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Working Men #3

The Bartender

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He goes down better than a shot of whiskey.

Rachel
Being a twenty-three year old virgin isn’t the worse thing in the world. Being a twenty-three year old virgin in love with a man who doesn’t know I exist? Tragic, right? Local bartender, Ren Parker, might not be into librarians with questionable fashion taste, but it doesn’t stop me from fantasizing about getting him alone in the library and breaking all the rules about quiet time.

But, a girl’s gotta be realistic, and I can’t stay a virgin forever. Picking up a nice guy at the bar to take my v-card is surprisingly easy. That is, until Ren discovers what I’m doing. Suddenly, the man I thought wouldn’t give me the time of day, has his hands all over me until my insides are shaken and stirred.

He says my virginity belongs to him and I’m more than happy to prove him right.

Ren
I’ve wanted Rachel Banks from the moment I saw her. Sweet and gorgeous with a body I can’t wait to have under me, she’s got my world turned upside down. But, a man like me isn’t meant to have a woman like her. Until the night I see her about to give away what’s mine.

Now, I’m insisting she belongs to me and I won’t rest until she gives me her innocence and her heart. I’m playing a dangerous game. I have a past, one that a woman like Rachel would never understand, and the right thing to do is let a better man have her.

Too bad I’ve never been good at giving up what’s mine.

Author’s Note: This is the third in a series of stand-alone short and dirty (So.Very.Dirty.) novellas of 20k or less. You do not need to read the first two stories to enjoy this one. If you’re looking for quick, one-handed (ahem) reads with insta-love, over-the-top alpha, blue-collar men then the trope-alicious Working Men series is for you!

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2018

47 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Ramona Gray

60 books259 followers
Ramona Gray is a Canadian romance author. She currently lives in Alberta with her awesome husband and her mutant Chihuahua. She loves bad reality television, good coffee, and reading and writing about the steamier moments in life.

She loves chatting with readers so feel free to send her an email at ramonagraybooks@gmail.com or check out her website at www.ramonagray.ca

She also writes paranormal and contemporary romance as her alter-ego "Elizabeth Kelly". Check out Elizabeth's books at www.elizabethkelly.ca

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5 stars
67 (29%)
4 stars
81 (36%)
3 stars
54 (24%)
2 stars
14 (6%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Mariana.
725 reviews83 followers
June 28, 2018
Smile on my face

The group of people in this town are rediculous!

Each girl is in lust/love with the same guy who is in lust/love with her. However, each has a separate reason why he/she cannot be together (age, past, etc.). Finally, after years (literally) of pining for each other, each couple finally overcomes the odds and decides to make a lifelong love commitment.

In spite of the lunacy, the sex scenes are hot; and the happy ending puts a smile on my face.
Profile Image for girlwithhearteyes.
1,716 reviews227 followers
February 25, 2024
4.5 stars

Rachel is a shy and curvy librarian with a huge crush on Ren, the local bar owner. He’s aloof until she’s dancing with another guy, and then Ren is all “These are my tits. Say it.”

Ok, that line doesn’t sound great BUT IT WORKED IN THE STORY, I’M TELLING YOU. And he does the ‘kicks her feet apart’ move. You know the one. 🥵🥵🥵

P.S. there’s also a decent amount of character development in 88 pages, for something marketed as a ‘one-handed read’, which I find very impressive.
Profile Image for Emily Lindsey.
Author 4 books21 followers
July 24, 2021
Growly dude meets shy librarian with a secret. I mean the story could grab you just with that, but when you throw in the chemistry, the connections to the other characters from previous books and the quaint town life, and that secretly steaming hot attraction that they share, well, the story almost reads itself. Ren and Rachel both have secret inner lives, they’re both scared to commit to what they want, and the novella revolves around the dance they do to find happiness. Seriously, this book reads fast and hot, and you’ll finish it before you even realize it.
Profile Image for Tarra Davis.
331 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2018
I absolutely love this series!! I absolutely loved Rachel in the carpenter and glad she got her story!! Rachel has loved Ren for three years and wants him to be her first!! Rachel is beautiful inside and out, She just has trouble believing it because her mother is a terrible person and doesn’t treat her like a mother should!! Ren has been in love with Rachel as well but thinks he doesn’t deserve her because of things in his past. Can two stubborn people get past themselves to find the love in each other! Read and find out you will not be disappointed!! Can’t wait for Luna and Asher’s story!!
Profile Image for Mandy.
312 reviews
May 6, 2019
I enjoyed the first book in this series, not so much the second book and now with the 3rd book, I'm back to liking this series of steamy standalone novellas.

A fast erotic romance with a very jealous, possessive hero and sort of quiet, virgin heroine. Rachel is a librarian and has had a crush on Ren for a long time. He too has a crush on her but believes he is not good enough for Rachel up until he sees her dancing with another guy and decides enough is enough.

This is an erotic romance with a dirty talking hero. It is a standalone within a series, there is no cheating and HEA.
Profile Image for Laura.
775 reviews49 followers
Read
February 25, 2023
This was better than "The Landscaper", which was the first book that I tried (and hated) by this author. And while it was better and the MCs were more tolerable, I still wasn't really clicking with the story or the writing. I'm going to leave the rating blank because it wasn't bad or good; it was just a story. I'm gonna try one more book in this series to fulfill my 3rd-time's-the-charm approach to authors I'm unsure about, but I'm getting the sense that this author just ain't for me.
64 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2018
The Bartender is a fun, quick and sexy read. Even though it's short, the characters are very well developed and you definitely fall in love with both Ren and Rachel. Ren is a bar owner with a complicated past and Rachel is a librarian with a terrible mother. Together they are perfect for each other. Loving this series and can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Joan Clark.
220 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2018
I highly recommend this book to fans of a little risqué loving. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The romance is intense and the sex scenes are scorching. It is most definitely meant for readers over 18. We do see characters from the previous books in the series which I loved. I can’t wait to see what will be coming from this series next!
Profile Image for Noemi.
2,182 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2024
Ren and Rachel have had eyes on each other

Ren and Rachel have had eyes on each other, but neither have acted on what they're feeling. Then, one night, she shows up at his bar dressed way to sexy, in his view, and there's another holding her too close. This is the beginning of their journey to love.

I enjoyed this read 📚!
Profile Image for Roxmary.
6 reviews
May 10, 2018
Another great short sexy story. I love Ren and Rachel. Rachel’s Mom is a bitch and I’m so glad how she stood up to her gaining her confidence back. Can’t wait for the other books I want to see where Asher and Luna’s story goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tirzah.
32 reviews
May 6, 2018
I received advanced copy for my honest review. Omgoodness was this book melt your panties off hot then I don’t know what is. Even for a short story it was amazing. If want a good steaming story read this one
Profile Image for Kristine Thompson.
25 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2018
I enjoyed reading Rachel and Rens book. Rachel has that innocence that is balanced by Ren. Ren is a bad boy but still a sweetheart. This was a sweet and sexy book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen.
322 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better, I loved the herione and hero in this book she became stronger as the story moved along, and damn if I had a mother like that who wouldn't have confidence issues
723 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2023
This one was just okay. It felt a little bland. It glides past some heavier subjects like body image, family relationships, prison and it makes it feel even more surface level than the other two in this series.

Virgin heroine, semi-public sex, curvier heroine
14 reviews
May 28, 2018
I love when a man can get a good girl go naughty. I also love a tough man that is also sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
22 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2018
Love me some Ramona Gray

Yeah, it's cheesy. Unbelievable. Instalove, etc. But oh my goodness, it's fun! Treat yourself to a good hour or two of escapism!
1,385 reviews6 followers
January 19, 2020
It’s short but hot and well written. If you want a quick smutty read, this is a winner.
57 reviews
December 31, 2020
I love a story with a plus sized heroine and a possessive man who is determined to have her. Great novella !
Profile Image for CrazyGal609.
1,863 reviews15 followers
August 26, 2023
I really,really liked this one💙 Gotta look into these “demi-cup“ lacy “pretty underthings” I’ve not paid any attention to in the past ..lol. So glad she stuck up for herself and REN against her hateful mother!! 📚💋🔥💋📚
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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