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Forbidden Desires #5

Dating My Best Friend

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We would never forget each other.

It's been fifteen years since tragedy ripped us apart.
We were just teens, but I never got to tell her I love her.
Now I’m back in town, and Khloe doesn’t want to see me.
Seconds after we see each other...
I feel the same hot rush of longing she always gave me.
I want her.
But there are secrets in the way.
I’m not the boy I was. I’m a man with demons of my own.
The fears and nightmares that chased me even after I left the Marines.
She’s still hurt that I left years ago.
There’s no room in her life for me now.
This attraction won’t be ignored.
Her lush mouth, the way she touches me that makes all the bad things run for the shadows.
But my secrets, my past, and the demons I carry threaten to scare her off.
I don’t know if she can face it.

I do know I can’t stand to lose her again.
Not when I’d do anything to keep her.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2019

1030 people are currently reading
404 people want to read

About the author

Annie J. Rose

74 books610 followers
Annie J. Rose is an Amazon top 30 best seller contemporary romance author who loves to bring all of your fantasies to life. She writes steamy romance with a happily ever after.

Born and raised in New Zealand, she often spends most of her time writing stories by her balcony. Pharmacist by day, smut-writer by night.

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5 stars
262 (38%)
4 stars
203 (29%)
3 stars
176 (25%)
2 stars
31 (4%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,530 reviews101 followers
January 9, 2020
We are just over a new week into 2020. I have finished 4 books so far and oddly enough, three of them deal with childhood sweethearts being separated. I didn’t plan to focus on this theme, it just seems to have happened. But this is my third and my favourite book with this trope. The hero really melted my heart – not that it was cold, but you know what I mean.

Jasper and Khloe were inseparable and best friends when they were growing up. They lived close to each other and were always there for each other. But that changed when his parents were killed in an auto accident and then he was sent to live with an aunt he barely remembers. Though they promised to keep in touch, Jasper never got in touch with Khloe and it’s now 15 years later and Jasper has returned to town. But the past still haunts them both.
Khloe finally gave up on hearing from Jasper and moved on. She got married and is now a widow. While she had big plans at one time, they kind of fell apart when Jasper left and now she’s the town librarian. And she’s pretty much withdrawn from much of a life outside of her job.

Jasper has had a really tough go. He enrolled in the armed services and was sent to Afghanistan where the company he was with lost many soldiers when they were blown up by an EID. He still suffers from debilitating PTSD and has a support dog to help him with his symptoms. When he got out of the army he became a cop in Los Vegas but now he’s come back home finally.

Khloe is less than thrilled when she finds he’s back. She’s still angry that he never tried to contact her and it takes a while for her to get over her anger. But as Jasper opens up more and more we get to see why he didn’t. As I said earlier, Jasper is a heartbreaker. He’s an extremely sensitive kind of guy and wears his heart on his sleeve and his heart belongs to Khloe, it always has. Although she loved her husband and they had a good marriage, Jasper has always had Khloe’s heart and soul.

The secondary characters in this book also deserve mention. From Khloe’s younger sister, to her husband’s best friend and as it turns out, Jasper’s new partner, to Khloe’s assistant they too a fun and interesting characters.

This, this book is how to write the perfect second chance at love story and it gets a huge thumbs up from me and a “you gotta read this book! This is my first 5 star book of 2020 and it came nice and early. I got it through Kindle Unlimited but I think I’m going to buy it outright as this for sure is a book I’m going to read again. And 0000hhh, I just checked – looked at the nice big back list she has.
Profile Image for Kami Dodson-Perry.
721 reviews24 followers
January 11, 2021
Khloe & Jake were best friends up until high school when Jake (Jay) had a life changing event and had to move away. Khloe tried to stay in touch but Jake was trying to start a new life and was dealing with some issues.

Jake out of the marines moved back home and now Khloe is faced with her best friend and the love of her life (Not that she ever told him) once again.

Khloe and Jake have lived separate lives and most find away to rekindle the lost feelings that they once had for each other.

With the help of her family Khloe finds forgiveness after hearing Jake's reasons for leaving her behind.

This was sweet story with minimal drama.

Rating 2 1/2 stars
Profile Image for Daniela.
529 reviews36 followers
July 30, 2021
Der Anfang war nicht so schlecht. Das hätte echt gut werden können, aber dann hat die Autorin einiges übersprungen und plötzlich gings bergab.
Khloe hat von einem Kapitel zum nächsten - OHNE ERKLÄRUNG - ohne ein Gespräch, ohne irgendwas plötzlich all ihre Wut auf Jay abgelegt.
Auf der Rückseite vom Buch wird von Jays Geheimnissen gesprochen - SPOILERALERT: es gibt keine.
Er war sehr ehrlich über alles und ich hab auf den Knall gewartet. Auf das Geheimnis, dass alles bedroht.
Und da kam einfach mal NICHTS.
Der Anfang war wirklich vielversprechend, ich mochte das Buch wirklich, aber dann ging alles so schnell und es gab aber keine Erklärung warum Khloe plötzlich all ihre Ängste, ihre Wut ablegt. Sie hatte sehr viel Verständnis für Jay und fand das mit den Panikattacken sehr gut gehandhabt, aber das kam alles erst nach dem sie ihr Verhalten geändert hat.
Plötzlich waren sie wieder friends und davor war sie noch so sauer auf ihn.
Ich weiß nicht ob die Storyline um Khloes Mann notwendig war. Kam mir vor, als hätte die Autorin einfach nur etwas traumatisches für die Zeit gebraucht wo Jay weg war.
Und mir gehts hier nicht darum, dass sie sich „neu“ verliebt hat, aber auch hier wurde dem ganzen Anfang mehr Bedeutung gegeben und dann war es mehr oder weniger vergessen.
Eben auch mit dem was in den letzten 2 Kapitel passiert - es passt nicht zusammen und als Leser bekommt man von der Wandlung null mit. Ich konnte da echt nur noch den Kopf schütteln.
144 reviews
January 5, 2020
Khloe loved Jasper. Hurt when he left 10 plus years ago but there was nothing they could do since he was under 18. His parents were killed and he had to leave to live with other family members. No contact in all those years. Jasper returns to take a job at the police department. Khloe mad because of the way things happen between them when he left. No word. Back in her life again, the love they had is still strong. Overcoming life ups and downs Khloe is willing to help Jasper with his PTSD. Putting her angry behind her to be the compassionate person she is. She is willing to help him. Working thru their feelings, learning to be friends first and the rest comes their way. What a heart warming love story with the tragedy of loss. The friends and family support. Then the two of them finding love again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,083 reviews16 followers
January 4, 2020
This is a story about two very good friends that were tore apart when Jasper lost his parents and had to go to Vegas as that is where his only other family lived. Leaving behind His best friend Khloe! who is the love of his life. As the story develops you discover that not only is it about friendship but also loss, PTSD, forgiveness and any other emotion you care to feel. Will there be forgiveness between these two after they meet again 12 years later? If so, will they get the HEA that they both deserve. Please read this beautiful book to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,034 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2019

