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Main Desire #1
Nude Awakening
Rylie swears she’s not a prude.
How was I to know the art course my best friend signed me up for meant I’d be sketching a nude model? I should have checked the fine print. Then I never would have―quite literally―bumped into Levi Hart moments before he dropped trou in class.
He can turn up the charm all he wants―I’m not sleeping with the guy that starred in a sex tape circulating campus last year (and no, I didn’t watch it. Much). Even if the more he takes his clothes off, the more it turns me on, it’s not happening.
Levi is no stranger to nudity.
Yes, I was in that video. But I’m trying to put that behind me, which is why I’m doing this art class modeling gig. Now, I just need to convince Rylie Stone to overlook my past mistakes…and maybe not run away every time I get naked.
Rylie can deny it all she wants, but I’ve seen how she stares at my body. She wants me. And I want her. So I’m pulling out all the stops (and taking off all my shirts) until she realizes just how much fun can be had when you go after what you want.
How was I to know the art course my best friend signed me up for meant I’d be sketching a nude model? I should have checked the fine print. Then I never would have―quite literally―bumped into Levi Hart moments before he dropped trou in class.
He can turn up the charm all he wants―I’m not sleeping with the guy that starred in a sex tape circulating campus last year (and no, I didn’t watch it. Much). Even if the more he takes his clothes off, the more it turns me on, it’s not happening.
Levi is no stranger to nudity.
Yes, I was in that video. But I’m trying to put that behind me, which is why I’m doing this art class modeling gig. Now, I just need to convince Rylie Stone to overlook my past mistakes…and maybe not run away every time I get naked.
Rylie can deny it all she wants, but I’ve seen how she stares at my body. She wants me. And I want her. So I’m pulling out all the stops (and taking off all my shirts) until she realizes just how much fun can be had when you go after what you want.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2020
270 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 19, 2022
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a cute, funny, steamy read. Unexpected because the name and blurb (and probably premise) are pretty silly, but this was enjoyable. I was worried it would be OTT or trying too hard with the humor, but I found myself laughing more than a few times. I liked that they didn’t just hop into bed together and became friends first. I thought the drama was kind of stupid tbh. I also thought that the wasn’t given enough focus or energy for the seriousness of the situation. That might be because so anything touching that subject is sensitive to me. The ending was typical NA not enough, but I’m not too frustrated. It was fun!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Rylie and Levi’s story. Rylie is a new transfer in the college with her long time best friend and gets roped into taking an art class with her, but is quickly shocked when she finds out that she would have to draw a (mostly) naked man all semester. Levi is on school probation from the football team until things die down after a leaked sex tape comes out and he has to model for the art class as part of his agreement. They literally bump into one another before the first class and Levi is intrigued by the sassy girl that keeps running away from him when girls usually chase him instead. There are some fun scenes to get Rylie comfortable with nudity, some funny moments, some hot sexy times, and some big reveals…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Rylie and Levi’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, more like friends to more.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Levi. I liked him. I liked his humor and ability to bring the h out of her shell.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Rylie. I liked her. I appreciated how she stayed strong and didn’t just sleep with the H because she was strongly attracted to him.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not really
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place but not with enough for me to call it a HEA, so I’ll go with calling it a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Overall Opinion: This was a cute, funny, steamy read. Unexpected because the name and blurb (and probably premise) are pretty silly, but this was enjoyable. I was worried it would be OTT or trying too hard with the humor, but I found myself laughing more than a few times. I liked that they didn’t just hop into bed together and became friends first. I thought the drama was kind of stupid tbh. I also thought that the wasn’t given enough focus or energy for the seriousness of the situation. That might be because so anything touching that subject is sensitive to me. The ending was typical NA not enough, but I’m not too frustrated. It was fun!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Rylie and Levi’s story. Rylie is a new transfer in the college with her long time best friend and gets roped into taking an art class with her, but is quickly shocked when she finds out that she would have to draw a (mostly) naked man all semester. Levi is on school probation from the football team until things die down after a leaked sex tape comes out and he has to model for the art class as part of his agreement. They literally bump into one another before the first class and Levi is intrigued by the sassy girl that keeps running away from him when girls usually chase him instead. There are some fun scenes to get Rylie comfortable with nudity, some funny moments, some hot sexy times, and some big reveals…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Rylie and Levi’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, more like friends to more.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Levi. I liked him. I liked his humor and ability to bring the h out of her shell.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Rylie. I liked her. I appreciated how she stayed strong and didn’t just sleep with the H because she was strongly attracted to him.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not really
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place but not with enough for me to call it a HEA, so I’ll go with calling it a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
March 21, 2021
It's definitely an original story. I loved Levi and Rylie's relationship :) I will surely read the next book in the series.
Want to read
February 16, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/16/2022)! 🎁
December 13, 2025
i ate this up i can’t even lie. did have to suspend belief a tad but that’s okay
October 30, 2020
Original introspection
4.5
It's a good romance, a little slow at times, but one that builds stone by stone, the characters of Levi and Rylie, and their bond and relationship.
It’s very well written, with a slow seduction between a young man with a bad reputation for a mistake made the previous year on campus, and a young girl shaped by her mother's ambitions and her mother's fears.
Levi and Rylie will help each other discover each other, fight their fears, their mistakes, their self-image, all against the backdrop of a college campus mingling rumors and petty jealousies.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
4.5
It's a good romance, a little slow at times, but one that builds stone by stone, the characters of Levi and Rylie, and their bond and relationship.
It’s very well written, with a slow seduction between a young man with a bad reputation for a mistake made the previous year on campus, and a young girl shaped by her mother's ambitions and her mother's fears.
Levi and Rylie will help each other discover each other, fight their fears, their mistakes, their self-image, all against the backdrop of a college campus mingling rumors and petty jealousies.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
December 1, 2025
good job cal
December 14, 2025
3.75 ⭐️’s - I liked this a lot better than I thought I would. I just know I’m gonna eat Spencer’s book up 🍽️ the ending was a little stupid but oh well still cute and loved the friend group dynamic
![Profile Image for Megan [Slump City].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 7, 2021
Exceptionally CLAWsome
I was in such a reading funk because the Beauty of the Stolen Trilogy by Charmaine Pauls WRECKED me and I had the worst book hangover. Every book I started, books I’ve wanted to read for ages, just did not hold my interest. But then this book was offered as a freebie in an author’s newsletter and even though the title made me cringe (come on this is why I don’t tell many people I read romance. What are you reading? Oh just something called NUDE Awakening LOL) I gave it a chance and I LOVED IT!
Levi Hart is quite the character and his chemistry with Riley is off the charts. Levi coming up with this nude guru idea to get Riley comfortable in her own skin was hilarious. The cat puns, the dancing leopard and all the ridiculous banter made me giggle. Levi is so patient with Riley and they forge this beautiful friendship because of it. Their chemistry shines through the entire time and when the dam of sexual tension finally breaks, it’s beyond hot. However this book is not all laughs and there are a few serious subjects that came up and made my eyes a bit misty.
This is also the first sport series since The Fulton U Series by Maya Hughes that I’ve liked enough to want to read the entire thing and it’s on KU so yay! I absolutely loved all the characters and want to see them find their own HEA’s. I’m pretty sure the second book will be an enemies to lovers and those are right up my alley. This book is just what I needed and I adored every bit of it.
I was in such a reading funk because the Beauty of the Stolen Trilogy by Charmaine Pauls WRECKED me and I had the worst book hangover. Every book I started, books I’ve wanted to read for ages, just did not hold my interest. But then this book was offered as a freebie in an author’s newsletter and even though the title made me cringe (come on this is why I don’t tell many people I read romance. What are you reading? Oh just something called NUDE Awakening LOL) I gave it a chance and I LOVED IT!
Levi Hart is quite the character and his chemistry with Riley is off the charts. Levi coming up with this nude guru idea to get Riley comfortable in her own skin was hilarious. The cat puns, the dancing leopard and all the ridiculous banter made me giggle. Levi is so patient with Riley and they forge this beautiful friendship because of it. Their chemistry shines through the entire time and when the dam of sexual tension finally breaks, it’s beyond hot. However this book is not all laughs and there are a few serious subjects that came up and made my eyes a bit misty.
This is also the first sport series since The Fulton U Series by Maya Hughes that I’ve liked enough to want to read the entire thing and it’s on KU so yay! I absolutely loved all the characters and want to see them find their own HEA’s. I’m pretty sure the second book will be an enemies to lovers and those are right up my alley. This book is just what I needed and I adored every bit of it.
July 18, 2022
🔥🔥🔥
🌟 5/5
‼️This is book 1 of the Main Desire series but can be read as a standalone.
POV: first person, dual perspective
Summary:
RYLIE transfers to a new college to be closer with her best friend. Her friend ends up roping Rylie into taking a creative sketching class with her. The object being a nude model... Well, mostly nude.😏😏😏
LEVI is on probation from football and tasked with modeling for community service hours, after a s*x tape he unknowingly participated in, was leaked. Moments before the first class, Levi ran into Rylie and became intrigued by the girl who kept running away from him, when all other girls swarm him. While Rylie is no prude, she's just not as comfortable as Levi, with nudity.
My Thoughts:
Levi is a hoot! Literally funny enough for you to wake your family up at 3am with cackling. Clarke did the couple justice by having them become friends first. While I love the FWB and instalove/lust tropes, Levi and Rylie really get to know each other as people before they pursued the romantic side of things with each other. You also really fall in love with the side characters as well. Don't worry, they get their own books...
🌟 5/5
‼️This is book 1 of the Main Desire series but can be read as a standalone.
POV: first person, dual perspective
Summary:
RYLIE transfers to a new college to be closer with her best friend. Her friend ends up roping Rylie into taking a creative sketching class with her. The object being a nude model... Well, mostly nude.😏😏😏
LEVI is on probation from football and tasked with modeling for community service hours, after a s*x tape he unknowingly participated in, was leaked. Moments before the first class, Levi ran into Rylie and became intrigued by the girl who kept running away from him, when all other girls swarm him. While Rylie is no prude, she's just not as comfortable as Levi, with nudity.
My Thoughts:
Levi is a hoot! Literally funny enough for you to wake your family up at 3am with cackling. Clarke did the couple justice by having them become friends first. While I love the FWB and instalove/lust tropes, Levi and Rylie really get to know each other as people before they pursued the romantic side of things with each other. You also really fall in love with the side characters as well. Don't worry, they get their own books...
October 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Penny blends romance, humor and hardships into a funny, sweet and steamy story.
We really get to see who Rylie and Levi are and as the story progresses we see who they become.
This is a story about finding yourself, becoming comfortable with who you are and finding people who accept you as you are and push you to be a better version of yourself. It also shows how relationships can evolve for the better and for the worse which I loved.
Rylie is sweet, sheltered and not very comfortable with good-looking guys or nudity. She was raised by a single mom who didn't want her daughter associating with boys and never really talked with her about guys or sex except to say Rylie should have nothing to do with either. While this situation might not be that common in real life I found it plausible so it didn't bother me.
Levi is a football player, funny, good looking and definitely comfortable with nudity. Levi has also gotten himself into trouble at school for being a little too comfortable with nudity and is on probation, unable to play football. He has to attend his classes, keep out of trouble and he's the model for Rylie's art class. His situation seems somewhat believable. I know colleges want to keep their players in school and playing and will sometimes make exceptions so I suppose it is not out of the realm of possibility that he'd be allowed to model mostly naked in a art class where the professor can keep an eye on him.
I also liked the secondary characters, Levi's friends are hilarious and while Spence is a bit of a jerk he shows there are glimpses of a decent guy underneath. I'm looking forward to his book next.
Kennedy and Natalie are also favorites of mine and I kind of feel like Natalie is a more colorful version of myself.
Also extra points for puns. I love puns even if people think they're ridiculous but I appreciate them wholeheartedly. And the comic book references that Levi is constantly getting wrong were also hilarious.
This made me laugh, cry and fan myself and I would definitely recommend it.
On another note this does contain language and explicit sex scenes so if that is not your thing you might not enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We really get to see who Rylie and Levi are and as the story progresses we see who they become.
This is a story about finding yourself, becoming comfortable with who you are and finding people who accept you as you are and push you to be a better version of yourself. It also shows how relationships can evolve for the better and for the worse which I loved.
Rylie is sweet, sheltered and not very comfortable with good-looking guys or nudity. She was raised by a single mom who didn't want her daughter associating with boys and never really talked with her about guys or sex except to say Rylie should have nothing to do with either. While this situation might not be that common in real life I found it plausible so it didn't bother me.
Levi is a football player, funny, good looking and definitely comfortable with nudity. Levi has also gotten himself into trouble at school for being a little too comfortable with nudity and is on probation, unable to play football. He has to attend his classes, keep out of trouble and he's the model for Rylie's art class. His situation seems somewhat believable. I know colleges want to keep their players in school and playing and will sometimes make exceptions so I suppose it is not out of the realm of possibility that he'd be allowed to model mostly naked in a art class where the professor can keep an eye on him.
I also liked the secondary characters, Levi's friends are hilarious and while Spence is a bit of a jerk he shows there are glimpses of a decent guy underneath. I'm looking forward to his book next.
Kennedy and Natalie are also favorites of mine and I kind of feel like Natalie is a more colorful version of myself.
