Flooded

by J.J. Sorel

Yes, I admit it. I chained myself to his pole.
A STEAMY HEA ROMANTIC COMEDY FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
I'm talking about the ancient oak tree his firm was going to chop down. Get your mind out of the gutter.
That's how I met Sam Chalmer, the gorgeous only son of tycoon Carrington Chalmer. His company had plans to fell this beautiful old tree on behalf of a silent partner, and I wasn't about to let it happen without a fight.
Even though it was tempting to just give in. I was thoroughly enjoying the idea of being at Sam's mercy while he figured out just what to do with me--until the area started to flood and I realized I had lost the key to unlock myself.
This may have started as an environmental statement, but it's clear we're both in over our heads...
Sam
There I was, avoiding my father's typical patriarchal machinations and minding my own business, when I found out that Juniper Berry, an aptly-named daughter of genuine hippies, had chained herself to a tree my company was going to cut down.
I had plenty of ideas how to turn Juni's playful taunting to my advantage, seeing as she was literally chained to a tree in front of me, her body on full display. None of them involved nearly drowning or a boat rescue.
Now things are even more complicated: I'm falling for a literal tree-hugger when I'm supposed to be heiress hunting and managing a big business deal--and it's all because I made a promise to save that damn oak tree.
I'm never underestimating foliage again.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: There are a few steamy sex scenes in this enemy-to-lovers romantic comedy. For those who have read Thornhill Trilogy and are curious about the Thornhills four years later, they make an appearance in this story when Sam moves from San Francisco to Malibu and they become neighbors. THIS SERIES ENDS WITH A DEFINITE HEA ENDING.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2020

About the author

Book Excellence Finalist Award Recipient in the Romance Category for her title: Dark Descent into Desire

J. J. Sorel whiles away her day writing Steamy Romance novels. She loves conjuring up slightly damaged, seductive men who fall madly in love with smart quirky women. Before becoming a writer ten years ago, she danced and choreographed for her supper. jjsorel.com

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/3/2019)! 🎁

[Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers

Author J.J. Sorel has found success in writing romance novels with her popular THORNHILL TRILOGY (ENTRANCE, ENLIGHTEN, and ENFOLD) and followed that with three other steamy suspense romance books. FLOODED is Book 1 of her series BEAUTIFUL BUT STRANGE. She knows her Chick Lit genre and audience well.

Sorel introduces her main character Juniper Berry as the novel opens- ‘I looked up at the devil in a suit, a good-looking one at that. But hell, he wasn’t going to chop down my oak tree, charming smile or not. Boasting wildflowers, butterflies, and bird life that always made a drab day exceptional, that land, which resembled a green oasis, had been in my family for decades. Originally owned by my great-grandmother, it had been the setting to my magic spells when at the immature age of thirteen I’d gone all Harry Potter and started making spells, imagining that the wise old oak that I’d named Oscar had magical powers. Swapping my magic wand for lipstick, I’d had my first kiss under that tree. I’d also shed tears there after Owen Mitchell broke my heart by confessing that it was my brother he wanted to hook up with….’

This spunky lady is the beauty of the story, and as the author outlines, ‘As a departure from my darker, suspenseful romances, I felt like amusing myself by creating a quirky love story where the main characters come from very different upbringings. The underlying theme is that sexual chemistry doesn't judge. When smoldering attraction takes a grip of their senses it doesn't matter that she was reared by hippies, while Sam comes from a privileged background. Sam's billionaire father has other ideas for his only son, which involves marrying a rich heiress, not a hippie, despite that heiress having a few surprises up her Versace sleeve. A menagerie of pets at Juni's parent's farm add to a madcap environment, especially a potty-mouthed parrot, and there's the misuse of a dinosaur bone that makes a very unexpected reappearance. Underneath all of these layers of madness and parental expectations, are a pair of lovers, who really should hate each other, but can't take their hands off each other, and their views on life are more in synch than either would have predicted. In many ways, it's insta-love for Sam, while for Juni it's more complicated. She's carrying a secret which cannot stay a secret for long.’

Steamy romance, naughty language and a well-tuned sense of humor make this little novel fly. Toss in a flood (a nod to climate control issues!) and other twists and turns and the result is an evening’s outing with light romance.

[Jennifer Olivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a cute little story. Sam is the son of a rich land developer and he has been put in charge of clearing this piece of land. There is just one problem; a cute young lady has chained herself around the base of a big oak tree. Her name is Juniper Berry, and Sam finds himself smitten with her. What starts out as a protest on her part, turns into a rescue mission by Sam when the area becomes flooded. Stuck together in a hotel, they find they have a deep attraction that they can't suppress. Sam promises to contact her when they go their seperate ways. He also promises her not to cut down her tree, which is easier said than done, because his dad is a real jerk. They manage to meet up again, but both of them have secrets that could ruin any chance for a future together. This story continues on in the next book, Flirted. I am excited to see where this story goes from here. I do like the characters of Sam and Juni. They both seem like really nice people. I did receive an arc of this story in exchange for my honest review.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story, engaging characters

I loved the way this started out, a bit of enemies-to-lovers tension that quickly gives way to an intense rescue scene. Juni is a tough, determined young woman with a quirky and supportive family, while Sam's father is more focused on the business and less on his family. Sam strives to do better, and I enjoyed his devotion and willingness to find a solution to the problem.

Sam and Juni's relationship is fraught with miscommunication and insecurities yet balanced with an intense connection and undeniable chemistry. As the first in a trilogy this book doesn't tie up all the story threads, but it does give us a HFN rather than a cliffhanger. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[High Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read at that! I simply enjoyed this easy and fast-paced piece of erotica from author JJ Sorel. I have read other books from her and I can rightfully say that I have enjoyed them all! Her technique is not so complicated, she just has storylines that involve just a minor number of characters like for this one, it was just two: the male hunk, Sam and his love interest, the very firm but sexy virgin Juni. They had met when Sam, who was following his dad’s company’s orders, went to demolish an oak at a piece of land that the company is planning on developing for their own projects. But Juni, who is a strong environmentalist and tree-lover, has tied herself to the tree to prevent Sam from tearing it down. And that’s where their little sexual relationship blossomed from. I can’t really think of other things to say because this book is short and a quick read, but all I will say for now is that it entertained me indeed. Haha.

I usually shrug off romances like this and go for those by Danielle Steel, Nicholas Sparks and the likes but JJ Sorel I can’t walk away from. I read another book of hers before this one and it was erotic and that got me to become a fan of hers. It was a mystery and she wrote it so well. Her characters are hot and bothered and very thrilling to the senses. I hope as you read my musings about it here to get it for yourself and see what I’m talking about. Juni and Sam are a very unique type of couple in that Sam is a woman-hungry, oversexed type of hunk while there’s Juni who is a virgin who has never been with a man. I kind of classified her under the “nerd” or “geek” category. I think from what I get from her description and the cover photo that despite her innocence and her tree-hugging beliefs she does have the looks of a sexual vixen and a blonde beauty at that.

For those of you who are looking for a quick read this upcoming weekend, look no further than this one here. I finished it in four days because I like to take my time with a book but considering its short length and uncomplicated plot, this should take one full day to complete. Anyway, from me to you, get familiarized with JJ Sorel because she’s my newest favorite romance author out there. And not just romance but erotic at that!

[Tara Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational Billionaire love story! Unlike other Billionaire story, the father is rich, and the focus remains there. Revel in the beauty of the characters who are rare and genuine. Sam Chalmer and Juniper Berry were bred from extremely diverse backgrounds. The differences between their upbringing play significant tension between the two people. Juni strikes me as a person who thinks about her actions before life can determine what to pursue.
Sam desperately goes after Juni expecting her to fall for his royals but she wouldn't have it.

Sam seen as a snob, demanding and Juniper seen as a hippie with no worldy views apart from what she was taught growing up. Grandstanding, hate and outrage lead to hot hot hot sexual attraction.
Steamy quick read because the story moves fast.

In a dangerous twist, a flood in town debilitates the town from functioning and fearful. The overwhelming situation left Juni stranded in town, concerned for her safety Sam searched for her to rescue her.

A romance with the foundation based on a coming of age story - heart lead her head, driven to solve an issue, loss and upset, rise to the top, learning something pivotal.
Now we follow the success of these characters 'sweaty and satisfied'.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Sam and Juni. Sam is the son of a billionaire businessman and Juni is the daughter of hippies. They meet when Juni chains herself to an oak tree that was going to be cut down. Sam tries to talk her into unchaining herself, especially when a rainstorm comes. When it starts to flood, Sam rescues Juni. They are stranded in town due to the flooding and Sam agrees to let Juni share his hotel room. Even though they are enemies, Sam is attracted to Juni and he finds her interesting. When Sam's father starts to order Sam around, he is torn between doing what his father wants, and saving the tree that means so much to Juni. I enjoyed this story. It was and enemies to friends to lovers romance that will continue on. There was a great connection between Juni and Sam. I liked that Juni made Sam think about things and want to be better. I look forward to reading more.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t judge the book (billionaire) by it’s cover

Flooded, Book 1 of the Beautiful But Strange Series by JJ Sorel is an endearing romantic comedy. This first book is fast paced with wonderful characters that engage in some great flirty banter. Sam and Juni are not how they appear on the surface or upon their first introduction, much to the delight of the reader.
I really like the plot of this book as it is not completely transparent. There’s a lot of different ways this one can go and I am hooked, excited to see what Book 2 will bring. As Flooded ends on a positive note, it’s also a bit of a cliff hanger so I am totally invested in these characters to see what will happen next. My fingers are crossed for Oscar too!
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a chance mishap, change the course of Sam and Juni’s life?
This is my 2nd book by the author and I loved this story of instant attraction despite the severe tension between Sam and Juni. Juni chains herself to save Oscar, the tree from being taking down by Sam, until a dam breaks causing Sam to rescue Juni from the raising waters. What follows is a night of intense passion, leaving Juni to wonder if she will ever hear from Sam again. Sam makes a deal with his father to save Oscar for Juni, but can’t connect with Juni after his cell was stolen. A month later, Sam finds Juni at the market, and they continue to spend time with each other and their families. But when Juni discovers Sam’s lie by omission and Sam discovers Juni’s, will there be a happily ever after for them? You have to read to find out and will be chuckling at Sam’s encounters with Juni’s family & farm members.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first book in the Beautiful But Strange Series. They met when she was chained to a tree called Oscar and then they both had to be rescued from a flood, hence the name. A great start to the series and we are left with a cliffhanger anxiously waiting for the second book. Sam and Juni are so great together. Their chemistry is over the top. Sam is such a gentleman and might just be my newest book boyfriend. He struggles with demands from his billionaire father. And she has a little secret she's keeping. Plenty of drama to come. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

