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Defining Us
He's my brother's best friend.
No one can know he visits my dreams each night.
In the naughtiest of ways.
But they are just fantasies.
They'll never be anything else.
Until that accidental kiss, changes everything.
His eyes now roam my body.
I can't ignore the heat he arouses in me.
I'm just longing for his touch.
But he's about to leave, and I need to stay.
And I refuse to be the reason his future changes.
So, I chose for him to live his dream life.
Even if it would never include me!
Yet the universe had other ideas.
A steamy night, and the muttering of the words,
'Just this one time'.
But is it?
No one can know he visits my dreams each night.
In the naughtiest of ways.
But they are just fantasies.
They'll never be anything else.
Until that accidental kiss, changes everything.
His eyes now roam my body.
I can't ignore the heat he arouses in me.
I'm just longing for his touch.
But he's about to leave, and I need to stay.
And I refuse to be the reason his future changes.
So, I chose for him to live his dream life.
Even if it would never include me!
Yet the universe had other ideas.
A steamy night, and the muttering of the words,
'Just this one time'.
But is it?
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2022
275 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Karen Deen
47 books572 followersKaren Deen is an author who loves to write love stories that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading them. Her stories are filled with spice and witty banter, while being full of emotion, comedy, suspense and twists and turns that you never see coming. All the time steering her characters to their happily ever after. Everything you need in a good love story.
Writing has become her career, which she is lucky to be doing in such a picturesque hometown near Sydney, Australia. Enjoying life over good meals with her childhood sweetheart husband, three adult children and their ever-growing family. Or a sneaky lunch or coffee date with friends that involve laughter until your sides hurt.
Writing has become her career, which she is lucky to be doing in such a picturesque hometown near Sydney, Australia. Enjoying life over good meals with her childhood sweetheart husband, three adult children and their ever-growing family. Or a sneaky lunch or coffee date with friends that involve laughter until your sides hurt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 2, 2022
Karen has once again given me characters that I can't help but fall in love. I was pulled into their second chance romance, and I loved every moment of it.
Jordan and Natalie have known one another their entire lives. When Nat walks away to give Jordan the shot at his dream, she never thought they would have second chance. This time it is going to be different, and Jordan will do everything in his power no matter the cost not to lose her again.
Wow what an angsty, sweet, emotional ride with this couple. I so enjoyed the back story of their young love and everything in between!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Jordan and Natalie have known one another their entire lives. When Nat walks away to give Jordan the shot at his dream, she never thought they would have second chance. This time it is going to be different, and Jordan will do everything in his power no matter the cost not to lose her again.
Wow what an angsty, sweet, emotional ride with this couple. I so enjoyed the back story of their young love and everything in between!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
January 29, 2022
Defining Us
Written by: Karen Deen
In Defining Us, author Karen Deen has taken us back to Cashmore, where we have spent time with the Stevenson family, but we’ve also spent time with Natalie & Xavier. Defining Us is Jordan Brandon and Natalie’s story.
Jordan and Natalie have known each other most of their lives. Jordan is best friends with Natalie’s brother Xavier so they all spend lots of time together. Jordan is on the high school football team. Football is his life and all he’s wanted is to play in the NFL. Why not have those kinds of hopes and dreams. The other thing he wants is Natalie as his girlfriend. Natalie although she loves Jordan it’s more of a friend type love. They spend one night together, and one statement is made by Natalie that sets the scene for what becomes a chasm between these two for the next ten years.
The ground that has to be covered to try and get these two back on the same road together though, just seems to get wider. Jordan has realized his dream of being in the NFL and Natalie and Xavier have their gym and clients, but are Jordan and Natalie really happy or do they need a show down to finally settle their feelings for each other.
I didn’t connect with Natalie in this book, which surprised me, as she was obviously prominent in her brother’s love story. I was a bit surprised to realize I was having a hard time figuring her out.
With work, friends and the truth about Jordan’s marriage, Karen Deen does an amazing job bring everything together and getting these high school friends/come lovers together. We are also lucky to get introduced to a few people who just may show up in a book of their own in the future. Think Chase Lonigan and a feisty PR lady!
Written by: Karen Deen
In Defining Us, author Karen Deen has taken us back to Cashmore, where we have spent time with the Stevenson family, but we’ve also spent time with Natalie & Xavier. Defining Us is Jordan Brandon and Natalie’s story.
