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Unexpected Lovers #0.5
The Starfish Method
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B08141X2J1
He lives in the penthouse of the most luxurious complex in the city. She shares an apartment with a lobster...
Hannah spends her days swimming with sharks, chilling with her pet lobster Levi and avoiding commitment like the plague.
Sam’s days are spent expanding his family’s empire, bickering with his cousin Tom and dodging scheming gold diggers.
They both want the same thing- A few months of fun and companionship with an expiry date and hopefully no restraining orders.
Except, as their self-imposed deadline draws closer, Sam finds he’s had a change of heart.
Can the charismatic billionaire convince the eccentric commitment-phobe to take a chance on love, or will she sabotage them both with her trusty Starfish Method?
*The Starfish Method is a standalone, laugh out loud romantic comedy. The lobster loving, shark enthusiast and the workaholic billionaire are about to find out just how strongly opposites attract.
He lives in the penthouse of the most luxurious complex in the city. She shares an apartment with a lobster...
Hannah spends her days swimming with sharks, chilling with her pet lobster Levi and avoiding commitment like the plague.
Sam’s days are spent expanding his family’s empire, bickering with his cousin Tom and dodging scheming gold diggers.
They both want the same thing- A few months of fun and companionship with an expiry date and hopefully no restraining orders.
Except, as their self-imposed deadline draws closer, Sam finds he’s had a change of heart.
Can the charismatic billionaire convince the eccentric commitment-phobe to take a chance on love, or will she sabotage them both with her trusty Starfish Method?
*The Starfish Method is a standalone, laugh out loud romantic comedy. The lobster loving, shark enthusiast and the workaholic billionaire are about to find out just how strongly opposites attract.
110 pages, ebook
First published November 21, 2019
654 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Heller
47 books920 followersJB Heller is an average Aussie housewife and Mumma in her early 30's. She lives on a mini farm with her family and a few cows, sheep, a parrot, cats, fish, dogs, and a butt load of chickens. It's JB's dream to one day add a llama to the mix and an alpaca or two.
She writes across several genre's including RomCom, Romantic Suspense and Contemporary. You can always expect a healthy dose of heat, intrigue and wit in her stories.
Monday to Friday you can find JB glued to her laptop weaving words or trolling Pinterest for her next potential muse. Come the weekend, it's family time. (And of course lots of reading and Netflix binges.)
Want to know more about JB? Check her out, you’ll be guaranteed a good laugh if nothing else.
Website: https://www.jbtheindie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjbheller
She writes across several genre's including RomCom, Romantic Suspense and Contemporary. You can always expect a healthy dose of heat, intrigue and wit in her stories.
Monday to Friday you can find JB glued to her laptop weaving words or trolling Pinterest for her next potential muse. Come the weekend, it's family time. (And of course lots of reading and Netflix binges.)
Want to know more about JB? Check her out, you’ll be guaranteed a good laugh if nothing else.
Website: https://www.jbtheindie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjbheller
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
June 2, 2022
4 ✨
FIRST OFF - let me explain that this was only like 120 pages which is how my status went from reading to read on this so fast.
Secondly, even super short is was a pretty good read tbh.
The downside was definitely how short it was this made it super fast pace and the characters sped into a relationship super fast. There wasn’t any time for any sort of conflict or negativity really.
More events and relationship building could’ve been added to make this a “real book” aka 300+ pages and it still could’ve had potential to be a 5 star read.
But even as short as it was it was a good light hearted romcom. Like if you read something heart crushing this is a great book to read to put yourself back together will.
I like that the COM part of romcom is legit in this book. Too often books are called romcoms and there’s nothing funny in the book, but the female MC in this book had a genuinely funny personality. Don’t get me wrong she had a “I’m not like other girls” personality, but it wasn’t overly emphasized like it tends to be when people write those type of characters.
FIRST OFF - let me explain that this was only like 120 pages which is how my status went from reading to read on this so fast.
Secondly, even super short is was a pretty good read tbh.
