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Rae:
What’s that phrase?
Drastic times call for drastic measures?
I thought moving home to face my demons would be drastic enough, but then Jared James Jensen decides to hijack my road trip. The bane of my existence with his mesmerizing eyes and his annoying smirk. Not to mention the cocky flirts that seem to leave his mouth every chance he gets.
I should say no.
I should kick him out of the car.
But he just won’t take no for an answer.
Jensen:
What’s that phrase?
Drastic times call for drastic measures?
Well, my life is in desperate need of some change. My best friend says I need a break. A distraction to clear my head. Rae Stafford is not exactly what I had in mind with her poised attitude and perfectly styled hair. But she’s the only one who might be able to fix some of the mess I’m in.
She can tell me no.
She can try to kick me out of the car.
But I won’t take no for an answer.
What’s that phrase?
Drastic times call for drastic measures?
I thought moving home to face my demons would be drastic enough, but then Jared James Jensen decides to hijack my road trip. The bane of my existence with his mesmerizing eyes and his annoying smirk. Not to mention the cocky flirts that seem to leave his mouth every chance he gets.
I should say no.
I should kick him out of the car.
But he just won’t take no for an answer.
Jensen:
What’s that phrase?
Drastic times call for drastic measures?
Well, my life is in desperate need of some change. My best friend says I need a break. A distraction to clear my head. Rae Stafford is not exactly what I had in mind with her poised attitude and perfectly styled hair. But she’s the only one who might be able to fix some of the mess I’m in.
She can tell me no.
She can try to kick me out of the car.
But I won’t take no for an answer.
416 pages, ebook
First published January 27, 2022
132 people are currently reading
1177 people want to read
About the author
B. Lustig
5 books76 followersBillie Lustig is a Dutch girl who has always had a thing with words: either she couldn't shut up, or she was writing an adventure stuck in her head. She's pretty straightforward, can be a pain in the ass & is allergic to bullshit, but most of all, she's a sucker for love. She is happily married to her own alpha male who taught her the truest thing about love: when it's real, you can't walk away. She created B. Lustig to make it clear to her readers it's a contemporary romance, while her books published through Billie Lustig are darker romance coming with a trigger warning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 11, 2022
DNF.
I wish to all that is mighty that these "writers" get a clue of what a "ROMANCE" is!
SAFETY: IMO, NOT safe!
I wish to all that is mighty that these "writers" get a clue of what a "ROMANCE" is!
SAFETY: IMO, NOT safe!
January 24, 2022
9 by Billie Lustig is the second book in her Numbers Series. This book was beautiful! 9 is about Rae and Jensen's story. I absolutely loved them; they have the best banter and the chemistry between them is off the charts.
Since she was younger, Rae was a little rebel, so her Uncle dragged her across the country to Los Angeles to work for the LA Knights. She works as a PR specialist for the LA Knights. Jensen is one of the LA Knights, and he is her biggest problem child; Rae always cleans up his public stunts. After five great years with the LA, Knights she's moving back home to North Carolina. Jensen and his best friend Bodi decide to come along for the ride. As they travel across the country, there is no denying their feelings for one another. The only problem is they are both scared to admit they like each other.
That car scene, oh my goodness!! 🔥🥵❤️
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every minute. While this book is definitely a slow burn, it is so worth the wait at the end. Billie, I can't wait to read more of your books.
Can we get a Bodi book, please?!
Since she was younger, Rae was a little rebel, so her Uncle dragged her across the country to Los Angeles to work for the LA Knights. She works as a PR specialist for the LA Knights. Jensen is one of the LA Knights, and he is her biggest problem child; Rae always cleans up his public stunts. After five great years with the LA, Knights she's moving back home to North Carolina. Jensen and his best friend Bodi decide to come along for the ride. As they travel across the country, there is no denying their feelings for one another. The only problem is they are both scared to admit they like each other.
That car scene, oh my goodness!! 🔥🥵❤️
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every minute. While this book is definitely a slow burn, it is so worth the wait at the end. Billie, I can't wait to read more of your books.
Can we get a Bodi book, please?!
April 29, 2022
The Passion, The Romance!!
5 stars
I want to keep kissing her forever. Claim her taste as mine from this day forward.
A hockey player? A road trip? Forced proximity? Ah yes, SIGN ME UP. Especially if it's from Billie Lustig. This book has all the freaking feels with it being cute and sexy and fun and literally everything in between. Jensen and Rae quickly burned up the pages with their simmering tension, boarderling from hate(ish) to love.
One question, how could they not fall in love with each other? Literally no way, being stuck in the car together while driving across the country, that right there is just asking for love. I loved the banter between Jensen and Rae, and even Bodi, Jensen’s best friend. The three of them formed such a special bond by the time the story was done.
Jensen is cocky and a player and Rae has her walls up high and insanely fierce, but they slowly start to fall. They begin with a deal of not falling in love in nine nights. But as each day turned to night, walls fell and moments became tender. I loved how you could see their character develop throughout the course of their story, molding into being someone who they wanna be, for them, for each other.
Of course, Billie’s books are never easy, setbacks and mistakes were made and in turn heartbreak became inevitable. But it also wouldn't be a Billie book if she didn't make the heroes make up for it. I mean, where can I find a man like Jensen!?
This book was a journey and I loved every damn second of it. FIlled with sassy, fun and heart pounding moments, 9 brings you everything you're looking for. Every side character was pure perfection, and the little cameos from Hunter and Char made me incredibly happy. Once again, Billie out did herself, and I can’t wait for 5!
5 stars
I want to keep kissing her forever. Claim her taste as mine from this day forward.
A hockey player? A road trip? Forced proximity? Ah yes, SIGN ME UP. Especially if it's from Billie Lustig. This book has all the freaking feels with it being cute and sexy and fun and literally everything in between. Jensen and Rae quickly burned up the pages with their simmering tension, boarderling from hate(ish) to love.