Jordan and Natalie have known each other most of their lives. Jordan is best friends with Natalie’s brother Xavier so they all spend lots of time together. Jordan is on the high school football team. Football is his life and all he’s wanted is to play in the NFL. Why not have those kinds of hopes and dreams. The other thing he wants is Natalie as his girlfriend. Natalie although she loves Jordan it’s more of a friend type love. They spend one night together, and one statement is made by Natalie that sets the scene for what becomes a chasm between these two for the next ten years.
The ground that has to be covered to try and get these two back on the same road together though, just seems to get wider. Jordan has realized his dream of being in the NFL and Natalie and Xavier have their gym and clients, but are Jordan and Natalie really happy or do they need a show down to finally settle their feelings for each other.
I didn’t connect with Natalie in this book, which surprised me, as she was obviously prominent in her brother’s love story. I was a bit surprised to realize I was having a hard time figuring her out.
With work, friends and the truth about Jordan’s marriage, Karen Deen does an amazing job bring everything together and getting these high school friends/come lovers together. We are also lucky to get introduced to a few people who just may show up in a book of their own in the future. Think Chase Lonigan and a feisty PR lady!
January 30, 2022
5* Forever Stars
Defining us was such an amazing second chance at love sports romance. The story of Jordan and Natalie was everything and more.
Jordan and Natalie have been friends since high school and is her twin brother Xavier’s best friend. There has always been a spark between them, but Natalie has made sure to distance herself as much as possible ensuring their continued friendship and that of her brother’s best friend. Their occasional “hook-ups” were always defined as, “just one more time”
As Xavier’s NFL career soars Natalie is even more determined not to act upon her feelings as she does not want to hold him back and be lonely in a long-distance relationship. Unfortunately for Jordan he is unaware of her reasons for rejecting him constantly and despite being married to a beautiful model and being a superstar quarterback, he is so lonely and miserable.
When Jordan decides he has wasted enough time pining over Natalie he takes charge and decisions are made for both which reveal hidden truths and harboured secrets.
The chemistry between Natalie and Jordan was off the charts sexy and I was routing for them throughout the story.
The secondary characters in Jordan and Natalie’s lives were so likeable and real. I loved the storytelling and highly recommend this beautiful love story.
Defining us was such an amazing second chance at love sports romance. The story of Jordan and Natalie was everything and more.
Jordan and Natalie have been friends since high school and is her twin brother Xavier’s best friend. There has always been a spark between them, but Natalie has made sure to distance herself as much as possible ensuring their continued friendship and that of her brother’s best friend. Their occasional “hook-ups” were always defined as, “just one more time”
As Xavier’s NFL career soars Natalie is even more determined not to act upon her feelings as she does not want to hold him back and be lonely in a long-distance relationship. Unfortunately for Jordan he is unaware of her reasons for rejecting him constantly and despite being married to a beautiful model and being a superstar quarterback, he is so lonely and miserable.
When Jordan decides he has wasted enough time pining over Natalie he takes charge and decisions are made for both which reveal hidden truths and harboured secrets.
The chemistry between Natalie and Jordan was off the charts sexy and I was routing for them throughout the story.
The secondary characters in Jordan and Natalie’s lives were so likeable and real. I loved the storytelling and highly recommend this beautiful love story.
January 26, 2022
ARC Review of Defining US by Karen Deen
* * * * *
What happens when a guy falls in love with his best friend's sister? Just the same kind of crazy that happens when the same girl falls for her brother's best friend! One night 10 years ago - and some more frustrating fun in between - these two are facing each other once again, however, it's not going to be a happy reunion. It's hard and messy, considering the man you pinned over for years is currently married to a beautiful super model!
Emotions fly, truths surface, and tons of steamy goodness come out to play in this fab read!
* * * * *
What happens when a guy falls in love with his best friend's sister? Just the same kind of crazy that happens when the same girl falls for her brother's best friend! One night 10 years ago - and some more frustrating fun in between - these two are facing each other once again, however, it's not going to be a happy reunion. It's hard and messy, considering the man you pinned over for years is currently married to a beautiful super model!
Emotions fly, truths surface, and tons of steamy goodness come out to play in this fab read!
January 31, 2022
While reading this book I kept saying “just one more” while reading this at night! I truly enjoyed this book and the happily ever after that Nat and Jordan both deserved.
Maybe we’ll get “just one more” book of Chase and the girl he’s falling in love with. When Sasha gave her speech I was so proud of Karen for including that in the book especially since I have friends who are terrified to come out and be accepted for who they are!
•••• I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review•••
Maybe we’ll get “just one more” book of Chase and the girl he’s falling in love with. When Sasha gave her speech I was so proud of Karen for including that in the book especially since I have friends who are terrified to come out and be accepted for who they are!
