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Fearsome

(Fearsome #1)

S.A. Wolfe (Goodreads Author)

3.89 · Rating details · 3,079 ratings · 358 reviews

Jessica Channing’s big city life should be more exciting than sixty-hour work weeks and popcorn nights with her girlfriends, but it’s not. She has worked hard fulfilling her role as a child prodigy and graduating college years before her peers. She’s the good girl, the brilliant girl.

Unfortunately, she’s also the dateless young woman.

That all changes with one phone call. J ...more

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Kindle Edition, 464 pages

Published September 27th 2013 by S. A. Wolfe

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· 3,079 ratings · 358 reviews

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Jan 03, 2014 Cristina rated it liked it

Shelves: contemporary

Rating: 3.5 stars

I truly enjoyed Fearsome (and I’m in love with the cover!) but a few things kept me from loving it.

First, the story is way too long for the given plot. It's predictable and many times it felt unnecessarily drawn out.

Second, give me a protagonist that isn't insecure or whiny about why she doesn't deserve a good-looking man. For the love of god to writers everywhere, as women in today's society we have enough hang-ups about so many things that we certainly don't need to read about Rating: 3.5 stars

I truly enjoyed Fearsome (and I’m in love with the cover!) but a few things kept me from loving it.

First, the story is way too long for the given plot. It's predictable and many times it felt unnecessarily drawn out.

Second, give me a protagonist that isn't insecure or whiny about why she doesn't deserve a good-looking man. For the love of god to writers everywhere, as women in today's society we have enough hang-ups about so many things that we certainly don't need to read about them. I use the word "we" because I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. Give me a leading lady that loves who she is despite her many flaws and that can inspire me in more ways than one. Okay, maybe she doesn't need to inspire me but I need her to own who she is and not make excuses for her issues/shortcomings but to learn and grow from it.

Lastly, mental Illness is a focal point of the story which is completely glossed over and remedied way too quickly. The subject matter deserved more depth and a lot more attention to the complexities of what the afflicted face daily and those who love them.

You might not believe me when I say that I did enjoy the story despite all my concerns but what kind of reviewer would I be if I didn't share the good, bad and ugly?

There's a love triangle of sorts and I always enjoy them because it brings unnecessary angst that I can't seem to get enough of. Enter Carson and Dylan. Two brothers both incredibly different but the one thing they have in common besides faithful brotherly love is Jessica. Both are attracted to her for very different reasons and we don't find out about those reasons until at least halfway through and I loved how the author kept me in suspense.

Jessica's relationship with each brother was special and unique but her heart could only belong to one and the one she ends up with had me jumping for joy. Jessica evolves as a woman as she spends time with each of them and learns about truly living life and what it means to let go and finally allow herself to fall in love.

“I don’t care who you’ve slept with in the past. Okay, that’s bullshit, but I can’t change that. What I do want, however, is to be the first and last guy you fall in love with.”

This is the perfect story if you are in between books and trying to figure out what to read next, this will hold you over and keep you absolutely entertained. ;)
...more

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Nov 15, 2013 Andrea rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: everyone who loves a good romance

** My original review was posted on overstuffedprincess.com. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. **

Siiiiiiigggghhhhhhhh.

I loved this book. From the very first word. I read it in 5 hours, staying up late even though I knew I had to be up way too early in the morning. It’s a fun, smart, quick read and I found myself laughing out loud many, many times.

Jessica is a gal I want to hang out with. She is smart, sarcastic, dedicated and freaking funny! Yes, she has issues ** My original review was posted on overstuffedprincess.com. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. **

Siiiiiiigggghhhhhhhh.

I loved this book. From the very first word. I read it in 5 hours, staying up late even though I knew I had to be up way too early in the morning. It’s a fun, smart, quick read and I found myself laughing out loud many, many times.

Jessica is a gal I want to hang out with. She is smart, sarcastic, dedicated and freaking funny! Yes, she has issues (we all do) and yes, sometimes she makes the dumb mistakes. Having parents who treat you as an adult from an early age and being a genius, graduating college when normal kids are just starting, has made Jess careful – careful with everything including her love life. But at the end of the day, she is relatable and she is someone I can totally imagine living next door to me.

Moving to Hera puts her in the path of two gorgeous brothers, Dylan and Carson. Although she quickly falls for Dylan, she is quick to realize that this isn’t the right brother for her. Carson is. But admitting that fact seems to prove problematic for her.

