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80's Baby: Series 2 #2
Jessie's Girl
Picture it: Pine Grove, Louisiana. The year is 1986. A clueless divorced man stumbles into a world he never knew existed: aerobics class.
Stacy: I’ve always been the practical one in my friend group. Level-headed. Responsible. Cautious. Until the day HE came into my aerobics class…
Jessie: After I got divorced I decided it was time to get back into shape. I’d let myself get a bit soft over the years I was married. I was lifting weights at the community center when another guy said that aerobic exercise was the key to burning fat. When I saw a sign for Aerobics class, I figured that was the ticket. Until I walked into a room full of women wearing brightly colored tights and leg warmers, bouncing around doing complicated routines.
At first, I thought I was in the wrong place, but when I see my totally bodacious instructor Stacy, I know it was meant to be. I’m knocked right on my butt, and it’s not just because I tripped over my own feet doing the grapevine step. It’s love at first sight for me, but unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual. Yet.
I’m never going to be a rock star heartthrob, but you can bet your Walkman that when the music’s over, Stacy is going to be Jessie’s Girl.
Welcome to the 80s Baby series, a series of fun instalove romances set in the 1980s. Each book is a standalone with a totally tubular happily ever after.
Stacy: I’ve always been the practical one in my friend group. Level-headed. Responsible. Cautious. Until the day HE came into my aerobics class…
Jessie: After I got divorced I decided it was time to get back into shape. I’d let myself get a bit soft over the years I was married. I was lifting weights at the community center when another guy said that aerobic exercise was the key to burning fat. When I saw a sign for Aerobics class, I figured that was the ticket. Until I walked into a room full of women wearing brightly colored tights and leg warmers, bouncing around doing complicated routines.
At first, I thought I was in the wrong place, but when I see my totally bodacious instructor Stacy, I know it was meant to be. I’m knocked right on my butt, and it’s not just because I tripped over my own feet doing the grapevine step. It’s love at first sight for me, but unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual. Yet.
I’m never going to be a rock star heartthrob, but you can bet your Walkman that when the music’s over, Stacy is going to be Jessie’s Girl.
Welcome to the 80s Baby series, a series of fun instalove romances set in the 1980s. Each book is a standalone with a totally tubular happily ever after.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
75 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2022
17 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 10, 2025
This story honestly felt like a detailed two perspective Reddit post.
Setting: 1980s Louisiana. Jessie is recently divorced after discovering his wife cheated and became pregnant by her boss. Trying to move on, he heads to the gym, where a friend suggests jogging. Instead, Jessie absentmindedly stumbles into a neon spandex filled aerobics class. Just as he’s about to leave, he meets Stacy, the instructor, and it’s love at first sight for him.
Stacy, meanwhile, is immediately drawn to Jessie but hesitant, her past experience with a divorced man left her heartbroken, so she’s reluctant to give him a chance.
Now for my take: the story was just… okay. The 80s nostalgia was fun, but the romance itself felt pretty generic. At times it was lackluster and even boring. Thankfully, it’s a short read, so it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The writing, however, was rough, riddled with grammatical errors and redundancy. One example that stuck with me: Jessie marvels at Stacy’s figure with two back to back lines, essentially repeating the same description word for word with only a slight difference. It pulled me right out of the moment.
And then there was the meet the parents scene near the ending, which reminded me of countless Reddit rants. Jessie’s parents are downright awful to Stacy, yet he says nothing because “it’s his mommy.” That level of passivity was frustrating to read.
Overall, this book exists. I didn’t hate it, but I can’t say I really enjoyed it either.
⭐️⭐️❌❌❌/5.
Setting: 1980s Louisiana. Jessie is recently divorced after discovering his wife cheated and became pregnant by her boss. Trying to move on, he heads to the gym, where a friend suggests jogging. Instead, Jessie absentmindedly stumbles into a neon spandex filled aerobics class. Just as he’s about to leave, he meets Stacy, the instructor, and it’s love at first sight for him.
Stacy, meanwhile, is immediately drawn to Jessie but hesitant, her past experience with a divorced man left her heartbroken, so she’s reluctant to give him a chance.
Now for my take: the story was just… okay. The 80s nostalgia was fun, but the romance itself felt pretty generic. At times it was lackluster and even boring. Thankfully, it’s a short read, so it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
The writing, however, was rough, riddled with grammatical errors and redundancy. One example that stuck with me: Jessie marvels at Stacy’s figure with two back to back lines, essentially repeating the same description word for word with only a slight difference. It pulled me right out of the moment.
And then there was the meet the parents scene near the ending, which reminded me of countless Reddit rants. Jessie’s parents are downright awful to Stacy, yet he says nothing because “it’s his mommy.” That level of passivity was frustrating to read.
Overall, this book exists. I didn’t hate it, but I can’t say I really enjoyed it either.
⭐️⭐️❌❌❌/5.
August 25, 2022
"She was my everything. She just didn’t know it yet."
A fun and super quick read with a ton of nostalgia.
Cute story with likeable characters. Relatable and cute, a perfect short read.
A fun and super quick read with a ton of nostalgia.
Cute story with likeable characters. Relatable and cute, a perfect short read.
April 5, 2022
Jessie's Girl is a fun story that will throw you back to the 80's, not sure if I should be proud and scared that I caught all the references, it was definitely well done.
Jessie has been divorced for just over six months and felt it was time to get back in shape at the community center and decided to add the aerobics class to the mix.
This is a fun fast read that puts a smile on your face, includes a couple meddling "Golden Girls" that believe in love, uppity parents and a grand gestor that you can't say no to.
Stacy had dreams of being a dancer, but after her mother past she stayed in town and found other ways to use her dancing skills, such as teaching aerobics at the local community center. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jessie has been divorced for just over six months and felt it was time to get back in shape at the community center and decided to add the aerobics class to the mix.
This is a fun fast read that puts a smile on your face, includes a couple meddling "Golden Girls" that believe in love, uppity parents and a grand gestor that you can't say no to.
Stacy had dreams of being a dancer, but after her mother past she stayed in town and found other ways to use her dancing skills, such as teaching aerobics at the local community center. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2022
Stacy wanted to dance but used her talent instead to teach aerobics. Jessie is newly divorced and looking to get in better shape. They meet in her class and sparks fly, fun begins and 80s references abound. Loved the characters and the vivid time references that I remember. What memories and I have been to a concert for that title song by Rick Springfield so it kept playing in my mind as I read the story. Go Jessie. Loved their chemistry and banter. The storyline is fun, fast and steamy in all the best ways. Great ending.
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.
April 3, 2022
Jessie wanted to get fit following his divorce. He stumbled upon an aerobics class and although he was out of place as soon as he set eyes on instructor, Stacy, he knew she was his one, so stayed. Wonderful, instalove, romantic comedy with lots of heat and steam. Jessie and Stacy had amazing chemistry. There was some miscommunication and misunderstanding between them but they worked things through to an amazing HEA . .
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.
March 5, 2023
Liked it
Jessie and Stacy are great together. He's confident in his feelings even after a divorce fueled by betrayal. She likes him but she's never been the guy's first choice. Their angels, Gladys and Ellie, cahoot to get them together. Meddling lil ole ladies are always fun. His parents are highly unlikeable and the reason for much heartache. I wish their set down had been a scene in the story but I get it. A good short story overall but the editing could have been much better.
Jessie and Stacy are great together. He's confident in his feelings even after a divorce fueled by betrayal. She likes him but she's never been the guy's first choice. Their angels, Gladys and Ellie, cahoot to get them together. Meddling lil ole ladies are always fun. His parents are highly unlikeable and the reason for much heartache. I wish their set down had been a scene in the story but I get it. A good short story overall but the editing could have been much better.
April 4, 2022
This is a fun story with an eighties feel. Stacy is a great character and she was so much fun. Jessie is a great guy. The chemistry is there and it is an instant love for Jessie. Jessie has been divorced and wanted to shape up and that is why he was in Stacy's aerobics class. There were ups and downs and it was just a great fun 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.
July 23, 2023
This was good. I liked that it was 80's themed since I am a child of the 80's, but I feel like people wouldn't specifically point out something that was popular in that era by its name quite so much. Like I don't know that people would have referred to their watch as their Swatch watch, or say Orange Julius over and over. It felt like someone googled popular things from the decade and decided to use everything on the list.
I also wasn't the biggest fan of Jessie. He felt kinda douchey. Then how he acted with his parent's? I'm glad that she stood up for herself and that he was self aware enough to recognize how he acted was wrong, but it still felt like too little too late for me. Also if they were so close, how come he didn't mention that Jessie was short for something? And why is being a store manager so much better than being a lawyer? Don't get me wrong- there is nothing wrong with being a manager and it isn't an easy job, but the couple acted like being a lawyer, like his dad, was a step down in life.
And his ex got brought up a lot by all parties. It did feel like he was over her, but everyone kept bringing her up, even the h while they were being intimate. She didn't want to date a divorced guy because of a previous boyfriend, but it felt like she brought her up a lot. It didn't feel like something you would do if you were worried he would go back to her.
I also wasn't the biggest fan of Jessie. He felt kinda douchey. Then how he acted with his parent's? I'm glad that she stood up for herself and that he was self aware enough to recognize how he acted was wrong, but it still felt like too little too late for me. Also if they were so close, how come he didn't mention that Jessie was short for something? And why is being a store manager so much better than being a lawyer? Don't get me wrong- there is nothing wrong with being a manager and it isn't an easy job, but the couple acted like being a lawyer, like his dad, was a step down in life.
And his ex got brought up a lot by all parties. It did feel like he was over her, but everyone kept bringing her up, even the h while they were being intimate. She didn't want to date a divorced guy because of a previous boyfriend, but it felt like she brought her up a lot. It didn't feel like something you would do if you were worried he would go back to her.
April 3, 2022
Who know the 80s well this book gives you the 80s vibe. This book is a romantic comedy love at first sight instant love romance. The characters Stacy and Jessie have instant love connection and their chemistry is great.
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.
April 4, 2022
This is a cute quick read. It has wonderful characters (Stacy and Jessie were great), some good romance, a lot of laughs, some ups and down (twists and turns), and a lovely ending. You'll love Ellie and Gladys. They are such a hoot.
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.
April 7, 2022
Grand Gestures
So let me say that it's weird reading a story about a decade I wasn't alive in. But I really loved this story about Jessie and Stacy. Not only did Jessie come along and make Stacy happy and vice versa. Stacy helped Jessie become a stronger man!
Loved this instalove HEA
So let me say that it's weird reading a story about a decade I wasn't alive in. But I really loved this story about Jessie and Stacy. Not only did Jessie come along and make Stacy happy and vice versa. Stacy helped Jessie become a stronger man!
Loved this instalove HEA
April 4, 2022
This is a short lighthearted, cheesy read full of 80s throwback. The old ladies provide a cheeky touch to all of the shenanigans! .
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.
April 17, 2022
loved it!
My first book to read by you but definitely will be reading more. I loved the strong woman character Stacy and am glad to see that Jessie was made aware of what he had in front of him before it was too late.
My first book to read by you but definitely will be reading more. I loved the strong woman character Stacy and am glad to see that Jessie was made aware of what he had in front of him before it was too late.
November 28, 2022
Sweet little story
Quick read that was fun and sweet. Cute story and loved all the 80's references. The characters were both enjoyable and I was rooting for their happily ever after.
Quick read that was fun and sweet. Cute story and loved all the 80's references. The characters were both enjoyable and I was rooting for their happily ever after.
April 27, 2023
Just enough
Short and sweet and full of 80s nostalgia. Jessie falls in love with Stacy and the entire time reading the book all I could think was “Jessie’s girl” is “Stacey’s mom”. And could not stop singing those songs in my head!! Just enough spice as well
Short and sweet and full of 80s nostalgia. Jessie falls in love with Stacy and the entire time reading the book all I could think was “Jessie’s girl” is “Stacey’s mom”. And could not stop singing those songs in my head!! Just enough spice as well
August 17, 2022
Fun and funny
This was such a fun read. Lots of laughs, well written, some serious nostalgia and plenty of romance. Will have to check out more of this author’s work!
This was such a fun read. Lots of laughs, well written, some serious nostalgia and plenty of romance. Will have to check out more of this author’s work!
October 1, 2022
Really just a 3 star read but the 80s nostalgia was on point and deserves it's own star.
April 23, 2024
Cute book set in 80s. Lots of references to the decade.
April 24, 2024
Very cute and silly. Filled with 80s nostalgia.
June 9, 2024
It was a cute short story set in the 80's. I gave it 3 stars because I'm not a huge fan of short stories that don't have much character build up
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December 1, 2024April Book Club Read
May 10, 2022
😆😆😆
This book was super funny, with 80’s references galore!!! I loved that Jessie still went to Stacy’s fitness classes, even after the got together. I’m so glad they got their HEA
This book was super funny, with 80’s references galore!!! I loved that Jessie still went to Stacy’s fitness classes, even after the got together. I’m so glad they got their HEA
August 30, 2022
Totally enjoyed reading this book
April 13, 2024
The books kind of fun and a quick read but nothing overly interesting
April 14, 2022
Ahhhhhh!! Where do I begin??
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
I was born in the late 80s but my parents carried so much of the 80s into my childhood. Between the music and so much more. And this just made me wish I would have been old enough to enjoy them!!
I absolutely loved everything about this book. There wasn't one aspect of the book that I didn't adore and enjoy!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
I was born in the late 80s but my parents carried so much of the 80s into my childhood. Between the music and so much more. And this just made me wish I would have been old enough to enjoy them!!
I absolutely loved everything about this book. There wasn't one aspect of the book that I didn't adore and enjoy!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews