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Love in LA #4
Inevitable
When my dad asked me to intern for his best friend, I knew I should've said no.
I had my own plans for the summer.
Ones that didn't include revisiting my childhood crush.
Sleeping with the boss?
Probably not what my dad had in mind when he asked for my help.
But from the moment I step foot in the office, I can think of little else.
I still want Jonathan.
Am I willing to gamble my relationship with my dad and my heart?
*Inevitable was previously featured in the I Have Lived and I Have Loved charity anthology. It was a 15,000 word story that has been expanded to 80,000+ words. Some details may have changed, but the feel of the story remains the same.
I had my own plans for the summer.
Ones that didn't include revisiting my childhood crush.
Sleeping with the boss?
Probably not what my dad had in mind when he asked for my help.
But from the moment I step foot in the office, I can think of little else.
I still want Jonathan.
Am I willing to gamble my relationship with my dad and my heart?
*Inevitable was previously featured in the I Have Lived and I Have Loved charity anthology. It was a 15,000 word story that has been expanded to 80,000+ words. Some details may have changed, but the feel of the story remains the same.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2021
674 people are currently reading
1839 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Hartley
23 books962 followersJenna Hartley is USA Today bestselling author who writes forbidden romance that feels good, much like her own real life love story. Her stories feature strong women and swoon-worthy men, as well as sexy, sweet, and laughable moments that reflect real love.
When she's not reading or writing romance, Jenna can be found tending to her growing indoor plant collection (pun intended), decluttering (just ask her husband about "The Great Purge of 2015" as he calls it), and hiking. She lives in Texas with her family and loves nothing more than a good book and good chocolate, except maybe a dance party with her husband and daughter.
Connect with Jenna and keep up with the latest news ➜ https://bit.ly/JennaHartleyNews
When she's not reading or writing romance, Jenna can be found tending to her growing indoor plant collection (pun intended), decluttering (just ask her husband about "The Great Purge of 2015" as he calls it), and hiking. She lives in Texas with her family and loves nothing more than a good book and good chocolate, except maybe a dance party with her husband and daughter.
Connect with Jenna and keep up with the latest news ➜ https://bit.ly/JennaHartleyNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
June 10, 2021
4.5 stars
Sumner wants to be a life coach, so I have no idea why she would intern with her dad’s best friend in commercial real estate. We’re reaching a little but I’ll buy it for now.
Ahhh, does her dad realize he’s playing matchmaker? I mean he told Jonathan that his daughter needed him because she was all over the place and needed grounding. And in turn told Sumner that Jonathan needed her vitality and a new lease on life. None of that sounds professional and it’s bordering on too friendly. I can’t wait to see how daddy reacts when things turn romantic.
Everyone is so busy telling Sumner what they think she should do. Her friend is a step better but there’s still stuff that she wants to impose on Sumner. The only person who is actually 100% interested in Sumner’s choices is Jonathan. So, you can imagine why he’ll be easy to fall for.
Sumner is adorable, especially when she continues to put her foot in her mouth around Jonathan. It’s too fucking cute!
When he comes to the realization that she sees him like nobody else does. Total swoon moment.
There’s just nothing sexier then a man who appreciates a woman’s mind.
When women say fine, nothings wrong, etc there’s obviously something. And here’s what Jonathan does right that most men don’t; he insists she communicates. 😻
In the end they’re both so good for each other how could it possibly be wrong?
Sumner wants to be a life coach, so I have no idea why she would intern with her dad’s best friend in commercial real estate. We’re reaching a little but I’ll buy it for now.
Ahhh, does her dad realize he’s playing matchmaker? I mean he told Jonathan that his daughter needed him because she was all over the place and needed grounding. And in turn told Sumner that Jonathan needed her vitality and a new lease on life. None of that sounds professional and it’s bordering on too friendly. I can’t wait to see how daddy reacts when things turn romantic.
Everyone is so busy telling Sumner what they think she should do. Her friend is a step better but there’s still stuff that she wants to impose on Sumner. The only person who is actually 100% interested in Sumner’s choices is Jonathan. So, you can imagine why he’ll be easy to fall for.
Sumner is adorable, especially when she continues to put her foot in her mouth around Jonathan. It’s too fucking cute!
When he comes to the realization that she sees him like nobody else does. Total swoon moment.
There’s just nothing sexier then a man who appreciates a woman’s mind.
When women say fine, nothings wrong, etc there’s obviously something. And here’s what Jonathan does right that most men don’t; he insists she communicates. 😻
In the end they’re both so good for each other how could it possibly be wrong?
![Profile Image for Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700331868i%2F85343546._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 12, 2023
RATING: 4 stars to Inevitable ★ ★ ★ ★
“What if what I want is something I can’t have?” His fervor was unnerving, and it made my skin tingle with awareness. Was he talking about… I shook my head. Surely he couldn’t mean me. “Then you decide whether you can live without it,” I said. “And if I can’t?” The rasp in his voice made my temperature rise a million degrees. This wasn’t all in my head? Right? I leaned forward. “Then you find a way. You do whatever it takes to make it yours.”
Our bodies collided. And I knew that no matter how hard we tried to fight this—we were inevitable.
I brokenly recall reading a few age gap romances before now (and becoming slightly infatuated with the dynamic) but a best friend's daughter and a 20+ age gap was uncharted territory for me. Territory most may call an unmentionable, ineffable, unreadable taboo. I call it a moreish monomania; wherever and whenever I can indulge, I most definitely do. While the indecorous quality stretches limits for some, opens horizons for others and is positively fetishist for seasoned indulgers, I like to believe I'm the type of reader who easily corrals a taste for it, especially when its written with smart, honest and believable leading love interests who have a companionable, compatible and unmissable chemistry that's both irresistible and, naturally, inevitable. While I can effortlessly express a major chemistry for Inevitable, I led into this assuming it was indeed the series opener to the Love in LA series for the entire duration of my read, which it plainly isn't. Wires now uncrossed and fully clear of Inevitable's status as the fourth installment, and its novella-to-full-length-story transformation, we get a taste of the forbidden through the enticement of a father's best friend/best friend's daughter storyline. Though I am kicking myself for not starting with the book of Inception. The author seems to be a frequent indulger of the age gap trope if her leanings for this particular penchant of written courtships hold their weight, and while I did have some hiccups with the second-part development of Summer and Jonathan's romance, it exists in my romanticist mind as a solid standalone. I'm very happy I have a Hartley finish I get to call complete and completely readable. A taste of the forbidden and a taste for the gentle lures of the older man with leading character chemistry you can effortlessly fall into rhythm with and a romance that engages the trope without reducing the denomination to an anathematic cliché.
I did mindfully log some very loose reading goals for my 2023 reading year, very loose let's reiterate, which, considering the state of my current reading progress and how far we've already made it through the year, I've decided to loosen even more to the point of a pseudo-goal destination. But one of those fledgling targets was to finally sample highly-anticipated writers, of which, Jenna Hartley is one. During their earlier years Sumner and Jonathan had a different kind of relationship. She was the adorable daughter of his best friend and he was the secret crush she held in the highest regard. They've always had an easy relationship, an effortless connection, but when they meet again things twist in a way that leans into the forbidden and instant non-platonic for Jonathan. And for Sumner, age looks even better on her childhood crush. The true nature of her current relationship only just hitting her, Sumner makes the delayed but abrupt decision to ditch a boyfriend who's rarely been a real partner to her. Worse, that she silently encouraged it. Like a reawakening she realises just what she's settled for, and its time for some 2.0 transformation, to give her dreams a real foot in her own reality. Finally trusting that she was making this choice for no one but herself, she pedals back, course corrects and winds up back at home in California, declining her priority choice university. A consistent 'yes' woman to her own detriment, approval seeking her way to a final point of return and yet the conflict of following her dreams and putting her passion first are separate entities for peacemaker Sumner. Luckily, Jonathan's agreed (albeit reluctantly) to be her summer boss, and in an attempt to help him find his feet again in mid-life she finds a supporter of her dream in him. She wants people to find visibility and pursuit in their life goals, but doesn't quite have the support of her closest to follow her dream of being a life coach. But with her dad worried over both his long-time bestie and his changing daughter, believing they'll rub off on each other nicely, the status quo definitely gets an unexpected upgrade. And he doesn't realise that he's the bridging catalyst that unwittingly match-makes what could possibly be his worst nightmare.