One question, how could they not fall in love with each other? Literally no way, being stuck in the car together while driving across the country, that right there is just asking for love. I loved the banter between Jensen and Rae, and even Bodi, Jensen’s best friend. The three of them formed such a special bond by the time the story was done.
Jensen is cocky and a player and Rae has her walls up high and insanely fierce, but they slowly start to fall. They begin with a deal of not falling in love in nine nights. But as each day turned to night, walls fell and moments became tender. I loved how you could see their character develop throughout the course of their story, molding into being someone who they wanna be, for them, for each other.
Of course, Billie’s books are never easy, setbacks and mistakes were made and in turn heartbreak became inevitable. But it also wouldn't be a Billie book if she didn't make the heroes make up for it. I mean, where can I find a man like Jensen!?
This book was a journey and I loved every damn second of it. FIlled with sassy, fun and heart pounding moments, 9 brings you everything you're looking for. Every side character was pure perfection, and the little cameos from Hunter and Char made me incredibly happy. Once again, Billie out did herself, and I can’t wait for 5!
January 18, 2022
Hot damn, Billie did it again…
After reading 8 I seriously fell in love with Billie’s writing and I could not wait to read 9. This book honestly gave me butterflies and I’m so frickin glad it exceeded my expectations.
Rae and Jensen’s story is like a perfect gift wrapped up in a pretty bow & I was obsessed with their relationship from the very beginning.
This contemporary romance had all the angst, flirty banter and emotion I love in a novel and I couldn’t get enough of it.
This book has:
-forced proximity
-enemies to lovers
-hockey player alpha
-sassy & strong heroine
-lots of angst
-lotsssss of spice
-flirty banter
-and all the feels 🙌🏼
Rae was a serious bad bitch, I loved her energy, I loved how she put Jensen in his place and I loved seeing their chemistry get stronger & stronger until it almost became unbearable 🥵
Also, if you’ve read 8 & loved it you’re going to loveee the surprise connection that pops up in 9 👀 ( I almost cried of happiness tbh)
Btw I would like to keep Jensen forever xo
After reading 8 I seriously fell in love with Billie’s writing and I could not wait to read 9. This book honestly gave me butterflies and I’m so frickin glad it exceeded my expectations.
Rae and Jensen’s story is like a perfect gift wrapped up in a pretty bow & I was obsessed with their relationship from the very beginning.
This contemporary romance had all the angst, flirty banter and emotion I love in a novel and I couldn’t get enough of it.
This book has:
-forced proximity
-enemies to lovers
-hockey player alpha
-sassy & strong heroine
-lots of angst
-lotsssss of spice
-flirty banter
-and all the feels 🙌🏼
Rae was a serious bad bitch, I loved her energy, I loved how she put Jensen in his place and I loved seeing their chemistry get stronger & stronger until it almost became unbearable 🥵
Also, if you’ve read 8 & loved it you’re going to loveee the surprise connection that pops up in 9 👀 ( I almost cried of happiness tbh)
Btw I would like to keep Jensen forever xo
January 30, 2022
Well, I thought nothing could top 8 but then I read 9 and well, I’m sorry Hunter and Charlotte.. I bloody love you but I think Jensen and Rae are it for me!🙊
This book had everything a romance book needs. Enemies to lovers, a shit ton of angst, ‘I’m really trying to keep my hands off you because you’re wrong for me’, hilarious banter.. in particular Bodi.. you sir have my heart! I honestly just loved everything about it.
What I found with 9 is I went through every single emotion the characters did. And I know that’s easy to say but I felt so apart of this story. It flowed so so well and the build up to it all was deliciously painful but so necessary.
Billies writing is just one of a kind for me and as a genre that’s ‘new’ to her, in the sense that 8 was her first contemporary piece, she fucking smashed this out the park. And Billie you may not believe me, but Jensen is definitely holding onto my heart tighter than Hunter. BUT I still love him and that lil cameo has me squealing!!!!
There’s just something about enemies to lovers that hooks me in every time and even though this isn’t full on bully/ I really hate you, there’s a big enough barrier there to make their journey far from easy and a road trip for 5 days in the car with your enemy is good enough for me and I loved every second.
P.s. the smut as always is fucking PERFECTION 👏🏻
This book had everything a romance book needs. Enemies to lovers, a shit ton of angst, ‘I’m really trying to keep my hands off you because you’re wrong for me’, hilarious banter.. in particular Bodi.. you sir have my heart! I honestly just loved everything about it.
What I found with 9 is I went through every single emotion the characters did. And I know that’s easy to say but I felt so apart of this story. It flowed so so well and the build up to it all was deliciously painful but so necessary.
Billies writing is just one of a kind for me and as a genre that’s ‘new’ to her, in the sense that 8 was her first contemporary piece, she fucking smashed this out the park. And Billie you may not believe me, but Jensen is definitely holding onto my heart tighter than Hunter. BUT I still love him and that lil cameo has me squealing!!!!
There’s just something about enemies to lovers that hooks me in every time and even though this isn’t full on bully/ I really hate you, there’s a big enough barrier there to make their journey far from easy and a road trip for 5 days in the car with your enemy is good enough for me and I loved every second.
P.s. the smut as always is fucking PERFECTION 👏🏻
February 5, 2022
Just like Billies first contemporary romance 8 i devoured this book in one sitting both books completely consumed me. It has some of the best tropes... sports, road trip, enemies to lovers, forced proximity and best of all the guy falling first 🥺💙 The angst was on point👌 with the chemistry and banter between the two throughout being electric and of course just the right amount of 🌶🌶🌶
Rae is simply brilliant she's feisty with the perfect amount of sass 💅 she takes no bullsh*t and says things as she sees them. Due to her heartbreaking past that she keeps hidden she refuses to let people in and get to close not allowing herself to truly be happy and experience what it's really like to love someone and be loved🥺💜
Jensen is cocky, broody, arrogant and demanding never taking no for an answer. His family life isn't perfect far from it and he has spent his whole life allowing his parents to dictate how he lives his life he comes across to the world as a man who does what he wants when he wants but that couldn't be further from the truth... I loved how Rae helped him knock them walls down finally putting himself and his happiness 🥰💙
Jenson is a star defender in the NHL playing for the knights the team where Rae works as the PR specialist. The pair have spent the last five years at each other's throats knowing exactly how to rile each other up bickering at any given opportunity he really loves to ruffle her feathers and push her limits. On Rae's last night at the bar Jensen corners her testing the boundries wanting nothing more than to push her buttons and make her lose control of her perfect act not realising that someone is taking a picture making it look like something more is going on.
The morning that Rae is getting ready to make the five day road trip back home to Norh calolina Jensen completely hijacks it with his best friend Bodi not allowing her to refuse him. The chemistry between the pair is off the charts and I absolutely loved seeing how easily the bickering they were used to turn into flirty banter which obviously led to more....🦋🥺🥵💙
This book was nothing less than perfect and I loved every second of it if I could give it more stars I would!! 100% recommend 👌💙
Rae is simply brilliant she's feisty with the perfect amount of sass 💅 she takes no bullsh*t and says things as she sees them. Due to her heartbreaking past that she keeps hidden she refuses to let people in and get to close not allowing herself to truly be happy and experience what it's really like to love someone and be loved🥺💜
Jensen is cocky, broody, arrogant and demanding never taking no for an answer. His family life isn't perfect far from it and he has spent his whole life allowing his parents to dictate how he lives his life he comes across to the world as a man who does what he wants when he wants but that couldn't be further from the truth... I loved how Rae helped him knock them walls down finally putting himself and his happiness 🥰💙
Jenson is a star defender in the NHL playing for the knights the team where Rae works as the PR specialist. The pair have spent the last five years at each other's throats knowing exactly how to rile each other up bickering at any given opportunity he really loves to ruffle her feathers and push her limits. On Rae's last night at the bar Jensen corners her testing the boundries wanting nothing more than to push her buttons and make her lose control of her perfect act not realising that someone is taking a picture making it look like something more is going on.
The morning that Rae is getting ready to make the five day road trip back home to Norh calolina Jensen completely hijacks it with his best friend Bodi not allowing her to refuse him. The chemistry between the pair is off the charts and I absolutely loved seeing how easily the bickering they were used to turn into flirty banter which obviously led to more....🦋🥺🥵💙
This book was nothing less than perfect and I loved every second of it if I could give it more stars I would!! 100% recommend 👌💙
January 30, 2022
The story is about two people who are complete opposites but come together and are literally magic. Rae is a southern girl who had a troubled past after tragedy hits and gets moved to LA for a fresh start. She spends a good portion of her early 20s there until its time to move back home. We meet Jared who is the best defender in the ice hockey league and also Raes nemesis. His family is heavily involved in politics and this means his parents rule pretty much most of his life, including who he gets to date. Now this brings on so much drama and also a long road trip which gets hijacked, forcing them together for days in different cities and hotel rooms!
I really liked Raes character in this story. She had a full glow up in terms of character development. Although a lot of it happened before we met her, I loved that we got to see her walls come down and letting someone new in. She also doesn't take sh*t from anyone. Especially guys, her ex and Jared included. Jared's character also had a glow up. He was did everything to make sure his parents stayed happy. The only thing he got to have for himself was hockey. Until he goes on a road trip sith Rae which leads to him second guessing everything he knew.
I highly recommend this book, it is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone. I read it because of tiktok! And didn't have the patience to read the first one. There is angst but if you love a good enemies to lovers, forced proximity, go for it!
I really liked Raes character in this story. She had a full glow up in terms of character development. Although a lot of it happened before we met her, I loved that we got to see her walls come down and letting someone new in. She also doesn't take sh*t from anyone. Especially guys, her ex and Jared included. Jared's character also had a glow up. He was did everything to make sure his parents stayed happy. The only thing he got to have for himself was hockey. Until he goes on a road trip sith Rae which leads to him second guessing everything he knew.
I highly recommend this book, it is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone. I read it because of tiktok! And didn't have the patience to read the first one. There is angst but if you love a good enemies to lovers, forced proximity, go for it!
January 24, 2022
9
by Billie Lustig
(ARC REVIEW)
She did it again. My heart has never felt so full. When I finished 8, I didn’t think anything could make me feel the way it did. But then I read 9…
𝟵 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚:
•𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
•𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨
•𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙩
•𝙜𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙮/𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚
•𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚
Jared James Jensen is IT. He’s witty, broody and hella handsome. He was so demanding and I love reading that in a male character. I loved seeing how he pushed Rae’s buttons and never took no for an answer. There was an interesting dynamic with his family life, and that made me love him even more. When things were tough for him, he put on such a brave face but seeing how he let those walls down with Rae was so beautiful.
Rae Stafford has become one of my top female characters. She was sassy, sweet and funny. She’s been through so much and it’s clear to see that her heart is still broken, but it was so nice to see it being pieced back together by Jensen. My heart ached for her near the end (and yeah, I cried😢). But it was quickly pieced back together in the BEST way 🥰
Let’s just take a second to appreciate the angst in this book… oh my 🔥🔥🔥 the forced proximity between these characters (brought on my Jenson hijacking Rae’s road trip) was HOT. I just kept hoping and praying for something to happen. But as hot as it was, it was also so sweet and gave me an abundance of butterflies 🦋
Billie knows how to write romance. I felt everything. Every little piece of emotion I could have possibly felt reading this, I felt it tenfold. The book flowed seemlessly. The story was perfect. The characters were on point. I just didn’t want to put it down.
by Billie Lustig
(ARC REVIEW)
She did it again. My heart has never felt so full. When I finished 8, I didn’t think anything could make me feel the way it did. But then I read 9…
𝟵 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚:
•𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮
•𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨
•𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙩
•𝙜𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙮/𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚
•𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚
Jared James Jensen is IT. He’s witty, broody and hella handsome. He was so demanding and I love reading that in a male character. I loved seeing how he pushed Rae’s buttons and never took no for an answer. There was an interesting dynamic with his family life, and that made me love him even more. When things were tough for him, he put on such a brave face but seeing how he let those walls down with Rae was so beautiful.
Rae Stafford has become one of my top female characters. She was sassy, sweet and funny. She’s been through so much and it’s clear to see that her heart is still broken, but it was so nice to see it being pieced back together by Jensen. My heart ached for her near the end (and yeah, I cried😢). But it was quickly pieced back together in the BEST way 🥰
Let’s just take a second to appreciate the angst in this book… oh my 🔥🔥🔥 the forced proximity between these characters (brought on my Jenson hijacking Rae’s road trip) was HOT. I just kept hoping and praying for something to happen. But as hot as it was, it was also so sweet and gave me an abundance of butterflies 🦋
Billie knows how to write romance. I felt everything. Every little piece of emotion I could have possibly felt reading this, I felt it tenfold. The book flowed seemlessly. The story was perfect. The characters were on point. I just didn’t want to put it down.
January 20, 2022
This is book two in The Numbers Series and it is Rae and Jensen's story and omg what a rollercoaster ride of emotions and definitely a must read. When Rae went a bit off the rails when she was younger her family decided to take control before she got into more trouble so her uncle decided to take Rae to L.A. to get her away from what she was mixed up in and as the year's went by she calmed down and did a great job working for the L.A. Knight's but she never lost her sassyness and temper but she just controlled it better and now she is going home not expecting to have travelling companions. Jensen is a hockey player for the L.A.Knight's and even though his parent's are high profile people as long as Jensen goes the line and doesn't jeopardize his father's political career of cause a scandal for the family they leave him to do what he loves and that is playing hockey but when photo's appear all bets are off and he needs Rae to help him so he high jack's her ride home so that they can sort everything out. The chemistry between Rae and Jensen was so hot and intense that you could feel it sizzling of the pages and I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting in the early hour's of the morning but hey who needs sleep when you are reading a book that totally consumes you and is so addictive. This book was so emotional that I cried with everything that was happening and what they were going through but loved the outcome as they both deserved a happy ending. the characters and storyline pulled you in and kept your attention right throughout until the last page and i can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. Billie Lustig is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and on the edge of their seats and the depth of her story's are what makes her book's real page turner's that you don't want to put down and her book's are definitely worth reading.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
January 29, 2022
Billie made me cry again! This book was so cute! You know those married couples who are only shitting on eachother, all while you can see that they are extremely in love..thats Rae and Jensen. Their banter and chemistry are on point and its one of my new overly high expectations that will make it impossible for me to find someone ;)
After reading (and being destroyed by) 8, I knew to mentally prepare myself before starting this one. I have to admit that this book didn't hurt as much as 8 did. And that actually made me love it more that I loved Hunter and Charlotte. This doesn't mean that this book didn't make me feel all the feels.
I loved Rae and her family, I loved Jensen and his best friend, I loved the Hunter and Charlotte cameo and most of all I loved the enemies to lovers with forced proximity vibes. Jensen and Rae made me grin like a crazy person. They were hot and they were steamy, and damn billie knows how to make someone swoon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After reading (and being destroyed by) 8, I knew to mentally prepare myself before starting this one. I have to admit that this book didn't hurt as much as 8 did. And that actually made me love it more that I loved Hunter and Charlotte. This doesn't mean that this book didn't make me feel all the feels.
I loved Rae and her family, I loved Jensen and his best friend, I loved the Hunter and Charlotte cameo and most of all I loved the enemies to lovers with forced proximity vibes. Jensen and Rae made me grin like a crazy person. They were hot and they were steamy, and damn billie knows how to make someone swoon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2022
I loved Jensen and Rae's relationship, and all the road blocks that they go through together. (literally) The way that they balance each other out.. *Chef's kiss* This book had me feeling all of the emotions, not just with Rae and Jensen, but with the side characters as well. (I'm looking at you, Nana.)
The character development from Rae from the beginning of the story, learning about her past, and how she changes by the end of the book is exceptional. I loved the way Jensen went from a playboy, jock to so much more!
The plot was easy to follow with some twists and turns that will keep you awake at night needing to know what happens next. It also has those heartfelt moments that makes your heart beat just a little bit faster. Whenever we get to the spicy scenes... woo! Very good!
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The character development from Rae from the beginning of the story, learning about her past, and how she changes by the end of the book is exceptional. I loved the way Jensen went from a playboy, jock to so much more!
The plot was easy to follow with some twists and turns that will keep you awake at night needing to know what happens next. It also has those heartfelt moments that makes your heart beat just a little bit faster. Whenever we get to the spicy scenes... woo! Very good!
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2022
Billie, what you do to my heart. I don’t know if I’ll survive another book if you keep this up. I am so in love with the world Billie is building for her contemporary romance. 9 is the perfect enemies to lovers, forced proximity, forbidden romance with a sh^t ton of angst. Just like 8, I devoured this bad boy in one sitting. I just cannot bring myself to put it down and also, who needs sleep?
Jensen is a successful NHL player and Rae works as the PR specialist for his team. It is an all-consuming job that comes with a lot of drama and stress, but Rae never once loses her cool. She always manages to stay sharp, composed and professional. That’s also the reason why Jensen loves to rile her up and push her limits. He craves to see her wild side, the real Rae under the Little Miss Perfect facade.
