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Love at First Kiss
Changing the Game
In high school, I was the nerdy guy. The nice guy. The chubby guy. I didn't know crap about athletics or girls. But I had my eye on Lidia Hightower. She was kind and smart and beautiful. And with the wrong guy. Nothing I could do about it since she'd never look at a guy like me. Even after I saved her from a grave mistake. Years later with my transfer to Thackeray College comes a second chance I never thought I'd have when Lidia's here, too. Well this time I'm not going to blow it.
In high school, I was the popular girl. The society girl. The one who had it all. I even dated the wrong guy because it presented a better image. But I was done with that. I was over doing what was expected and ready to do what I wanted. Who would have thought what I wanted was Cooper Stevens, the sweet boy who championed me when my friends abandoned me? The cute high school boy who grew into a fine college man but probably wouldn't look twice at me now. Only one way to find out...
***
This standalone novella is part of a multi-author new adult steamy contemporary romance series set on a college campus in New England where twelve couples will fall in love at first kiss.
In high school, I was the popular girl. The society girl. The one who had it all. I even dated the wrong guy because it presented a better image. But I was done with that. I was over doing what was expected and ready to do what I wanted. Who would have thought what I wanted was Cooper Stevens, the sweet boy who championed me when my friends abandoned me? The cute high school boy who grew into a fine college man but probably wouldn't look twice at me now. Only one way to find out...
***
This standalone novella is part of a multi-author new adult steamy contemporary romance series set on a college campus in New England where twelve couples will fall in love at first kiss.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Laura M. Baird
48 books1,361 followersRomance author bringing readers stories about contemporary issues, filled with love, hope, humor, and emotion. When not writing my next adventure, I'm enjoying time with family in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 6, 2021
Beauty and the geek have history, but can they also have a future?
I really enjoyed this second chance romance and was impressed with the complex themes weaved into this short story. Cooper is sweet and heroic, while Lidia is very likable and has real depth despite being a former popular girl. I like how they both put their cards out on the table right away, no games. The author did a great job using relatable and realistic dialogue and captured the college atmosphere perfectly.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance and was impressed with the complex themes weaved into this short story. Cooper is sweet and heroic, while Lidia is very likable and has real depth despite being a former popular girl. I like how they both put their cards out on the table right away, no games. The author did a great job using relatable and realistic dialogue and captured the college atmosphere perfectly.
September 1, 2021
Hooray! The nerd gets the girl! Laura did a wonderful job with Cooper and Lidia's story. Changing the Game is a sweet and sexy read. Highly recommend.
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August 1, 2021One month until my second chance college romance releases in the Love at First Kiss world. All-new standalone yet interconnected novellas that are steamy and fun!
Enjoy a teaser as Cooper and Lidia reunite at Thackeray College:
Van advances to the counter with me hanging behind him as I fish my wallet out of my bag.
"Welcome, beautiful barista," he croons, making me roll my eyes. "Why no name tag? How else am I gonna know how to address my future wife?"
Jesus, he's really laying it on thick. First he says he's too young to settle down, now this. If the girl has half a brain, she'll be rolling her eyes as well. I don't hear any giggles or laughter as I finally pull out my wallet and slip my card from its slot. I have yet to look at the girl, but after an awkward silence, I hear Van chuckle.
"Well, that's a shame Ms. Lidia I'm-not-your-future-wife. You're missing out."
My heads whips up just as I see Lidia – my Lidia – smirking. She's holding a piece of paper in front of her as if it's her name tag and it reads exactly what Van just said: Lidia I'm-not-your-future-wife. "Maybe, but–" She gasps when she looks over Van's shoulder, her wide-eyed gaze landing on me.
Does she really recognize me? After seven years? I don't look anything like I used to in high school.
"C-Cooper?" The whisper of my name from her causes Van to whip his head around to me. His curious stare toggles back and forth between me and Lidia.
"You know my boy, Coop?"
I'm instantly lost in those caramel eyes that still threaten to turn me into a blubbering idiot. So I remain quiet as I look her over, and damn, she's even more beautiful than I remember. Her shiny brown hair is much shorter than in high school, barely reaching her shoulders. The cut looks really good on her; sleek, I guessed I'd call it. Her dimpled cheeks grow pinker with each passing second. My eyes lock on her tongue moistening her plump lips; lips I've only dreamed of tasting.
Before any fantasy can materialize in my mind, Van startles me with a slap on my shoulder.
"Coop, buddy, you been holding out on me. You said you didn't have time for a girlfriend."
Lidia's eyes widen as her lips part before swiftly closing again. I break the tether between us by facing my roommate. "I, uh, I..."
He gives my shoulder a squeeze before dropping his hand. "Hey, I get it. A lady as lovely as Lidia, no way I'd share either."
"Van." I grit my teeth but get no further when he turns to Lidia and places our order. It takes her a moment before she's ringing it up, blinking rapidly and shaking her head. Van pays for both of us then steps to the side to wait. I feel his stare in our direction, but my view doesn't waver as I keep my eyes on my high school crush.
My body reacts on its own before my brain engages and I step to her, needing to be closer. Only two feet of counter space separates us and it's still too far. Lidia tips her head up to look at me as I smile down at her.
"Cooper Stevens," she whispers again.
"Lidia Hightower."
Enjoy a teaser as Cooper and Lidia reunite at Thackeray College:
Van advances to the counter with me hanging behind him as I fish my wallet out of my bag.
"Welcome, beautiful barista," he croons, making me roll my eyes. "Why no name tag? How else am I gonna know how to address my future wife?"
Jesus, he's really laying it on thick. First he says he's too young to settle down, now this. If the girl has half a brain, she'll be rolling her eyes as well. I don't hear any giggles or laughter as I finally pull out my wallet and slip my card from its slot. I have yet to look at the girl, but after an awkward silence, I hear Van chuckle.
"Well, that's a shame Ms. Lidia I'm-not-your-future-wife. You're missing out."
My heads whips up just as I see Lidia – my Lidia – smirking. She's holding a piece of paper in front of her as if it's her name tag and it reads exactly what Van just said: Lidia I'm-not-your-future-wife. "Maybe, but–" She gasps when she looks over Van's shoulder, her wide-eyed gaze landing on me.
Does she really recognize me? After seven years? I don't look anything like I used to in high school.
"C-Cooper?" The whisper of my name from her causes Van to whip his head around to me. His curious stare toggles back and forth between me and Lidia.
"You know my boy, Coop?"
I'm instantly lost in those caramel eyes that still threaten to turn me into a blubbering idiot. So I remain quiet as I look her over, and damn, she's even more beautiful than I remember. Her shiny brown hair is much shorter than in high school, barely reaching her shoulders. The cut looks really good on her; sleek, I guessed I'd call it. Her dimpled cheeks grow pinker with each passing second. My eyes lock on her tongue moistening her plump lips; lips I've only dreamed of tasting.
Before any fantasy can materialize in my mind, Van startles me with a slap on my shoulder.
"Coop, buddy, you been holding out on me. You said you didn't have time for a girlfriend."
Lidia's eyes widen as her lips part before swiftly closing again. I break the tether between us by facing my roommate. "I, uh, I..."
He gives my shoulder a squeeze before dropping his hand. "Hey, I get it. A lady as lovely as Lidia, no way I'd share either."
"Van." I grit my teeth but get no further when he turns to Lidia and places our order. It takes her a moment before she's ringing it up, blinking rapidly and shaking her head. Van pays for both of us then steps to the side to wait. I feel his stare in our direction, but my view doesn't waver as I keep my eyes on my high school crush.
My body reacts on its own before my brain engages and I step to her, needing to be closer. Only two feet of counter space separates us and it's still too far. Lidia tips her head up to look at me as I smile down at her.
"Cooper Stevens," she whispers again.
"Lidia Hightower."
July 26, 2022
I always know I can't go wrong when I read a book by Laura. Her characters are so engaging, with great storylines, and the right amount of spice.
I like that in this story, Cooper had been the nerd and not the jock. Which as it was revealed later after Cooper had grown up into a man that "nerds" can be sexy too. I felt the instant chemistry between Cooper and Lidia.
These two make a cute couple. Also, can I just take a moment to comment on the love scenes. They were spicy morsels that I loved every moment of. If you have not read a book by Laura, I suggest you give this one a try. Changing the Game is a fun, quick, steamy read!
I like that in this story, Cooper had been the nerd and not the jock. Which as it was revealed later after Cooper had grown up into a man that "nerds" can be sexy too. I felt the instant chemistry between Cooper and Lidia.
These two make a cute couple. Also, can I just take a moment to comment on the love scenes. They were spicy morsels that I loved every moment of. If you have not read a book by Laura, I suggest you give this one a try. Changing the Game is a fun, quick, steamy read!
October 7, 2021
Cooper and Lidia knew each other in high school, but not well. She was popular and he was the class nerd, but something unbreakable is forged when Cooper saves her from her own no-good boyfriend.
Years later, Cooper is finishing up his degree at Thackery college, becoming the computer scientist he was always meant to be. He also runs and hits the gym, something he didn’t do in high school. He runs into Lydia, who has her own baggage.
I absolutely love Cooper and Lidia, both as individuals and together. It was so sweet to watch them run into each other, then hot as sparks ignite between them. I was rooting for them even before they share their first swoony kiss.
One of the things I truly enjoyed was the theme of this book, about how the past stays with us and can try to knife us in the back just when we think we’re free of it. It’s a really well-done bit of plot that drives home the second chance romance for these two.
I really love the cover of this story. It would have drawn me in even if I hadn’t planned to read it because of the author.
There’s a lot of New England college in autumn atmosphere in this book, along with plenty of delicious coffee I could practically smell. You’ll enjoy your time in the pages of this book!
A wonderful story from a one-click for me author!
Years later, Cooper is finishing up his degree at Thackery college, becoming the computer scientist he was always meant to be. He also runs and hits the gym, something he didn’t do in high school. He runs into Lydia, who has her own baggage.
I absolutely love Cooper and Lidia, both as individuals and together. It was so sweet to watch them run into each other, then hot as sparks ignite between them. I was rooting for them even before they share their first swoony kiss.
One of the things I truly enjoyed was the theme of this book, about how the past stays with us and can try to knife us in the back just when we think we’re free of it. It’s a really well-done bit of plot that drives home the second chance romance for these two.
I really love the cover of this story. It would have drawn me in even if I hadn’t planned to read it because of the author.
There’s a lot of New England college in autumn atmosphere in this book, along with plenty of delicious coffee I could practically smell. You’ll enjoy your time in the pages of this book!
A wonderful story from a one-click for me author!
October 25, 2021
Lydia and Cooper
Cooper was a nerd in high school, overweight, and not fit; yet he came to know Lydia - the popular girl. One day he overhears her boyfriend come up with a plan to get her drunk. Horrified Cooper goes to the party and tries to stop any harm coming to her. Cooper is badly bashed and they never see each other again. Fast forward many years and Cooper has walked into a coffee shop- behind the counter is Lydia. Lydia is floored when she sees him again - he's completely changed physically...
Really enjoyed reading this engaging, entertaining, and compelling story of second chances and a good guy finishing first. The characters are likeable relatable and have interesting backstories. Told from dual POVs reveals intimately their thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they explore their relationship. There's an epilogue and a HEA 💓
Cooper was a nerd in high school, overweight, and not fit; yet he came to know Lydia - the popular girl. One day he overhears her boyfriend come up with a plan to get her drunk. Horrified Cooper goes to the party and tries to stop any harm coming to her. Cooper is badly bashed and they never see each other again. Fast forward many years and Cooper has walked into a coffee shop- behind the counter is Lydia. Lydia is floored when she sees him again - he's completely changed physically...
Really enjoyed reading this engaging, entertaining, and compelling story of second chances and a good guy finishing first. The characters are likeable relatable and have interesting backstories. Told from dual POVs reveals intimately their thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they explore their relationship. There's an epilogue and a HEA 💓
February 19, 2023
This was such a cute, quick, fun read! I loved the characters. Definitely will be checking out more of this author's work!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews