Includes three full-length, Amazon top 20 bestselling standalones. More than 1,000 pages of angst, steam, and swoon-worthy romance.Slip of the A Forbidden Love Standalone Her husband doesn’t want her anymore. The man next door would give up everything to have her... Sadie Hunt isn’t perfect—but her husband is. Nathan Hunt has her coffee waiting every morning. He holds her hand until the last second. He worships the Manhattan sidewalk she walks on. Until one day, he just…stops. And Sadie finds herself in the last place she ever expected to be. Lonely in her marriage. When rugged Finn Cohen moves into the apartment across the hall, he and Sadie share an immediate spark. Finn reveals dreams for a different life. Sadie wants to save her marriage. Their secrets should keep them apart, not ignite a blistering affair. But while Sadie’s marriage runs colder by the day, she and Finn only burn hotter. The First A Single Dad Enemies-to-Lovers Standalone Single dad Andrew Beckwith has already devoted his life to one girl—and as far as he's concerned, she's all he needs. The inked, rough-around-the-edges bad boy left his reckless ways behind six years ago when his daughter Bell was born. When Bell's mother walked out of their lives, Andrew vowed never to let another woman close enough to hurt them again. Amelia isn't just another woman. She's an independent, smart, and savvy businesswoman who doesn't have time for sex, much less love. In the midst of a drawn-out, bitter divorce, all she wants is to bury herself in work. But when sharp-tongued Amelia and stubborn Andrew cross paths, sparks fly—and burn. After all, it's not as if opposites ever attract. Yours to Soul Mate Romance Standalone No matter how cruel it's been to me in the past, I've never been able to flip fate the bird. I'm a romantic at heart. So when fate drops a leather-bound journal at my feet, I know I should walk away. I don't. I pick her up, bend her spine, spread her pages. From the poet's first word, I'm a goner. Until I learn that undoing her bow may pull strings that could unravel each of us.
I only read the first book in this box set. I was extremely disappointed with the way it ended. Hence why I only read the first book. it drags on forever with her back and forth. and God, is she whiney. she has her husband who treated her like crap for months because of something that happened almost a decade ago, and then there's the guy she leans on during that tough time who obviously loves her. So yeah, I was totally team Finn. It could have ended better. Had an epilogue or something. Disappointed is an understatement.
I totally binge read this whole box set! And I absolutely loved them! I have read a few of this author’s other books, and was so glad to start reading this box set! Each book is unique, but they are all beautifully written, and they totally sucked me in! I could not put them down!
All 3 were so good. I didn't really care for Halston in the last one for Finn, but I get it! They did fit pretty good and was definitely better for him than Sadie. I just wanted more because of what he went through. Totally understood though why they fit. I think I'm just mad because of what happened but it had to happen for them to grow and maybe it's not so bad lol this is why they are so good because you get all the feels. I love the closure Finn got too! Oh I do wish the ending would've been a little longer than where it left off. Hopefully we will get a small extra down the line. The other two books were just right. And you get closure since they are linked! I need closure now for this last book because I wish the ending was longer! ☺️
When being self centered by a man who doted on your happiness above his own stops catering to your needs suspicion begins to take hold of her.
Narrator: Andi Arndt is the wonderful female narrator who performed Slip of the Tongue in its entirety. Andi was a good solid choice for Sadie’s character. The book was read and performed with the perfect tone and sound. She hit every emotion with the upmost quality. This audiobook was performed in a studio proving the best sound quality.
Overall: This was an unrelenting love that tested the foundation of a once solid marriage. Sadie’s character played two parts in my mind. At times I was very understanding of her viewpoint from her perspective, yet not entirely on board with her the way she handled certain decisions. Then again she is only human and people make mistakes. She admits she might’ve manifested her feelings about certain situation given her own state of mind at the time. For that I can appreciate and accept her choices.
Jessica impressed me with which she crafted the doubts and deceit. It was a clever play lining up well with the situation.
Finn was a bold and thrilling character. His take charge personality was intoxicating. It was so easy to forgive his sins when you really got to understand his motives and reasoning. Unlike Sadie. She was far too needy for my liking, yet it’s what Jessica intended and she was quite convincing.
This story had cheating. Crossing that line was not easy choice especially when you factor in all the reasons how it led to it. With insecurities, doubt, guilt, and lies Jessica formulated a bombshell of circumstances swaying the reader at every turn. She wrote a convincing story from all four perspectives. Anytime an author crosses into that gray area blurring the morals lines I’m always fascinated with the “why”. Why would a happily married couple cheat?
The entirety of the story is written from Sadie’s one-sided perspective. I treated this like a detective novel where Sadie was searching for cause into what led her to have insecurities regarding her husbands behavior towards her. Sadie’s observations and conclusions revealed cracks in the solid foundation of a solid marital union. Included are Finn’s open and honest reactions and feelings. What was the temptation with Finn if not an attempt to push her towards him or to test her resistance.
“Because you made me this way,” I say. “If I’m selfish, it’s because you nurtured that in me. You practically forced me to be adored all these years.” This quote from the story rings true to form for what becomes of Sadie’s character.
Jessica hit me with every possible emotion she could muster with Sadie’s character. Finn. My dear Finn. What can I say, this guy was raw and honest. Jessica teetered between the lines giving her readers that wonderful shaded gray area where given the circumstances in Sadie’s life there were no right or wrong choices. Nathan was the dark horse in this story with very limited emotion to go on. His reaction and behavior towards Sadie didn’t line up with the way Sadie remembered him. For that I could bend either way. With all three characters I was torn never willing to judge one way or the other. I just followed along and accepted the journey presented to me. It hit me like a hurricane.
This might come across as bad, but I find cheating tropes to be fantastically delicious. I get so absorbed by the choice to cross that line. The reckless nature of the affair is intoxicating.
The feelings, the reactions, the words, everything about these characters behavior and actions got inside your head. Several days later and I’m still pondering certain behaviors and reactions.
This story makes you think a great deal about the fears of marriage and how fragile it is. Temptation is such a dangerous game that allows doubt to creep into your mind. Temptation blinds people by desiring the basic levels and superficial levels of another person forgetting the multi layers you worked hard at achieving.
The first taste
When Grease monkey meets the high fashion queen it’s a game changer. It’s not often you find a single dad story. At least I don’t come across them. What’s even more surprising is that this guy took responsibility like a man. He didn’t scare easy with the news of him being a father. In fact, he was excited by the prospect.
Author: Jessica Hawkins can write the shite out of sex scenes. They are HOTAF! I love the emotions Jessica exudes from her characters. They feel like real people rather than characters. I feel connected to them. Jessica illustrates the disadvantages and advantages to being a single parent. I haven’t read many books regarding single parents. Even fewer with single dads. Andrew is a young confident sexy tattooed single dad raising his seven year old daughter. Jessica does a phenomenal job characterizing Bell’s seven year old quirks. Bell is a well mannered, well adjusted kid despite not having a mother. She was an imperious and inquisitive child. Jessica amazed me with clever witty dialogue. I loved Andrew's bossiness versus Amelia's uptightness. Andrew's assuredness and forwardness was appealing.
Narrators: Sebastian York and Andi Arndt perform a dual narration. Sebastian has the perfect male tone for Andrew’s character. He doesn’t read his scenes he acts them out by articulating his characters emotions and feelings. It’s obvious Sebastian studied his character before performing making sure to pause and add breaths when needed. Andi performs Amelia’s character voice. Bell’s voice could’ve been younger sounding. Her voice is mostly suitable for Amelia’s character.
Overall: Only one downfall to Andrew’s character which is his cigarette habit. I’m not gonna lie the smell and taste of cigarettes is awful. While his smoking is a hard limit “no” his dirty talk and sexual expertise is a hard “yes”.
Story: Andrew and Amelia have trust issues from being burned by past relationships. They both have baggage in the form of exes. They are only willing to offer casual sex. Andrew is a lover and a rebel, voracious and greedy yet attentive and sweet. He is the exception to the rule. Amelia was torn between the man and the father. Both characters lived full yet empty lives and were in need of a companion to share all the fleeting moments with. Both characters chose to live a single life focusing on their number one priority. Both lost their faith in the sanctity of marriage. Both felt manipulated by their ex's.
For those of you who enjoy as$ play your in luck there is one scene available for your listening enjoyment.
Yours to bare
Yours to Bare was a standalone sexy romance about Finn and Halston. Finn was introduced in Slip of the Tongue where he met Sadie. Finn was recently divorced after his affair with Sadie. He had limited visitation rights of his eight year old daughter. He recently began pursuing his career in photography after leaving Wall Street. Yours to Bare was about Halston baring her feelings into words while Finn captured those words by connecting her deepest feelings with photos. Together they created provocative and sexy art. Finn's story can be read as a standalone but if you truly want to understand the depth of his character and why he craved intimacy instead of casual sex then read Slip of the Tongue first. Jessica's books will not disappoint. As a reader and fan we begged for Finn's story. Finn's character had sex appeal in both stories. He was desirable as a single man and father. He made women feel sexy, desirable, and comfortable.
Introductions of two characters is very important in a story. These first impressions allow a connection to be made. Finding unique ways to introduce characters is a craft very few authors can achieve. Jessica engaged me with her introduction making it memorable.
Halston's character was poetic. Halston was a woman with an erotic and edgy soul screaming for escape. Halston was a complex character thriving for independence. Halston journaled her inner thoughts as a coping mechanism. Halston was an unstable character that found stability in structure. Finns character was attentive, confident, and attractive. Mentioning his hands, lips, and hair had me pining for more. I already know what Finn can deliver and anything he promises Halston will be met with approval. Finn's character will have you craving and wanting sex. Jessica creates characters that you will desire and fantasize about. The emotions and provocative words will sizzle your kindle. Jessica will tie you up in knots with lust. The story was intimacy and sexually driven. Intimacy and friendship were the foundation of this bonding relationship. Jessica's words will lure you in and hold you captive for the next several hours. You will thrive off the words of poetry. Jessica is an artist as she pours her thoughts and ideas into her story. You will not abandon this story or skim these words. Instead you will devour the words and become immersed into Finn's world. Buy the damn book. Read for yourself and become an instant fan the way I did. You want emotion? You want sex? You want connection? You will get it all and more. For the next several hours Jessica will own your thoughts. You will wrap yourself in a blanket of words that will touch your soul.
" I could eat the words like candy, right off her tongue." My favorite quote. I image my mouth flavored with cotton candy as Finn sucks on my tongue. Jessica's words drip with passion.
Book 1 : SLIP OF THE TONGUE I turn over. I admit, I couldn’t give a damn how he takes me as long as it’s without mercy. I don’t deserve mercy tonight, and I don’t want it.
You know when we read books to escape? To leave our mundane lives to travel Paris, or find ourselves in Sicily? Well, this book is not it.
This book is more real than any other book, honestly. It captures the essence of what a marriage is, what relationships are, how the daily lives of people are. It's not "travel the world exciting with my millionaire boyfriend" or "being kidnapped by a don". Instead, it is the story of the romance of daily life, the little things we experience living: working, cooking dinner, guys nights, girls nights, relationships with friends and siblings, etc. This story is what housewives imagine, what temptation can bring....
It's heartbreaking to read but so relatable in its realness that you can't put it down.
This is the story of love. Of how a marriage can crumble. Of how misunderstandings can arise.
Sadie, Nathan, and Finn can be either one of us. Their story is too real, too believable to only be a tale. My only regret is that we did not get to see much of Nathan's POV.
Their story is beautiful in its growth that it's hard too stay angry. At the unfairness. At all the uglies.
Their tale is one of love.
Book 2: Andrew and Amelia THE FIRST TASTE
Their story is honestly just as great. It's conflicted but more because this is the story of two very independent adults with such a striking connection forged from loneliness. I loved their story, I loved the setting, the conflicts they each faced already having been established in their own rights.
The merging of two very independent people was an amazing thing to witness. Fear and insecurities and their pasts haunt these two amazing people.
I loved witnessing both Andrew and Amelias growth, I really did.
Book 3: Finn and Halston YOURS TO BARE
This, I honestly wasn't sure how to handle. I've been waiting for Finn's story since I met him in book 1. I wanted to see how this romantic guy who still believed in fate finds his story.
I just didn't know how to handle both of them. Halston, for me (though I know it's her character) was lacking a backbone. I think that got to me, a lot. I didn't know how their story would pan out but I felt like it dragged a lot.
The thing that got to me is that their story lacked that peak. It really did. The characters didn't speak to me, not Halston, nor her father or Rich. I think Finn was honestly the only one I could still connect with while reading their story. This is probably due to the fact that in Book 1, we do see a lot of him, his past, his story and I felt for him there.
Just not sure the way Halston and he eventually told their story wasn't lacking. I felt it was. Still a good read, specially if you read the first two.
I really liked this collection of reads. This box set includes three full length books. These well written stories quickly capture your attention and will have you putting off things you should be doing and stealing every moment you can to read a page or two. Complex characters, drama, raw emotion and steamy passion are combined into reads that are compelling and entertaining. This box set includes Slip Of The Tongue, The First Taste and Yours to Bare. These are powerful, complicated stories in which there is often many shades of grey. I am posting a sincere, voluntary review.
I didn't have any clue what these stories were going to be about . I just read another book by Jessica Hawkins and was impressed so when I saw the series I just started reading and couldn't put it down. The only issue I have is with Nathan and Sadie. I can't help myself from feeling like his reasoning for treating Sadie like that isn't enough. I believe he loves her and all but it just seems like he isn't being completely honest.
Nope sorry i waited for finn's story . This book dragged on & on if it wasn't for my OCD I would have not finished. I read to get away from social media not have it shoved in a book. Needless to sa this 3 book series doesn't have a place in the library just uninstall & delete
The first book was an ok read but the ending was disappointing.. not what I have come to accept from Jessica.
I got about 40% through the second book and that was hard work. I don’t really like not finishing books but I had to this time. Trying to get to the end was like pulling teeth.
I read this trilogy and they were fantastic. It's my first time reading this authors work and I was not disappointed. I particularly like that the characters made guess appearances in following books as they all got their stories. It was an easy five stars from me.
This book took me on a rollercoaster ride. I had a real heavy heart reading it, cried at parts and wanted to scream at others. I love Jessica Hawkins writing, her books are amazing and I can't wait to read another.
I chose this rating because all the stories have real life issues. The author has a way of making a relationship work even with all of their problems. It was an amazing experience to read.
This series was beautiful, heart breaking, passionate. I loved each of the stories, the characters, their love , their pain, passion. It’s beautiful written. It’s with the read
This was a good three book series. Each having their own characters who battle hard to find love and keep it. I enjoyed all three couples and their individual struggles. True love prevails!
There is nothing technically wrong with this book. It's well written. It just sat wrong with me so I am moving on. I finished Slip of the Tongue, but not the other two books.