When Rae heads home from L.A. to North Carolina, Jensen hijacks her road trip with best friend Bodi to escape from the problems in his life. There is no denying Jensen and Rae are drawn to each other. As they travel across the country, they realise there is so much more than meets the eye to one another. They don’t want to admit their feelings, worrying that whatever they have may not last. Honestly, the slow burn drives me insane but it is so worth it.
The journey not only shows us how RaeSen navigates their relationship as a couple and also their personal struggles as individuals. I love seeing the progress they make each stop, glares turn into looks, bickering turns into flirting and fights turns into kisses. Ugh you guys, these two are just so damn cute and they give me all the 🦋. The smut is on point, as always. I mean.. Jensen’s dirty talk and Rae’s fantasy 😮💨
You can never go wrong with Billie’s writing. I’ll always recommend her book and 9 is no different. Of course, let’s not forget Bodi. He is such an amazing addition to the story. You can’t ask for a better mate. I can’t wait for Billie to take us on yet another emotional rollercoaster with his book.
Jensen is a successful NHL player and Rae works as the PR specialist for his team. It is an all-consuming job that comes with a lot of drama and stress, but Rae never once loses her cool. She always manages to stay sharp, composed and professional. That’s also the reason why Jensen loves to rile her up and push her limits. He craves to see her wild side, the real Rae under the Little Miss Perfect facade.
When Rae heads home from L.A. to North Carolina, Jensen hijacks her road trip with best friend Bodi to escape from the problems in his life. There is no denying Jensen and Rae are drawn to each other. As they travel across the country, they realise there is so much more than meets the eye to one another. They don’t want to admit their feelings, worrying that whatever they have may not last. Honestly, the slow burn drives me insane but it is so worth it.
The journey not only shows us how RaeSen navigates their relationship as a couple and also their personal struggles as individuals. I love seeing the progress they make each stop, glares turn into looks, bickering turns into flirting and fights turns into kisses. Ugh you guys, these two are just so damn cute and they give me all the 🦋. The smut is on point, as always. I mean.. Jensen’s dirty talk and Rae’s fantasy 😮💨
You can never go wrong with Billie’s writing. I’ll always recommend her book and 9 is no different. Of course, let’s not forget Bodi. He is such an amazing addition to the story. You can’t ask for a better mate. I can’t wait for Billie to take us on yet another emotional rollercoaster with his book.
January 28, 2022
This is yet another great read by B Lustig! When I found out she was writing Jensen’s book I was so excited. I wanted more of him and to see what she would do with his character. She did not disappoint. I will admit there were several times at the beginning of the book I wanted to hit him just for being well him, but he quickly grew on me and I love him. Now Rae, I loved her from page one. She is strong and sassy and doesn’t take any crap. There were moments where this book broke my heart, and then moments where Jensen and Rae’s banter had me laughing. I also really loved getting to see Hunter and Charlotte again as well. Then of course there is that one character that makes you want to throw things at them, in this book, that would be Jensens mother. She is an epic hag. The steam will also set your kindle on fire. I loved the is book and it is a must read for sure.
January 31, 2022
Billie has killed it with this book. Rae was the perfect troubled heroine who didn’t know if she was capable of love with all the heartache she’d suffered in her past. She has a smart mouth and a sometimes stubborn attitude to help see her through.
And don’t get me started on Jared James Jensen. Damn that boy knows how to make a girl swoon and fall. Hard. He even had Nana in love. One the ultimate alpha males who doesn’t take no for an answer, he set butterflies off in my belly with his possessiveness.
It had everything I hoped for and more with the forced proximity, enemies to lovers tropes and some toe curling spicy scenes that had me smiling and fanning myself. I loved the connection to 8 as well, it was done perfectly.
And don’t get me started on Jared James Jensen. Damn that boy knows how to make a girl swoon and fall. Hard. He even had Nana in love. One the ultimate alpha males who doesn’t take no for an answer, he set butterflies off in my belly with his possessiveness.
It had everything I hoped for and more with the forced proximity, enemies to lovers tropes and some toe curling spicy scenes that had me smiling and fanning myself. I loved the connection to 8 as well, it was done perfectly.
January 27, 2022
Billie has written a romance that hits so many of my favourite tropes. Right off the bat theres;
Workplace
Dislike to lovers
Roadtrip
Sports romance
Guy falls first
If your trying to find your next read I would definitely recommend Rae and Jensen's story. From beginning to end they have a connection that pulls you in and you get addicted to their chemistry. Both of them have sticky backgrounds and while they both try to figure out each others feelings they actually have to learn each others pasts.
Rae and Jensen have a love story that's definitely worth reading about.
Workplace
Dislike to lovers
Roadtrip
Sports romance
Guy falls first
If your trying to find your next read I would definitely recommend Rae and Jensen's story. From beginning to end they have a connection that pulls you in and you get addicted to their chemistry. Both of them have sticky backgrounds and while they both try to figure out each others feelings they actually have to learn each others pasts.
Rae and Jensen have a love story that's definitely worth reading about.
January 25, 2022
Jensen and Rae totally owned me! Their story is filled with flirty banter, scorching chemistry and angsty love but also so much vulnerability beneath the surface. They're heartmeltingly sweet and literally so cute while being all hot and shit and I freaking adored that. And the tension omg!
It's no secrets at this point that I'm forever obsessed with Billie's characters and their love stories, and 9 was no different with Rae and Jensen. They truly swept me off my feet from the very beginning and just gaah I love them so much!
I adored the 'nine nights to not fall in love' journey betweem them and how they slowly in fact started to fall for each other every day a little more. But love is never easy and these two definitely go through their share of hurt and damn that broke my heart! Rae has her walls up so high, I really felt that, and I loved how they started to be crumbled piece by piece by Jensen.
Jensen and Rae are absolutely perfect together and so is their love story, it has lots of things I love in a romance and was so much more!
"All I know is this moment, with this girl in front of me. I want her. I want her with every fiber of my being, and I don’t think I can hold back any longer."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
It's no secrets at this point that I'm forever obsessed with Billie's characters and their love stories, and 9 was no different with Rae and Jensen. They truly swept me off my feet from the very beginning and just gaah I love them so much!
I adored the 'nine nights to not fall in love' journey betweem them and how they slowly in fact started to fall for each other every day a little more. But love is never easy and these two definitely go through their share of hurt and damn that broke my heart! Rae has her walls up so high, I really felt that, and I loved how they started to be crumbled piece by piece by Jensen.
Jensen and Rae are absolutely perfect together and so is their love story, it has lots of things I love in a romance and was so much more!
"All I know is this moment, with this girl in front of me. I want her. I want her with every fiber of my being, and I don’t think I can hold back any longer."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
January 29, 2022
Jensen and Rae have circled each other without actually starting anything. Until her last night in LA, a picture gets taken of them being too close. Its a snowball affect from there. They have such fiery personalities and they get on each others nerves but thats the beauty of their relationship. There is such passion when they come together. I love how Jensen fights to be with Rae through everything with his family, he still chooses her. This book was such a good read. I would recommend the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2022
This was my first read from this author. I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story, this is always a deal breaker. Just like an author's note promised this story is full of angst and these are the kind of stories I love to read. I couldn't put this book down. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2022
Rae quits her job in a LA hockey team and ends up on an impulsive roadtrip with defender Jensen and his friend Bodi. Rae has a troubled past but she did a good job for herself as the team PR person. This involved a lot of arguing with Jensen but on the roadtrip it turns more into flirting. Jensen is a Stanley cup winner but he's the black sheep of his family, who are focused on elections and trying to marry him off to a suitable girlfriend. He needs to shed his parents and she needs to learn to trust in love.
I liked this book a lot because of the entertaining bantering and the layers of characters get peeled back slowly. There is some heat. Series status: there are cameos of characters from other books that I haven't read but it stands alone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked this book a lot because of the entertaining bantering and the layers of characters get peeled back slowly. There is some heat. Series status: there are cameos of characters from other books that I haven't read but it stands alone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2022
✨arc review✨
Billie Lustig's done it again! If I hadn't have had to go to work I would have demolished this in one sitting. It's the most perfect enemies to lovers x forced proximity I've ever read, and as I said in my instagram, if Elle Kennedy's and Mariana Zapata's books had a baby, 9 absolutely would be that. Once again, Billie's characters have my heart, and I felt every single damn emotion in this book, and trust me, it was a lot! The chemistry is phenomenal, along with the banter and the growth that both main characters go through as the story develops. Not to mention best friend Bodi is an absolute BABE and the links to the previous book 8 had me feeling all warm inside; I just want to live in this little contemporary romance world that is the numbers series PLEASE!
By far the easiest 5 stars i have ever given, and I will continue to recommend Billie's books until I am blue in the face!
Billie Lustig's done it again! If I hadn't have had to go to work I would have demolished this in one sitting. It's the most perfect enemies to lovers x forced proximity I've ever read, and as I said in my instagram, if Elle Kennedy's and Mariana Zapata's books had a baby, 9 absolutely would be that. Once again, Billie's characters have my heart, and I felt every single damn emotion in this book, and trust me, it was a lot! The chemistry is phenomenal, along with the banter and the growth that both main characters go through as the story develops. Not to mention best friend Bodi is an absolute BABE and the links to the previous book 8 had me feeling all warm inside; I just want to live in this little contemporary romance world that is the numbers series PLEASE!
By far the easiest 5 stars i have ever given, and I will continue to recommend Billie's books until I am blue in the face!
January 20, 2022
Trope:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Oh. My. Gosh. I cannot even put into words how much I LOVED this book. Rae and Jensen will take your heart and fill it with so many emotions. I am SO in love with this books and Rae and Jensen.
The fact that this book is about an NHL player had me so EXCITED to read it as its everything I’ve been currently reading. Something about hockey boys just speaks to me (I totally have a type). Rae also is the BEST. She’s sassy, fun, and outgoing, having been through some horrible tragedies we get to see her overcome them and become the best version of herself.
Follow Rae and Jensen on the journey of finding love and happiness. This book had me screaming, laughing, gasping in shock, and tearing up. I genuinely felt all the emotions that were portrayed throughout the characters. I will absolutely be doing a reread at some point this year.
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK! It is a 5/5 read and deserves all the love in this world. If you like hockey boys, romance, and spice, this book is for you.
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Oh. My. Gosh. I cannot even put into words how much I LOVED this book. Rae and Jensen will take your heart and fill it with so many emotions. I am SO in love with this books and Rae and Jensen.
The fact that this book is about an NHL player had me so EXCITED to read it as its everything I’ve been currently reading. Something about hockey boys just speaks to me (I totally have a type). Rae also is the BEST. She’s sassy, fun, and outgoing, having been through some horrible tragedies we get to see her overcome them and become the best version of herself.
Follow Rae and Jensen on the journey of finding love and happiness. This book had me screaming, laughing, gasping in shock, and tearing up. I genuinely felt all the emotions that were portrayed throughout the characters. I will absolutely be doing a reread at some point this year.
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK! It is a 5/5 read and deserves all the love in this world. If you like hockey boys, romance, and spice, this book is for you.
January 27, 2022
ARC review.
Billie you have done it again!
Jensen is a professional NHL player and Rae works as the PR specialist for his team.
When Rae decides to move back home from L.A to North Carolina, Jensen hijacks her road trip to try and escape the drama that he’s facing at home. As they travel across the country they realise there’s more than what meets the eye with one another.
This story is absolutely perfect. It had everything I look for in a book. The angst, flirty banter and emotions. I couldn’t get enough of it, I was obsessed.