The downside was definitely how short it was this made it super fast pace and the characters sped into a relationship super fast. There wasn’t any time for any sort of conflict or negativity really.
More events and relationship building could’ve been added to make this a “real book” aka 300+ pages and it still could’ve had potential to be a 5 star read.
But even as short as it was it was a good light hearted romcom. Like if you read something heart crushing this is a great book to read to put yourself back together will.
I like that the COM part of romcom is legit in this book. Too often books are called romcoms and there’s nothing funny in the book, but the female MC in this book had a genuinely funny personality. Don’t get me wrong she had a “I’m not like other girls” personality, but it wasn’t overly emphasized like it tends to be when people write those type of characters.
November 21, 2019
I have to admit with a title as catchy as this I was intrigued before I even read the blurb, colour me bright pink when I realised what it meant! So unique and funny.
Hannah, sick of useless ex-boyfriends, devises a plan to enjoy guys for small periods of time then once she implements her method they break up. Sam is looking for just a a short term relationship so thinks Hannah could be the girl for him at the moment.
Hannah is a terrific character; down to earth, hardworking, friendly and caring. She has a sassy streak a mile wide that I love plus knows her own mind. Sam is her polar opposite but another fabulous character. He too is hardworking, a little overzealous in that department, caring and knows his own mind. Together their chemistry is blue flame hot.
I loved this short story, every single bit of it. The sense of humour is sensational with the way Hannah’s mind works-her reactions were hilarious. The banter between the characters is fun yet there is a seriousness too that comes across well.
A thoroughly entertaining book from cover to cover.
Hannah, sick of useless ex-boyfriends, devises a plan to enjoy guys for small periods of time then once she implements her method they break up. Sam is looking for just a a short term relationship so thinks Hannah could be the girl for him at the moment.
Hannah is a terrific character; down to earth, hardworking, friendly and caring. She has a sassy streak a mile wide that I love plus knows her own mind. Sam is her polar opposite but another fabulous character. He too is hardworking, a little overzealous in that department, caring and knows his own mind. Together their chemistry is blue flame hot.
I loved this short story, every single bit of it. The sense of humour is sensational with the way Hannah’s mind works-her reactions were hilarious. The banter between the characters is fun yet there is a seriousness too that comes across well.
A thoroughly entertaining book from cover to cover.
November 19, 2019
This book was funny and engaging and a great read. Not wanting to give her heart up but deep inside wanting someone that would fight for her, the starfish method works. It's her shield and protection and has worked for years! He's sick of women who want him for his position and money. Separately they are a hot mess on their own especially with the sidekick they each have at their fingertips. Together they are hot and passionate but they also take each other to places never before imagined and even scarier nothing they expected. This is a fast passionate insta-love, make-it-work, fight-for-her read that will have you laughing out loud, sighing deeply while leaving you to feel their pain and chemistry.
Want to read
August 8, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/7/2020)! 🎁
September 1, 2023
Ok this was really freaking cute. Super laugh-out-loud funny moments, sexy, and overall just so sweet of a story.
November 20, 2019
Another fabulously written book from JB Heller. Hannah is hilariously funny, sassy, strong, and independent. She loves the sharks she works with and has a pet lobster. Sam is a billionaire tired of women only wanting him for his money. Sam and Hannah meet at The Aquarium, the bar she works at and Sam's cousin owns, and the chemistry between them is off the charts! Their story is full of humor, steam, some drama, wonderful characters, and a fantastically written HEA.
November 19, 2019
Holy Hot Flushes! Sexy as sin, side-splittingly funny and heartfelt all at once. What an amazing read! The characters were funny and witty and hot AF. Devoured this as fast as I could, unable to put it down! Although I’m disappointed on the missed opportunity for Levi to nip someone in the butt! This is a funny, sexy 5 star read you need in your life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2019
I recieved this ARC for an honest review.
This was an amusing and sweet story.
Guy fed up with gold diggers looks for a non serious past the time fling. Meets a commitment phobic girl. Both hoping to have a couple months of fun. Unfortunately none told their hearts. Throw in strange pets, and aquatic water babies you will just love this book.
This was an amusing and sweet story.
Guy fed up with gold diggers looks for a non serious past the time fling. Meets a commitment phobic girl. Both hoping to have a couple months of fun. Unfortunately none told their hearts. Throw in strange pets, and aquatic water babies you will just love this book.
February 8, 2020
This was a quick, enjoyable read, but ultimately nothing too special. I love me a good steamy romance but even I think there were too many sex scenes for the short length of the book.
It was funny though! The ending especially had me in stitches. Poor Sam.
So yeah, it was a good time, but I don't see it being very memorable.
It was funny though! The ending especially had me in stitches. Poor Sam.
So yeah, it was a good time, but I don't see it being very memorable.
October 21, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. It had comedy. It had steamy romance. It had a pet lobster 🦞♥️! Such a fun story with great characters! I highly recommend this.
May 7, 2020
A delight hilarious fun read.
I didn't think I'd like this book as much as I did. From the first line I was hooked. I was sorry when I reached the end. Each chapter had Leviathon the lobster making his rounds around the chapter heading. There was enough that the author could have expanded on. Hannah being a biologist for starters. The dialogue was fast and snappy. The sex was just steamy enough without going overboard. I will be reading the rest of the series!!!
I didn't think I'd like this book as much as I did. From the first line I was hooked. I was sorry when I reached the end. Each chapter had Leviathon the lobster making his rounds around the chapter heading. There was enough that the author could have expanded on. Hannah being a biologist for starters. The dialogue was fast and snappy. The sex was just steamy enough without going overboard. I will be reading the rest of the series!!!
Read
June 27, 2022I was looking for something quick and light and this definitely hit the spot. It definitely had me laughing as well! If you’re looking for a fun little room between a shark-fearing billionaire and a commitment-phobe woman who has a pet lobster, this might be right for you.
CW: mentions parental loss, includes some ableist language, mentions pregnancy.
CW: mentions parental loss, includes some ableist language, mentions pregnancy.
November 4, 2023
Didn’t finish after chapter 3. At first I thought this book would be good because it seemed like it would have personality and be funny. But it got unoriginal and cliche pretty quickly. Example, both the male MC and his friend are just the most gorgeous creatures to ever exist of course because why wouldn’t they be? This is a romance novel after all lol. And upon meeting him, Hannah is completely falling all over him and his good looks. I just find that boring. And Max of course loves how “different” Hannah is after only meeting her for the allotted basic romance novel time frame of about 3 minutes.
But can we talk about the whole “starfish” thing for a second? That was so bizarre like what?? I can see the author was trying to do something with that whole catchphrase but it is so odd. Like are you telling me that you’ve been doing it with a guy for a few months and then one day you just get into this weird starfish position and the guy doesn’t stop immediately and say…anything??? If that happened to me I’d stop immediately and be like, wait wtf are you doing?🤣 But not one single guy in four years of her doing this act ever even questioned what she was doing?? Or say anything about it at all ever?? Every guy was just like, ‘Well, I guess this is just what she does now, guess I better break it off with her cuz I don’t wanna keep having sex with a girl that gets in this strange position and doesn’t move.’ Lol. And yeah that is the point of it, to drive guys away and Hannah says if they liked her enough they would question it and try and work it out but like, it would be more believable/not ridiculous if she just, started to disengage during sex or something. Or just tell the guy she doesn’t want to have sex anymore for awhile to see if they run away. But I just can’t imagine someone going to have sex with someone else and they just all of the sudden lay there spread out like a starfish not moving and they wouldn’t say ANYTHING ever??🤣 I’d burst out laughing immediately if that happened to me!!
