Just a Taste

Determined #1

by Scarlett Se Leva

Six years ago, I pushed her away, too afraid of the feeling she evoked.

Now here she sits in my kitchen, reawakening my desires.
I've never wanted something so badly in my life.

This time I won't run.
I won't stop.
Until she's mine.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2022

About the author

Scarlett enjoys writing steamy, unpredictable contemporary romance with strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes.

When Scar isn't busy penning another story you can find her with the family watching movies, drinking wine, curled up in a corner with a book, or running after her three daughters.

Stay up-to-date with all things Scar by joining her newsletter: www.scarlettselevabooks.com

Follow Scar on:
Twitter: @letshavemocha
IG: @scarlettselevabooks
Facebook: /scarlettselevabooks
Bookbub: rb.gy/skv3ni
Amazon: rb.gy/ibs2ag

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Friends to lover, Second Chance Romance, This is one of my favorite gene



This was Ryan and Simone's story. And the 1st installment in this series



The story starts right before Ryan’s 11th birthday, but in reality they have known each other pretty much their whole life

After the incident on Ryan’s birthday, they have not really spoke to each other until now, which has been pretty darn hard since Simone's mom worked as the head housekeeper for the Mulligans……. But life goes on … and it’s six years later, and Ryan will stop at nothing to have Simone in his life once again


I highly recommend

[kinereads · Rating 1 out of 5]

received as an arc

I was honestly very confused by this book.

I would like it a lot better with Simone’s POV as well. I think this is the first time I have read a book that only has the male character’s POV, in this case I wish it didn’t.

I didn’t like Ryan at all, and I didn’t really care for any of the other characters, and I just felt like there was missing a lot for me to get to know the characters and to maybe understand everything a bit more.

[Bumbling.Biblio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simone and Ryan were best friends since they were toddlers. Simone was basically one of the boys, which was precisely why Ryan liked having her around so much. But when the other boys started to take notice of more than just Simone’s winning personality, Ryan couldn’t handle it. The thought of Simone being with anyone but himself, made Ryan livid! And he took out his frustrations on the very last person who deserved it, his best friend.

After avoiding each other for many years, the former best friends are thrust back together and sparks fly; however, a new set of challenges have arisen and threaten to tear them apart. Can Ryan keep their already fragile relationship from crumbling or were they doomed from the start?

Just A Taste is the first book in the Determined Series by the talented Scarlett Se Leva. I really enjoyed the premise of this coming of age, friends to lovers novella. It’s fast pace and surprise ending has left me anxiously awaiting book two. Several time lapses lacked transition, which made it slightly confusing to follow. But overall, it’s a great story that’s worthy of your time!

Many thanks to NetGalley and XpressoTours for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

JUST A TASTE releases January 18, 2022!

This review will be posted on my Instagram blog (@bumbling.bibliophile), GoodReads (@bumbling.biblio), and Amazon (@bumbling.bibliophile) soon!

[Fictionlove_alwaysforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why should you read this book?🤔
👇🏻
👻My Recommendation 👉🏻 “awesome” 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
•
👍🏻This is my 3rd book by the author, the first 2 being Cravings and Wunderland which were Simone's pov of the story! To say I love this book and am looking for the next book would be an understatement! 🙈

👍🏻 Ryan in all his glory is utterly shiverlicious💋 The story is a mix of punk, anticipation, possessiveness, love, lust, anticipation and makes me crave for JUST A TASTE ❤

👍🏻I love the premise setting, the storyline definitely gets you hooked! The book definitely left me hanging and I am so waiting for April to read the next book!🖤

👍🏻My recommendation: If you looking for a second chance romance, this book is just for you!

‼️Just A Taste is the first novella in the Determined Series. The Determined Series tells Ryan and Simone's Story from Ryan's POV. Wunderland tells their story from Simone's POV. 

#JustATaste #Determined #ScarlettSeLeva #youngadult #youngadultromance #newrelease #yaromance #romanticsuspense #secondchanceromance

[Emma Bermond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of a new edition of this novel and I am choosing to leave a review.

The novel was okay. The storyline seemed rushed which made it confusing at times. One chapter started out at the beginning of a school year and then suddenly in the next chapter 6 months had passed by. There was also zero character development and the main character was a complete tool for pretty much no reason.

On the spice scale I’d give it a 1 out of 5.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and spicy makes for a flavorful experience. Ryan and Simone push the boundaries of the heart while tempting the senses. Just a Taste is romance with a kick.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first time author for me and will definitely not be the last!

I was worried reading this book that it will be too young for me and it only has Ryans POV but as I progressed I actually enjoyed their journey!

Ryan and Simone have been friends since she was five years old and her mother started working for the Mulligans as their housekeeper/cook.

They became fast and close friends but their friendship is torn apart at a tender age when Ryan turns eleven as a result of possessiveness and jealousy at his party, as he started seeing Simone in a different light when one of the boys at the party said he was going to marry her…...

Six years later their paths cross and Ryan still carries a torch for her although he is a player on and off the lacrosse field , he never kisses the girls and they know where they stand except Madeline, the daughter of his parents friends, of course!

Ryan is determined to make Simone his and in order for that to happen she must first forgive him for the way he treated her six years ago…....
..
Does he showcase himself as a selfish, entitled , spoilt asshole?
Of course he does but he does realize some truths... and maybe there is redemption........

The chemistry between them sizzles like a steak on a hot grill and Ryan knows she is his forever girl……..

There are many obstacles in their way, one of them being Simones insecurity regarding her station and abandonment issues by her rich father......

This is a build up of their tumultuous journey from friendship into love, hate and forgiveness!

The book ends five years later on a cliffhanger so I have already downloaded their next journey Wunderland in Simones POV!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book through booksirens in return for an honest review...
It's a friends to lovers read which is one of my favourite tropes so I was excited to get sucked into Ryan and Simone's story bur sadly that didn't happen. I hate to say this but the writing is done poorly making little to no sense a lot of thr time and I really couldn't take the intimate scenes serous at all.

Ryan and Simone are best friends she was always 'one of the boys' which is why Ryan didn't see the problem with her attending his 11th Birthday sleepover. Ryan becomes confused about his feelings for Simone during the party when one of his friends shows an interest in her resulting in him lashing out and later cutting Simone out of his life telling her he doesn't want to be her friend anymore.
Ten years pass by and he still hates himself for ruining their friendship and always wondering if something more could have evolved between them over the years had he not ruined it all since his feelings for her are very much still there.

It comes across that Ryan has no respect whatsoever for woman and thinks solely with his friend downstairs 🍆 He has no regard for anyone's feelings but his own especially not the many woman who he 'entertains' he simply gets what he wants then basically kicks them out without a backwards glance. Of course he's different around Simone she's his first and only love but still....

I did love that it was all from the males pov but again a lot of it had me confused jumping ahead to quickly not making much sense. I think this book could have had a lot more potential to be better if it wasn't so rushed.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

It was a fast, easy read. I read this book in one seating because it is 16 chapters. It does end with a cliffhanger. It is the first book of a trilogy.

It is a friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and second chance romance. This story is told from Ryan's point of view. Ryan and Simone were childhood best friends until Ryan ended their friendship when he was 11. A few years go by, and Simone reenters Ryan's life. Simone'a mother, cooks for Ryan's family. Ryan is attracted to Simone. Simone starts to tutor Ryan, and their attraction grows. They enter a romantic relationship. Ryan's mother objects and meddles in their relationship to the point Simone ends the relationship.

There is some teenager angst in the story. The story does move fast in the timeline. I feel that the quickness of the story takes away from the character development and how I perceive the characters, but yet the quickness of the story works and doesn't take away from the storyline. The book was good overall. I was happy to see that the next two books were already out, so I didn't have to wait.

[Angie S H aka Feelin A Little Bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this sort of frenemies to lovers, second chance romance novella, you will be suckered in by Ryan and Simone. If you’ve read Wunderland (Simone’s POV), Just A Taste is told from Ryan’s POV. If you’re not one that enjoys a story told from multiple POVs through different books, don’t read Just A Taste. Wunderland will be enough. However, if you want the feelings and thoughts that go through Ryan’s head, read JAT as well.

In Wunderland, the story was beautifully told and I wanted to shake Simone at times. In Just A Taste, I felt like I knew Ryan on a more personal level. As I felt with Simone, there were times where I wanted to rough up Ryan and just be like “seriously?”. I definitely liked how territorial Ryan was when it came to Simone and he wasn’t afraid to let his feelings be known.

The downside to their story…Ryan’s mother. I will just leave it there. She’s a terror.

Thank you Scarlett Se Leva for the eARC!

[Brittany · Rating 1 out of 5]

Received ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

In all the romance books I’ve read, I’ve found that writing the male POV tends to be difficult for authors. You either get it right or you stumble around without anything solid to keep you up. The latter is how it felt with this book. I struggled to keep up with what was happening based on how erratic Ryan was with his actions and thoughts. The book also jumped around from scene to scene that it was like whiplash. It also just felt like we were missing part of the story. I honestly don’t know why a separate book was written from his POV instead of having alternate POV in the other book from Simone’s side—it probably would’ve flowed better, not been as confusing, and actually help me to like Ryan because I still didn’t by the time I finished.

[Nelda]

Book Review

I know I’m supposed to start with the good parts, but I honestly don’t have any good things to say about this book. From the book cover and description, I definitely did NOT think this book was at a high school level which really bothered me.

This book is told from the male POV, and he’s literally the definition of a dick who ironically weaponizes his. There’s really no saving of his character for me. The “love” felt as solid as feather trying to weigh down a moose; needless to say, it wasn’t there. This book felt very experimental. Each paragraph was trying every plot point and trope just to see which stick resulting in a very confused story with no solution/direction/vision.

It’s also a very short read, so I finished it just for that fact.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vikki Bullock · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a Young Adult book that follows the story of Ryan and Simone, from early childhood to their teenage years.
Although the storyline outlines Ryan’s thoughts and emotions, I felt like there was too much emphasis on his arrogance and expectations. Teenage boys discuss girls and sex but the focus should also be on the correct treatment of a girlfriend!
The characters are relatable but overall I was disappointed with how Ryan is overbearing and controlling, not promising for an equal relationship.

I thank the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a little Friends to lover, Second Chance Romance? No one.
I'm a sucker for this trope and I knew that this book was for me.
This was Ryan and Simone's story. And the first book in the installment series.

Simone and Ryan are best friends since they were toddlers. Simone is part of his friend group, which is exactly why Ryan loves having her around so much. But when the other friends start noticing more Simone, Ryan can't handle it. He was furious at the thought of Simone being with anyone else but him. His rage is thrown to the wrong person aka Simone
But after years of estrangement, old friends are reunited; and challenges too

Some passages were confusing but overall the book is quick, cute, and has one of my fav tropes

Thanks to NetGalley and XpressoTours for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary]

This is the first story in the new "Determined" series. This is an interesting story about Simone and Ryan. It is a short and quick read that is told from his point of view. These two have grown up together since her mother is his families housekeeper. On his 11th birthday things change. Her hurts her and declares she is no longer his friend. He spends a lot of time trying to win her back but she is not easily won over. This story ends with a break up and a cliffhanger. I have to say he is a hot head when it comes to Simone and men. His mother is a complete piece of work. I am not sure what I think of him though.

[Nicolina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as a ARC to leave my honest review and here it goes.
The book is suppose to be from Ryan’s point of view, but I think it’s more from Ryan’s penis point of view. He got zero respect for women and clearly uses them for his own pleasure.
Except for Simone, who I didn’t get how they knew each other until reading half the book.
To be honest I hoped for Ryan, his ego and beloved penis to get all the STDs you can get at once and for Simone to put on her best pair of running-shoes and run as far away as she can because she deserves better.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Note: This review is for the January 28, 2022 ARC.

I enjoyed the quick read of Simone and Ryan’s story from Ryan’s perspective. Since childhood, Ryan and Simone have been friends, and the story picks up after years apart, mainly due to his jealousy.

As the two reconnect and the chemistry is strong, a new set of problems arise. Will they be torn apart again? Is the relationship strong enough? Will they get their second chance?

Thank you to NetGalley and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[RoyalGabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Arc provided for honest review.

I enjoyed reading about Ryan and Simone's relationship from Ryan's Pov.


Ryan is not the soft person Simone lead me to believe. He's a alpha male, I love and hate.

I read Cravings and this novella is a continuation of that short story.

Can't wait to read Hungry for More.

I highly recommend.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. The story pulled me in immediately. I loved the first person point of view of the story, this is always a deal breaker for me. I really loved the guy's point of view and I'm really glad that I noticed the other arc. This version was way better than the first.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great friends to lover read. It was an easy read for me. Loved that they have history. Loved that the story start when they are 10. The progression through the high school year is rushed. I would have like to see a little more tension. Overall though a great weekend read! Thanks for the chance! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan and Simone were friends until Ryan stopped for a stupid reason, a few years later he realizes he wants her. A lot happen between them, their families and friends. It is only Ryan's POV. I hope the next book with include Simone's POV.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erika Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this faced-paced, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story. The chemistry between Ryan and Simone just got hotter and hotter as the story progressed. That steamy in the encounter in the hotel room was one of my favorite scenes. My heart broke a little for Ryan at the end. Moving on to part 2, hoping he gets his HEA!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

👌👌👌

This story was slow to begin with, but became increasingly enticing to the point where I could not put it down. I feel like the ending was incomplete, I wanted- for lack of a better word- more. I wanted to know more than what I was told; it came to a point where I just couldn't put this book down. Over all, this novel deserves a high rating because it was deliciously good.

[Denise Morse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just a Taste is a quick read , a novella told from the male point of view. Unfortunately it did not work for me. I didnt love the narrator and couldnt connect with him at all. The story would probably benefit from the back and forth together in the book instead of one point of view. And I definitely think the cover is misleading, highly recommend updating to meet more of the content.

[Maria]

I really liked this book - up until the end! Warning.........cliffhanger! Ugh!! Either this wasn't mentioned somewhere at the introduction of the story or I somehow missed it. I rarely read cliffhangers unless I already have the book(s) that follow. I gave the story 5 stars because it was a good story - up until it wasn't. So sorry, but I won't be buying the next book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. Ryan and Simone are friends that became more. He started seeing her as something more and couldn’t handle it and ended the relationship basically. Brought back together the chemistry is still there. What I didn’t like about it was the cliffhanger. It seemed really rushed overall. I’m hoping the next 2 will clear things up.

[noemi · Rating 1 out of 5]

*arc for honest review* i’m so deeply sorry but you lost me at the second chapter what was that? i’m not a fan of the writing either it’s just done poorly. the only thing good about it it’s that it’s my first time ever reading just the males pov.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable, and enjoyable second chance friends to lovers romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simone and Ryan are beautifully written characters. Best childhood friends turned strangers turned friends turned lovers turned strangers. This book is so much. I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T.L. Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Taste is Wunderland from Ryan's POV. You get more insight into his relationship with his family which helps explain why he is the way he is. Second chance childhood friends who miss their chance at love but get a chance to rekindle it. Fun, quick read.