Rae is a head strong bad bitch and I loved seeing the way she constantly put Jensen in his place. Their chemistry just kept getting stronger throughout the book.
Also if you’ve read 8 and loved it you are going to love the surprise that you find in 9
This book has:
* Forced proximity
* Enemies to lovers
* Spice
* Hockey player
* Flirty banter
* So much emotion
* Strong bad bitch heroine
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Billie you have done it again!
Jensen is a professional NHL player and Rae works as the PR specialist for his team.
When Rae decides to move back home from L.A to North Carolina, Jensen hijacks her road trip to try and escape the drama that he’s facing at home. As they travel across the country they realise there’s more than what meets the eye with one another.
This story is absolutely perfect. It had everything I look for in a book. The angst, flirty banter and emotions. I couldn’t get enough of it, I was obsessed.
Rae is a head strong bad bitch and I loved seeing the way she constantly put Jensen in his place. Their chemistry just kept getting stronger throughout the book.
Also if you’ve read 8 and loved it you are going to love the surprise that you find in 9
This book has:
* Forced proximity
* Enemies to lovers
* Spice
* Hockey player
* Flirty banter
* So much emotion
* Strong bad bitch heroine
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2022
Jensen isn't someone who takes no for an answer, which leaves Rae stuck in her car on a road trip with him.
Rae and Jensen have undeniable chemistry from the start.
They bicker and fight whenever they speak but the attraction between them quickly turns this into flirting and butterflies.
As with 8, this story sent me through a range of emotions.
There's cute romance, angst and steamy sex scenes (the car scene!! 😏🔥)
Bodi is truly the best friend a guy could ask for and I could definitely read a whole story about him.
I've definitely become slightly obsessed with the world that Billie has created here 🥰
I cant get enough of Billie's books!
Rae and Jensen have undeniable chemistry from the start.
They bicker and fight whenever they speak but the attraction between them quickly turns this into flirting and butterflies.
As with 8, this story sent me through a range of emotions.
There's cute romance, angst and steamy sex scenes (the car scene!! 😏🔥)
Bodi is truly the best friend a guy could ask for and I could definitely read a whole story about him.
I've definitely become slightly obsessed with the world that Billie has created here 🥰
I cant get enough of Billie's books!
January 21, 2022
God.... What a read!! Jensen has no chill at all. And I'm here for it. He is all that and more... until! You get the drift. Rae you, beautiful girl. I really felt for you. Bodi is the best friend you want to have. He is amazing. The ups and downs. The laughs and the tears, you're right there. billie has a special way of making you feel it all. And I bloody love it!! The spice was on point. And Rae's fantasy 🔥🔥🔥
January 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this novel and flew through it in a matter of hours in one sitting.
The story follows Rae and Jensen during a road trip from L.A. to North Carolina. Jensen is an NHL player and Rae is the former PR manager for his team. When she leaves to go back to her family Jensen hitchhikes her road trip to get away from the drama in his life.
The banter between Rae and Jensen was amazing and I loved to see the shift in it. It was so fun to see their chemistry and relationship blossom during the road trip. I also really enjoyed the side characters and I cannot wait to see more from Bodi. I liked that we got to see some of the characters from 8 again. I cannot wait to read what B. will release next in this world.
The story follows Rae and Jensen during a road trip from L.A. to North Carolina. Jensen is an NHL player and Rae is the former PR manager for his team. When she leaves to go back to her family Jensen hitchhikes her road trip to get away from the drama in his life.
The banter between Rae and Jensen was amazing and I loved to see the shift in it. It was so fun to see their chemistry and relationship blossom during the road trip. I also really enjoyed the side characters and I cannot wait to see more from Bodi. I liked that we got to see some of the characters from 8 again. I cannot wait to read what B. will release next in this world.
January 29, 2022
A fantastic journey to an epic happy ending. this book starts with a road trip and leads you through a roller coaster of emotions that end with a fantastic love story. I really enjoyed Rae and Jensen story. I recommend it to everyone that is in search of their next sweet book and I assure you will find at least nine good reasons for keep reading it.
February 3, 2022
Billie has done it again. Her number series always make me feel a lot of things and I loved Rae and Jensen’s story. From their banter, to the way their relationship evolves to attraction and something more. Both main characters had a lot of layers and were so much more than you could think at the beginning. We get to know them as they get to know each other and it reflects perfectly how not everyone is as you made them to be in your head. Also loved seeing old faces in this one (iykyk). The forced proximity was a yes for me and the new characters introduced intrigue me, I can’t wait for their stories and see what Billie has prepared for us.
March 28, 2024
Five Stars!!!
Feeling she needs to move on, Rae Stafford quits her job as the LA Knight’s PR specialist and decides to move back home to North Carolina. But before she can start her road trip, Knight’s star Jared James Jensen ambushes her, needing her help to fix one last scandal of his. A last minute decision has Jensen and his best friend joining her, much to her chagrin. Jensen’s always gotten under her skin, and he’s made it his mission to push her buttons, to get her to reveal her firecracker personality that she always hid in favor of professionalism for work. Over the next five days, Rae and Jensen learn more about each other, including the sexual tension they’ve always had and their new growing feelings. However, the end of the road trip looms over their heads, and they’re forced to make decisions they didn’t think they’d have to make before.
9 was SO much fun to read. Rae and Jensen were playful, and their story had me addicted from start to finish. I finished the book in one sitting because of how addicting their story was. I could feel their chemistry in the first couple of interactions, and hearing how they’ve bickered for four years just made the anticipation of their road trip even better. It was sweet getting to know them as characters, and read about them getting to know each other, as they realized there was more underneath the surface than what’s shown. They had to navigate what they meant to each other, as well as their own personal problems that were preventing them from being truly vulnerable and giving themselves over. Billie showed this change gradually over the course of the book, but the story did not feel slow or staggered in any way. It flowed, and the angst over their road trip ending and what it meant for them had me feeling angsty too. I love books that make me feel the same way as the main characters, and Billie was able to provoke this despite Rae and Jensen’s road trip only being five days.
