if this wa a fluke. also, 4.52 is super high score for such a book. This was why I tried an unknowed author

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to hot lovers! 5 stars.

I love reading about Vivian Wood’s bad boys. They are perfectly flawed alpha males, strong men that are cowered by no one, except the woman they love. For that woman, Vivian’s boys would go to hell and back, and deny their own feelings, because her ultimate well-being and happiness is their goal.

This is especially true for Ryan and Poppy who are introduced in the Prologue as Ryan struggles to fill in time with no friends during the first few weeks at Middle School. Being a skinny late bloomer, Ryan became the target of bullies until the diminutive Poppy stepped up with some crazy of her own, kick-starting their 20 year friendship.

After the prologue introducing Ryan and Poppy as lifelong friends, the book launches straight into a sexy scene that made my eyes pop!!! Then I laughed like an idiot, when I knew exactly what that scene was!

Lifelong friends be damned, Ryan Scott definitely wants more.

While the title is provocative, it is true that Poppy is still an innocent at thirty. Understandable, however, considering her early home life that more than mentally scarred her, and her current study and work plan towards becoming a doctor has left little time to spend with her somewhat controlling boyfriend.

Ryan has been in the military since leaving school, but unfortunately for him, injury has cast it’s shadow over his career as a SEAL, forcing him into civilian life, and back into Poppy’s world. Suddenly he’s noticing little things about her. Hot and passionate thoughts that have no business between them, and could jeopardize everything about their friendship that is precious.

I enjoy the friends to lovers genre, and Claiming Her Innocence has one of the most intense build-ups in the developing sexual and romantic relationship between friends that I’ve read in quite some time, and that’s when it got hot! Holy crap, Ryan was more than a gentleman for so looooooooong!!! Vivian Wood is my favourite author in the bad boy genre, and I would easily recommend you check out her other titles for your guilty pleasure. I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. 5 Bad Boy Stars.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan Scott is a gorgeously chiseled, recently retired Navy SEAL, who has been discharged for a knee injury and is home trying to figure out his next move. He's good looking with an outwardly laid back personality, and hey, he's the brother of the POTUS! But Ryan's life hasn't always been easy. Somewhat of a runt throughout his school years, he was mercilessly teased, bullied and friendless. That is until Poppy Baker shows up in middle school and solves those problems by simultaneously kicking the crap out of his bullies and befriending the shy Ryan. And their friendship continues to present day.

Poppy is completing her medical internship. She's tired and not super happy in her life, but figures she'll just roll with it. Her expectations are low. Her life wasn't sunshine and roses growing up, either, at the hands of an abusive father and a meek mother. Her boyfriend, Will, is an aspiring screenwriter, who is less than nice to Poppy. But, she feels like, considering she's a 28 year old virgin, she needs to give him a lot of leeway.

Ryan has always kept in touch with Poppy. But upon his return, they both realize that something is different this time around. Maybe it's that he's back for good? Maybe it's that Poppy's hormones can't take it any more? Maybe Ryan is ready to settle down? Sparks are flying. Ryan knows what he wants- and he wants Poppy. But Poppy isn't sure. She needs some convincing- possibly in the form of Ryan dating her best friend. Or maybe Will being a jerk (and then later showing his true colors.). Or a near death experience to get some adrenaline and intimacy flowing. Hint, hint, it's all three. And more.

When Poppy and Ryan connect physically, the emotional connection is completely off the charts, as well. The sex is super hot. The tension is palpable. And there are sweet and tender moments, too.