But can we talk about the whole “starfish” thing for a second? That was so bizarre like what?? I can see the author was trying to do something with that whole catchphrase but it is so odd. Like are you telling me that you’ve been doing it with a guy for a few months and then one day you just get into this weird starfish position and the guy doesn’t stop immediately and say…anything??? If that happened to me I’d stop immediately and be like, wait wtf are you doing?🤣 But not one single guy in four years of her doing this act ever even questioned what she was doing?? Or say anything about it at all ever?? Every guy was just like, ‘Well, I guess this is just what she does now, guess I better break it off with her cuz I don’t wanna keep having sex with a girl that gets in this strange position and doesn’t move.’ Lol. And yeah that is the point of it, to drive guys away and Hannah says if they liked her enough they would question it and try and work it out but like, it would be more believable/not ridiculous if she just, started to disengage during sex or something. Or just tell the guy she doesn’t want to have sex anymore for awhile to see if they run away. But I just can’t imagine someone going to have sex with someone else and they just all of the sudden lay there spread out like a starfish not moving and they wouldn’t say ANYTHING ever??🤣 I’d burst out laughing immediately if that happened to me!!
Want to read
December 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/30/2020)! 🎁
November 23, 2021
I liked the characters Hannah and Sam. The seemed to really share a connection and even though the relationship progressed quickly it felt real. I will say at one point it did feel like the book was more about sex then a plot and that is always a little off putting for me which is why it got a lower rating. It just felt like it was sex scene after sex scene.
Sam was my favorite character. He just completely fell for Hannah and wasn’t afraid of that. Even when she tried pushing him away he flat out tells her he’s not done fighting
What do I need to do to show you I’m not going anywhere?” She shrugs and sniffles. “Nothing. I don’t think there’s anything you can do to change my mind.” “Fuck that,” I spit. Getting to my feet, I snatch my clothes and tug them on. I pause at the door, turning to look at her one more time. “I’ll figure it out. So get ready for me, baby, because when I want something, nothing can stop me. I will do whatever it takes.”
Sam was my favorite character. He just completely fell for Hannah and wasn’t afraid of that. Even when she tried pushing him away he flat out tells her he’s not done fighting
What do I need to do to show you I’m not going anywhere?” She shrugs and sniffles. “Nothing. I don’t think there’s anything you can do to change my mind.” “Fuck that,” I spit. Getting to my feet, I snatch my clothes and tug them on. I pause at the door, turning to look at her one more time. “I’ll figure it out. So get ready for me, baby, because when I want something, nothing can stop me. I will do whatever it takes.”
December 3, 2019
After many false starts Hannah has come to the conclusion that men are best suited for the short term. That way she can enjoy the good part of the relationship and avoid the pain that is destined to follow. She has perfected the art of fun and flee, and it was working to perfection until Samuel came into her life.
Samuel is tired of being wanted for what he can do for people rather than himself. He has decided to keep his relationships casual and since Hannah wants the same thing it seems like a perfect match. Or at least it was until feelings become involved and things are about to get complicated.
Not only will the wild and wacky main characters have you laughing out loud but the secondary characters are a hoot as well. The plot is engaging and will keep you entertained until the last page.
Samuel is tired of being wanted for what he can do for people rather than himself. He has decided to keep his relationships casual and since Hannah wants the same thing it seems like a perfect match. Or at least it was until feelings become involved and things are about to get complicated.
Not only will the wild and wacky main characters have you laughing out loud but the secondary characters are a hoot as well. The plot is engaging and will keep you entertained until the last page.
November 21, 2019
Release Date: November 28th 2019
Spoken In: Dual POV
Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️
The Starfish Method is a standalone novel written by J.B. Heller and let me tell you I flew through the pages I couldn't get enough!
Hannah and Sam both don't want relationships. Hannah is tired of getting her heart broken and Sam's over woman only wanting him for his money so they both embark on a few months of fun with no strings but will that stay true when their chemistry is off the chains intense?
This book was so much fun and absolutely hilarious, some steamy scenes and low on the drama with some amazing side characters too. I loved every minute of this story and wish there was more!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Spoken In: Dual POV
Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️
The Starfish Method is a standalone novel written by J.B. Heller and let me tell you I flew through the pages I couldn't get enough!