This is special love story about Jasper and Khloe who have been best friends since a young age and once trauma invades their lives in their senior year of high school it turns it upside down. When Jasper learns his parents did not survive a car accident he is forced to leave and go live with his aunt in Las Vegas. After 12 years Jasper returns for a job as a police officer and to say Khloe is mad is just about right. Over all those years Jasper never reached out to Khloe and she lived and just never seemed to be over Jasper disappearing from her life. These two have experienced some extremely hard times with Jasper losing his parents, serving in the Marines and coming back with PTSD and having a service dog, Piper for help and Khloe marrying and losing him at such a young age. Khloe has a great support system with her parents, sister and her husband’s best friend Kent so when Khloe sees that Jasper is having issues she is able to help him over any anger she may have had. They start building a friendship over a short amount of time and their past is just ready to be part of their future once they work out the present! This is a wonderful small town love story with heartache, trauma, friendships and love! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
December 13, 2019
I loved that this story was about friendship, loss, anxiety, PTSD, reflection, forgiveness, acceptance and everything in between. This story is about Khloe, her best friend Jasper, her sister, her late husband's best friend and others, but mainly them. Losing a parent is hard as an adult but a kid, even a teenager, it is earth shattering. This is how the story starts and not only has Jasper lost both of his parents, but now his only family lives in Vegas, far away from his true best friend and love of his life. How does someone cope with that and what does that do to Khloe? Twelve years pass before they meet again and this is when one realizes what the meaning of friendship and true love is all about. Oh and I love the puppy....she was a great addition to this story especially for her purpose. This was an awesome book, you get sucked in from the start and it leaves you wanting more at the end, but note that the ending is great a new friend who needs help joins the party per say.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
25 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2019
This book was not what I was expecting at all. From the title I was thinking I’d get the typical storyline I’ve probably read at least ten times by now. From the beginning I could feel it was different, the way Khloe and Jasper were together was just different. We knew their background and learned how they were as adults, how their past shaped them. I like that Jasper’s PTSD was recognized but we saw him addressing it. This book was just a wonderful feel good story to me. Yes, there were difficulties to overcome, but it shows that when you love someone you can overcome those difficulties. I really enjoyed this story. Only gave it four stars since I felt it could have been longer and fleshed out more. Would have loved to have gotten to know all these characters more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,092 reviews31 followers
December 11, 2019
Best friends, young love, torn apart through tragedy and learning to pick up the pieces and move on. When Jasper’s life changed forever, so did Khloe’s. Thick as thieves, besties and each loved the other, but never said the words and when Jay had to leave Khloe behind she was crushed and the worst part of all, the promises he made, he broke and along with the broken promises, heart break. Khloe picked up the pieces and started her life over. There were reasons why he didn’t keep his promises and when he turns up back home years later, he is not prepared for the woman she has become, the life she’s had without him, the tragedy in her life, and the feelings he has for her and the feelings she has for him. Will these two get to the bottom of everything, will Khloe hear what Jay has to say? Will Khloe get all the answers she’s been wanting all these years? Will they be able to fix what’s broken? I guess you will need to read this to find out. Loved this book, I hope there is a book for Quinn and Kent, they were amazing along with Khloe’s parents. This is a can’t miss read. I found this book on BookSprout.
562 reviews6 followers
December 16, 2019
A really wonderful second chance story. Jasper and Khloe had been close when in high school, but the sudden loss of his parents took him away. He returns 12 years later, suffering from PTSD as a result of a tour in Afghanistan as a Marine, as well as the loss of his parents. She is suffering because of the sudden loss of her husband due to a heart attack. They meet and gradually help each other with their respective problems, as the relationship, which starts as a friendship, turns to love. Both characters are strong and interesting, and the love moments they share are beautifully described. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tiffany Davis.
659 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2019
This was a really sweet best friend second chance romance book. I really enjoyed reading it both characters were absolutely perfect together even after 12 years apart you still felt their friendship and chemistry.
Profile Image for Michelle.
562 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2020
I unfortunately wasn’t much of a fan of this one. Really upset to be in a funk so early in the year!

Reasons this one didn’t do it for me:
-the title doesn’t apply
-she forgave him way too easily (if you read my reviews you know I HATE this)
-they acted like twelve years... TWELVE YEARS... hasn’t gone by since they talked to each other (the book said twelve and the synopsis says 15 and honestly I don’t really care enough about which is right because that’s insignificant in all I disliked about this book)
-she was married but supposedly never stopped loving him
-weird older male romance thrown in where honestly it sounds like he took advantage of a depressed barely legal girl
-she never faced her demons even though they were spoken about often (did she clean out John’s things?)
-he never really faced his demons and it’s a super serious subject
-instalove/engagement after a month of knowing each other after TWELVE YEARS

This book left me asking “what?!” more than enjoying it. Didn’t like either character much at all, let alone feel their relationship in the present day was genuine. Wouldn’t recommend but YMMV.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,295 reviews70 followers
January 5, 2020
Jasper and Khloe were young when tragedy breaks apart their friendship. Jasper gets sent to an aunt out of state when his parents die in an accident. He leaves and never gets in touch with Khloe. Khloe never forgets about him even as she moves on through the years. Now years later after Jasper has gotten out of the Marines he has come back. Khloe has suffered in her own life while being away from Jasper. She was married but lost her husband so when she sees Jasper struggling she wants to help despite everything. Can they become more than friends?

This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
June 28, 2020
Wonderful story!!

This is a beautiful story which had me totally enthralled throughout this addictive page turner and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
566 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2020
Loved it made me cry! Depression can bring anyone broken to pieces. Mental health is very important since it can damage anyone when it is untreated. Unfortunately most of the time we shy away in accepting the we need help dealing with our mental health. PTSD from war is probably devastating to witness from someone you love. I wasn't able to witness that since I don't know anyone who did but what I know is a strong understanding and loving support is what they need.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,086 reviews9 followers
January 1, 2020
Don't you just love a romance that you can't walk away from? Ms. Annie Rose is known for designing just that... perfection in book form and Dating My Best Friend more than delivers in every way.