Also extra points for puns. I love puns even if people think they're ridiculous but I appreciate them wholeheartedly. And the comic book references that Levi is constantly getting wrong were also hilarious.
This made me laugh, cry and fan myself and I would definitely recommend it.
On another note this does contain language and explicit sex scenes so if that is not your thing you might not enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2020
Adorable. This book was hella adorable and a great debut novel.
As the only child of a single mother, Rylie Stone is used to just doing what she is told. Between her overprotective mother and bossy friend, Dawn, Rylie’s life is a balance of appeasing every person in her life except herself. Levi Hart, on the other hand, is used to the spotlight. Not only is he the tight-end for their university’s football team, the Lakewood Leopards, but an unfortunate mistake has led to his face being plastered all over social media. Now, he is on probation and is required to be the model for the art class Rylie was convinced to take. A chance meeting, some spilled coffee, and the two find themselves starting a journey neither of them expected.
So I absolutely loved Nude Awakening. I loved that Rylie was (somewhat) innocent, but not ignorant, and Levi was confident, but not cocky. His friends on the football team were thankfully not just brainless jocks, and it was clear they consider each other family. I thought the book was extremely well-written – Clarke did a wonderful job balancing romance with humour and steamy scenes, and her set of characters were all completely engaging and memorable. More than anything else though, I love how this was, really, a novel about acceptance and becoming comfortable in your own skin. Levi’s “seduction” of Rylie was completely heart-warming and it was wonderful to see how they both grew and matured throughout the novel with each other, cat puns and all. Nude Awakening was a sweet, laugh-out-loud and surprisingly moving read, and I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Penny Clarke for my copy!
As the only child of a single mother, Rylie Stone is used to just doing what she is told. Between her overprotective mother and bossy friend, Dawn, Rylie’s life is a balance of appeasing every person in her life except herself. Levi Hart, on the other hand, is used to the spotlight. Not only is he the tight-end for their university’s football team, the Lakewood Leopards, but an unfortunate mistake has led to his face being plastered all over social media. Now, he is on probation and is required to be the model for the art class Rylie was convinced to take. A chance meeting, some spilled coffee, and the two find themselves starting a journey neither of them expected.
So I absolutely loved Nude Awakening. I loved that Rylie was (somewhat) innocent, but not ignorant, and Levi was confident, but not cocky. His friends on the football team were thankfully not just brainless jocks, and it was clear they consider each other family. I thought the book was extremely well-written – Clarke did a wonderful job balancing romance with humour and steamy scenes, and her set of characters were all completely engaging and memorable. More than anything else though, I love how this was, really, a novel about acceptance and becoming comfortable in your own skin. Levi’s “seduction” of Rylie was completely heart-warming and it was wonderful to see how they both grew and matured throughout the novel with each other, cat puns and all. Nude Awakening was a sweet, laugh-out-loud and surprisingly moving read, and I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Penny Clarke for my copy!
October 31, 2020
Penny Clarke's Main Desire series debut, Nude Awakening, is absolutely wonderful - a well-written rom-com with fantastic characters, steamy encounters, and so much heart (or should I say, Hart?). Levi is an instant favourite book boyfriend. And Rylie, you cannot help but love her from the beginning. Together, they are an entertaining, hilarious, lovable pairing you are rooting for from their ridiculously funny and adorable meet-cute.
Rylie Stone has just started at Lakewood U, transferring for her junior year after completing a couple years of community college, and moving in with her best friend from high school, Dawn. A business student, Dawn convinces her to take an art class - where Levi Hart, tight end for the Lakewood Leopards and sex-tape scandal survivor, is the Life Drawing model. The two are complete opposites - Levi using humour and harbouring an allergy to wearing clothing, and Ryle, uptight and people-pleasing with an aversion to getting naked. Together, they are absolute magic with a scorching chemistry, eye-rolling (yet amusing) cat puns, and a playfulness that is smile-inducing. They bring out the best in each other, and there is so much character growth throughout the book on both sides. Throw in an awesome supporting cast, and this is a brilliant debut to an un-put-downable new series.
By the end of Nude Awakening, you cannot help but love the entire Lakewood U crew and want to read all of their stories. Lucky for us, Penny Clarke will be sharing more of them with Main Desire. Off to reach Spencer and Kennedy's story next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rylie Stone has just started at Lakewood U, transferring for her junior year after completing a couple years of community college, and moving in with her best friend from high school, Dawn. A business student, Dawn convinces her to take an art class - where Levi Hart, tight end for the Lakewood Leopards and sex-tape scandal survivor, is the Life Drawing model. The two are complete opposites - Levi using humour and harbouring an allergy to wearing clothing, and Ryle, uptight and people-pleasing with an aversion to getting naked. Together, they are absolute magic with a scorching chemistry, eye-rolling (yet amusing) cat puns, and a playfulness that is smile-inducing. They bring out the best in each other, and there is so much character growth throughout the book on both sides. Throw in an awesome supporting cast, and this is a brilliant debut to an un-put-downable new series.
By the end of Nude Awakening, you cannot help but love the entire Lakewood U crew and want to read all of their stories. Lucky for us, Penny Clarke will be sharing more of them with Main Desire. Off to reach Spencer and Kennedy's story next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2022
Where do I begin?
I loved the book. The way the characters were portrayed and their interactions with each other.
This is my first time with this author and let me just say that I was impressed and I will most definitively read more of her work!
Let me start with Rylie...
I loved her personality. Rylie was kind and caring towards the people she loved. She even went as far as pushing her own wants and needs aside for them. She progressed positively during the story line and came out a better person in the end. I just hate that she was so blind regarding a certain person... Dawn... Cough-cough.
Now for Levi...
Where can I find my own Levi? No, seriously! He was just what she needed when she never knew what she wanted. He also didn't know he needed Rylie, and that was so sweet in the end. With the video going around campus, his reputation and his parents, he tried his best to pretend to be happy. Never was he an asshole towards anyone and I think that's why he was perfect for Rylie.
Dawn...
Can eat a pile of sh... She and Meegan they were bad from the beginning. Not going into more details, but if you read the book, you'll understand.
Kennedy...
I just loved her and would like to see her happy. She was the friend Rylie needed all along, along with Natalie! I just loved her excitement!
The rest of the gang was just as exceptional. Spencer, Morris and Grey, I just loved them and I think it's nice reading about guys, not all being assholes.
My conclusion:
5 pawsome stars for this amazing story!
I loved the book. The way the characters were portrayed and their interactions with each other.
This is my first time with this author and let me just say that I was impressed and I will most definitively read more of her work!
Let me start with Rylie...
I loved her personality. Rylie was kind and caring towards the people she loved. She even went as far as pushing her own wants and needs aside for them. She progressed positively during the story line and came out a better person in the end. I just hate that she was so blind regarding a certain person... Dawn... Cough-cough.
Now for Levi...
Where can I find my own Levi? No, seriously! He was just what she needed when she never knew what she wanted. He also didn't know he needed Rylie, and that was so sweet in the end. With the video going around campus, his reputation and his parents, he tried his best to pretend to be happy. Never was he an asshole towards anyone and I think that's why he was perfect for Rylie.
Dawn...
Can eat a pile of sh... She and Meegan they were bad from the beginning. Not going into more details, but if you read the book, you'll understand.
Kennedy...
I just loved her and would like to see her happy. She was the friend Rylie needed all along, along with Natalie! I just loved her excitement!
The rest of the gang was just as exceptional. Spencer, Morris and Grey, I just loved them and I think it's nice reading about guys, not all being assholes.
My conclusion:
5 pawsome stars for this amazing story!
October 24, 2020
Fantastic read...Loved it!
oh my my...I loved this book! Levi Hart is gah...I adored him from the start, and this book had me hooked from the
beginning. It did take me a little to warm up to Rylie but when she started to come into herself I really liked her character and identified with her a lot. I laughed out loud, swooned, laughed again, swooned and then fanned myself over and over. It was extremely well written. and the steamy scenes were on fire. the chemistry between Levi and Rylie was combustible with so much angst and tension. The underlying story of these two finding themselves as they fell in love with each other was so sweet and beautiful. the secondary characters were equally enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to reading book two, as the tension between some of the other characters was already jumping off the page. Some of the characters I literally wanted to punch when the plot twists came out and all the secrets were revealed. This wasn't just a love story, but so much more and a fantastic book that I really enjoyed. I'll be on the lookout for more of this authors work in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
oh my my...I loved this book! Levi Hart is gah...I adored him from the start, and this book had me hooked from the
beginning. It did take me a little to warm up to Rylie but when she started to come into herself I really liked her character and identified with her a lot. I laughed out loud, swooned, laughed again, swooned and then fanned myself over and over. It was extremely well written. and the steamy scenes were on fire. the chemistry between Levi and Rylie was combustible with so much angst and tension. The underlying story of these two finding themselves as they fell in love with each other was so sweet and beautiful. the secondary characters were equally enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to reading book two, as the tension between some of the other characters was already jumping off the page. Some of the characters I literally wanted to punch when the plot twists came out and all the secrets were revealed. This wasn't just a love story, but so much more and a fantastic book that I really enjoyed. I'll be on the lookout for more of this authors work in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2022
This story hooked me from the beginning!
I loved the characters. The drama. The college and the unique classes. The new friendships and relationships that developed. I immediately had to buy the second one to find out what happens next.
Rylie recently transferred to Lakewood and has moved in with her high school best friend Dawn. They were supposed to take a new art class together but Dawn skipped the first day. Rylie was running late and ran straight into Levi Hart. THE Levi Hart who was in a sex tape the semester before.
Rylie on the other hand isn’t even comfortable in her own skin or with nudity. Levi is the complete opposite and is super comfortable in his own skin and losses his shirt constantly. He becomes her Nude Guru and tries to make her more comfortable. It definitely helped so it was great to see her character develop. Plus eventually stand up for herself and what she wanted in life; not what everyone thought she should do.
I loved the cat puns and the playfulness these two eventually have with each other. I loved how much the football guys have each other’s backs plus are protective of the girls. I had to buy the second one pretty fast because I need to know whats up with Kennedy ASAP.
I loved the characters. The drama. The college and the unique classes. The new friendships and relationships that developed. I immediately had to buy the second one to find out what happens next.
Rylie recently transferred to Lakewood and has moved in with her high school best friend Dawn. They were supposed to take a new art class together but Dawn skipped the first day. Rylie was running late and ran straight into Levi Hart. THE Levi Hart who was in a sex tape the semester before.
Rylie on the other hand isn’t even comfortable in her own skin or with nudity. Levi is the complete opposite and is super comfortable in his own skin and losses his shirt constantly. He becomes her Nude Guru and tries to make her more comfortable. It definitely helped so it was great to see her character develop. Plus eventually stand up for herself and what she wanted in life; not what everyone thought she should do.
I loved the cat puns and the playfulness these two eventually have with each other. I loved how much the football guys have each other’s backs plus are protective of the girls. I had to buy the second one pretty fast because I need to know whats up with Kennedy ASAP.
August 11, 2020
Nude Awaking is both poetic (and vividly descriptive in all the right ways), while maintaining a fresh, down-to-earth, and highly-relatable story of finding love in the college years. Touching on topics of navigating changing responsibilities—and the process of growing and coming into your own—the story took me back to my college days, inducing a sense of light-hearted nostalgia while ever-riding the line of titillating romantic fantasy. The author manages to capture the realities and complexities of college dynamics and build out multi-dimensional characters and interpersonal relationships. At the same time, she weaves in just the right amount of playful flirtation, heavier lust, and touching romance—all while enhancing the storyline (rather than bulldozing through any semblance of plot like many erotic novels are prone to do). The pages turn quick, and the twists and turns in the story do not disappoint! I highly recommend this book to anyone in need of a good, quick read, and I can’t wait to read more from Penny Clarke!
October 17, 2020
Great college aged romance. I loved that not only did the story focus on the romance, but also the relationships both characters had with their friends. Somehow Clarke managed to tell a story about Rylie growing up and finding herself while having a split POV with Levi and a full cast of rich characters. This was one of the few books I've seen that handles the transition many people go through with their high school friends that many people go through.
This book didn't suffer from many of the eye rolling tropes of the genre except for Rylie having grown up sheltered. I wasn't big on Rylie's "reveal" at the end, but I guess it did fit with the story.
I know I'm getting a Kennedy and Spencer book but I need a prequel with Natalie an how she ended up in being in a house with 4 football players and no female friends for the first 2 years of school, and how Grey ended up playing university football and best friends with this lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book didn't suffer from many of the eye rolling tropes of the genre except for Rylie having grown up sheltered. I wasn't big on Rylie's "reveal" at the end, but I guess it did fit with the story.
I know I'm getting a Kennedy and Spencer book but I need a prequel with Natalie an how she ended up in being in a house with 4 football players and no female friends for the first 2 years of school, and how Grey ended up playing university football and best friends with this lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2025
by the looks of it I’m gonna be done with those series by friday, it’s currently monday and I’ve read both books because I’m that obsessed
penny clarke, I hope you get the best head ever and a man who spoils you right because I cannot put down my ipad because it’s too good !!!!!
obsessed doesn’t even cover it on how I feel about this series and I’m so sad I only have 3 books left but I’m just happy I found these books cause it’s right up my alley, 5 stars on the board for my babies levi and rylie, the way he brings her back to life is so beautiful and I just cannot with them both
this book really called out to me not just for the relationship but the friendships in this book is elite, I’ve always had a hard time making friends and as I get older it’s so scary putting yourself out their because practically everybody has friend groups and girls can be snobby bitches and it just puts me off trying so I really resonated with rylie and kennedy and cannot wait to read kennedy’s book, already know she’s gonna be my top fav girlie because she’s giving willa grant
penny clarke, I hope you get the best head ever and a man who spoils you right because I cannot put down my ipad because it’s too good !!!!!
obsessed doesn’t even cover it on how I feel about this series and I’m so sad I only have 3 books left but I’m just happy I found these books cause it’s right up my alley, 5 stars on the board for my babies levi and rylie, the way he brings her back to life is so beautiful and I just cannot with them both
this book really called out to me not just for the relationship but the friendships in this book is elite, I’ve always had a hard time making friends and as I get older it’s so scary putting yourself out their because practically everybody has friend groups and girls can be snobby bitches and it just puts me off trying so I really resonated with rylie and kennedy and cannot wait to read kennedy’s book, already know she’s gonna be my top fav girlie because she’s giving willa grant
October 10, 2020
First book I have read by this author. This is a full length well written book. The author takes a lot of time to dedicate to plot, conflict and character development. This book would do well with a college audience as it takes place on a campus with college events and antics. It has some steam going for it too! Rylie, a college student starts out as a spineless girl who lets bad friends treat her like a doormat. She can’t stand up for herself. Her character changes dramatically and grows through her relationship with Levi, a football player who is on probation after a sex tape goes viral on campus - oh yeah and the fact that he’s the nude model for her art class. This book is a fun read it has a lot of drama and action some humor too. I think I’d be interested in reading the next book about Kennedy and Spence. Their characters sounded interesting. Looking forward to it coming out!
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.
November 15, 2020
Rylie Stone has worked very hard to finally get into college. She couldn't afford to go straight there as her best friend Dawn did, but she is finally there doing her business major. Rylie is very studious and shy because of her upbringing with her single mum who wants her to get on in life.
Levi Hart is the completely the opposite of Rylie, and when she first bumps into him, literally, she is struck dumb by his good looks and runs away. When she goes into her life drawing class she shocked to find that it's no other than Levi who is the subject and she flees again!
Levi is drawn to Rylie with her shyness and the fact that she runs from him. He's not used to that reaction! He makes it his mission to get to know this girl.
Lovely sweet story of opposites attracting. Some really good laughs throughout. Love all the surrounding characters too and look forward to reading their stories.
Levi Hart is the completely the opposite of Rylie, and when she first bumps into him, literally, she is struck dumb by his good looks and runs away. When she goes into her life drawing class she shocked to find that it's no other than Levi who is the subject and she flees again!
Levi is drawn to Rylie with her shyness and the fact that she runs from him. He's not used to that reaction! He makes it his mission to get to know this girl.
Lovely sweet story of opposites attracting. Some really good laughs throughout. Love all the surrounding characters too and look forward to reading their stories.
January 24, 2021
You would not think this was a debut novel as Clarke does a wonderful job of creating a well thought out and written novel. The journeys the characters go on as individuals are relatable and combining this with their personalities makes for a down-to-earth read.
I really like Levi and Rylie as both separate characters and as a couple. A big part of this story is about growth as individuals, becoming more comfortable with yourself and figuring out where you want your life to go. Balancing this with the budding romance between these characters, the humour, and steam makes this really enjoyable and light-hearted.
You can find yourself getting lost in the story of Levi and Rylie but the side characters are just as interesting and I have questions concerning them so here is to hoping they all get their own books. I know that I’ll read any that do.
I really like Levi and Rylie as both separate characters and as a couple. A big part of this story is about growth as individuals, becoming more comfortable with yourself and figuring out where you want your life to go. Balancing this with the budding romance between these characters, the humour, and steam makes this really enjoyable and light-hearted.
You can find yourself getting lost in the story of Levi and Rylie but the side characters are just as interesting and I have questions concerning them so here is to hoping they all get their own books. I know that I’ll read any that do.
October 31, 2020
Riley is an innocent, sweet college girl whose mom never wanted to talk about the facts of life, other than to warn her to stay about from males. So the nude model in the art class took her completely by surprise.
Levi is totally comfortable in his own body and is a good example to Riley. He’s determined to help get her out of her shell. His confidence and caring were exactly what Riley needed to become the woman she held tightly inside.
This is a fun story of coming into your maturity, growing up, accepting yourself and others. I liked the strong yet realistically vulnerable characters. Secondary characters are perfectly placed in the story line and add to its development. Grab your copy and enjoy a well done story.
Levi is totally comfortable in his own body and is a good example to Riley. He’s determined to help get her out of her shell. His confidence and caring were exactly what Riley needed to become the woman she held tightly inside.
This is a fun story of coming into your maturity, growing up, accepting yourself and others. I liked the strong yet realistically vulnerable characters. Secondary characters are perfectly placed in the story line and add to its development. Grab your copy and enjoy a well done story.
October 12, 2020
If you are bored or just need a reason to smile, then this is the book for you. This is a sweet and charming romance about a wallflower getting the courage to let her flower shine, through the support of her coworker and love interest. Along the way they crack jokes, Make silly comments, and overall show us as an audience it's ok to be different; their's nothing wrong with change. The reason I didn't give this book five stars is because it didn't move me, that said I don't regret choosing this book, the author is amazing, and her story is well written. I highly recommend.
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 30, 2020
This was such a great book! The chemistry between Levi and Rylie is just off the charts steamy hot enough to melt your panties! And the way they met that first day just makes me smile. And how Levi "woos" Rylie...just too cute for words. This story was riveting from start to finish as there are some secrets to uncover. I love how we meet their friends as it will translate to other books. This story was so enjoyable and I needed to know if they get to their HEA/HFN, that I stayed up until 3:30am to finish reading this book!
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
November 3, 2020
Enjoyable college romance
This is book one of a new series called Main Desire. This college romance story is about Levi and Rylie. It’s about self-acceptance, and about finding and being the best version of yourself. They will navigate their pasts to track a promising future.
This book was witty, funny, sweet and steamy. It’s an entertaining read, and was full of emotions and ups and downs. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I sighed. And I could probably do with a nude guru ;) I give this book four stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one of a new series called Main Desire. This college romance story is about Levi and Rylie. It’s about self-acceptance, and about finding and being the best version of yourself. They will navigate their pasts to track a promising future.
This book was witty, funny, sweet and steamy. It’s an entertaining read, and was full of emotions and ups and downs. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I sighed. And I could probably do with a nude guru ;) I give this book four stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2020
Accepted for Review.
I immediately went and found book 2. This was funny and sweet and sexy. Sure the writing was AMAZING but I honestly forgave it, because whilst the leading lady's big gesture to win back her man may have been a bit ott and silly imo, it was the LADY DOING THE BIG GESTURE! Also the drama's were realistic and believable feeling, and it wasn't so much about miscommunication or even lack there of as much as it was about not telling someone the truth behind an event in the past. I'm not sure if that description makes sense, but I hope it will - especially if you've read the book.
I immediately went and found book 2. This was funny and sweet and sexy. Sure the writing was AMAZING but I honestly forgave it, because whilst the leading lady's big gesture to win back her man may have been a bit ott and silly imo, it was the LADY DOING THE BIG GESTURE! Also the drama's were realistic and believable feeling, and it wasn't so much about miscommunication or even lack there of as much as it was about not telling someone the truth behind an event in the past. I'm not sure if that description makes sense, but I hope it will - especially if you've read the book.
November 1, 2020
Riley winds up in a life drawing class that features nude bodies. She grew up sheltered so being in the room with a nude dude is not something she was prepared for. Levi on the other hand is totally comfortable with nudity and in a much different place around the whole nudity thing. Both had some growing to do and this sweet romance tells a story beyond just the romance that draws you in and keeps you there to the end.
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 12, 2020
I loved the story it was great. It had necessary depth and the book had some of the most amazing side characters i’ve ever experienced. usually i don’t like a large presence of side character but in this i loved all of levis friends and kennedy. they were one of the best parts in my opinion. i am hoping that they all get their own books. I can’t wait to read spencer and kennedy’s story. Then hopefully morris and natalie’s!
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August 13, 2020I'm so glad to read a college romance that is not constantly angsty. This book combines the right amount of humor with enough character development to keep things interesting. We see both the characters become much better people with the help of each other, and I love that! Sigh! This is what relationships should be about.
All in all, I couldn't keep my hands off this book and finished it in a day. Perfect summer read!
All in all, I couldn't keep my hands off this book and finished it in a day. Perfect summer read!
November 4, 2020
This is the story of Riley, a sheltered and sexually inhibited college student, and Levi, suspended football player posing nude as a model for Riley’s art class. This novel is a coming of age story which has Levi transforming Riley into the person she really is, I recommend this fun read which has a dose of drama and fantastic 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.
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