9 was such a fun, addicting read and I took great pleasure in reading it. Jensen was charming and cocky, but we got to see the real him underneath that bad boy front. Rae was sweet and sassy, and we got to see how Jensen broke down her walls. I loved them together and I loved their book. Gah every time I read them I get butterflies 🦋
If I had to deduct anything it would be .09 because I thought Rae should've made Jensen grovel more!
I love reading Billie Lustig’s mafia world, and this is the second book that she’s written under B. Lustig, her contemporary alter ego. She’s proven that she can switch between the two worlds effortlessly. Like in Billie’s mafia world, it seems the Number series world is connected as well, from Hunter and Charlotte’s cameo, so I hope we get to see Rae and Jensen again!! And possibly Bodi?? 👀
Feeling she needs to move on, Rae Stafford quits her job as the LA Knight’s PR specialist and decides to move back home to North Carolina. But before she can start her road trip, Knight’s star Jared James Jensen ambushes her, needing her help to fix one last scandal of his. A last minute decision has Jensen and his best friend joining her, much to her chagrin. Jensen’s always gotten under her skin, and he’s made it his mission to push her buttons, to get her to reveal her firecracker personality that she always hid in favor of professionalism for work. Over the next five days, Rae and Jensen learn more about each other, including the sexual tension they’ve always had and their new growing feelings. However, the end of the road trip looms over their heads, and they’re forced to make decisions they didn’t think they’d have to make before.
9 was SO much fun to read. Rae and Jensen were playful, and their story had me addicted from start to finish. I finished the book in one sitting because of how addicting their story was. I could feel their chemistry in the first couple of interactions, and hearing how they’ve bickered for four years just made the anticipation of their road trip even better. It was sweet getting to know them as characters, and read about them getting to know each other, as they realized there was more underneath the surface than what’s shown. They had to navigate what they meant to each other, as well as their own personal problems that were preventing them from being truly vulnerable and giving themselves over. Billie showed this change gradually over the course of the book, but the story did not feel slow or staggered in any way. It flowed, and the angst over their road trip ending and what it meant for them had me feeling angsty too. I love books that make me feel the same way as the main characters, and Billie was able to provoke this despite Rae and Jensen’s road trip only being five days.
9 was such a fun, addicting read and I took great pleasure in reading it. Jensen was charming and cocky, but we got to see the real him underneath that bad boy front. Rae was sweet and sassy, and we got to see how Jensen broke down her walls. I loved them together and I loved their book. Gah every time I read them I get butterflies 🦋
If I had to deduct anything it would be .09 because I thought Rae should've made Jensen grovel more!
I love reading Billie Lustig’s mafia world, and this is the second book that she’s written under B. Lustig, her contemporary alter ego. She’s proven that she can switch between the two worlds effortlessly. Like in Billie’s mafia world, it seems the Number series world is connected as well, from Hunter and Charlotte’s cameo, so I hope we get to see Rae and Jensen again!! And possibly Bodi?? 👀
January 27, 2022
Ahhh all the angst!
I absolutely loved 8 (the first book in the numbers series) and it’s always scary for me going to the next novel in the line up when the bar is set so high. This book did not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down!
It’s an enemies to lovers, forced proximity trope.
Rae, the heroine is vibrant and passionate but in her job as a PR specialist for the NHL she’s incredibly controlled and put together. She’s fresh out of a relationship with an NHL player who cheated on her and about to drive from LA back to her home in NC.
Jensen is another NHL player, and let’s say there’s no love lost between him and Rae. He lives to rile her up, she only sees him for the image he projects to the world: i.e. a womanizer/cheat and another player a$$hole.
Things start changing for them when Jensen hijacks Rae’s trip home. The more time they spend together and the more of their true personalities they uncover, the more their chemistry grows.
Their banter is absolutely on point. The spice is 🔥🔥🔥. And Bodi, Jensen’s best friend who tags along for the ride, is the unexpected gift that just keeps on giving (*secretly hopes he gets a book).
Bonus points for the 8 Easter Egg 🥰!!!
I absolutely loved 8 (the first book in the numbers series) and it’s always scary for me going to the next novel in the line up when the bar is set so high. This book did not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down!
It’s an enemies to lovers, forced proximity trope.
Rae, the heroine is vibrant and passionate but in her job as a PR specialist for the NHL she’s incredibly controlled and put together. She’s fresh out of a relationship with an NHL player who cheated on her and about to drive from LA back to her home in NC.
Jensen is another NHL player, and let’s say there’s no love lost between him and Rae. He lives to rile her up, she only sees him for the image he projects to the world: i.e. a womanizer/cheat and another player a$$hole.
Things start changing for them when Jensen hijacks Rae’s trip home. The more time they spend together and the more of their true personalities they uncover, the more their chemistry grows.
Their banter is absolutely on point. The spice is 🔥🔥🔥. And Bodi, Jensen’s best friend who tags along for the ride, is the unexpected gift that just keeps on giving (*secretly hopes he gets a book).
Bonus points for the 8 Easter Egg 🥰!!!
November 14, 2022
I loved 8, and 9 did not disappoint! It follows Rae and Jenson on a road trip and brilliantly demonstrates a perfect enemies to lovers romance with forced proximity, heat and angst all thrown in for good measure! As you get to know Rae and Jenson better and what struggles they have you are routing for them. There is bickering and humour as well as lots of hot scenes between them producing a perfect slow burn that leaves you wanting more. I loved these two and what they brought out in each other. I will never hear "f*ck it" again without hearing these two in my mind. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this brilliant book!
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