Hannah and Sam both don't want relationships. Hannah is tired of getting her heart broken and Sam's over woman only wanting him for his money so they both embark on a few months of fun with no strings but will that stay true when their chemistry is off the chains intense?
This book was so much fun and absolutely hilarious, some steamy scenes and low on the drama with some amazing side characters too. I loved every minute of this story and wish there was more!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
The story was okay, but I think time just ran too fast for me. I don’t mean the jumping from one day to the next, but even within chapters it was as if events were skipped over when they could have been fleshed out and used to really delve into characters and their developing relationship and goals. The MC’s starfish method was kind of dumb and ridiculous (as her bff knew) but by the time it became a thing, I wasn’t entirely buying into the MMC’s feelings and buy into the relationship.
November 20, 2019
Oh good God!!
You can always count on JB to deliver such a wonderful story!!
I loved absolutely everything about Hannah and Sam! She’s such a relatable character and Sam is to die for.
JB always writes the most refreshing, sexy and fun stories that will keep you entertained for a long time!
Good job girlie! Keep them coming!!!
You can always count on JB to deliver such a wonderful story!!
I loved absolutely everything about Hannah and Sam! She’s such a relatable character and Sam is to die for.
JB always writes the most refreshing, sexy and fun stories that will keep you entertained for a long time!
Good job girlie! Keep them coming!!!
November 20, 2019
A romantic comedy that will have you laughing from page one until after you finish the story. The author has this way of making every story unique and bringing to life unforgettable characters that you adore. Hannah and Sam have this instant attraction-love that neither is expecting nor know what to do with. How they navigate is one story you do not want to miss out on.
November 20, 2019
What a great funny story! Has you laughing from start to finish.
Sam and Hannah want a relationship that has an end date. This is how they start but what an ending!
Hannah usually brings out the Starfish method when she has had enough of the guy she us seeing, and Sam thinks this is great for him after all the girls he has been seeing lately. What could possibly go wrong?
Sam and Hannah want a relationship that has an end date. This is how they start but what an ending!
Hannah usually brings out the Starfish method when she has had enough of the guy she us seeing, and Sam thinks this is great for him after all the girls he has been seeing lately. What could possibly go wrong?
November 20, 2019
The starfish method.. where does she come up with/find this stuff? Utterly brilliant. A fun, quick read that will make you laugh and fan yourself many times. Hot and sweet and such a good read. You’ll blow through the pages and wish there were more when it ends.
November 20, 2019
Absolutely love this book. The chemistry between Sam and Hannah is there from the start. If any man does what Sam does to declare his love for me I would marry him on the spot. J.B has another hit on her hands
November 22, 2019
This is a hilarious romcom!! Sam and Hannah could not be more opposite but they also can’t understand why the chemistry they have is so strong but while they figure it out you laugh till it hurts.
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
November 29, 2019
After loving Pink Bits and Blue Beaver immensely, this one was a bit of a miss for me. The story didn't feel fleshed out enough. I'm still excited to read the next Awkward book though.
August 11, 2023
she eat meat?? she no eat vegetables like other girls?? she on a carnivore diet?? she loves steak like the boys 😤😤😤
September 1, 2023
I read it just for the sharks
June 4, 2022
Rating: 2.75 Stars
This was a quick read, which is why I was able to finish it despite my disinterest.
The characters felt two-dimensional to me, and the fast pace of the story—an element that novellas usually adopt due to their limited space/length—only exacerbated this issue as it left little room for quality character development (I use the term “quality” subjectively, and in this case it’s in reference to my personal reading preferences/standards).
Despite this not working for me, I recommend giving it a read yourself if you’re interested because it might work for you!
Title: The Starfish Method
by Jb Heller
POV(s): Dual—First Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Novella
Triggers: N/A
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Billionaire-MMC
❖ Class-Difference
❖ Commitment-Phobe-FMC
❖ Friends-with-Benefits
❖ No-Strings-Attached
❖ Opposites-Attract
❖ Temporary-Relationship/Fling
❖ Working-Class-FMC
November 21, 2019
The Starfish Method - J B Heller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An epic laugh fest from JB Heller as I've come to expect and enjoy.
Hannah has an incredibly inventive process to rid herself of her current male company. Her Starfish Method should be immediately patented by JB Heller. The girl is a genius!!
Hannah was such a wonderfully lovable weirdo, with a whip smart answert or comeback and her slightly crazy slant on life, I loved reading all about her dire dating situation and her passion for her job, caring for the sharks at "The Aquarium".
Samuel, AKA Sam - Bazzillionaire who just wants hot sweaty fun with a woman who doesn't play the drama / fake pregnancy kind of complications a relationship brings ...... simple..... right! But basically non existent to a man who has the world at his fingertips and a bevy of social climbers lusting after him.
Sam and Hannah are polar opposites but like magnets, theyre drawn to each other. Add into this kooky mix of characters, Tom, Sam's bestie and cousin and Amy, Hannah's BFF and all round social conscience. Wonderfully funny story, brilliantly crafted into a stellar story. So good I couldn't put it down! Get this book immediately if you are after a fun, flirty and a little kooky story of just how opposites really can attract.!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An epic laugh fest from JB Heller as I've come to expect and enjoy.
Hannah has an incredibly inventive process to rid herself of her current male company. Her Starfish Method should be immediately patented by JB Heller. The girl is a genius!!
Hannah was such a wonderfully lovable weirdo, with a whip smart answert or comeback and her slightly crazy slant on life, I loved reading all about her dire dating situation and her passion for her job, caring for the sharks at "The Aquarium".
Samuel, AKA Sam - Bazzillionaire who just wants hot sweaty fun with a woman who doesn't play the drama / fake pregnancy kind of complications a relationship brings ...... simple..... right! But basically non existent to a man who has the world at his fingertips and a bevy of social climbers lusting after him.
Sam and Hannah are polar opposites but like magnets, theyre drawn to each other. Add into this kooky mix of characters, Tom, Sam's bestie and cousin and Amy, Hannah's BFF and all round social conscience. Wonderfully funny story, brilliantly crafted into a stellar story. So good I couldn't put it down! Get this book immediately if you are after a fun, flirty and a little kooky story of just how opposites really can attract.!
August 18, 2023
Hannah gets rid of guys after three months of dating by suddenly acting like a starfish in the bedroom (just sit there, do nothing, the guy gets bored and leaves). She's just afraid of being hurt. Sam is ridiculously rich and wants to find a girl who doesn't want him just for his money. He hears some guys talking about Hannah and like a typical man thinks "this would be perfect for me!" and then infiltrates her life.
They have chemistry. But, I'm not convinced that Sam "saw" Hannah at first. He really only seems to take an interest when he thinks she's a girl he can bang for a few months with no complications. Regardless, he ends up falling hard for her -- even though she's got pink hair and is nothing like the women he's dated before. Which again, I'm fine with, if he really likes Hannah for her personhood and not because she's an easy relationship. But I digress, it is a sexy book that you're not meant to analyze too hard.
Hannah falls too, but of course, wants to sabotage things so she "doesn't get hurt sometime in the future" (sigh). Overall, it is quick and cute and has a lot of steamy sex scenes. It works.
They have chemistry. But, I'm not convinced that Sam "saw" Hannah at first. He really only seems to take an interest when he thinks she's a girl he can bang for a few months with no complications. Regardless, he ends up falling hard for her -- even though she's got pink hair and is nothing like the women he's dated before. Which again, I'm fine with, if he really likes Hannah for her personhood and not because she's an easy relationship. But I digress, it is a sexy book that you're not meant to analyze too hard.
Hannah falls too, but of course, wants to sabotage things so she "doesn't get hurt sometime in the future" (sigh). Overall, it is quick and cute and has a lot of steamy sex scenes. It works.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews