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Forbidden Fruit Shorts #4
Tall, Dark, and Brooding
Natalie
One bad decision doesn't define you. Right?
That's what I kept telling myself, but then I walked smack dab into another one.
A six-foot-two, hands the size of dinner plates, turns my insides to jelly kind of mistake. It wasn’t my intention to kiss my professor, but I wasn't aware it was Dr. Eli Summers until he let me up for air and peeled his palms from my ass.
We can thank my unwanted admirer for that.
Now, he's offering me the protection of his reputation and the title of his fake girlfriend. The perfect solution, right? After all, there’s no way I'll fall for Mr. Tall Dark and Brooding.
One bad decision doesn't define you. Right?
That's what I kept telling myself, but then I walked smack dab into another one.
A six-foot-two, hands the size of dinner plates, turns my insides to jelly kind of mistake. It wasn’t my intention to kiss my professor, but I wasn't aware it was Dr. Eli Summers until he let me up for air and peeled his palms from my ass.
We can thank my unwanted admirer for that.
Now, he's offering me the protection of his reputation and the title of his fake girlfriend. The perfect solution, right? After all, there’s no way I'll fall for Mr. Tall Dark and Brooding.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2020
13 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Faye
34 books111 followersAmanda Faye currently resides in Atlanta with her high school sweetheart and husband of 15 years and their 4 amazing children.
She's had a passion for reading and writing since she was a child. She stole her first romance novel from her mother at age 12 and hasn't looked back since.
You could say being a Reeder is in her blood. (Family joke)
She's had a passion for reading and writing since she was a child. She stole her first romance novel from her mother at age 12 and hasn't looked back since.
You could say being a Reeder is in her blood. (Family joke)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
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July 10, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/4/2023)! 🎁
July 25, 2020
Trying to fend off an undesirable ex-date, and thinking she is laying one on her best friend, Natalie grabs hold of one of the professors at her college and gives him a kiss. One that morphs into a blazing hot-give everyone a show kind of kiss. From that very moment their chemistry is a searing fire and so begins their new “fake” relationship.
This series continues to wow me. I have loved each story so far, but this may be my favorite couple. It was a treat watching their interactions and seeing them fall for one another over the next few months. Eli, comes off unapproachable because he his. He lets no one in. Until Natalie. But he thinks she is the heavens above and out of reach. So he tries to protect her by keeping her at arms length. Or so he thinks.
This story was amazing, utterly beautiful, and all consuming. Faye, you masterfully created another tale that I eagerly and giddily devoured. In fact, I went back and read it a second time to relive their romance once more before moving on to my next read. 5 Stars.
This series continues to wow me. I have loved each story so far, but this may be my favorite couple. It was a treat watching their interactions and seeing them fall for one another over the next few months. Eli, comes off unapproachable because he his. He lets no one in. Until Natalie. But he thinks she is the heavens above and out of reach. So he tries to protect her by keeping her at arms length. Or so he thinks.
This story was amazing, utterly beautiful, and all consuming. Faye, you masterfully created another tale that I eagerly and giddily devoured. In fact, I went back and read it a second time to relive their romance once more before moving on to my next read. 5 Stars.
July 29, 2020
"My second book by Amanda and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first. I take my hat off to an author who can write a novella that makes you feel like you have read a full length story. This was the case for me with Eli and Natalie’s book. I loved how they first came to be together. To then how they both decided to create a fake relationship. But hands down the best part was how apparent these two were meant to be together. Just beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."
July 28, 2020
Amanda Faye is slaying the quick, sweet, but steamy novella game and I. Am. Here. For. It!
Right away from the adorable meet-cute to the the sizzling chemistry everything just worked between Natalie and Eli. Not to mention that this is an age-gap romance with a dash of opposites attracting. It's like Amanda Faye took some of my favorite tropes, added her awesome writing, added plenty of sizzle, and served me a delicious, literary smoothie. All I have to say is yum!!
Right away from the adorable meet-cute to the the sizzling chemistry everything just worked between Natalie and Eli. Not to mention that this is an age-gap romance with a dash of opposites attracting. It's like Amanda Faye took some of my favorite tropes, added her awesome writing, added plenty of sizzle, and served me a delicious, literary smoothie. All I have to say is yum!!
July 31, 2020
This is a book you can just sit back and relax with a glass of wine and some great concerto music to read by. A very sensual read and that flows well with the characters being complex, but not to the point of being over dramatic. Wonderful connection between Natalie and Eli, where they both have such an elemental connection with music that it feeds their life. Fantastic description of Eli as being tall, dark, and brooding, but Natalie has a way of breaking down all his barriers.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
July 31, 2020
Author Amanda Fay took me into her book right from the start and never lost me. Eli really is tall, dark and brooding and he is just gorgeous, you can't not love him and Natalie such a sweet girl wraps him around her finger from the start. When they meet their faith has been sealed. Can't wait to read another story about them both and seems the Amanda loves to write about them so that's about to happen some time soon :-) (i hope)
July 25, 2020
My second book by Amanda and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first. I take my hat off to an author who can write a novella that makes you feel like you have read a full length story. This was the case for me with Eli and Natalie’s book. I loved how they first came to be together. To then how they both decided to create a fake relationship. But hands down the best part was how apparent these two were meant to be together. Just beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
July 27, 2020
A May December romance with a gruff, loner Professor and a rising star. Eli has been around the world and walked away from his career. When he pretends to be Natalie's fake boyfriend, he believes he's not good enough. This is a good romance with a heavy dose of music for a background. I enjoyed the slow development of the relationship from friends, that are very attracted to each other, to a love that can't be denied.
July 28, 2020
4.5 stars
Ooh Dr Eli Summers - you are one hot brooding male! And his chemistry with Natalie is sizzling. Great read. Just wish it had been longer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ooh Dr Eli Summers - you are one hot brooding male! And his chemistry with Natalie is sizzling. Great read. Just wish it had been longer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2020
Natalie and Eli's story was sweet, steamy and soo romantic! I LOVED it and I absolutely enjoyed reading it! I can't wait to read the next book!
July 30, 2020
A fun and entertaining read. The story flows well, the characters are enjoyable and have steamy chemistry. This is the fourth book in this series. You will enjoy this book on a quiet afternoon. How a fake arrangement can become more.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2020
Comfort read , chic lit sitcom smooth style with lots of cute pop culture references
Romance was slow burn to start then progressed to very steamy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Romance was slow burn to start then progressed to very steamy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
Amanda Faye has done it again. Tall Dark and Brooding is wonderful. I had so much fun reading this story. Everybody needs a music teacher like Eli - even if you don't study music. Give yourself a gift, read Tall Dark and Brooding. You'll be glad you did.
September 8, 2020
Eli and Natalie's meet-cute is an amusing case of mistaken identity. She jumps into his arms and kisses him to avert the advances of a not-so-secret and annoying admirer in a campus bar. He is a professor at Chanler Conservatory the same prestigious music school where she is a master's student, and also a broody cellist who is 15 years older than her. However, the kiss leaves an impression, and when Eli stumbles upon Natalie in an uncomfortable situation with her persistent admirer, he proposes being her fake boyfriend to keep the creep at bay.
The relationship that develops between Eli and Natalie is like a beautifully erotic symphony. Natalie is a sweet, innocent southern belle and Eli is a dark and sullen genius, and her light warring with his dark is a sweeping concerto.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The relationship that develops between Eli and Natalie is like a beautifully erotic symphony. Natalie is a sweet, innocent southern belle and Eli is a dark and sullen genius, and her light warring with his dark is a sweeping concerto.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
Natalie Abernathy swallowed a third shot at the bar, which was not a good idea. Steven was late picking her up, as usual. Her skin crawls and she looks around, finally seeing Paul sitting several seats down from her at the bar. She texted Steven to tell him Paul was there and she needed rescuing quickly, so he said for her to kiss him when he gets there in two minutes and that should chase Paul away. She sees him come in, but he heads the wrong direction and she weaves in and out of the crowd to get to him because Paul is out of his seat and heading right for her! She spins Steven around and kisses him – but this is NOT Steve! The black hair is similar, but his body is like a football player, not a lithe dancer! He’s taller and is caressing her in a way Steve would never do! The whole place erupts in whistles, howling, and clapping as she wraps her legs around his waist and he deepens the kiss!
They both instantly come to their senses and let go of each other. Standing in front of her, lips swollen and eyes glazed, is Dr. Eli Summers, head of the Strings Department for Chanler Conservatory, the same prestigious music school where she is a student in the master’s program. Beside him, sort of like a pale likeness of the gorgeous man she just released, is Steve, the one she thought she was kissing. It had to be the shots! Maybe she should have just talked to Paul?
Although the broody cellist is 15 years older than Natalie, he can’t forget their kiss and, when Eli sees Natalie still being bothered by her persistent admirer, he offers to be her fake boyfriend so Paul will back off. But their chemistry sizzles and they really like each other. Can they keep this a “fake” situation? Will they ever be able to walk away from each other?
This was such a good story line with awesome characters! The bar scene kiss had me laughing so hard I almost fell off my chair! Grab this fun and zany sweet story and see how things finally resolve for these two!