As we thirst for here in romancleand there's a strong sexual connection between Sumner and Jonathan but the mutual chemistry also reaches a mental plane. Both effortlessly admire each other for who they are, who they're becoming and the qualities they have. My leanings for romance are those that can touch layers beyond the obvious and there really was such a gentle, tender and easy affiliation between the central couple. In a few ways the storyline gauged a learning curve for Jonathan as much as it did Sumner, and there was something very contemplative and down to earth in an elder man able to put his faith in the expertise of someone much younger and much less seasoned to accept the redirection he knew he needed but didn't know how to make. Jonathan's found success and satisfaction in building a legacy that paid him handsomely in wealth and a pool of material things. For all appearances, on paper and with everyone who knows him, he's the biggest success story, but after being gently quizzed by Sumner he's struggling to define what success means to him, or should mean to him outside of his practical accomplishments. All he knows is he's a disenchanted man who has it all but feels without it all and has since done an excellent job of hiding his emptiness. It's worth noting that it's Jonathan who mostly sports the doubt and the resistance, but I appreciated that he was a male love interest who actually encouraged communication with Sumner, even if he did find difficulty in being forthcoming with what he really wanted. It's always a personal pleasure of mine however, to see a hero lose himself to his feelings, waylaid by his usual cool composure and sharp confidence, wanting what's so improper to have, questioning why his desire becomes such a rebellious entity to his mind and thus Irresistibly beholden to the source of inappropriateness that he most definitely doesn't want to feel but can't help himself anyway. Always making decisions without conscious thought just to be closer to her. He's drawn to discovering who Sumner is now, hopeful for her to see more of him, flummoxed that she does and, like the swoony hero does best, he can't seem to help himself. There's a great balance of character with him; protective, powerful, intelligent, a midlife man with it all, distinguished, loving, misunderstood, caring (not the most emotionally evolved), but still sensitive enough to make the romance work.
While I'm not a fan of too much relationship push and pull, the continuous back and forth does elevate the desirable tension quite nicely. Though it does become repetitive and lesser of an appeal in the second half. But desirable it really is because the chemistry kindles a feel-good albeit intense burn. There's definitely some character growth for the both of them. Jonathan with his best friend's guilt and general reluctance to take the all-in leap as he struggles to face his deepest wants, and Sumner with her people-pleasing mentality, lack of self-belief and consequently quick to put everyone before her pursuits. Jonathan may have his well remembered hesitancies and reluctances but we know where his heart and mind are since the dual POV makes a great point of characterising his feelings for Sumner. The author has a tact for dealing with the situation, the conflict, the tension and the relationship in a way that challenged but gently faced in the same sentence. The character growth didn't feel unrealistically transformative either, definitely more organised and organic, though the romance did have the potential to go so much deeper than it was which is where I found the deficit. I definitely felt the unused potential in their romance, and with the tone the second part took, it leaned into a type of difference that didn't quite make the best of the relationship for me. It was tense and angsty but with both Summer and Jonathan I lost the initial draw of the qualities I liked. Since Sumner's biggest personal arc comes from her inner conflict with agency, I was expecting more from her; I was expecting something more from the both of them. It alternatively felt a bit repetitive in lieu. Sumner also seemed to emulate previous patterning that she hoped to remedy, more specifically when she makes a decision that prioritises Jonathan over her life plans; hoping to swap schooling for the Wolf Group, which didn't seem to have any real basis in what she wanted to do. Considering her dream career path I was hoping for more self reflection from her, and more self-awareness, though I did appreciate the grounded feel of the relationship overall. Since I understood the tension between desiring change and actually making the shift, there was a realistic tension to appreciate. The acceptance storyline with the latter events of the epilogue did emulate a more realistic outcome when the truth sheds its skin and the fallen relationships are left to mend. The fallout held a believable aftermath. As aforementioned, there was certainly potential to go deeper but comprehensively we have a really lovely, pleasant read no less.
A forbidden taste of the age gap with smart-sexy, intense and meaningful chemistry. I'm so glad I started here with Jenna Hartley and now that this author and I finally meet, I ungraciously welcome myself down her contemporised walkway of romance whenever the season calls. The potential between Jonathan and Sumner gets a chance to bloom but old habits can die hard just as easily as the feelings run deeper for the two of them. Sumner's finding it a balancing act to carve a new groove and because he sees the best of her and wants her to see the best of herself, Jonathan encourages her to see the belief in her dream. A well-remembered sensitivity and gentleness that teases and tends to the forming intimacy, and when the heat reaches its patiently waiting peak it was the rising release we needed. It really becomes a question of whether her fantasy man exists beyond the dream and beyond the secret desire. Jonathan shouldn't want it, but every moment with Sumner always seems to matter, always seems to mean something. The fire burns quite quickly for a burnt out businessman workhorse who's misplaced his life luster and a full time student graduate tentatively emboldened to permis a silent desire she never quite thought she could voice, in more than one way. Her coaching aspiration is to fulfill a business dream by arming women with the tools of empowerment. The desperate desire was intense, the longing and bonding uber charming, and the delayed (albeit Inevitable) gratification finally finds its purchase in an early-burning fire. Mixing new experiences with newer paths and redirection pushing them to redefine, Inevitable grounds itself with some bigger truths that trace the well-chased push of living the life you want to live and loving beyond the risk. It's a learning experience but all the reasoning in the world can't reason away how they feel for each other nor make them feel any less. Tender, convincing, passionate, sexy and seductive, this book is Jonathan and Sumner's pursuit of an off-limits courtship.
Content Warning/Listing: Adult language. Anxiety/panic over flying due to PTSD and a traumatic incident. An almost BJ for the hero by OW. Past parents deaths by car accident. Mentions a past extramarital affair. Some violence. Smut scenes.
____________________________________
Visit my blog: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
____________________________________
“What if what I want is something I can’t have?” His fervor was unnerving, and it made my skin tingle with awareness. Was he talking about… I shook my head. Surely he couldn’t mean me. “Then you decide whether you can live without it,” I said. “And if I can’t?” The rasp in his voice made my temperature rise a million degrees. This wasn’t all in my head? Right? I leaned forward. “Then you find a way. You do whatever it takes to make it yours.”
Our bodies collided. And I knew that no matter how hard we tried to fight this—we were inevitable.
I brokenly recall reading a few age gap romances before now (and becoming slightly infatuated with the dynamic) but a best friend's daughter and a 20+ age gap was uncharted territory for me. Territory most may call an unmentionable, ineffable, unreadable taboo. I call it a moreish monomania; wherever and whenever I can indulge, I most definitely do. While the indecorous quality stretches limits for some, opens horizons for others and is positively fetishist for seasoned indulgers, I like to believe I'm the type of reader who easily corrals a taste for it, especially when its written with smart, honest and believable leading love interests who have a companionable, compatible and unmissable chemistry that's both irresistible and, naturally, inevitable. While I can effortlessly express a major chemistry for Inevitable, I led into this assuming it was indeed the series opener to the Love in LA series for the entire duration of my read, which it plainly isn't. Wires now uncrossed and fully clear of Inevitable's status as the fourth installment, and its novella-to-full-length-story transformation, we get a taste of the forbidden through the enticement of a father's best friend/best friend's daughter storyline. Though I am kicking myself for not starting with the book of Inception. The author seems to be a frequent indulger of the age gap trope if her leanings for this particular penchant of written courtships hold their weight, and while I did have some hiccups with the second-part development of Summer and Jonathan's romance, it exists in my romanticist mind as a solid standalone. I'm very happy I have a Hartley finish I get to call complete and completely readable. A taste of the forbidden and a taste for the gentle lures of the older man with leading character chemistry you can effortlessly fall into rhythm with and a romance that engages the trope without reducing the denomination to an anathematic cliché.
I did mindfully log some very loose reading goals for my 2023 reading year, very loose let's reiterate, which, considering the state of my current reading progress and how far we've already made it through the year, I've decided to loosen even more to the point of a pseudo-goal destination. But one of those fledgling targets was to finally sample highly-anticipated writers, of which, Jenna Hartley is one. During their earlier years Sumner and Jonathan had a different kind of relationship. She was the adorable daughter of his best friend and he was the secret crush she held in the highest regard. They've always had an easy relationship, an effortless connection, but when they meet again things twist in a way that leans into the forbidden and instant non-platonic for Jonathan. And for Sumner, age looks even better on her childhood crush. The true nature of her current relationship only just hitting her, Sumner makes the delayed but abrupt decision to ditch a boyfriend who's rarely been a real partner to her. Worse, that she silently encouraged it. Like a reawakening she realises just what she's settled for, and its time for some 2.0 transformation, to give her dreams a real foot in her own reality. Finally trusting that she was making this choice for no one but herself, she pedals back, course corrects and winds up back at home in California, declining her priority choice university. A consistent 'yes' woman to her own detriment, approval seeking her way to a final point of return and yet the conflict of following her dreams and putting her passion first are separate entities for peacemaker Sumner. Luckily, Jonathan's agreed (albeit reluctantly) to be her summer boss, and in an attempt to help him find his feet again in mid-life she finds a supporter of her dream in him. She wants people to find visibility and pursuit in their life goals, but doesn't quite have the support of her closest to follow her dream of being a life coach. But with her dad worried over both his long-time bestie and his changing daughter, believing they'll rub off on each other nicely, the status quo definitely gets an unexpected upgrade. And he doesn't realise that he's the bridging catalyst that unwittingly match-makes what could possibly be his worst nightmare.
As we thirst for here in romancleand there's a strong sexual connection between Sumner and Jonathan but the mutual chemistry also reaches a mental plane. Both effortlessly admire each other for who they are, who they're becoming and the qualities they have. My leanings for romance are those that can touch layers beyond the obvious and there really was such a gentle, tender and easy affiliation between the central couple. In a few ways the storyline gauged a learning curve for Jonathan as much as it did Sumner, and there was something very contemplative and down to earth in an elder man able to put his faith in the expertise of someone much younger and much less seasoned to accept the redirection he knew he needed but didn't know how to make. Jonathan's found success and satisfaction in building a legacy that paid him handsomely in wealth and a pool of material things. For all appearances, on paper and with everyone who knows him, he's the biggest success story, but after being gently quizzed by Sumner he's struggling to define what success means to him, or should mean to him outside of his practical accomplishments. All he knows is he's a disenchanted man who has it all but feels without it all and has since done an excellent job of hiding his emptiness. It's worth noting that it's Jonathan who mostly sports the doubt and the resistance, but I appreciated that he was a male love interest who actually encouraged communication with Sumner, even if he did find difficulty in being forthcoming with what he really wanted. It's always a personal pleasure of mine however, to see a hero lose himself to his feelings, waylaid by his usual cool composure and sharp confidence, wanting what's so improper to have, questioning why his desire becomes such a rebellious entity to his mind and thus Irresistibly beholden to the source of inappropriateness that he most definitely doesn't want to feel but can't help himself anyway. Always making decisions without conscious thought just to be closer to her. He's drawn to discovering who Sumner is now, hopeful for her to see more of him, flummoxed that she does and, like the swoony hero does best, he can't seem to help himself. There's a great balance of character with him; protective, powerful, intelligent, a midlife man with it all, distinguished, loving, misunderstood, caring (not the most emotionally evolved), but still sensitive enough to make the romance work.
While I'm not a fan of too much relationship push and pull, the continuous back and forth does elevate the desirable tension quite nicely. Though it does become repetitive and lesser of an appeal in the second half. But desirable it really is because the chemistry kindles a feel-good albeit intense burn. There's definitely some character growth for the both of them. Jonathan with his best friend's guilt and general reluctance to take the all-in leap as he struggles to face his deepest wants, and Sumner with her people-pleasing mentality, lack of self-belief and consequently quick to put everyone before her pursuits. Jonathan may have his well remembered hesitancies and reluctances but we know where his heart and mind are since the dual POV makes a great point of characterising his feelings for Sumner. The author has a tact for dealing with the situation, the conflict, the tension and the relationship in a way that challenged but gently faced in the same sentence. The character growth didn't feel unrealistically transformative either, definitely more organised and organic, though the romance did have the potential to go so much deeper than it was which is where I found the deficit. I definitely felt the unused potential in their romance, and with the tone the second part took, it leaned into a type of difference that didn't quite make the best of the relationship for me. It was tense and angsty but with both Summer and Jonathan I lost the initial draw of the qualities I liked. Since Sumner's biggest personal arc comes from her inner conflict with agency, I was expecting more from her; I was expecting something more from the both of them. It alternatively felt a bit repetitive in lieu. Sumner also seemed to emulate previous patterning that she hoped to remedy, more specifically when she makes a decision that prioritises Jonathan over her life plans; hoping to swap schooling for the Wolf Group, which didn't seem to have any real basis in what she wanted to do. Considering her dream career path I was hoping for more self reflection from her, and more self-awareness, though I did appreciate the grounded feel of the relationship overall. Since I understood the tension between desiring change and actually making the shift, there was a realistic tension to appreciate. The acceptance storyline with the latter events of the epilogue did emulate a more realistic outcome when the truth sheds its skin and the fallen relationships are left to mend. The fallout held a believable aftermath. As aforementioned, there was certainly potential to go deeper but comprehensively we have a really lovely, pleasant read no less.
A forbidden taste of the age gap with smart-sexy, intense and meaningful chemistry. I'm so glad I started here with Jenna Hartley and now that this author and I finally meet, I ungraciously welcome myself down her contemporised walkway of romance whenever the season calls. The potential between Jonathan and Sumner gets a chance to bloom but old habits can die hard just as easily as the feelings run deeper for the two of them. Sumner's finding it a balancing act to carve a new groove and because he sees the best of her and wants her to see the best of herself, Jonathan encourages her to see the belief in her dream. A well-remembered sensitivity and gentleness that teases and tends to the forming intimacy, and when the heat reaches its patiently waiting peak it was the rising release we needed. It really becomes a question of whether her fantasy man exists beyond the dream and beyond the secret desire. Jonathan shouldn't want it, but every moment with Sumner always seems to matter, always seems to mean something. The fire burns quite quickly for a burnt out businessman workhorse who's misplaced his life luster and a full time student graduate tentatively emboldened to permis a silent desire she never quite thought she could voice, in more than one way. Her coaching aspiration is to fulfill a business dream by arming women with the tools of empowerment. The desperate desire was intense, the longing and bonding uber charming, and the delayed (albeit Inevitable) gratification finally finds its purchase in an early-burning fire. Mixing new experiences with newer paths and redirection pushing them to redefine, Inevitable grounds itself with some bigger truths that trace the well-chased push of living the life you want to live and loving beyond the risk. It's a learning experience but all the reasoning in the world can't reason away how they feel for each other nor make them feel any less. Tender, convincing, passionate, sexy and seductive, this book is Jonathan and Sumner's pursuit of an off-limits courtship.
Content Warning/Listing: Adult language. Anxiety/panic over flying due to PTSD and a traumatic incident. An almost BJ for the hero by OW. Past parents deaths by car accident. Mentions a past extramarital affair. Some violence. Smut scenes.
____________________________________
Visit my blog: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
____________________________________
April 25, 2021
"...We belonged together. No matter the obstacles. No matter the pain. We were inevitable."
An Age-Gap, Dad's Best-friend, Forbidden, Angsty & Sexy, Workplace Romance With Deep emotions, Crush & Lust, Real meaning of Success, Fling turning to Forever & HEA.
Since I read the short version of this story in "I HAVE LIVED & I HAVE LOVED" anthology, I've been excited to see it's longer version...& It was soo Great!! I loved Jonathan & Sumner so much😍, plus they're so hot (& cute) together! The other side Characters & cameos from "Love in LA" series were Fun! I DEVOURED This book in 6hrs over 2days.
Btw, The age gap is of 21 yrs (Wow).
Sumner; Driven, Smart, Sweet; is a 23yr old MIT graduate. Her last (also older) boyfriend was a Prick & she'd promised to assert herself more now. After exploring for months, she's back home for this summer before going to Stanford for MBA. She's working towards her dream of Life Coaching but had agreed to do an internship for the Wolfe group, a favor for her parents as they were worried about Jonathan, who's also Sum's forever Secret Crush...So she couldn't say no. And, wow, he'd aged well.
Jonathan Wolfe; Alpha, Caring, intelligent; is 44yr old Busy Businessman who'd a struggling childhood & made a company from scratch. He's proud of it, but it's not his passion anymore, rather he's been spending more time on his "Renovating Houses" hobby. His bestie for decades, Ian (Sum's dad), worries it's a mid-life crisis. So he sends Sum to intern for him to cheer him up. Jon hadn't seen Her since she was a teen...But now she's all woman. Sparking lust that he shouldn't feel.
Sparks flew from the instant they met, but both thought the other didn't feel the same forbidden attraction...But as days pass & time spent together, Stolen looks, Getting to know & finding eachother's passion, it's harder to deny this pull. And on a Business trip, all that tension explodes.
~Choices, Drifting & home, the internship, Crush & Lust, Truths, The Forbidden, Fam Dinner & Life Coaching, The Why, Renovation & Understanding, New York Trip, Flight Anxiety & Flash, WAP, Fun & Resist, Kiss, Crossing Lines...
1 night turned to 1 week, she was all in..She'd wanted him for years, but his Guilt was Palpable, feeling he was betraying Ian. Back home, he was hot & Cold. but he can't stay away from the best thing in his life for long. So 1 week turned to just this summer.
~Falling, Playing Tourist, Back, So Hard, Define success, Showing past, Friendship & Want more, Only Summer, Rules & Start, Whiskey Weekend, Love, Secrets & Lies, Happiest then end, Break up...
They'd fallen HARD +formed a web of secrets & lies to be together. But he'd never wanted her to change her future plans for him & when she does exactly that, he lets her go; Broke both their hearts. But Staying away for months was pure misery & not life. Then A friend's advice pushes him to make Life-changes, to put his decade long friendship on line, to win her heart back...to love.
~Can't Move on, Misery, Alexis Advice & Break, Ian's 45th B-Day party, Meet again, Now or Never, I love yous, All Truths free, Always together...
These last chapters were full emotional Highs & lows! One side, I was glad for'em, but on other...Dreading Ian's reaction (Btw, it was BAD). But I'm so glad that Slowly yet steadily, even if it took a year, all worked out! That Ian & Jon's friendship wasn't destroyed. The Ending & Epilogue were so Heartwarming😍. I loved the Bonus wholeheartedly! #HighlyRecommend
**My Honest ARC Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
An Age-Gap, Dad's Best-friend, Forbidden, Angsty & Sexy, Workplace Romance With Deep emotions, Crush & Lust, Real meaning of Success, Fling turning to Forever & HEA.
Since I read the short version of this story in "I HAVE LIVED & I HAVE LOVED" anthology, I've been excited to see it's longer version...& It was soo Great!! I loved Jonathan & Sumner so much😍, plus they're so hot (& cute) together! The other side Characters & cameos from "Love in LA" series were Fun! I DEVOURED This book in 6hrs over 2days.
Btw, The age gap is of 21 yrs (Wow).
Sumner; Driven, Smart, Sweet; is a 23yr old MIT graduate. Her last (also older) boyfriend was a Prick & she'd promised to assert herself more now. After exploring for months, she's back home for this summer before going to Stanford for MBA. She's working towards her dream of Life Coaching but had agreed to do an internship for the Wolfe group, a favor for her parents as they were worried about Jonathan, who's also Sum's forever Secret Crush...So she couldn't say no. And, wow, he'd aged well.
Jonathan Wolfe; Alpha, Caring, intelligent; is 44yr old Busy Businessman who'd a struggling childhood & made a company from scratch. He's proud of it, but it's not his passion anymore, rather he's been spending more time on his "Renovating Houses" hobby. His bestie for decades, Ian (Sum's dad), worries it's a mid-life crisis. So he sends Sum to intern for him to cheer him up. Jon hadn't seen Her since she was a teen...But now she's all woman. Sparking lust that he shouldn't feel.
Sparks flew from the instant they met, but both thought the other didn't feel the same forbidden attraction...But as days pass & time spent together, Stolen looks, Getting to know & finding eachother's passion, it's harder to deny this pull. And on a Business trip, all that tension explodes.
~Choices, Drifting & home, the internship, Crush & Lust, Truths, The Forbidden, Fam Dinner & Life Coaching, The Why, Renovation & Understanding, New York Trip, Flight Anxiety & Flash, WAP, Fun & Resist, Kiss, Crossing Lines...
1 night turned to 1 week, she was all in..She'd wanted him for years, but his Guilt was Palpable, feeling he was betraying Ian. Back home, he was hot & Cold. but he can't stay away from the best thing in his life for long. So 1 week turned to just this summer.
~Falling, Playing Tourist, Back, So Hard, Define success, Showing past, Friendship & Want more, Only Summer, Rules & Start, Whiskey Weekend, Love, Secrets & Lies, Happiest then end, Break up...
They'd fallen HARD +formed a web of secrets & lies to be together. But he'd never wanted her to change her future plans for him & when she does exactly that, he lets her go; Broke both their hearts. But Staying away for months was pure misery & not life. Then A friend's advice pushes him to make Life-changes, to put his decade long friendship on line, to win her heart back...to love.
~Can't Move on, Misery, Alexis Advice & Break, Ian's 45th B-Day party, Meet again, Now or Never, I love yous, All Truths free, Always together...
These last chapters were full emotional Highs & lows! One side, I was glad for'em, but on other...Dreading Ian's reaction (Btw, it was BAD). But I'm so glad that Slowly yet steadily, even if it took a year, all worked out! That Ian & Jon's friendship wasn't destroyed. The Ending & Epilogue were so Heartwarming😍. I loved the Bonus wholeheartedly! #HighlyRecommend
**My Honest ARC Review.**
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April 19, 2021
Inevitable is a forbidden office romance and age-gap romance.
I fell in love with Sumner and Jonathan. After Sumner needs a change of scenery, she has decided to move back home, then intern for Johnathan. Johnathan is Sumner’s father's best friend. Sumner has always been attracted to Jonathon. But when Jonathon sees Sumner for the first time years, he realizes she is not the girl he has known; she is a beautiful woman and tries to push his feeling aside. After a trip together, everything changes.
I enjoyed their story, the push/ pull with a slightly toxic Relationship without it being over the top if I found it more on the sweet side and enjoyed their journey. This, so the first book I have read from the author, and I liked her writing style. I look forward to more books in the future.
October 18, 2022
I recently read the first book in the series (which is a novella) and I didn't like it that much but I chose to read this anyway because it was an age gap romance and I was in the mood for one.
For the most part I thought that this was a story I've read before but the lack of originality wasn't my only problem with this book. It lacked depth, which again I don't mind but sometimes I need more.
After 60% I got too bored and I only skim-read it. I don't know if it's me, the trope (dad's best friend), the author's writing or a mix of all of the above but I couldn't enjoy it and I don't think I'll be able to finish the series so I'm not going to try. 2 ⭐
April 8, 2021
You Could Be The One
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*
Jenna is my go-to for Contemporary Romance! With this book, she provides another sweet escape to Los Angeles. Sweet but oh so angsty! Sumner is our heroine. She's in her 20s, and things aren't going her way. She grows throughout this story, becoming a bad bish that doesn't let anyone walk over her anymore. Jonathan is a workaholic with one thing on his mind - WORK AND MORE WORK. He has no life. When these two meet, sparks fly. Forbidden fruit tastes so sweet as one of the sneaky characters in this book claims, and oh, yes, it tasted sweet here! Jenna managed to capture all the age gap tropes here, dad's best friend and long-time crush of the heroine. The author doesn't just age gap to age gap, she lets us dive into the mind of our heroes and their struggle to accept their love for one another. I've read all the Love in LA books, and this might be second fav after Irresistible. I just love age gaps LOL. And I love Jenna's writing!
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April 6, 2023
♡ I love when his thoughts are only about her 24/7. yeah! BE OBSESSED! We love that. ♡
If you want to read a romance book ft. the dad's best friend trope, check this out.
If you want to read a romance book ft. the dad's best friend trope, check this out.
January 2, 2023
Heartwarming Novel!
It’s good to be back in a Jenna Hartley novel.
I loved these characters.
Sumner and Jonathan are perfect for each other, even if all the obstacles and people say otherwise.
I loved their growth, specially Jonathan’s and how he fights back for the one he loves, despite everything. And sumner is not afraid to take what she wants - such a positive breath of fresh air seeing a woman be confident too about wanting someone and not standing her ground down to getting who she wants.
I loved their romance. I loved their sweet moments - where they explore past memories. I love their banter, the tiny bit of angst. I loved the friendship between Jonathan and Sumner’s father.
It was all so damn good. I loved it till every last page. I cannot wait to read more by Jenna!
It’s good to be back in a Jenna Hartley novel.
I loved these characters.
Sumner and Jonathan are perfect for each other, even if all the obstacles and people say otherwise.
I loved their growth, specially Jonathan’s and how he fights back for the one he loves, despite everything. And sumner is not afraid to take what she wants - such a positive breath of fresh air seeing a woman be confident too about wanting someone and not standing her ground down to getting who she wants.
I loved their romance. I loved their sweet moments - where they explore past memories. I love their banter, the tiny bit of angst. I loved the friendship between Jonathan and Sumner’s father.
It was all so damn good. I loved it till every last page. I cannot wait to read more by Jenna!
April 26, 2021
A fathers best friend, sexy age gap romance?! YES PLEASE. It's been so long since I've read this trope, and since it's one of my favorites --- and the best out there -- I couldn't wait to read this book! And ya'll.. Jenna did not dissapoint!!
Sumner just graduated from MIT and is back home, while interning at her dads best friends company, with the ruse of keeping an eye on him since her dad is worried (and obviously needs his young daughter to distract him. Cause ya know, romance. *chuckles) But that's actually a lifesaver for her, since Sumner has had the biggest crush on Jonathan pretty much her entire life, and is determined for him to make her *finally* notice her.. and while there is definitely an attraction there -- finally!-- but Jonathan doesn't want to risk his friendship with her dad. But when fate steps in, can he really say no still? Especially when this just might be the ride of their lives. *winks*
The chemistry between these two is seriously SMOKING, and I just loved everything about them. Underneath their panty melting sexy times, Jonathan is seriously a gentleman, and I loved that so much! And despite the age gap, Sumner never shows her age, or acts immature in any way. I just adored this couple!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Sumner just graduated from MIT and is back home, while interning at her dads best friends company, with the ruse of keeping an eye on him since her dad is worried (and obviously needs his young daughter to distract him. Cause ya know, romance. *chuckles) But that's actually a lifesaver for her, since Sumner has had the biggest crush on Jonathan pretty much her entire life, and is determined for him to make her *finally* notice her.. and while there is definitely an attraction there -- finally!-- but Jonathan doesn't want to risk his friendship with her dad. But when fate steps in, can he really say no still? Especially when this just might be the ride of their lives. *winks*
The chemistry between these two is seriously SMOKING, and I just loved everything about them. Underneath their panty melting sexy times, Jonathan is seriously a gentleman, and I loved that so much! And despite the age gap, Sumner never shows her age, or acts immature in any way. I just adored this couple!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
April 20, 2021
Jenna Hartley is such a gem- her stories are sweet and sexy, with an underlying tenderness and gentleness. Here, she tries her hand at her most forbidden story yet- and it is her most intense yet. Super sexy, definitely taboo, but still with the heart that I love about her books.
I first read this in the I Have Lived and I Have Loved anthology, but here Jenna has expanded the story from a short novella to a longer novel. In the original, we dove right into the think of things- but in this expanded version we get a lot more of the backstory, a much slower build up to the intense connection and then inevitable colliding of souls AND the inevitable conflict. The added content makes the characters much richer and more dynamic, and the chemistry is even stronger. I still find myself most drawn to the content I'd already read- but that's because its all the juicy steamy scenes and drama that we got in the original novella. But, the added content does give this story a much deeper and meaningful heart- it felt more emotional, more poignant, and more intense.
I fell madly in love with Jonathan and Sumner as Sumner falls in love with her fathers best friend, also her boss, and 23 years her senior. And, I loved how Jenna leaned into the taboo, addressed the tensions and challenges heads on, and focused on the emotional fall out. That said though, I definitely think this is her hottest book yet. MEOW these two are fire together. We get heat, amazing chemistry, and a heroine who is mature beyond her years and incredibly likable. And, our hero is dreamy and swoony in his own way- especially once he opens his heart and fights for our girl.
Like all Jenna stories, there is a heavy does of optimism and the thematic charm of never holding back from what and WHO will make you happy. And, some of the added parts of this story also painted a more nuanced character arc that also speak to not just leaning into love when you find it but also just leaning into prioritizing your own happiness in general. As a middle aged professional, that added storyline (and Jonathan's character arc) spoke to me in a way I wasn't quite expecting, and left me both inspired and contemplative. All in all- another Jenna charmer!
I first read this in the I Have Lived and I Have Loved anthology, but here Jenna has expanded the story from a short novella to a longer novel. In the original, we dove right into the think of things- but in this expanded version we get a lot more of the backstory, a much slower build up to the intense connection and then inevitable colliding of souls AND the inevitable conflict. The added content makes the characters much richer and more dynamic, and the chemistry is even stronger. I still find myself most drawn to the content I'd already read- but that's because its all the juicy steamy scenes and drama that we got in the original novella. But, the added content does give this story a much deeper and meaningful heart- it felt more emotional, more poignant, and more intense.
I fell madly in love with Jonathan and Sumner as Sumner falls in love with her fathers best friend, also her boss, and 23 years her senior. And, I loved how Jenna leaned into the taboo, addressed the tensions and challenges heads on, and focused on the emotional fall out. That said though, I definitely think this is her hottest book yet. MEOW these two are fire together. We get heat, amazing chemistry, and a heroine who is mature beyond her years and incredibly likable. And, our hero is dreamy and swoony in his own way- especially once he opens his heart and fights for our girl.
Like all Jenna stories, there is a heavy does of optimism and the thematic charm of never holding back from what and WHO will make you happy. And, some of the added parts of this story also painted a more nuanced character arc that also speak to not just leaning into love when you find it but also just leaning into prioritizing your own happiness in general. As a middle aged professional, that added storyline (and Jonathan's character arc) spoke to me in a way I wasn't quite expecting, and left me both inspired and contemplative. All in all- another Jenna charmer!
June 6, 2021
Huh. Let me preface this review with saying that I knew going in that this story might not be my cup of tea. But as my brain's need to finish reading a series proved greater than my reservations about a best friend's daughter/father's best friend romance, I dived in determined to at least try to enjoy myself.
And you know what? I actually did. Don't get me wrong, it's still not a type of pairing that I'll ever actively seek out to read, but in the end, I found the romance between Jonathan and Sumner believable. Perhaps I couldn't overcome the obvious ick factor 100% (not even the age-gap thing because I don't care about that but like the fact that Jonathan literally was there in Sumner's life since she was born and yeah, how do you go from that to lust/love? *shudders*) but I was sold on their love.
The relationship was handled well, imo. Just the fact that Sumner and Jonathan meet again only after years when she graduates college (and they haven't seen each other since she was like 17-18) and Jonathan is able to see her kind of as this new, adult person helps a lot with the aforementioned ick factor (at least for me it does). They really have this connection and ease between them, and while it's certainly a romance with a forbidden relationship vibe, it's not really handled as something "taboo" or illicit. It's just two people finding something amazing in each other while being in their unfortunate circumstances.
I also thought that the inevitable reveal of their relationship was quite realistic - how Sumner's family, especially her dad, coped with that and how it took time to re-establish trust in those relationships.
Anyway - this series has been full of positive surprises and me enjoying this story was one of them xD
And you know what? I actually did. Don't get me wrong, it's still not a type of pairing that I'll ever actively seek out to read, but in the end, I found the romance between Jonathan and Sumner believable. Perhaps I couldn't overcome the obvious ick factor 100% (not even the age-gap thing because I don't care about that but like the fact that Jonathan literally was there in Sumner's life since she was born and yeah, how do you go from that to lust/love? *shudders*) but I was sold on their love.
The relationship was handled well, imo. Just the fact that Sumner and Jonathan meet again only after years when she graduates college (and they haven't seen each other since she was like 17-18) and Jonathan is able to see her kind of as this new, adult person helps a lot with the aforementioned ick factor (at least for me it does). They really have this connection and ease between them, and while it's certainly a romance with a forbidden relationship vibe, it's not really handled as something "taboo" or illicit. It's just two people finding something amazing in each other while being in their unfortunate circumstances.
I also thought that the inevitable reveal of their relationship was quite realistic - how Sumner's family, especially her dad, coped with that and how it took time to re-establish trust in those relationships.
Anyway - this series has been full of positive surprises and me enjoying this story was one of them xD
April 21, 2021
It's Inevitable that I loved this book!
I am loving the age gap trope and this story was perfect! It was forbidden and steamy and everything you could hope for. Johnathan Wolfe has known Sumner since she was born. After not seeing her for years she becomes his summer intern. Sumner has had a crush on her Dad's best friend for a long time and when they finally come together the sparks fly!
So many good moments between these two but it isn't always fun and games with this type of situation. I thought their story was well written and I enjoyed these two as a couple. Great book!
I am loving the age gap trope and this story was perfect! It was forbidden and steamy and everything you could hope for. Johnathan Wolfe has known Sumner since she was born. After not seeing her for years she becomes his summer intern. Sumner has had a crush on her Dad's best friend for a long time and when they finally come together the sparks fly!
So many good moments between these two but it isn't always fun and games with this type of situation. I thought their story was well written and I enjoyed these two as a couple. Great book!
May 11, 2021
Holy hotness Batman. Someone needs to hose down my scorched panties cuz daaaamn 🔥🔥 the may December, taboo ness of it all had me reading while trying to cover my eyes. You know that eye cover when something is crawling towards you and you’re afraid but eager foe it too?!? Just me??? Jenna Hartley nailed the forbidden attraction and hear that these teo emitted perfectly and I was addicted from the get go!
May 23, 2021
4-4.5 Solid Stars
I really really liked this book. For me, I guess I was missing just a little bit "more". Sex was awesome and both characters Sumner and Jonathan were great too but I was just missing something I can't quite put try finger on but all in all great read:)
I really really liked this book. For me, I guess I was missing just a little bit "more". Sex was awesome and both characters Sumner and Jonathan were great too but I was just missing something I can't quite put try finger on but all in all great read:)
Read
June 1, 2021DNF @25%
March 31, 2022
can't think of a single quote to insert.
if me pushing through this shit doesn't tell you how much i hate myself, nothing ever will. the only good thing about this mess is piper.
September 25, 2022
forgot I read this one before having a goodreads account. love a good forbidden, dad’s best friend, office romance
April 28, 2021
Inevitable by Jenna Hartley is an age gap romance. It is sweet, loving and heartbreaking all at the same time
There has not been a single book I’ve read of Jenna’s which I have not enjoyed thoroughly.
If you like a forbidden love affair with angst and feelings, this is the book for you.
There has not been a single book I’ve read of Jenna’s which I have not enjoyed thoroughly.
If you like a forbidden love affair with angst and feelings, this is the book for you.
June 10, 2021
I am a sucker for age-gab romance and this one had me glued to it. I only put the book down once to go check on my son. Jonathan was sweet and thoughtful. I have a new book boyfriend.
December 3, 2021
Age gap, dads best friend, forbidden. Hot chemistry. Angsty. What more could a girl ask for? I loved this story!
May 14, 2023
***DNF at 26(ish)%***
This was my second title by this author after really enjoying my first. (A forbidden, age gap, ex boyfriend's father story in which the heroine had a sexual relationship with both...at different times but one occurring before the timeline of the story.)
I'm providing those details to make it really clear that it wasn't the forbidden of this that was the problem, it was how the story unfolded.
It wasn't a win for me. I don't usually fully review titles I don't finish but in this one I really wanted to say why I officially gave up and jumped to the end, skimming and skipping everything after 26%.
In order for a forbidden age gap to work you have to believe in the characters you have in the present. It's a fantasy. There's a reason this doesn't happen all that often in the real world. It does, absolutely, but the balance has to work for it to have a chance or no one is ever going to get past the history.
The balance of this one was off. You don't meet these characters in the world where they are attracted to one another as adults. You meet Wolfe when he's talking to Sumners father about her. You meet her when she's talking to her father about Wolfe.
Right from the beginning the relationship that's being cemented in the mind of the reader is that she is so much younger than him that he was around to watch her strip naked as a toddler and run into the ocean. That was the point I started skimming this one.
And if that wasn't bad enough, the number of references to him being old enough to have changed her diapers were off putting to say the least.
This book, at least in my opinion, was turning from a romance to a V. C. Andrews title rapidly. Not that there's anything wrong with those books, they just aren't what anyone would call a HEA romance.
Nope.
I get it. I do. Forbidden is exactly that. Age gap is absolutely about characters who were in high school or college when the other was born. And I'm there for that.
But it has to be written in such a way that you forget that the characters have this past that makes it forbidden and usually this is done by focusing the narrative on the present. The problem here was that too much time was spent reminding me why they were forbidden, and not enough was spent showing me why they were perfect. As a result, I just couldn't get past the idea that he could have changed her diapers.
Was this realistic? Sure. I guess. But if the characters are stuck on that part of their past, how is the reader supposed to not get stuck there as well?
I'm unable to recommend this title.
This was my second title by this author after really enjoying my first. (A forbidden, age gap, ex boyfriend's father story in which the heroine had a sexual relationship with both...at different times but one occurring before the timeline of the story.)
I'm providing those details to make it really clear that it wasn't the forbidden of this that was the problem, it was how the story unfolded.
It wasn't a win for me. I don't usually fully review titles I don't finish but in this one I really wanted to say why I officially gave up and jumped to the end, skimming and skipping everything after 26%.
In order for a forbidden age gap to work you have to believe in the characters you have in the present. It's a fantasy. There's a reason this doesn't happen all that often in the real world. It does, absolutely, but the balance has to work for it to have a chance or no one is ever going to get past the history.
The balance of this one was off. You don't meet these characters in the world where they are attracted to one another as adults. You meet Wolfe when he's talking to Sumners father about her. You meet her when she's talking to her father about Wolfe.
Right from the beginning the relationship that's being cemented in the mind of the reader is that she is so much younger than him that he was around to watch her strip naked as a toddler and run into the ocean. That was the point I started skimming this one.
And if that wasn't bad enough, the number of references to him being old enough to have changed her diapers were off putting to say the least.
This book, at least in my opinion, was turning from a romance to a V. C. Andrews title rapidly. Not that there's anything wrong with those books, they just aren't what anyone would call a HEA romance.
Nope.
I get it. I do. Forbidden is exactly that. Age gap is absolutely about characters who were in high school or college when the other was born. And I'm there for that.
But it has to be written in such a way that you forget that the characters have this past that makes it forbidden and usually this is done by focusing the narrative on the present. The problem here was that too much time was spent reminding me why they were forbidden, and not enough was spent showing me why they were perfect. As a result, I just couldn't get past the idea that he could have changed her diapers.
Was this realistic? Sure. I guess. But if the characters are stuck on that part of their past, how is the reader supposed to not get stuck there as well?
I'm unable to recommend this title.
April 19, 2021
If you read I Have Lived and I Have Loved anthology, then you are familiar with Sumner and Johnathan's story, Inevitable was featured in it. Inevitable is a standalone and book #4 in Love in LA series. It's a office, forbidden and age gap romance novel. Up until recently, I wasn't really reading this trope, age gap romances. However, once I started to read this trope, it definitely grew on me. Another trope that I've easily come to love. I was really impressed at how Jenna Hartley brought this plot to life! While I was reading, it didn't make me feel uncomfortable at all. Hence, the heroine, Sumner is twenty years younger than Johnathan (hero) and he is her father's best friend. The storyline unfolded amazingly! I absolutely loved the main characters relationship dynamics with each other. At how easily they got along with each other, and they can see through their facades, that they have up. Both Sumner and Johnathan are having an internal battle with themselves. They both feel the pull, spark and chemistry that they have for each other. But both of them are afraid to give in, because they know it's wrong. And their chemistry! It's very, very steamy! A read that pleasantly surprised me, to say the very least! If you are a fan of this type of trope, you should consider picking this one up!
Sumner can be seen as a people pleaser. She tends to put other peoples' priorities first, especially, the ones closest to her, rather then looking out for number one, herself. Sumner is fed up; she has finally decided that now her priorities and happiness are important. Hence, she just got out of a bad relationship and more than anything she want to focus on herself. Johnathan has everything he could possibly want in his life, yet he seems unsatisfied. He is always wanting more; he strives for success, always aiming for his goals, nothing seems to be enough for him. However, he feels hollow
, empty, like something is missing and he can't put his finger around it. What is the missing piece? That changes after he spends more time with Sumner. And he finally begins to see through his chaotic life; what he actually wants from his life. Yes, there's a big age difference between them. Yet, they can truly understand one another. While others ignore their telltale signs, both Sumner and Johnathan can easily see through their defences.
After ending her relationship with her boyfriend, Sumner returns home to L.A. She dreams of opening up her own Life Coach business one day. Johnathan Wolfe owns a successful real estate company. Sumner and Johnathan know each other pretty well, hence Sumner's father is Johnathan's best friend. But they haven't seen each other for a while now. And when they meet again, you could say that there's an undeniable attraction; tension so thick you can almost cut it with a knife. No matter how much Sumner and Johnathan fight it, they eventually give in, after all its inevitable.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Sumner can be seen as a people pleaser. She tends to put other peoples' priorities first, especially, the ones closest to her, rather then looking out for number one, herself. Sumner is fed up; she has finally decided that now her priorities and happiness are important. Hence, she just got out of a bad relationship and more than anything she want to focus on herself. Johnathan has everything he could possibly want in his life, yet he seems unsatisfied. He is always wanting more; he strives for success, always aiming for his goals, nothing seems to be enough for him. However, he feels hollow
, empty, like something is missing and he can't put his finger around it. What is the missing piece? That changes after he spends more time with Sumner. And he finally begins to see through his chaotic life; what he actually wants from his life. Yes, there's a big age difference between them. Yet, they can truly understand one another. While others ignore their telltale signs, both Sumner and Johnathan can easily see through their defences.
After ending her relationship with her boyfriend, Sumner returns home to L.A. She dreams of opening up her own Life Coach business one day. Johnathan Wolfe owns a successful real estate company. Sumner and Johnathan know each other pretty well, hence Sumner's father is Johnathan's best friend. But they haven't seen each other for a while now. And when they meet again, you could say that there's an undeniable attraction; tension so thick you can almost cut it with a knife. No matter how much Sumner and Johnathan fight it, they eventually give in, after all its inevitable.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
April 8, 2021
There was a push and pull in almost every page in this book. It wasn’t over the top, and truly quite realistic in the way that Harley portrays the relationship between Sumner and Jonathan. These two were truly destined to be together, but there was a toxicity to their relationship because of outside factors. Sumner was understanding in the way the world works even at her age, while Jonathan had this skewed view of how things should be. It was as though Sumner was the older of the duo because of the great amount of fear that Jonathan held through a lot of their relationship. There comes a point where they finally find that balance, but then other things go by the wayside and there is a push and pull there. While it seems like this is full of angst, it is organically earned ups and downs. None feels forced and if you love a silver fox...this book is for you.
April 21, 2021
Jenna Hartley's romances are my happy place -- and INEVITABLE is a welcomed addition! Sumner is an incredible heroine, who has big dreams of running a life coaching business. She loves helping other people see their potential. Now only if she can convince those around her to see hers! When Sumner takes an internship at The Wolfe Group, a commercial real estate firm run by Jonathan Wolfe, she doesn't expect to get too much out of it. Jonathan is her father's best friend, after all, and she sees taking the internship as doing her father a favor. (Never mind that she's always had a crush on Jonathan...) But what happens when the bond between boss and intern deepens and blossoms into something more? INEVITABLE is told in alternating POV chapters, and I couldn't put it down! Sumner's and Jonathan's voices are distinct and honest. They're both characters with depth; they have dreams and desires, but they have insecurities and shortcomings, too. I loved following their journey together, but I also enjoyed following them on their personal journeys. INEVITABLE is another amazing addition to the Love in LA series! Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review.
April 21, 2021
Question: How many would jeopardize there relationship with there father for a long time crush/friend of their fathers?
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Definitely I personally wouldn't think I had the guts the Sumner and Johnathan did. I'm daddys girl, thru and thru.
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Jenna did a amazing job with this one. Definitely had me connect with Sumner right from the beginning. I mean who didn't have a crush with a older cousin friend or family friend. 🙋♀️🙋♂️
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Show your hands.
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This book had passion and fire, family, love. Not counting your favorite girl guest stars Piper and Alexis. Johnathan also mentions my love. (Preston)😍😍🥞🥞 I just love so many things about this book I don't where to start. You should definitely pick this book up.
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Ratings:
🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕
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Definitely I personally wouldn't think I had the guts the Sumner and Johnathan did. I'm daddys girl, thru and thru.
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Jenna did a amazing job with this one. Definitely had me connect with Sumner right from the beginning. I mean who didn't have a crush with a older cousin friend or family friend. 🙋♀️🙋♂️
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Show your hands.
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This book had passion and fire, family, love. Not counting your favorite girl guest stars Piper and Alexis. Johnathan also mentions my love. (Preston)😍😍🥞🥞 I just love so many things about this book I don't where to start. You should definitely pick this book up.
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Ratings:
🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕
March 25, 2025
4 ⭐️/2 🌶️
Age gap. Father’s best friend. Boss! Jenna delivered with the tropes.
Jonathan is the man Sumner has been dreaming about for years. Sumner is no stranger to dating older men (hello college professor) but she has always thought of Jonathan. So for the summer, her dad gets her an internship before her masters program and sparks behind to fly. Sumner is a strong and intelligent FMC and Jonathan is the golden retriever with a naughty side that will do anything for her or to her. 🤭
Highly recommend this one for my age gap book trope friends.
Also I met her at Magic with the Belles and she is literally one of the kindest people ever. She listen to you and share the perfect book of hers for you. She did that for me!
Age gap. Father’s best friend. Boss! Jenna delivered with the tropes.
Jonathan is the man Sumner has been dreaming about for years. Sumner is no stranger to dating older men (hello college professor) but she has always thought of Jonathan. So for the summer, her dad gets her an internship before her masters program and sparks behind to fly. Sumner is a strong and intelligent FMC and Jonathan is the golden retriever with a naughty side that will do anything for her or to her. 🤭
Highly recommend this one for my age gap book trope friends.
Also I met her at Magic with the Belles and she is literally one of the kindest people ever. She listen to you and share the perfect book of hers for you. She did that for me!
May 25, 2021
4.5, i loved this one sooo much! sumner and jonathan deserved everything!
full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPTJ-imrz_d/
full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPTJ-imrz_d/
February 9, 2022
This book was not my normal read. I am a dark romance fan but I like a good age gap and this one is dad's best friend so I was intrigued.
Sumner has known Jonathan her whole life and has had a crush on him pretty much the whole time. But she's been away a couple years and was with a real douche that used to be her professor.
Her dad convinces her to spend the summer at home and convinces his best friend to take her on as an intern and convinces her to take it.
They end up on a business trip away which changes everything. One night they let those doubts and reasons why they shouldn't go and forget them. They give in to their hunger for each other. But what happens after that? Can they go back to how they were?
This is an up and down, back and forth, 2nd, 3rd chance romance 🤣.
But it was so good. The sex top notch, Jonathan can get it for being twice her age and he ain't afraid to talk dirty either.
Sumner has known Jonathan her whole life and has had a crush on him pretty much the whole time. But she's been away a couple years and was with a real douche that used to be her professor.
Her dad convinces her to spend the summer at home and convinces his best friend to take her on as an intern and convinces her to take it.
They end up on a business trip away which changes everything. One night they let those doubts and reasons why they shouldn't go and forget them. They give in to their hunger for each other. But what happens after that? Can they go back to how they were?
This is an up and down, back and forth, 2nd, 3rd chance romance 🤣.
But it was so good. The sex top notch, Jonathan can get it for being twice her age and he ain't afraid to talk dirty either.
April 23, 2021
If you love novels revolving around tropes such as Forbidden, Age-Gap, and Office romance standards… look no further, this may just be the one for you!
In My Own Words:
Inevitable is the fourth book in Jenna Hartley’s Love In LA series. As far as I’m aware, each book in this series can be read as a standalone.
Jonathan live’s his life from day to day putting his all into his business and his projects. He not only owns one of the most successful commercial real estate business, one he built from the ground up. He also has a passion for flipping houses. But lately, with everything going on in his life, he’s found himself to be slightly burned out. That is, until a raven locked beauty walks back into his life.
Sumner is through living her life to other people’s standards. She’s through with hiding relationships, and sneaking around. She’s down with giving her all to men, and getting nothing in return. Which leads to the main reason Sumner is returning to LA and there she will stay with her dad until the summer is over. Sumner has always has had an attraction towards Jonathan, her father’s best friend. Throughout her life she chalked her attraction up to being a simple crush.
Now, as a favor to her father, Sumner has agreed to intern for Jonathan for the summer. And the two are about to realize, playing with fire can’t be all that bad… especially when it feels so right
My Thoughts:
Usually, I don’t find myself reaching for Age Gap Romances, but lately I’ve been feeling the overwhelming urge to binge all the forbidden tropes. I think I’m looking for an epic ‘rip my heart from my chest and stomp on it’ read. While this one didn’t bring the tears to my eyes or cause my heart a breakdown, I still really enjoyed it. Inevitable is the first book I read by Jenna Hartley, and I’m really happy I started this journey through her work with this exact book.
For starters, the relationship between Jonathan and Sumner isn’t without flaws and I loved how Hartley approached all of those exact flaws. Relationships don’t come without their challenges, and these two have challenges thrown at them throughout the whole novel, but throughout the novel I never once questioned the chemistry they had with one another. Jonathan and Sumner meshed in so many ways.
I loved Sumner and her new found ability to go after what she wanted, but beneath the surface there was always a sense of insecurity and need for approval from everyone around her, especially her father. And given the fact that she is dating a man twenty years her senior…. And that man also happens to be her dad’s best friend…. There is an underlying air through this novel that speaks trouble and heartbreak. I knew from the start their situation wouldn’t be all rainbows and unicorn hearts… Jenna Hartley took a fictional situation and gave it to reality. The vibes through this novel felt like it was pulled from someone’s real life.
The connection and the battle for Jonathan and his feelings for Sumner was my favorite moment. I loved the vulnerability this strong man brought to the story. The battle he fought daily within himself throughout this novel had me on the edge of my seat. I literally felt so sad for this man, he knew what he wanted was wrong, but how can something so wrong feel so damn right and life altering. It’s a moment of seeing someone and knowing you’ll never be the same again that really dug it’s claws in me.
I do have to say, I loved the characters, the premise, and the end game.. I, however, wanted a little more from these two, on a non sexual level. I needed more of a ‘getting to know the older you period’. And I felt like I didn’t get as much of those moments as I would have liked. I also didn’t care too much for the way Ian (Sumner’s dad) was trying to butt his nose in Jonathan’s business as if he were a child and not his best friend. These few moments had me seriously rolling my eyes. And that is why I gave this novel a four star rating.
I’m excited to see, and read, more novels from Jenna Hartley in the future. I’m also intrigued to find what else she brings to the table!
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July 12, 2021
My first read from this author but definitely, not the last. I thought that I should start with that. This book is not what I was expecting, I'm always into a good story and this was an age gap one with a little mildly drama and slow-burn romance.
Sumner is a 23-year-old student who is just got out of a bad relationship and moves back home for the summer.
Jonathan is a 44-year-old businessman and Sumner's father's best friend, he practically knows her since she was born, she even used to have a crush on him when she was a teenager.
When she starts to work for Jonathan for the summer, that's where the story really begins and I think that for now, everybody can guess where we are heading.
Their relationship is doomed from the beginning, is forbidden from every aspect, he is 21 years older than her, and still, they can't stay away from each other. They haven't seen each other since she went away from college, but once they lay eyes on each other again, is like kismet.
I liked Sumner and Jonathan together, despite their age difference, they were perfect together and complete each other so well.
She is insecure about her life and needs someone who loves her and motivates her and he is a successful businessman who has everything that he wants but somehow, he feels that something is missing from his life, he is not happy.
When I read a book about a forbidden relationship, I want to feel that angst and forbidden aspect of it and with this book, I did. That push and pull were so well written. I could feel the tension in every chapter and I was waiting so bad when they are going to act on their feelings.
Their fear and struggle were so palpable and once they start a secret affair, their guilt overcomes them because they didn't want to hurt some people, especially her father who is also his best friend.
It's a slow-burn romance, we got to see their interaction and how they fight to stay away from each other.
The book is told from Summer and Jonathan's point of view which is perfect. This way, we know them better.
I said at the beginning that is a mild drama because the story focuses more on the forbidden aspect of their relationship, there is no OW or OM drama. Of course, we get a little action in the end with her father because it would have been boring without but I like how they manage their feelings and stay strong against the people who judge them.
The end was so nice, I would have loved to see their lives after some years, but still, it was very cute to see their HEA.
Sumner is a 23-year-old student who is just got out of a bad relationship and moves back home for the summer.
Jonathan is a 44-year-old businessman and Sumner's father's best friend, he practically knows her since she was born, she even used to have a crush on him when she was a teenager.
When she starts to work for Jonathan for the summer, that's where the story really begins and I think that for now, everybody can guess where we are heading.
Their relationship is doomed from the beginning, is forbidden from every aspect, he is 21 years older than her, and still, they can't stay away from each other. They haven't seen each other since she went away from college, but once they lay eyes on each other again, is like kismet.
I liked Sumner and Jonathan together, despite their age difference, they were perfect together and complete each other so well.
She is insecure about her life and needs someone who loves her and motivates her and he is a successful businessman who has everything that he wants but somehow, he feels that something is missing from his life, he is not happy.
When I read a book about a forbidden relationship, I want to feel that angst and forbidden aspect of it and with this book, I did. That push and pull were so well written. I could feel the tension in every chapter and I was waiting so bad when they are going to act on their feelings.
Their fear and struggle were so palpable and once they start a secret affair, their guilt overcomes them because they didn't want to hurt some people, especially her father who is also his best friend.
It's a slow-burn romance, we got to see their interaction and how they fight to stay away from each other.
The book is told from Summer and Jonathan's point of view which is perfect. This way, we know them better.
I said at the beginning that is a mild drama because the story focuses more on the forbidden aspect of their relationship, there is no OW or OM drama. Of course, we get a little action in the end with her father because it would have been boring without but I like how they manage their feelings and stay strong against the people who judge them.
The end was so nice, I would have loved to see their lives after some years, but still, it was very cute to see their HEA.
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