Admit You Want Me

Lone Star Lovers #1

by Taylor Holloway

My mind says Hell no. My body says Yes please. My heart says You’ve really done it this time.

Emma

Ward thinks I’m still hung up on him? Please.

Who would want that chiseled body? Those broad shoulders? Those strong hands shredding my clothes and exploring every inch… Not me. I got my shallow infatuation out of my system and learned my lesson.

I should be lusting after someone who enjoys the same things I do. Someone who’s read a poem or seen a play. Someone who actually thinks more than one night ahead. Not some gorgeous, alpha jock who runs a watering hole and loves to make me blush.

It’s frustrating that he thinks just because he’s handsome and a college football legend that women should be lining up to spend a night with him.

It’s even more frustrating that part of me wants to cut to the front of the line.

Underneath Ward’s attitude, and despite his teasing, there’s something that keeps me coming back for more. And it’s not just the fact that I work for him.

Ward

Before that last tackle ended my NFL career ten years too early, I spent a very memorable, very drunk night with my sister’s friend Emma.

Now she’s working in my bar, and I’m suddenly questioning my commitment to non-commitment.

Emma’s too smart for a guy like me, and she knows it. Yet as stuck-up as this girl is, she does something to me. She challenges me in ways I didn’t know I wanted to be challenged.

Aside from the fact she thinks she hates me, the odds are stacked high against us. Not only is Emma my sister’s BFF, but she’s looking for “prince charming”.

After my ex-fiancée ripped my heart out, I’m not the guy for happily ever after. These days, I’m the guy you call for a happy, no-strings long weekend.

If that wasn’t enough, Emma’s creep of an ex just moved to town. Now that she’s my employee, I'm playing with matches, but I need her under me in more ways than one.

Whatever is happening between us is about to ignite. Even if we both get burned, Emma’s a temptation I just can’t resist.

And while she won’t admit it, she wants me just as much as I want her.

Admit You Want Me is a full-length standalone enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a bold alpha hero who’s about to meet his match in a feisty, smart-mouthed heroine. HEA/No cheating.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Sports, Second Chance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance

374 pages, ebook

First published August 31, 2018

About the author

Taylor Holloway is a bestselling romance author who writes sweet and sexy stories with just enough of an edge to offset all the feels. Her books are specifically Taylor-ed to make you blush, cry, laugh, and swoon. She's an Austin native with a penchant for bad puns, strong margaritas, expensive shoes, and shiny things. When she's not writing, she's working a hilariously bland corporate job, spoiling her husband and cat, or going for long walks in the dark.

Reviews

[Clau · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. But there was some unnecessary drama that made me want to stop reading.

[Anne OK · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful read start to finish -- and a perfect antidote to a rainy day. Sparks fly in a second-chance romance that is well-balanced with just the right touch of torment and angst leading to a satisfying conclusion.

The first book by this author that I've read. For an easy and fun-filled quick read, it worked well.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review... We have a second chance romance..Emma and Kate were good friends and Emma had a crush on Kate's brother Ward, and in college they spent a hot steamy night, and Emma wants more from him, but to Ward this was just a one-night stand...Years later he is retired from football and Emma now needs summer job, and Ward hired her to work at his bar along his sister and the heat is coming my friends...It was good and funny and I can't wait to see what happens next..

[Tracy *To the point Reviews*]

DNF

Whinny heroine with too much piss and vinegar in her with the hero. The hero seems just...dull.

It wasn't jiving with me...

[Jos · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Hmmmmmm, so ok this book started out good but then fell flat for me:( . I almost felt that both characters were written a bit on the immature side. Sorry, I hated the whole Adam storyline and I wasn't the biggest fan of Emma's....ughhhhhh, I am struggling here.

I mean I guess for my first time reading this author, I would be interested enough to try something else from her in the future. This book though, ehhh, just an ok read.

[poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book I just love a good second chance romance and this one did not disappoint it had a well-written plot that held my interest all the way through and fantastic characters with lots of chemistry and whom you cannot help liking and rooting for. This is a perfect book to curl up with I really enjoyed it

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

well developed, and lots of chemistry, are you ready to swoon? Ward will grab your heart for sure. The banter is so fun crazy to watch. I look forward to reading more from Taylor. great style. newbie author 2 me, such a fan.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet read with two people who are so different from each other but meant for each other with a side of second chance & best friend's brother what more can you want :)

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read another of Taylor Holloway's books, "Never Say Never" and I LOVED it! So I knew that this was probably going to be enjoyable too! And it was - great characters in Emma [great feisty no nonsense young woman] and Ward [arrogant, heart wounded ex jock but he does have a heart that wants to find His On]. She's his sister's best friend and way too good for him. She is wanting a knight in shining armour to come and rescue her as her heart has been badly 'bruised' by her ex who is such a creep. Yet Ward's ex fiancee did a real number on him and he lost all trust in HEA and ever finding His One. But he's going to protect Emma from that creep. She works for him and so he can keep a close eye out for her. He doesn't want her to hate him - far from it. But he's just used to girls who are happy with one night of his company - he couldn't possibly want more now with Emma? Now could he?? I loved the witty banter and the too and fro of these two wonderful characters. And the HEAT between them is HOT, RED Hot! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Definitely recommended. Looking nforward to her next book.

[Louise Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ward is my bffs brother. We spent one night together and I got him out of my system. Now I work for him and he is determined to embarrass the hell out of me constantly. I pretend to hate him but something keeps pulling me towards him.
Emma is my sisters BFF one night together was all I could give her only it was not enough. I am determined to prove that she wants me still. Even if her ex has just shown up again.
These characters will have you falling in love with them. They are both determined to prove to each other that the other is wrong. This makes for a brilliant read that you will love with the amount of flirting, embarrassment and confusion will these two ever work out that there meant to be together

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second chance story. Emma and Ward were everything together until he went to the big leagues. Now years later, they have a second chance at their relationship. Will they take it and realize that they belong together?

[Mayra Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the story line, how the go from a one time thing to forever love. The story is simple and to the point. You learn enough from the side characters to want to read the next story ( like Kate and Cole's) and get to to know them better.

[Nora Flood-Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok when I finished Taylor Holloway’s last series of books I was sad it was over. But after reading this book I think this one is going to just as great if not better! I loved this book! Emma and Kate are college roommates. They are having a Halloween party where the drinks flow freely. When Kate’s brother, Ward, arrives it’s clear that Emma wants him and the feeling is mutual. But it’s a one-off. Three years pass. Wards pro football career is over, he owns a bar and Kate works at the bar with him. Emma is trying to get her PHd. She needing summer work so Kate hires her to waitress at the bar. Emma and Ward have a unique relationship. Their snarky banter is adorable almost like foreplay.This book is my favorite of Taylor’s! What’s going to happen with Kate? Can’t wait to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really starting to treat Taylor Holloway as a go to author her books just flow so beautifully and are a pleasure to read and Admit You Want Me is no different.

Emma is best friends with Kate and when she was younger she had one drunken night with Kates older brother Ward the star of the football team. Now years later she is getting over the humiliation of another disastrous affair when she meets Ward yet again He was injured and it destroyed his NFL career but he is still a chick magnet and he can still make her bush. They have nothing in common but the attraction between them is still there. Will they have a chance at a HEA Be prepared for some extremely witty backchat between these two they will have you sniggering

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Ward are complete opposites. She is the daughter of intellectuals working on her PhD in English, transfered from Yale to TU to get away from a professor lover, and knows nothing about football. He has been a star quarterback through high school, his time getting a degree at Texas University, and two years with a NFL team before his career ending injury. They meet for a one night stand at a Halloween party Emma and her roommate, his sister Kate, held. She does not see him again until Kate hires her to work at Ward's Austin coffee house/pub four years later. This is another of Holloway's great romances! You will want to read.

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit it. I loved this story. It was a plain and simple two people who have not been successful in the love department trying to see if they can be intimate while one is the boss. Ward is a retired NFL player and the brother to Kate, who happens to be best friends to Emma. Emma is a PhD candidate and is working as a waitress at awards coffee house/bar. They had a one night stand several years ago. Presently their is tension, barriers, and unwillingness to open up. Ward and Emma have both been hurt. Will they work thru it all?
Loved all the characters and I see there may be a second book about Kate and Cole (Ward's friend from the NFL) who made an appearance in this book.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book for your reading pleasure and enjoyment.
(Note: I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book.)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typically shy Emma has one hot night with her roommate/best friend's brother before he heads out of town. Years later Emma is almost done her Masters in English and ends up working at the bar her friends brother owns. Seeing him again brings back the memories of the smoking hot chemistry they have, but she is determined to stay away from the playboy. Ward never forgot Emma, and seeing her again just makes him want her all over again. She tries to stay away from him, but he is relentless and decides to try being friends. After Emma has a run in with her ex he realizes he needs to more than just friends and break through Emma's walls. It's a great second chance story that won't disappoint!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admit You Want Me is a very well written book. The characters were relatable and I love the banter between the characters.

I recommend you read this book. Follow the journey of Emma and Ward who meet up again many years after their one night stand. Find out about past heartbreaks and the reasons they aren’t willing to let others get close enough to feel something for. Find out if they find each other again and get together, go their separate ways or maybe fall for someone else. Must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beth C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five fantastic and flirty stars!

Love this book! All the characters were so real and vulnerable and so likable - even the secondary characters. That initial attraction between Ward and Emma from years before just wouldn’t be kept secret. Altogether their relationship started out pretty rocky, becoming friends was just what they both needed....someone to trust and be comfortable with. Of course and good romance has to have it’s drama, and it’s HEA. Can’t wait to read the extended epilogue and the next book!

[Ashley Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance between Emma and Ward. The author has done an amazing
Job pulling your in from the beginning and making you feel like you are living the story.

What is meant to be a friends with benefits mature relationship quickly transforms into a relationship with feelings. This wasn’t part of the deal. Emma knows she has to walk away before she gets hurt even more. Will Ward figure it out before he loses her forever?

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and learn more about the characters.

[Donna Gomez-Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic story of Ward and Emma enemies to lovers.....He was a football star until he wasn't now he owns a bar and his sister BFF Emma works for him. She is smart feisty and doesn't want to get caught up in his arrogant charming handsome aura again. The banter between the two of them is funny hilarious at times. There interest are so different and unlikely couple. But there is hope he very protective of Emma and his sister. This is an amazing book that captivates you from the beginning until the end, if your looking for a book that intrigues your mind and you can't put it down, then this is the one for you. Grab your copy today and start reading. Enjoy happy reading 📚I look forward to reading more Taylor Holloway
"I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review."

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Ward story is so fun to read. The banter and denial of some major sparks are just the icing on some seriously tasty cake.

You'll get to know these characters - feel their pain, know that their passion and banter is real-deal love, become their cheerleader when the hurt they been carrying becomes happiness. Taylor did an exceptional job with not only the characters but the plot as well. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

[Kathy L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that even if you never read again, you definitely need to have in your kindle and keep it forever. I really enjoyed reading this. I could not get enough. I did not want to put it down. It was sweet and romantic. Some really nice outlooks on life also included. A must read if I do say so myself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Izzibella Beau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Ward have known each other for years, each saying they would never get involved with one another. Neither was looking for a committed relationship...if only their hearts would've listened.

Emma fresh off the bench after a disastrous affair and Ward being Ward only looking for that one moment of instant gratification, are brought together after years of not seeing each other by a mutual contact, Ward's sister who is also one of Emma's close friends.

This story was full of humor, intense moments, and lots of times I screamed at both of them and just get together.

Overall, this was a five-star read. The storyline flowed nicely, enough conflict to keep the reader engaged, and characters that you will definitely root for to be together.

[Joyce Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely delightful romantic read. The characterizations were good and the dialogue (both verbal and internal) was excellent. I most enjoyed the main male characters interactions with his sister. Highly amusing stuff. The story line was good and kept this read engaged and entertained to the end. It looks like there could be another novel after this regarding the main male character's sister and one of two of his best friends. Bring it on! I would love to hear that tale as well. :)

Highly recommended read for romance enthusiasts.

I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to the author.

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable entertaining sexy second chance romance. Emma and Ward have sizzling chemistry and i really enjoyed the banter and ease between these two. The storyline is well written that is romantic and hot. Kate and Emma are best friends and Ward and Emma hooked up 3 years ago but it didnt go anywhere three years later Ward owns a bar after his football career that Kate hires Emma to work at. It was great seeing Ward put hiself out t h.g ere to win Emma over to a great HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book. It is a compelling, sexy, and passionate read of character growth and moving on. It is well written, witty, fast pace, funny, and moves at a brisk pace. A heartfelt read, and the excitement I felt when reading this story took my breath away. The characters are strong and loveable … the chemistry between them potent and intense. This is truly a wonderful read. Definitely recommended! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ!
An enjoyable read with loads of witty feisty attitude that will draw you in enjoying the intense drama as it unfolds! Sinfully hot chemistry that will keep you nice and uncomfortable on the edge of your seat making it hard to put down! An exciting must read with engrossing twists, fun attitude and steam!

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet second chance romance for Ward and Emma. Chemistry that's over the top and attraction they try to deny. The book was humorous at times with their back and forth banter. Likable characters and an entertaining story. I read a reader copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Miss E R Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable read. Emma and Cole have a one night stand and then meet again a few years later when she starts to waitress at his bar. Their attraction is still undeniable but ward does not do relationships. Full of humour and drama this is a must read book with a happily ever after

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.