They say that time heals all wounds, but does it really? Khloe & Jasper have had well over a decade to heal, and yet, they haven't. Find out what happens when a traumatic event occurs and everything falls apart. Now, he's back and has demons of his own. Can they heal after all this time, or will these demons tear them apart again? This is one beautifully designed romance full of emotional turmoil and the necessary healing they both need.

I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Dating My Best Friend in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion. This release is sure to keep you glued throughout.

5,926 reviews29 followers
January 5, 2020
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Jasper and Khloe childhood friends. Jasper lost both parents so he left town to stay at his aunts and then the marines. When he comes back to town, Khloe wants nothing to do with him.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews215 followers
January 5, 2020
I have not read a bad book from this author yet and this book is no exception! The great plot and character development kept me so engaged throughout the entire book that I had a very hard time putting this book down until the very last page was turned!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Renata Gill.
1,359 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2020
This book will have you gripped from the start and you wont put it down until you finish....the author really wrote a fantastic story with wonderful characters and a amazing storyline.
Jasper returns to his childhood home after being away for 15 years with thoughts of the only woman he has ever loved.....but she hates him and cant forgive him never keeping in touch with her.
Khloe cant stay angry with Jasper after she sees that he is a broken and lonely man and that love will help heal him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,061 reviews19 followers
January 4, 2020
This is a sweet second chance romance read.
It’s about best friends becoming more than friends
than heart ache and finding each other again.
To find out what happens to cause the trouble between them
you are going to have to read it for yourself.
Great plot and very believable characters.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2020
Emotional and fascinating!
I felt that the author had a special ability of conveying depth in the personalities, bringing life and likability to each character.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end.

I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
116 reviews
January 3, 2020
I loved this book. It is full of love, loss, fear, compassion, anxiety and forgiveness. The mix of characters give off the perfect "home town" vibe of small town life. When things get rough Neither gave up on the situation or each other. This was definitely a good read.
Profile Image for Heids Van.
332 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2020
A really sweet story would love more stories relating to the other characters too
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
December 31, 2019
Oh. My. God. Khloe and Jasper’s story in Annie J. Rose’s Dating My Best Friend: A Second Chance Romance is one heck of a powerful emotional rollercoaster of a tale. Pulled away from each other as high schoolers when Jasper is sent far away to live with relatives after his parents’ death, he returns 15 years later a damaged ex-Marine. What happens next, and how they reach their pretty darn wonderful HEA is the makings of a really extraordinary book that I highly recommend.
6,577 reviews35 followers
December 24, 2019
A gripping second chance read and will take you on an emotional roller coaster. It is drama-packed, funny, wonderfully written, sweet, steamy, and interesting. Loveable but broken characters you will root for; the chemistry between them is off the charts. This story of pure undying love comes with twists and turns, ups and downs, and more. It will pull you in from the first page and is guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shelly Celli.
2,248 reviews6 followers
December 24, 2019
Khloe and Jasper are meant to be without a doubt. The tragedy that ripped them apart also destroyed his world and hers in similar but different ways. He’s been gone for years and she’s had those years to build a hatred toward him that she’s not sure she can let go of, but once they finally talk, the spark is back full force and they’re stuck like glue. The only problem now is his ptsd. The attacks are horrible and I just want to cry each time he has one. I loved this story and all the characters involved.
14 reviews
December 24, 2019
Not your usual romance review

I would like to commend the author on her portrayal of PTSD. PTSD is a animal in its self and at times authors only touch on the side affects of the disease. Your description of a attack was right on the money although all attacks are not the same it let us see the devastation it brings to our Vets.This very poignant story also shared love, caring and most importantly hope. A love story that also tugged at our humanity how can you go wrong. A fast read one I think you'll enjoy. I would really like to read Ollie's story next just a thought.
Profile Image for Sam Miller.
7 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2019
I enjoyed the overall story, I just didn’t love the characters. Especially the female lead, she was kind of a stick in the mud at first (which she kinda had a right to be) and then loosens up really fast without much happening to thaw her out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

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