Can we just digress for a slight minute and talk about Carson? I know in my last book review, I was touting my new book boyfriend. But Carson…..Carson is the book man you wish was real. He’s strong and loyal. He loves his brother to a fault and takes care of everyone around him. All while being so freaking hot that women can’t help but fall for him. He’s the small town guy – knows everyone, works hard and wears jeans like they were made for him.

“I don’t care who you’ve slept with in the past. Okay, that’s bullshit, but I can’t change that. What I do want, however, is to be the first and last guy you fall in love with.” ~ Carson

I don’t re-read many books but this would be one I would. The characters are so wonderful and by the end of the book, you feel like family. I didn’t want it to end.

P.S. I read that S.A. Wolfe has been asked so much about Dylan’s story that she is going to write his own. This makes me so so happy. ...more

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Jul 26, 2016 Dilushani Jayalath rated it really liked it

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

Free version available at Amazon.

So I started reading this halfway through the 3rd book and I've got to say that I like this one better. The love story was cuter in this. Although every book is a stand alone it would be best if you read the books in order so when you get to all the cute parts in the 3rd book you feel all chummy inside :D

I loved jess. She was awesome. Yes, she had her fair share of mistakes but other than that she was a really cool MC to re ...more

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Nov 11, 2013 L.J. Anderson rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, dnf, 2013-reading-challenge, new-adult, cover-love

I liked this book at beginning. Jess seemed like an interesting, unique character, but it felt like the author really dropped the ball from there. She just fell flat for me, and by about 75% of the book became incredibly annoying.
The whole thing with Dylan felt unrealistic, especially the way the whole town is just SO sure she's supposed to be with his grumpy millionaire brother who supposedly "doesn't date"
Then there's the old trope about the man whore who doesn't bring women to his home. That ...more

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Mar 31, 2015 Heather rated it it was ok

I tried to like this book and kept hoping it would get better, but ultimately the heroine was not likable and the hero was too perfect to be realistic.

I love the idea of a smart bookish girl who loves math and art and moves from the big city to a small town where she meets some local guys and must learn to trust her heart. This book had so much potential at the start.

While the eclectic aunt who leaves everything to the niece she hasn't seen since the girl was 5 is a bit of a stretch, it could be I tried to like this book and kept hoping it would get better, but ultimately the heroine was not likable and the hero was too perfect to be realistic.

I love the idea of a smart bookish girl who loves math and art and moves from the big city to a small town where she meets some local guys and must learn to trust her heart. This book had so much potential at the start.

While the eclectic aunt who leaves everything to the niece she hasn't seen since the girl was 5 is a bit of a stretch, it could be the beginning of a wonderful new world when Jessica moves to Hera after her Aunt Virginia's death. She meets many charming characters in her first few days including an older man who is helping to settle her Aunt's estate, and two young handsome oh so sexy brothers who are helping to restore the house. Dylan and Carson are both charming, drop dead gorgeous, handy, and leave Jessica drooling. However, their similarities end there with Dylan being friendly, charismatic and charming where Carson is bossy, gruff and cold in the beginning.

Jessica can't help but be drawn to both men. Luckily, her luck never runs out. In addition to the house and money left by her aunt, her job is also willing to let her work from her new home (and even sends someone out to set up her new office), her art is selling in the thousands, and both men will do anything, and I mean anything, to be with her - even put up with her hot/cold selfishness which sadly lasts for the entire novel.

I won't give away who she chooses or what happens, but her coldness, how she stomps on the hero's feelings, and her incessant jealousy and insecurity were really difficult to get past. Despite the loads of beautiful women in the hero's circle, he only has eyes for Jessica. Despite her often repeated brilliance, she is completely inept when it comes to dealing with people or understanding their feelings even when they are very direct (for example, keep telling her they love her). While it's very clear why the leading man is likable, chiseled perfect body, amazing personality, small town charm, can fix anything, will cook for her, will wait for her, will put her first, will keep trying no matter how many times he gets turned down, it's unclear what Jessica's appeal is. She lectures the hero repeatedly on small mistakes he has made (ignoring her much larger ones), she keeps sleeping with him and running, and she always puts herself first. If the sexes were reversed, we'd call the guy self-centered and commitment phobic and the girl desperate.

I love a good romance novel with some hot scenes, and while the scenes were hot, but often unnecessarily detailed, the romance outside the bedroom was cold. I finished this book, hoping it would turn out better, but I have no interest in seeing where the series goes from here. ...more

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Oct 08, 2015 Daphne rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 15, 2015 Pollyanna O'Brien rated it it was amazing

If you are looking for a novel to be consumed by and fall in love with the characters then this is it!

Fearsome, book one of the Fearsome series is a stand-alone novel that appeared as a recommendation. As I started to read I just could not put it down "one more chapter" I would tell myself in the small hours of the night. I was instantly captivated by the triangle of desire, lust and drama that unfolds between Jessica Channing and the Blackard brothers.

As soon as Jess arrives in the small town o ...more

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Nov 30, 2013 Zili added it

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

20-year-old Jess is a genius, she's also missing some major life skills; she's sweet, naive and awkward. After being left a house by a long lost Aunt, Jess finds herself leaving her life in the city to stay at her Aunt's old house in a small town. The house is being renovated by the Blackard brothers; Dylan and Carson.

Dylan goes all out to woo Jess. He's sweet, charming and classically handsome. Whilst older brother Carson is more responsible, withdrawn, hot and moody. I was ...more

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Sep 27, 2015 Samantha rated it really liked it

Ok..... For being a free book off of Amazon... I really enjoyed this book. Carson is by far one of my favorite male characters I've met. I am however, SO DISAPPOINTED IN THE END!! I feel like it was just a quick ending to wrap things up. :( very disappointing. Carson is the reason I gave it 4 stars. The ending is why it's not 5 stars. ...more

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Nov 01, 2013 Kasey rated it liked it

*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Fearsome was an interesting read for me, because for most of the book Jessica is wishy-washy. She doesn’t know what she wants, but she definitely knows she doesn’t want to hurt anyone.

This is really what made the book stand out to me. Jessica seemed like a real girl who was just learning to navigate the dating scene. She didn’t necessarily want a committed relationship, but she also didn’t want just a one night stand. I liked *I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Fearsome was an interesting read for me, because for most of the book Jessica is wishy-washy. She doesn’t know what she wants, but she definitely knows she doesn’t want to hurt anyone.

This is really what made the book stand out to me. Jessica seemed like a real girl who was just learning to navigate the dating scene. She didn’t necessarily want a committed relationship, but she also didn’t want just a one night stand. I liked that she was honest about it. She wasn’t particularly proud of herself, but I loved that she wasn’t going to force herself to be with someone she didn’t particularly care for.

I had a hard time with her relationship with Dylan, especially because everyone around her seemed to want to blame her for his emotional instability. However, no one fully explained the depth of his disorder, nor was she even around when it started. I was fully outraged on Jessica’s behalf because some of these people just expected her to have psychic powers and just know things about Dylan that she had no possible way of knowing.

I felt like ultimately Carson was a very sweet guy, but I did feel like he gave up too much for his brother. I mean come on he let his brother sleep with the girl he was in love with, all because he didn’t want to hurt his brother. That’s messed up, and in a way I thought Carson had low self-esteem when it came to Dylan. Carson did make up for it though in the end, when he continuously showed Jessica that he wasn’t going anywhere. So it did make up for most of it.

Alas, this is not my biggest gripe in this book. The side characters infuriated me so many times. I understand they were there to move the plot along, but really no friend would be so insensitive and expect to stay someone’s friend. Lauren was so rude and cruel, that many times I wanted to just burn her off the page. I do think the same result could have been achieved without making Lauren so unlikeable.

Overall, I did really enjoy the book but because of the few things I mentioned I would give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Side characters aside, I did really love that Jessica wasn’t afraid to be herself and admit that she needed space to know who SHE was before getting involved with anyone else. I can’t wait to see what this author does next!

*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2014/01/fea...* ...more

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Sep 15, 2014 Emily Ever rated it liked it

Shelves: poorly-written, romance, alpha-males, obnoxious-heroines, new-adult, too-stupid-to-live, kick-ass-covers, neurodiverse

So despite everything I did like this book.

The Good:
I appreciated the realistic depictions of relationships. Although, towards the end that kind of fell apart (see note in 'the Bad' about stalking).

There were some very realistic sex scenes in there. I was very impressed at the author's way of adding in sexy-times that weren't exaggerated or over-simplified.

I enjoyed the fact that the main character was a woman with a mathematical brain who held a high position in a tech company. It wasn't real So despite everything I did like this book.

The Good:
I appreciated the realistic depictions of relationships. Although, towards the end that kind of fell apart (see note in 'the Bad' about stalking).

There were some very realistic sex scenes in there. I was very impressed at the author's way of adding in sexy-times that weren't exaggerated or over-simplified.

I enjoyed the fact that the main character was a woman with a mathematical brain who held a high position in a tech company. It wasn't realistic, and it was sad that she had to be a girl genius to achieve this, but that's more a comment on the tech industry than on the book.

The Bad:
The main character was a huge Mary Sue. Just, straight up. Her main personality trait was that she whispered 'big' numbers when she was nervous, which I found annoying rather than endearing. She wasn't as bad as some, but I would have liked more character development.

This book should have been 1/3 shorter. By the end I was rolling my eyes at all the ways the characters could have the same conversation over and over again. This is, incidentally, a more accurate reflection of real life, but there's a reason we don't just read transcripts of people having conversations and call it fiction. They kept on bringing up the same things over and over again and talking about it like they'd never talked about it before. This book definitely could have benefited from a good editor.

There was some problematic language surrounding one of the character's depression. Not that the author used the word 'crazy' a lot, but that what she described wasn't simple depression and wasn't really given to discussing nuance. Being bi-polar is a whole hell of a lot different than being depressed. But, this could be a fault of the characters and not the author. It just made me uneasy.

One of the love interests in this book basically stalks the main character years before she ever meets him. This is not cute and endearing to me. This is massively unhealthy. I couldn't believe the main character thought it was totally okay.

Anyway, if this was a first book, it was a good start. I would consider reading something by this author again. ...more

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Oct 31, 2013 books are love rated it really liked it

This was a good book. I am not sure how I feel about Dylan. he started so sweet and than you feel for him because of the situation but than you hear why he pursued Jess so fervently and you just want to throttle him. His situation though is just it tugs at your heartstrings.

So this is a interesting book. Jess finds out she has family her mom and dad wish she didn't know about but it is too late for the aunt has passed away and left Jess everything. And everything leads her to a town where two me ...more

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Dec 20, 2013 Anna rated it really liked it

Shelves: bad-boys, angsty, hot-brothers

4.5 hot brothers dilemma stars

Jessica Channing’s a child prodigy, a genius. A nice, good and talented girl with quite a bunch of responsibilities and expectations, living a lonely life without a certain somebody to love.

Working too hard for her own good, life lost its appeal to her and she lost interest in men.

But all it took to change her life overnight was one phone call.

Inheritance from a relative she hardly remembers makes her break her schedule, leave her job and go to a small town called ...more

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Mar 27, 2014 Andrea Lopez rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014

Fearsome is a book about love, understanding, friendship, and growth.

The writing in this booker was stellar and they storyline was original. The writing captured my attention and the story kept me reading. The book was long, 400 and some pages, and at times felt like it was too long, but hey more for your money right?

I didn't realize going into this book that there was a love triangle. I hate triangles, absolutely HATE them, but for some reason this one worked.

This book is all about self discov ...more

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Oct 01, 2013 Maria rated it really liked it

Jessica was considered a child prodigy. She graduated high school by 14 and got her masters from MIT at 19. What does that mean for her? Socially shes always been left behind and now with the death of and Aunt she didn't even know about in a small town she finds herself at the attention of two gorgeous men.
Dylan appears up front with her about his interest. Flirty, open, and a great cook he is a guy who appears everything she's looking for in her first boyfriend.
But his older brother Carson alth ...more

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Oct 31, 2013 Katherine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc

4.5 stars
This Netgalley for book
This was a really addictive book. Jessica I had some issues with her I got annoy but it didn't make me want to stop reading. I want it to finish, sometimes when characters are annoying me I take a break but nit on this one.
Jessica enherited a house and so e money from her aunt that she didn't even remembered. Jessica is really smart and she goes to Hera and she meets Carson and his brother Dylan. Jess and Dylan start a relationship but she starts to have feelings ...more

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Jun 18, 2015 Tanya rated it really liked it

Shelves: free

I liked this one despite it being a bit of an unusual love triangle scenario with brothers, one of whom had a mental illness. Our heroine is a genius and an artist but isn't so good with relationships. It takes her a good long while, in fact tediously long it seemed, to get things right. The book dragged in spots due to her indecisiveness. Both hero candidates were swoon worthy. Secondary characters were quite good. My overall rating was 3.5, rounded to a 4. I'll definitely continue the series. ...more

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Sep 18, 2015 Katherine rated it did not like it

I tried to finish this book, I really did, but I couldn't. I would come back to it again and again, but after a few pages I'd remember why I stopped reading it. The characters were supposed to be accomplished, successful adults, but they acted like irrational teenagers. The conflicts were simply the stupidity of the characters themselves and most of the time just made up out of thin air. I had such high hopes for this book when. I was only about 20% into it, but my hopes were dashed pretty quick ...more

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Jan 29, 2014 Sandy Ambrose rated it it was amazing

Fearsome by S.A. Wolfe

I LOVED this book. it was a great read. The triangle between Carson, Jess and Dylan played out in such a wonderful and sometimes funny way, it is completely irresistible!!! ***SIGH*** Carson!!! if you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and devour this book, I did!!! ...more

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Feb 04, 2014 Susan Morford rated it it was ok

I felt the need to write an actual review for this book. I liked the author's style and I even loved the basic plot of the book. If only she had not made the main two characters brothers. I just could never get over that fact. So many other ways she could have taken it: two best friends, two rivals, heck, even one brother and his best friend. But two brothers remained yucky for me. ...more

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Aug 11, 2016 Danielle rated it it was amazing

This book will keep you hooked

I absolutely loved the Blackard brothers Dylan and Carson but you will also fall in love with Jess... The story and relationships will have you hooked from the beginning to the end..

Carson is seriously my newest book boyfriend!!! Can't wait to read her next book in the series.. ...more

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Oct 26, 2013 Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013-releases, read-in-2013, giveaway-win

Buddy-read :) This was very, very hot! I had to take off a star because of the heroine, though.

This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews ...more

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May 27, 2015 Peggy Dabney rated it really liked it

I loved this story of simple truths of love and insecurity. We see how the triangle between Jessica, and two brothers Dylan, and Carson deal with these insecurities and if true love will win in the end. Must read to find out! Fun and entertaining read.

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Jul 08, 2015 Arlene rated it liked it

Maybe a 4

There are a lot of things I loved... Characters I liked, things that just didn't feel right at times that sort of evened out at the end, I wasn't a fan of the ending, but I wasn't surprised. Dylan, Carson and Jess had their day and one male won... ...more

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Aug 23, 2015 Linda Wimer rated it it was amazing

Wow....

What an amazing book, I wanted it to keep going. Never wanted it to end. It was that good. In the beginning I didn't care much for Jessica, but that changed. Love me some Carson. My heart breaks for Dylan. Would love to read more from these characters. ...more

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Oct 31, 2013 ☆ Sammy ☆彡 marked it as to-read

Shelves: tbr-on-kindle

**ARC courtesy of S. A. Wolfe via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

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Apr 07, 2014 Alisa rated it liked it

Another one of those... "I will settle for your sibling since I don't deserve/can't wait for you" books... how the hell do I pick up two in a row? ...more

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Apr 14, 2014 Monica Holloway rated it it was amazing

A must read!!! Loved the storyline of this book.

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Feb 08, 2015 Chrisabel rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, ebook

I really liked this book. I didn't think a main character fought enough for what he wanted and that made me frustrated. The characters were interesting enough to read the next book. ...more

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Apr 20, 2015 Noel rated it liked it

while I did enjoy this book, Jess's indecisiveness was bothersome after a while. I wanted Carson to step up sooner too. ...more

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What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Romance Book: Girl Inherited a home and meets 2 brothers. [s]	11	63	Sep 17, 2014 08:18AM
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About S.A. Wolfe

S.A. Wolfe

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S. A. Wolfe lives with her family in New York City. She is a voracious reader of all types of fiction and passionate about writing. She loves connecting with readers on Facebook or email her at: sawolfe24@gmail.com.

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Quotes from Fearsome

“I don’t care who you’ve slept with in the past. Okay, that’s bullshit, but I can’t change that. What I do want, however, is to be the first and last guy you fall in love with.” — 5 likes

“We barely know each other, and I'm not a one-night-stand girl."
"I don't want you for one night," he says, fighting for control of his body back. "I want you for every night.” — 5 likes

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