But be warned, there are plenty of disturbing and tragic moments throughout this book. Poppy and Ryan must figure out how to navigate them all in order to find their HEA. And there is a HEA, you just have to be able to survive all these characters are put through in order to reach it!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving the Scott family, and I think I adore Ryan most of all. It's for his sake that I'm going to give Poppy a free pass. For most of this book I wasn't too keen on her. I know she's been his best friend for most of his life and there has to be something redeeming there. I understand that she has a whole bunch of emotional baggage that needs to be dealt with, but the hoops she makes Ryan jump through made me a whole lot mental. Several times I wanted him to just move on. But, everything worth having takes effort. It's easier for me to pick out the couple of things that weren't my favorite parts of the book than it is to get specific about what I loved - there are far fewer things I didn't like than the ones that I did. Really, I can safely say I loved everything except these two: how poorly I thought Ryan was treated and I wasn't a fan of the cheating. At no point does it ever feel like Ryan or Poppy are actually "in" those other relationships, but they still exist and it leaves me a little squicky that neither of them properly exits before the important events happen. I give huge credit to this book for taking on a subject as taboo as domestic abuse. There is a lot of emotion invested in this subject and it's handled very carefully here. It's not so heavy that you can't get through the book, but it's also not treated so lightly that it could be seen as a joke. It's treated very seriously and I hope that it shows that there's always the possibility for a better tomorrow to anyone who finds themselves in a similar place. I always know it's a good book when it makes me laugh, snarl, and threaten to throw my reader out a window. When it makes me sigh in giddiness by the end, it's a true winner, just like this was.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Maria Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving getting to know the Scott family and I have to say that Ryan Scott is by far my favorite! Ryan is so loving and caring when it comes to Poppy that you can't help but love him and root for him to get the girl. With Ryan and Poppy's story Vivian shines a light on the effect alcoholism and abuse can have on a person(*trigger warning). Ryan Scott has been recently discharged from the Navy SEALs due to a knee injury. When he comes back home the one person he wants to see is his best friend, Poppy Baker. Poppy and Ryan quickly became friends in middle school when Poppy came to Ryan's defense against a class bully. Growing up they have remained close no matter what others said about them. Poppy is completing her medical internship. She is exhausted and not really happy with her life. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Will is not the most loving or supportive. Due to a childhood of abuse Poppy has learned to deal with the hand she has been dealt and not expect more. When Ryan surprises her she is ecstatic to learn that he will be staying in town. As they begin spending more time together they realize that something is different this time. Poppy and Ryan begin to see each other in a new light and their feelings slowly start to change. Ryan wants Poppy but she is hesitant to risk losing the one person she knows will always be there for her. The chemistry between them sparks and I love the slow burn between them. Can Ryan make Poppy realize that what she has been yearning for is right in front of her? Can Poppy get over a past that still plays a part in her current life? I highly recommend you read Claiming Her Innocence to find out! You won't be disappointed with this sweet, sexy, and emotional friends to lovers romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book and purchased it as well to support Vivian and her amazing story.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan and Poppy have been close friends practically all their lives. All through school they looked out for each other. Once Ryan comes to Poppy and her mother's defense against her abusive father. Later Ryan joins the military where he sees things he would much rather forget.
Ryan returns home to find his best friend Poppy with a boyfriend and he gets involved with one of her best friends. They have several group dates and soon begin to realize something has changed when they start having feelings other than friendship for each other. However each is in a relationship and neither wants to lose their friendship so they are at a loss as to how to deal. Ryan even calls his brother who is POTUS for advice because he thinks he is falling for Poppy. He admits to having sex with her and that she was a virgin which had a profound effect on him and was a shock to his brother. Everyone assume that they must have slept together long ago because they were so close for so many years.
Numerous twist, turns and drama take place including Poppy’s boyfriend Will going to her parents to ask for her hand, later getting into an argument with Poppy which results in Will beating her, Ryan going after Will then later the police get involved.
This story is so full of feelings and deep emotions, anger, hate, love, fear, from Poppy parent’s abusive relationship and her being traumatized by it to her being involved with someone who also turns out to be an abuser. To mistrust of friends with secrets and intense sex between her and Ryan that leave you throbbing with sexual tension and breathless. There are several stories here in the way that all the characters involved are connected to each other. This was a well written intense read that covers all the bases. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Mary Getz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC. BRAVO ! 😍 HOT SEXY YUMMY ALPHA EX-NAVY SEAL AND HIS HOT SEXY YUMMY FEISTY SASSY BEST FRIEND .
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS STORY , JUST HER BOOK HIS BEST FRIEND'S LITTLE SISTER .
Vivian Wood bring to the light about alcoholism and spouse and child abuse
Discharged ex-Navy Seal Petty Officer Ryan Scott is home for good. He is going to surprise his best friend since Elementary School , Intern - Doctor Poppy Baker at the Hospital. She has boyfriend Will for the last 3 years . She has two friends Sarah from School and Penny from the Hospital. He is looking into becominga US Marshal. As both Ryan and Poppy spend more time together , are they feelings for each other changing . Ryan even talked with his older ex-Navy Seal Elijah Scott , he is POTUS. Both of them have to overcome twist turns obstacles and hurdles in their relationship. Will has couple of surprises for Poppy . She lost her virginity to Ryan after giving him the KISS OF LIFE . Does Poppy stay with Will after everything ? Does Ryan have a part of Poppy life from now and the future ? HEA?
I love and recommend this book to everyone 😆 😙 as A MUST READ . The strong structure storyline and well developed characters and supporting characters brilliant exquisitely well written . The story is drama hilarious rom-com adventures emotional rollar coaster captivating sizzling chemistry hot provocative streamy explosives kinky sex action abuse and captivating from start to finish 💋 💖 . I can't wait for the next book in this series . I voluntarily ARC for honest review .