•••• I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review•••
January 28, 2022
“You don’t even know me,” “Yeah, I do, sunshine. Small-town beauties with a big heart, but they never seem to learn to put that heart first before others.”
Enchanting! Defining Us was a beautifully written second chance romance, a best friends sister that had me in from the first pages. It had the right amount of angst, Jordan was an alpha-hole one minute and swoon worthy the next. We learned that love is selfless, it can be ugly and hurts but, we need to trust in the universe guiding us in the right direction. There is no controlling who we give our heart to or when we find our soulmate however, have the stars aligned and is this our time? There is no holding back the tide when the heart finds what it wants, but the dam broke as tears fell from my eyes while reading. A brilliant plot twist and colourful characters made this book one to remember. Now I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Big Foots story. 🤞
Enchanting! Defining Us was a beautifully written second chance romance, a best friends sister that had me in from the first pages. It had the right amount of angst, Jordan was an alpha-hole one minute and swoon worthy the next. We learned that love is selfless, it can be ugly and hurts but, we need to trust in the universe guiding us in the right direction. There is no controlling who we give our heart to or when we find our soulmate however, have the stars aligned and is this our time? There is no holding back the tide when the heart finds what it wants, but the dam broke as tears fell from my eyes while reading. A brilliant plot twist and colourful characters made this book one to remember. Now I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Big Foots story. 🤞
May 29, 2022
Huge disappointment. This book could've been so good, Natalie was playing way too many games from the very beginning, and all the heartache could've been avoided. The whole book was "we can't be together because you deserve a good life" Natalie was one of the worse MC. She "couldn't" be with Jordan because her twin brother wouldn't approve. Jordan deserved better and justice for Chase!
March 10, 2022
**Spoiler Alert**
Jordan has one wish and that is to be in the NFL. His parents don’t understand his passion for the game but that won’t deter him. He will give it his all. Nothing else matters … or so he thought.
Nat has loved him from afar for so long but knowing what he truly wants in life, she has kept her feelings a secret from everyone and let him live his life. What’s the point anyway? He doesn’t even know how she feels about him.
He has 3 days left before he leaves and it is killing her. Seeing how all the girls fawn all over him and knowing she cannot have him is breaking her heart. Just one wish and one night is all she wants. It has to be him…
Opening up to Nat is easy. He can trust her and she is the only other person apart from Xavier that will ever truly understand him and what he wants. His parents love him for sure but they will never understand.
Having Nat so close is different. An innocent kiss that turns out to be the beginning of his hell will forever haunt him but she doesn’t want him so why bother?
Years go by and the ultimate heartbreak happens. How will she ever get through it? She never gave up hope but seeing him now and knowing what she has lost will forever be a crushing pain she will have to endure alone. She won’t be able to hide her feelings but she can and will hide from him.
Secrets are revealed and unexpected truths are told that will make you weep. I cried like a baby but not just with sadness but pure joy too. Their love was unconditional and although from a distance it never wavered…
Beautifully written with all the feels from sadness to crushing heartbreak to pure and unconditional love. They have the purest form of love. It is totally unprocessed and totally untouched. It does not waver and bend with the winds. It does not sink and drown with the oceans, but it surpasses all entities, all elements, all emotions, and all judgments.
5 ♥’s
Jordan has one wish and that is to be in the NFL. His parents don’t understand his passion for the game but that won’t deter him. He will give it his all. Nothing else matters … or so he thought.
Nat has loved him from afar for so long but knowing what he truly wants in life, she has kept her feelings a secret from everyone and let him live his life. What’s the point anyway? He doesn’t even know how she feels about him.
He has 3 days left before he leaves and it is killing her. Seeing how all the girls fawn all over him and knowing she cannot have him is breaking her heart. Just one wish and one night is all she wants. It has to be him…
Opening up to Nat is easy. He can trust her and she is the only other person apart from Xavier that will ever truly understand him and what he wants. His parents love him for sure but they will never understand.
Having Nat so close is different. An innocent kiss that turns out to be the beginning of his hell will forever haunt him but she doesn’t want him so why bother?
Years go by and the ultimate heartbreak happens. How will she ever get through it? She never gave up hope but seeing him now and knowing what she has lost will forever be a crushing pain she will have to endure alone. She won’t be able to hide her feelings but she can and will hide from him.
Secrets are revealed and unexpected truths are told that will make you weep. I cried like a baby but not just with sadness but pure joy too. Their love was unconditional and although from a distance it never wavered…
Beautifully written with all the feels from sadness to crushing heartbreak to pure and unconditional love. They have the purest form of love. It is totally unprocessed and totally untouched. It does not waver and bend with the winds. It does not sink and drown with the oceans, but it surpasses all entities, all elements, all emotions, and all judgments.
5 ♥’s
January 26, 2022
Daammmnnnn Karen Deen is bringing the angst with this friends to lovers / sports romance story and I am soooooo here for it all.
Jordan and Natalie were childhood friends and then one day they crossed a line with no return. Sweet moments are shared, feelings are developed, and hearts are on the line, but reality can really be a b**ch. Natalie is a small town girl with no plans to leave their hometown, but Jordan is off to college to play ball and then have a successful NFL career.
So..... difficult decisions are made leaving a trail of heartbreak and regret.
Spanning years Natalie and Jordan occasionally cross paths and share many moments. However, both have made decisions over the years that won't allow them to have the HEA they deserve.
Will they finally get a HEA? Or will it always be "Just this one time."?
What an emotional and at times damn frustrating push and pull journey. I'm not sure I've wanted to lock two characters in a room and say sort it the heck out more (haha).
As I devoured this story (yep I couldn't put it down) I went through all the emotions. I laughed, I swooned, I got frustrated, I ached, I gasped and finally I finished this read feeling oh so satisfied and happy.
Natalie - damn the jealousy I felt towards her was real, and while at times she had me frustrated I absolutely understood her feelings and actions.
Jordan - Oh My Word!!! This man is book boyfriend gold! His words and actions had me swooning, smiling, laughing and hot and bothered blushing. Loved him!!!!
Karen Deen always has amazing secondary characters who catch your reading eye and oh boy Chase most definitely caught my eye and I need more of him badly! With a slight carrot dropped I'm praying it means he will be getting a story in the future. Fingers Crossed!!
Loved this read!
Highly Recommended!
Jordan and Natalie were childhood friends and then one day they crossed a line with no return. Sweet moments are shared, feelings are developed, and hearts are on the line, but reality can really be a b**ch. Natalie is a small town girl with no plans to leave their hometown, but Jordan is off to college to play ball and then have a successful NFL career.
So..... difficult decisions are made leaving a trail of heartbreak and regret.
Spanning years Natalie and Jordan occasionally cross paths and share many moments. However, both have made decisions over the years that won't allow them to have the HEA they deserve.
Will they finally get a HEA? Or will it always be "Just this one time."?
What an emotional and at times damn frustrating push and pull journey. I'm not sure I've wanted to lock two characters in a room and say sort it the heck out more (haha).
As I devoured this story (yep I couldn't put it down) I went through all the emotions. I laughed, I swooned, I got frustrated, I ached, I gasped and finally I finished this read feeling oh so satisfied and happy.
Natalie - damn the jealousy I felt towards her was real, and while at times she had me frustrated I absolutely understood her feelings and actions.
Jordan - Oh My Word!!! This man is book boyfriend gold! His words and actions had me swooning, smiling, laughing and hot and bothered blushing. Loved him!!!!
Karen Deen always has amazing secondary characters who catch your reading eye and oh boy Chase most definitely caught my eye and I need more of him badly! With a slight carrot dropped I'm praying it means he will be getting a story in the future. Fingers Crossed!!
Loved this read!
Highly Recommended!
January 29, 2022
Lord have mercy! I can't. I just can't. I need a minute. I'm not sure if I want to scream with joy or cry because of the emotional rollercoaster I have just been on.
My heart. Jordan and Nat; that unicorn kind of love. I honestly have no words the way I feel right now.
You know in this life there really is a soul mate for everyone. And no matter how hard you try to run, hide, or push that person away there is nothing in this world that can keep them from you. Jordan is a testiment of how strong his love was (is) for his Nat. She deserves the world after being stubborn for so long. Trying to keep her brother's friendship in tact. She truly was her brother's keeper throughout the book and it just goes to show how twin-tuition works. Even when you think you're hiding your true emotions, your womb-mate can tell something is up, and so can the people around you. Their ending was everything and more.
With that being said, Karen... I hope you read this and make my dreams come true. Just hear me out for a minute; can Chase Lonigan please, please, pretty please with a sprinkle of hearts get his own book. And if I'm not pushing it, could his love interest be me? Cos I would always choose him first! ❤️
My heart. Jordan and Nat; that unicorn kind of love. I honestly have no words the way I feel right now.
You know in this life there really is a soul mate for everyone. And no matter how hard you try to run, hide, or push that person away there is nothing in this world that can keep them from you. Jordan is a testiment of how strong his love was (is) for his Nat. She deserves the world after being stubborn for so long. Trying to keep her brother's friendship in tact. She truly was her brother's keeper throughout the book and it just goes to show how twin-tuition works. Even when you think you're hiding your true emotions, your womb-mate can tell something is up, and so can the people around you. Their ending was everything and more.
With that being said, Karen... I hope you read this and make my dreams come true. Just hear me out for a minute; can Chase Lonigan please, please, pretty please with a sprinkle of hearts get his own book. And if I'm not pushing it, could his love interest be me? Cos I would always choose him first! ❤️
January 31, 2022
Ok, so I've read all of Karen's books multiple times, even started 2022 with the Chicago Boys books, not knowing I got "Defining Us" as an ARC. I just am a great fan of her books.
And this book.... WOW!! I just had to read it in a day. It's brilliant!
We've already met Xavier and Natalie in previous books in the Time for Love series, Xavier even got his own book with Alesha and we see some more people in this one. Love it!
Jordan and Nat have been friends since high school and yes, they had some interaction with their lips during several years.
The first chapter starts in the "now" and the chapters after go back when they were in high school and the years after and gets to the "now" again.
They always had an attration towards eachother, but.... after all these years Jordan is married and plays in the NFL.
I really, and I mean REALLY!!, enjoyed this story a lot!
I was thinking about something and in the end, I was right.
This is such a beautiful story about:
- friends to lovers
- second chance romance
- brother's best friend
- small town romance
I highly recommend reading the other books, though you can read this one as a stand alone, but you get a better view into the other characters.
I definitely will be reading this book again!
And this book.... WOW!! I just had to read it in a day. It's brilliant!
We've already met Xavier and Natalie in previous books in the Time for Love series, Xavier even got his own book with Alesha and we see some more people in this one. Love it!
Jordan and Nat have been friends since high school and yes, they had some interaction with their lips during several years.
The first chapter starts in the "now" and the chapters after go back when they were in high school and the years after and gets to the "now" again.
They always had an attration towards eachother, but.... after all these years Jordan is married and plays in the NFL.
I really, and I mean REALLY!!, enjoyed this story a lot!
I was thinking about something and in the end, I was right.
This is such a beautiful story about:
- friends to lovers
- second chance romance
- brother's best friend
- small town romance
I highly recommend reading the other books, though you can read this one as a stand alone, but you get a better view into the other characters.
I definitely will be reading this book again!
January 28, 2022
Jordan is Nat’s twin brothers best friend. They are friends too until one night a kiss changes everything. Nat knows that Jordan is destined for greatness and thinks she is doing the right thing by letting him go. They spend years yearning for each other but trying to live their separate lives. Nat is doing what she always wanted, starting her own gym with her brother and Jordan has become the NFL success that Nat knew he would. Their frustration gets the better of them at times and leads to passionate stolen moments but it also causes them to hurt each other when they really don’t mean too. I could happily have given both main characters a shake at various times for not getting together but also understood why they didn’t. There was a lot of love and passion in this story and I loved the little hints with other characters of books still to come ( I hope).
January 29, 2022
A beautiful emotional second chance romance.
Twins have a bond that can't be broken. Xavier and Natalie have always had each other's back. It just that your not supposed to crush on your brother's best friend Jordan.
Jordan knows he shouldn't keep noticing his best mates twin sister.
Time passing they are reach the college years and go their separate ways, however as the two guys are best friends Natalie has to watch from the sidelines. Watching and pushing Jordan away to take advantage of his sports scholarship and follow his passion, she doesn't want to hold him back.
Jordan has tried over the years to push Natalie to give them a chance.
She won't risk her brother's friendship or Jordan's chance to make the NFL big league.
A sweet sports romance about lost love. Highly recommended reading
Twins have a bond that can't be broken. Xavier and Natalie have always had each other's back. It just that your not supposed to crush on your brother's best friend Jordan.
Jordan knows he shouldn't keep noticing his best mates twin sister.
Time passing they are reach the college years and go their separate ways, however as the two guys are best friends Natalie has to watch from the sidelines. Watching and pushing Jordan away to take advantage of his sports scholarship and follow his passion, she doesn't want to hold him back.
Jordan has tried over the years to push Natalie to give them a chance.
She won't risk her brother's friendship or Jordan's chance to make the NFL big league.
A sweet sports romance about lost love. Highly recommended reading
January 30, 2022
This is Jordan and Natalie’s story. Jordan is Natalie’s twin brothers’ best friend, and the sparks fly between them, but after they spend one night together, Natalie is happy in their small hometown, and she does not want to hold Jordan back from reaching for his dreams, or to spoil his friendship with her brother. Jordan follows his dreams and becomes an NFL player, but he is lonely and miserable with his life, and he decides it is time to get a second chance with the love of his life. This is a well written story which has combustible and undeniable chemistry, and is an emotional roller coaster, with tension, truths, twists, regret, heartbreak, and love, which leads to a sweet, endearing, and steamy addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I always highly recommend.
February 1, 2022
Being new to Ms.Deen's work, i've been wanting to pick up her books for quite some time now! I stumbled across this one and the synopsis got my attention. I knew it had to be the first one of hers that i picked up! I started reading it as soon as i could. I so enjoyed this story!
Natalie and Jordan's journey pulled me in! These two had me feeling so much from beginning to end! I wasn't sure what all to expect in their story and that got me into it even more! I really enjoyed their chemistry and getting to dig deeper with these two.
With Defining Us, Ms.Deen has created such a good read that brought the feels! I am so looking forward to picking up more of her books in the near future!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
Natalie and Jordan's journey pulled me in! These two had me feeling so much from beginning to end! I wasn't sure what all to expect in their story and that got me into it even more! I really enjoyed their chemistry and getting to dig deeper with these two.
With Defining Us, Ms.Deen has created such a good read that brought the feels! I am so looking forward to picking up more of her books in the near future!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
February 8, 2022
Predictable and drags halfway through
This story dragged on so much that I was tempted not to finish it. I had to keep refocusing my attention on the story because it just wasn't holding my attention. I think this story could have been condensed so it wasn't so long and perhaps could have caused more of an impact if we didn't have to read all the extra words that weren't needed. I like that is showed the growth of the characters over time but it still dragged on waaaay longer than it needed to be.
The story is also predictable enough that you can tell what is coming towards the end. It also felt like there was a lot of back and forth in Natalie's thoughts and emotions that it got confusing enough that it was difficult to keep straight why she stayed away from Jordan.
Concept of the story was great but the execution, the writing, not so much.
This story dragged on so much that I was tempted not to finish it. I had to keep refocusing my attention on the story because it just wasn't holding my attention. I think this story could have been condensed so it wasn't so long and perhaps could have caused more of an impact if we didn't have to read all the extra words that weren't needed. I like that is showed the growth of the characters over time but it still dragged on waaaay longer than it needed to be.
The story is also predictable enough that you can tell what is coming towards the end. It also felt like there was a lot of back and forth in Natalie's thoughts and emotions that it got confusing enough that it was difficult to keep straight why she stayed away from Jordan.
Concept of the story was great but the execution, the writing, not so much.
January 28, 2022
This is the story of Nat and Jordan - friends from a young age along with Nat's twin brother Xavier.
It's not often I cry when reading a book but this one did it to me.
They grew up as friends, Jordan the high school star quarterback destined for great things and Nat the beautiful hometown girl. What starts as friendship turns to love but Nat won't admit her feelings for Jordan, as she thinks by pushing him away he will live his best life, however hard he tries and they spend years going back and forth on an emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak and misery.
Love does conquer all eventually and this is a lovely story with a HEA.
I received this ARC and have given my honest opinion.
It's not often I cry when reading a book but this one did it to me.
They grew up as friends, Jordan the high school star quarterback destined for great things and Nat the beautiful hometown girl. What starts as friendship turns to love but Nat won't admit her feelings for Jordan, as she thinks by pushing him away he will live his best life, however hard he tries and they spend years going back and forth on an emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak and misery.
Love does conquer all eventually and this is a lovely story with a HEA.
I received this ARC and have given my honest opinion.
January 29, 2022
Can’t wait to dive in.......
Prepare yourself with lost of tissues, chocolate and wine.
Because it is an crazy rollercoaster.
It’s heartbreaking and maddening at the same time.
Nathalie was so stubborn and stupid why did she push him away?
And why did he let him to be pushed away so easily and getting married......
My heart just broke for both of them.
I hate and love this story at the same time because they are just ment to be but before they got there I had my heart ripped out and I’m crying and screaming why............
The things you do for love...
The writing is just perfect because you can feel every emotion.
Thanks Karen for taking me on this rollercoaster, again.
And again this an absolute must read by Karen
Prepare yourself with lost of tissues, chocolate and wine.
Because it is an crazy rollercoaster.
It’s heartbreaking and maddening at the same time.
Nathalie was so stubborn and stupid why did she push him away?
And why did he let him to be pushed away so easily and getting married......
My heart just broke for both of them.
I hate and love this story at the same time because they are just ment to be but before they got there I had my heart ripped out and I’m crying and screaming why............
The things you do for love...
The writing is just perfect because you can feel every emotion.
Thanks Karen for taking me on this rollercoaster, again.
And again this an absolute must read by Karen
January 29, 2022
Omg Jordan and Nat Holly smokes so many emotions but what a book!!!
Jordan and Natalie were childhood friends but Off Limits as Jordan is Nats twins best friend, but one day they crossed a line with no return. Sweet moments are shared, feelings are developed, and hearts are on the line. Natalie is a small town girl with no plans to leave their hometown, but Jordan is off to college to play ball and then have a successful NFL career.
Jordan wanting a forever with Natalie but she just couldnt get past the fact that if they split it would break the friendship with her brother.
There is so much emotions in this book that has you not putting the book down. Karen has a way with words that have you hooked.
Jordan and Natalie were childhood friends but Off Limits as Jordan is Nats twins best friend, but one day they crossed a line with no return. Sweet moments are shared, feelings are developed, and hearts are on the line. Natalie is a small town girl with no plans to leave their hometown, but Jordan is off to college to play ball and then have a successful NFL career.
Jordan wanting a forever with Natalie but she just couldnt get past the fact that if they split it would break the friendship with her brother.
There is so much emotions in this book that has you not putting the book down. Karen has a way with words that have you hooked.
February 12, 2022
Wow, what a gorgeous book! I’m a big fan of Karen Deen and this book did not disappoint!
Jordan fell for his best friends twin sister when he was 18 but Nat pushed him away to allow him the success of following his childhood dream of making it big at football. Jordan has no choice but to move on and marries Sasha leaving Nat heartbroken but with only herself to blame.
When their worlds collide, Nat refuses to break up a marriage or be the other woman, but the sexual tension between Nat and Jordan reach breaking point leaving one thing for Nat to do, flee yet again.
A racy love story that will leave you nursing your heart long into the night
Jordan fell for his best friends twin sister when he was 18 but Nat pushed him away to allow him the success of following his childhood dream of making it big at football. Jordan has no choice but to move on and marries Sasha leaving Nat heartbroken but with only herself to blame.
When their worlds collide, Nat refuses to break up a marriage or be the other woman, but the sexual tension between Nat and Jordan reach breaking point leaving one thing for Nat to do, flee yet again.
A racy love story that will leave you nursing your heart long into the night
June 10, 2024
Another excellent book
Defining Us was an engaging read combining characters from other books by Karen Seen but still can be a standalone book.
The storyline takes you through all the emotions and long for Jordan and Nat to get a happy ever after. The characters are loveable although at the beginning I wanted to hate Jordan with how he was with Nat while married but you can't help but love him as a character and i'm glad there was no cheating.
The book leaves you wanting more and I am sad that I have finished.
Highly recommend and can't wait for Karen's next book later on in the month.
Defining Us was an engaging read combining characters from other books by Karen Seen but still can be a standalone book.
The storyline takes you through all the emotions and long for Jordan and Nat to get a happy ever after. The characters are loveable although at the beginning I wanted to hate Jordan with how he was with Nat while married but you can't help but love him as a character and i'm glad there was no cheating.
The book leaves you wanting more and I am sad that I have finished.
Highly recommend and can't wait for Karen's next book later on in the month.
January 29, 2022
An amazing sports romance, second chance lovers story, that will drive you crazy with the back and forth but has rooting for them at the same time.
Karen Deen weaves a great story of the push and pull of a hometown girl and her high school crush, turned superstar Quarterback, and the lengths that Nat will go to to make sure Jordan's dreams come true and he is happy. His dreams may have come true but they are both miserable.
Nat's brother Xavier and Chase, Jordan's team-mate, love to stir the pot and this caused a few awkward but funny moments.
Nat and Jordan are familiar faces around the Stevenson family and it was lovely that they got their HEA.
Karen Deen weaves a great story of the push and pull of a hometown girl and her high school crush, turned superstar Quarterback, and the lengths that Nat will go to to make sure Jordan's dreams come true and he is happy. His dreams may have come true but they are both miserable.
Nat's brother Xavier and Chase, Jordan's team-mate, love to stir the pot and this caused a few awkward but funny moments.
Nat and Jordan are familiar faces around the Stevenson family and it was lovely that they got their HEA.
January 31, 2022
Jordan and Natalie were long- time ‘friends’ and more. Jordan goes his way in life as does Natalie. Both have never forgotten the other. Both are off limits as Jordan is friends w Natalie’s twin brother.
Natalie makes sure that every time Jordan is in town she is not available to see him. Jordan is clueless as to why. He’s not happy in his success and wants to have a second chance w Natalie.
Karen Dee’s writing is exceptional and her skill at keeping you interested in the storyline is remarkable. This is another best seller for a terrific author, Karen Deen.
Natalie makes sure that every time Jordan is in town she is not available to see him. Jordan is clueless as to why. He’s not happy in his success and wants to have a second chance w Natalie.
Karen Dee’s writing is exceptional and her skill at keeping you interested in the storyline is remarkable. This is another best seller for a terrific author, Karen Deen.
February 1, 2022
Another wonderful read from Karen Deen.
I liked how we got a good dose of their back story along with the current time of the book. I am sucker for a second chance romance.
We all have our soul mate and for Jordan, Natalie was his. HIs best friends twin sister should be off limits but Jordan can’t get Natalie out of his mind and heart. Although, when you think the other person doesn’t feel the same you move on, and that is what Jordan has done. A rollercoaster of emotions will keep you wanting more, I can’t wait to see what or who is next.
I liked how we got a good dose of their back story along with the current time of the book. I am sucker for a second chance romance.
We all have our soul mate and for Jordan, Natalie was his. HIs best friends twin sister should be off limits but Jordan can’t get Natalie out of his mind and heart. Although, when you think the other person doesn’t feel the same you move on, and that is what Jordan has done. A rollercoaster of emotions will keep you wanting more, I can’t wait to see what or who is next.
February 2, 2022
"Another wonderful read from Karen Deen.
I liked how we got a good dose of their back story along with the current time of the book. I am sucker for a second chance romance.
We all have our soul mate and for Jordan, Natalie was his. HIs best friends twin sister should be off limits but Jordan can’t get Natalie out of his mind and heart. Although, when you think the other person doesn’t feel the same you move on, and that is what Jordan has done. A rollercoaster of emotions will keep you wanting more, I can’t wait to see what or who is next."
I liked how we got a good dose of their back story along with the current time of the book. I am sucker for a second chance romance.
We all have our soul mate and for Jordan, Natalie was his. HIs best friends twin sister should be off limits but Jordan can’t get Natalie out of his mind and heart. Although, when you think the other person doesn’t feel the same you move on, and that is what Jordan has done. A rollercoaster of emotions will keep you wanting more, I can’t wait to see what or who is next."
January 30, 2022
This book was wonderfully written and knowing some of the characters it was like doing back home.
This best friends sister come lovers is the story of Jordan and Natalie and their second chance at love.
Natalie’s and Jordan’s chemistry is off the charts hot.
Although it took these two ten years to figure things out... Karen does a wonderful job of carrying us on their journey with plenty of angst and plenty of unexpected surprises.
Loved it.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
This best friends sister come lovers is the story of Jordan and Natalie and their second chance at love.
Natalie’s and Jordan’s chemistry is off the charts hot.
Although it took these two ten years to figure things out... Karen does a wonderful job of carrying us on their journey with plenty of angst and plenty of unexpected surprises.
Loved it.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
January 30, 2022
Defining Us is a second chance romance filled with intense chemistry and a barrage of emotions. This story has a few twists and turns as Natalie and Jordan take us on a journey intertwined with regrets, love and heartbreak. There is plenty of angst to have you on the edge of your seat. Their love story is powerful and filled with heat and steam. This beautiful sports romance is captivating and holds you within the pages and unable to put this story down.
January 31, 2022
Defining Us is a second chance romance intertwined with a brothers best friend trope. Natalie and Jordan have watched each other from the sidelines except for one night ten years ago. The emotions soar in this book as truths are revealed and regrets have to be dealt with. This author brings the heat and steam to the table with so much passion. This sports romance has some sweet moments as these two finally find their way to each other.
February 2, 2022
This is only the first book I've read by the author and I'm already obsessed! I need to read the author's backlist like right now. Nat and Jordan's story is a real roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed, I cried, then I got so frustrated. But the chemistry and the angst in this book is chef's kiss! I was not expecting this book but it was so worth the read for friends-to-lovers, sports romance lovers.
January 26, 2022
Oh boy! Where do I start…..the push and pull was unreal! And plot twist!! Loved it 🔥 I was so sad to be done. I love these guys and I love how quickly it all came back, like meeting an old friend for coffee after a few months. I just wanna go live on the farm! Lol
Random points in this review but Karen has imprinted these people on my heart and I love them all 💕
Random points in this review but Karen has imprinted these people on my heart and I love them all 💕
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