San and Juni meet in an odd manner, but there’s no denying the chemistry. These two have a lot to battle through to make their relationship work, especially with his father’s meddling. Not to mention the unexpected news she’s hiding from him. Looking forward to seeing what happens next. I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book from hidden gems.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the way these two got thrown together. Diametrically opposed... until they aren't. Both of them made me smile all the way through, though his struggle for independence was mostly eclipsed by her creativity. Definitely 'Beautiful but Strange', and I read this straight through from beginning to end. I was so sorry it ended!

[Ki · Rating 2 out of 5]

So bad. Tired and lame. Skip it.

[Re:Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love curling up on the sofa on a rainy weekend in indulging in some romantic comedies? I have to admit that romantic comedies are a guilty pleasure of mine. I read all Bridget Jones books in a single sitting and I did exactly the same with 'Flooded', the first book in the 'Beautiful But Strange' series by J. J. Sorel.

A steamy, yet rather hilarious love affair begins when a strong-minded, hippy chick, Juniper Berry (yes that is her real name) chains herself to a tree that was set to be cut down. That is how she meets Sam, the son of the business tycoon, tree-murderer. These are two people that are so not suited to one another, but they begin o fall for one another anyway, which is certainly complicated as they have such different motives and priorities in life. How will Sam and Juniper change one another, and is their romance doomed to failure?

The book was well-written, funny, and full of heart. I really enjoyed it and a cliff-hanger ending means that I absolutely need to get my hands on the next in the series.

[S Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juni meets Sam when she is chained to a majestic oak, trying to save it from being torn down to enable development of a stretch of pastoral land into condominiums. The daughter of hippie parents intent on saving the environment, Juni essentially sees Sam and his development company as evil opportunists.

When the rains come and Sam literally prevents Juni from drowning, they both let down their guard a bit and realize they might not be so different after all.

Filled with quirky characters like Juni's hippie Mom, a foul-mouthed parrot, a de-scented skunk, along with a myriad of others, this is an amusing romance read. It is light-hearted at times, filled with intensity and steam at others. Running throughout the story is the intense physical and emotional connection shared by Juni and Sam.

Sam wants to live life on his own terms, and has a bit of an alpha-ish streak. He is instantly besotted with Juni and will do anything it takes to keep her in his life. Juni is a bit immature at times, but overall is loving and ready for affection. Her indecisiveness and immaturity can be a bit trying at times, however.

An amusing, enjoyable romance read overall.

This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.

[Alicia (Alicia Reads It) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was SO HARD to read. There were so many grammatical mistakes that the writing did not flow, and did not always make sense. (As I have an ARC copy, this may have been fixed upon final edit) I ended up skimming a lot of it just for this fact alone.

The plot was really over-the-top unrealistic, and the writing just did not capture my interest. It jumps into the plot without much background information, and then you get info dumped at certain parts of the story which bothered me. Plus the erotic romance scenes aren't my jam.

I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Will Decker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate cliff hangers that require you to purchase the next book to find out how it ends!! It's a cheap marketing ploy that upsets a lot of readers. If I like an author's work, I will voluntarily buy more of their books, but don't try forcing it. Maybe I misunderstood the blurb, because I didn't see anywhere that it said this story didn't have an ending. In fact, I remember reading that it had an HEA. I guess you have to purchase the second book (or are there more?) to get to the HEA. Not happening!

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bailed on this halfway through. Hated the people. The situation irked me. Very close to deleting it and shrugging it off.

Almost a month later, I found it taunting me. Only an hour or so left? Why not just finish the damned thing, then?

Well, apparently because it's a fucking tease--I suffer through this whole annoying mess, only to find it doesn't end. "Here's a snippet of the next book, suckers!"

Nope. The torture ends here. When a fossil nerd is the least annoying character in a story, it's time to say goodbye.

[Brandi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought it would be a cute book but I only got half way though it. There were so many grammatical errors and mistakes that it didn't always make sense. I tried to make it though but could not keep focused so finally I put it down. I hate leaving bad reviews and it could be because inhad a ARC of the book so everything wasn't fixed yet. Maybe it would be a better book for someone else to try and read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start

This book is a Great start to the Trilogy. JJ Sorel does not disappoint. Both Sam & Juni are strong and interesting characters who seem so opposite but are so similar. As always, there are some quite steamy sex scenes to get your blood boiling. Excited to see what book 2 brings and if Juni will share her very special secret.