[Late Night Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian Wood has done it again! I'm starting to really love getting to know all these guys and their ladies. I'm pretty sure I love Ryan the most though, he's so caring and protective of Poppy and he's all alpha male goodness. *swoon*

As I've said so many times, I love the best friends to lovers story line. These people know everything about each other and exactly how the other needs them. Or how to push their buttons and piss them off. You know, whichever works for them :) But ultimately nothing comes between them, and that's important. Ryan and Poppy bring out the best in each other, they support each others dreams, and they vibe so well together.

Oh Poppy, I feel so bad for her and everything she has ever gone through. She's has the capacity to be a strong person, but she's honestly so fragile because of her family. It makes her miss key things happening in her life and almost miss out on the love of her life. While I completely sympathized for Poppy, there were times she irritated me a little. I wasn't the biggest fan of how she handled certain situations, felt immature to me. All in all she is a great character and I really liked her in the end. As I said before, I loved Ryan! He was awesome, he seemed a little unsure of himself and things he wanted but he quickly got himself on the track he needed to be on.

All the additional characters were really fun too, big personalities filling up the page. I love good supporting characters, they really help to make the story better. I'm so excited to read the next book from Vivian, whether it's more from this series or something new.

[Armenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow burn 3.5 stars

Claiming Her Innocence is a friends to lovers story. Ms. Wood gives us a slow burn into the sizzling chemistry of Poppy and Ryan’s story, now that they see themselves differently in their adult lives.

Ryan Scott became a SEAL and Poppy Baker is on her way to becoming a doctor. They are childhood best friends for the past two decades.. Now that Ryan’s discharged from military service the first thing he thinks about is getting to see Poppy. The attraction built up over the years, he can’t deny the feelings he has for her, but he’s a bit confused and unsure how to go about seducing her, since she’s in a relationship.. And Poppy always wondered how it would be like to sleep with her best friend but never acting on it and risking ending their friendship.

It was hard to read Poppy’s home life and the abuse she and her mother suffered at the hands of an alcoholic father. Ms. Wood seamlessly weaves backstory and present time. I just felt angry and frustrated for Poppy. It’s an interesting plot, one involving domestic abuse, a slimy boyfriend, and a surprisingly supportive co-worker who was also duped by said boyfriend, and lots of secondary characters. Love that Poppy found her voice and strength towards the end, and with Ryan’s support help bolster her self-esteem. Plenty of steamy goodness, but I wanted more Poppy and Ryan time.

I received and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Iwona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian never disappoints. This is another good book. I love how this book continues with Scott family. I didn't read much about the other book characters in this one but it's nice to have stories that intermingle. Poppy and Ryan have been friends since grade school. Even though life has taken them in totally different directions. Ryan went off to fight the war and became a navy seal. Poppy went on with school to become a doctor. Ryan gets injured and he decides to located close to poppy. She gotten through med school and is now an intern. Poppy is in s relationship with her boyfriend Will but that seems rocky. Ryan can't figure out what she sees in him when he has grown feelings for her himself. Poppy can't understand her feelings towards Ryan when she's in a safe relationship with Will. Will is just a jerk I think. He's self centered and I didn't like him from the minute he was mentioned in the book. Ryan seemed to be the perfect guy. Poppy just had a horrible childhood and she needed to be safe. She's dreamed of having it all. The job she loves and now a man she loves. Can she have it all? Will their friendship survive her and wills relationship? Well I didn't want to finish this book. I enjoyed every last minute of it. I read this book voluntarily for an honest review. I am looking forward to her next book! Enjoy!

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claiming her Innocence is a friends to lovers story that involves lots of hot and steamy scenes and some sensitive topics. Ryan and Poppy have been friends since middle school. They've always had each others backs and knew they could depend on one another. Feelings and emotions began to get blurred when Ryan returned to civilian life following the SEALS. Not only did the two not want to damage their long friendship, but Poppy had a boyfriend and Ryan was attempting to get back into the dating game. Ryan knew what he wanted though and decided he was going prove to Poppy they should give it a go until she threw a curveball at him and almost ruined their friendship. Ryan would always be there for Poppy though no matter what so when he heard she needed him he was right there for her and would do anything to protect her and keep her safe. Claiming her Innocence is a fun read with lots of joking, laughs and good times, but there is also a serious side too with touchy topics. These topics help develop the story and Poppy's character especially. I think they not only help her grow stronger but also allow her to discover who she really is and not hold back. No matter how much Poppy pushed Ryan away and kept secrets he was always right there to help guide her and push her forward! Great read!!

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-Navy SEAL Ryan Scott was a runt in the 6th grade and being bullied when the pretty Poppy came to his rescue and shared her lunch with him. Somehow, Ryan just knew they’d be friends for keeps. Ryan has often wondered "what if" about the beautiful Poppy many times but would never risk their friendship. Medical intern Poppy Baker's best friend Ryan came to her rescue when he walked in on her father hurting her and her mother and punched out Poppy's father. Ryan promised he'd never let anything bad happen to Poppy ever again. Poppy has often wondered "what if" about the handsome Ryan but knows they'd always just be friends. Sparks fly when Ryan reconnects with Poppy after getting discharged from the SEALs and he realizes that she's perfect ... but he's casually dating Poppy's friend Sarah ... on the other hand ... he can't stop fantasizing about Poppy, even before a date with Sarah. Poppy's at a fork in the road ... pick self-absorbed boyfriend Will's path ... or pick Rayn's path, which will be full of turmoil and she might end up losing her best friend. After a steamy kiss, Ryan knows Poppy's the one for him, but will he be able to convince her to give him a chance?

Vivian Wood delivers an emotional, heartwarming, sweet and steamy story that will have you rooting for Ryan and Poppy

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved it and have no problem recommending that people run and one-click this one (or borrow it if you have KU)! The story revolves around Poppy and Ryan, childhood best friends who have always been in each other's lives even though physical distance could sometimes be a problem. Ryan was away frequently as a Navy Seal and Poppy was at college followed by med school. When Ryan is discharged from the Seals d/t an injured knee he has to readjust to civilian life and Poppy is the first person he wants to see. Unfortunately, Poppy has been in a long term relationship for the past three years, but really can't decide if her bf is the "one" for her. They are at a crossroad in their lives and friendship, but will they both have the courage to reach for the goal they really want when they discover it is each other? Poppy had a bad childhood and this has colored every relationship she has ever had, except for Ryan. I loved Ryan and Poppy from the start and was rooting for them throughout the book to see what was right in front of them, grab it and not look back! I guarantee you will not be disappointed if you give this book a try.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about two best friends for over 20 years, Ryan and Poppy. When Ryan gets discharged from the SEAL's the first person he wants to see is Poppy and that night he goes out with her and her boyfriend who doesn't like him. As they get to know each other again, foreign feelings start to develop between them, they start looking at each other in another light. They love each other but always though it was just as friends and neither want to ruin the friendship. But when an incident happens they turn to each other and Poppy wants him, all of him. Her boyfriend is a controlling a** and tries to manipulate her, when he takes it too far she starts having more serious doubts about him until it all comes crumbling down. Will she go to Ryan? Will she leave Will?
A great story with steamy scenes and a love that has grown to more than friendship. I also enjoyed the fact that Ryan wasn't a man wh*** and didn't do anything with anyone else while wanting Poppy. But there is an element of cheating in there from both which I didn't really like but was able to get over it since the two belonged together right from the start and it wasn't just them that were doing the betraying.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Wine and Late Night Mommy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm

So I fell in love with Ryan's family when I read Eli story(His Virgin) it was bonus content in the back of another book by Vivian Wood. Fell even harder when I finished Ellie's (His best friends Sister) So though they don't really talk about the other siblings back story their are little drops here and there. So when it became Ryan's turn for his book I couldn't wait for this sweet, sincere family to all get their HEA.
Yes the story is a good story. Sometimes things just didn't add up. In another story Ryan says his dad taught him how to fight because he was such a little guy for so long but I this book he doesn't have a dad and little things like that can throw me off and ill get stuck on them and forget to keep up with the main plot of the book.
But any who back to this book. It was such a heart breaking read dealing with abuse and it broke my heart thinking that Poppy would continue on the cycle. So glad she was brave enough to break the cycle and get out and fall into her lovers waiting arms.
Even though her friend tried to redeem herself at the end I couldn't make myself like Penny NOPE she wasn't a very good friend lol. However over all I really enjoyed the book.
I hope that you will too 🍷🌃💁📚

[Jessica Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great read. It was a perfect friends to more story with a few hiccups along the way. Ryan has been discharged from the Seals from a bum knee, and the first person he wants to see is Poppy his absolute favorite person and best friend since middle school.Poppy is a resident doctor who has worked her bum off to get to where she is. I loved that girl, she kinda had a old soul, she has never really dealt with her childhood, but she keeps moving forward with her boyfriend Will. Ryan doesn't care about what Will thinks nothing is going make him and Poppy not be friends. Ryan starts dating Sarah, Poppy's best friend and I think that is when Poppy starts to feel more for Ryan. Ryan he has had feeling for Poppy for a lot longer, but neither is single and they want to stay best friends.
I got that douchebag vibe from Will right away, so I am all about him getting what he got. Ryan was so freaking amazing as a friend to Poppy very very swoon worthy. My only negative is I wish that they had finished what they were doing , before they started with each other. I happily agreed to read this ARC to share my thoughts

[Suzanne Giorgione · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book! Poppy and Ryan were best friends since Junior High when she had stuck up for him when a bully was picking on him. No one else came to his defense and the rest as they say, was history. Even when guy teased Ryan about secretly messing around with Poppy, he only ever considered them the best of friends. They stuck up for one another. Her father was abusive to Poppy and her mother and Ryan even punched him out once when he walked in on her father beating them. She went to med school and was an intern while he was away being a Seal. Ryan was discharged due to a bad knee and came home. Poppy was dating a total jerk, Will, who was full of himself and he didn't care for Poppy's friendship with Ryan. Ryan starts seeing Poppy's friend, but begins to realize he has feelings that are more than simple friendship for Poppy. There are a lot of emotional scenes, hot, hot, hot sex scenes, twists and turns and serious karma that bites those deserving right in the a$$. Humor, friendship and love are in here and it's a book that you want to keep reading to the end. You want to read how their HEA turns out! I read an ARC of this book and gave a voluntary review.