They both instantly come to their senses and let go of each other. Standing in front of her, lips swollen and eyes glazed, is Dr. Eli Summers, head of the Strings Department for Chanler Conservatory, the same prestigious music school where she is a student in the master’s program. Beside him, sort of like a pale likeness of the gorgeous man she just released, is Steve, the one she thought she was kissing. It had to be the shots! Maybe she should have just talked to Paul?
Although the broody cellist is 15 years older than Natalie, he can’t forget their kiss and, when Eli sees Natalie still being bothered by her persistent admirer, he offers to be her fake boyfriend so Paul will back off. But their chemistry sizzles and they really like each other. Can they keep this a “fake” situation? Will they ever be able to walk away from each other?
This was such a good story line with awesome characters! The bar scene kiss had me laughing so hard I almost fell off my chair! Grab this fun and zany sweet story and see how things finally resolve for these two!
July 30, 2020
Natalie is a music student at a prestigious program and is waiting on her friend at a local bar when a bad date from the past tries to make a move. In desperation she runs to her friend and kisses him when she quickly realizes it is not her friend but a professor she knows she should pull away but can't. Eli has a dark past or so he feels and has cut himself off from the world he used to know. When Natalie throws herself at him his walls begin to crumble but the feelings of no deserving something truly special are always in the back of his mind. So they start a fake relationship to get the stalker date off her back and quickly become so much more though neither of them will admit it. There is swoon-worthy Italian, a grumpy alpha, and a sweet but strong female and as each page grows and you learn more and more about them you cannot help but fall more and more for the main characters. I almost didn't pick up this ARC but I am so glad that I did because the story was better than I imagined it to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2020
Charming and funny
Tall, Dark, and Brooding is the fourth book in the Forbidden Fruit Shorts series and is a fast-paced older man/younger woman novella. It is another nicely written book by Amanda Faye which has a charming story-line and a wonderful couple with Professor Eli Summers and student Natalie Abernathy. They share a kiss by mistake but that one kiss is all it takes for the two of them to not be able to stop thinking about the each other. Add in a fake boyfriend offer and then things get even more interesting when she takes him up on that.
In the end the question really is ............. which one of them is the forbidden fruit and just how much of a bite will be taken of him/her? Well maybe they are both forbidden fruit and are will to devour each other in all the best ways in this funny, charming and engaging book.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Tall, Dark, and Brooding is the fourth book in the Forbidden Fruit Shorts series and is a fast-paced older man/younger woman novella. It is another nicely written book by Amanda Faye which has a charming story-line and a wonderful couple with Professor Eli Summers and student Natalie Abernathy. They share a kiss by mistake but that one kiss is all it takes for the two of them to not be able to stop thinking about the each other. Add in a fake boyfriend offer and then things get even more interesting when she takes him up on that.
In the end the question really is ............. which one of them is the forbidden fruit and just how much of a bite will be taken of him/her? Well maybe they are both forbidden fruit and are will to devour each other in all the best ways in this funny, charming and engaging book.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
July 31, 2020
Oh I fell so hard for Eli! This was a great story by Amanda Faye. Natalie is music major in the masters program at the very prestigious Chandler College where Eli is a professor Natalie and Eric were so amazing together and the chemistry between them was off the charts hot. What begins as a mistake turns into so much more. When Natalie tries to get away from a guy she went on one date with, tries to approach her at the bar, she runs to who she thought was her best friend and kisses him passionately. Only it wasn’t Steven, it was Professor Eli Summers. After this encounter with Natalie, Eli suggests they pretend to be dating in order to get Paul to leave her alone. Of course before long, their relationship begins to feel real and feelings become involved. If you enjoy steamy, slow build romance, you will love their story!
August 1, 2020
This book is about Eli, a cellist and professor and Natalie a Masters student / vocalist. The pair meet in a bunique way at a piano bar where they share a passionate kiss as strangers. The story continues where they start a fake relationship where neither party wants it to be fake. This author writes very well. The story is a romance story. If you are into music you will love it. It’s not super fast moving but as it’s a romance about 2 people you feel the character development. The author does a good job with the steamy scenes. Only thing I struggled with was the main characters thoughts that he was bad for the heroine, that he would ruin her. I kept waiting for some secret to be discovered which wasn’t the case at all. It ended a bit suddenly. Overall nice little love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2020
Eli was a teacher at the music academy so Natalie, a student, was forbidden fruit. He was also 15 years older than her. Then one night, in her haste to get away from a guy, she mistook him for her friend and kissed him, a kiss he could not get out of his mind. Then, when he realized that she had trouble keeping the creep away he offered to be her fake boyfriend. He knew he was no good for her but the longer he knew her the more he fell under her spell, even if he knew he was living on borrowed time witn her. Natalie however saw the man beneath the harsh demeanour. I loved the story and the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2020
Such a great book! It was well-written and well-developed. From start to finish I was captivated with the overall quality of this book, the well-detailed emotionally deep story line that has drama, LOL humour, witty banter, and very interesting characters. The love affair that developed between Eli and Natalie is absolutely delicious. Their chemistry is hot and the sex scenes are steamy, off the charts, and well written. The story unfolded quite nicely and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2020
Natalie said yes to a date she regrets with the campus weirdo and she's paying for it as he watches her so she lays an R-rated kiss on who she thinks is her best friend but it's actually the campus brooding professor Eli. They start a fake relationship and we all know how that's gonna go, she's sunshine and he's darkness so even if he wants her he believes he is too damaged.
It's a longish novella but it gives you a nice buildup of their getting to know each other, the attraction, chemistry and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's a longish novella but it gives you a nice buildup of their getting to know each other, the attraction, chemistry and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2020
This was truly a romance to remember! I loved how Eli and Natalie first became better acquainted and how their relationship blossomed. I love how he speaks to her in another language. There was so much anticipation on when and how, that I could not put this book down. It was sweet, slightly steamy but oh so romantic! This will be one story that I will definitely be re-reading!
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
July 29, 2020
Steamy
Loved Eli and Natalie. They balance each other out. Running from an over enthusiastic suitor at a bar. Natalie kisses a guy she intended to be her best friend Steven but turned out to be a professor at her advanced program for music. They have an instant connection. And their pretend relationship begins. To protect her form Paul’s advances. But over the time the pretend relationship build upon friendship and attraction. And they can’t stand to be without one another.
Loved Eli and Natalie. They balance each other out. Running from an over enthusiastic suitor at a bar. Natalie kisses a guy she intended to be her best friend Steven but turned out to be a professor at her advanced program for music. They have an instant connection. And their pretend relationship begins. To protect her form Paul’s advances. But over the time the pretend relationship build upon friendship and attraction. And they can’t stand to be without one another.
July 30, 2020
Eli is the kind of guy we all want to have. Natalie is a lucky girl. I enjoyed this book, the story and the way they started out. The music was a nice change in the love story. The way they got together and how they stayed together. I would love to read more about Natalie and Eli. I would read more by Amanda Faye this story was well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2020
Ms. Nice and Mr. Not So Nice
This is a great, cheery and cheeky little romance. It’s less about a taboo professor-student romance; rather it’s a friends to lovers story, where a “fake” boyfriend becomes a very real lover. I just loved how vivid the descriptions of the music where, especially how it made the characters feel. The visuals associated with Eli playing the cello naked will always stay with me. I’d definitely recommend for someone looking for a happy and hot, short and sweet read.
This is a great, cheery and cheeky little romance. It’s less about a taboo professor-student romance; rather it’s a friends to lovers story, where a “fake” boyfriend becomes a very real lover. I just loved how vivid the descriptions of the music where, especially how it made the characters feel. The visuals associated with Eli playing the cello naked will always stay with me. I’d definitely recommend for someone looking for a happy and hot, short and sweet read.
July 31, 2020
Tall, dark and brooding, really touched .my heart, it had my emotions going haywire.
He didn't think that he was good enough for her, he wanted her to have everything that was, what he knew was going to be a wonderful career, he felt that it he was in her life it would hold her back. The pass has made him a hard man, but this young woman may be what he needs.
Beautiful, just beautiful..
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He didn't think that he was good enough for her, he wanted her to have everything that was, what he knew was going to be a wonderful career, he felt that it he was in her life it would hold her back. The pass has made him a hard man, but this young woman may be what he needs.
Beautiful, just beautiful..
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2020
This is book four in the Forbidden Fruit Shorts series and it was a great read that I loved. It's a fast paced short romance story that I loved of Natalie and Eli. They were well written and their chemistry was amazing, they went well together. It's a good story line with such awesome characters and a beautiful amazing read that I can't wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2020
Wow this series gets better and better. The chemistry between Natalie and Eli is blazing hot, I love how they first come together then decided fake relationship is a good idea lol. I loved how they developed their relationship at a more leisurely pace From friends then moving on to where they should always have been lovers! Cant wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2020
She needs a rescue from overzealous TA Paul. In a moment of mistaken identity she grabs the most feared professor on campus and plants a life changing lip lock. Natalie is so embarrassed she loses herself in Eli’s response. They begin a pretend relationship to get Paul to back off. Eli is drawn to Natalie but fearful too. Great chemistry when she forces his hand and gives him his secret desires. Read the book using my KU subscription.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews